Health Services

Our hardworking health representatives are responsible for distributing services and programs that target the needs of our community. We offer support for all members, of any age and at any stage in their life.

 

COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS

 

Our community wellness services work together to help build and maintain a mentally, physically, and spiritually strong community. Contact our wellness workers to find out more about how you can get involved in the many programs and health services we have to offer.

 

Healing & Wellness Strategy

Our healing and wellness strategy promotes healthy lifestyles through culturally based programs that incorporates traditional healings and engagement opportunities.

 

Diabetes Initiative

Education and services are available to assist in the prevention, management and treatment of diabetes where community members can be involved in information sessions, nutrition bingo, and  community kitchen.

 

Building Healthy Communities

We strive to provide a healthy and happy environment for all of our members by increasing awareness and understanding surrounding mental health and addictions. Our community-based approach provides opportunities for counselling services, referrals, assessments, and after care.

 

DEBBIE BOUCHARD, Community Health Representative

 

Debbie grew up in Nipigon, Ontario and moved to Pays Plat First Nation where she married and started her family. Her diploma in Native Community Care and Development has led her to many different positions in the community. For the last 16 years, Debbie has been working as a Community Health Representative to provide education for members on safe health practices and proper utilization of available healthcare services.

 

By working in conjunction with other health programs in the community, she can assist the community in identifying its health care needs. The programming run by the CHR supports community members and provides the best health information and resources available.

 

IDA WANAKAMIK, Community Wellness Worker

 

Ida was raised in Pays Plat First Nation since birth, to Michael and Edna (Mushquash) Wanakamik. Her spirit name is Zhingob-Kwe, meaning Balsam Tree Woman, and she is from the Marten Clan. Her lineage with Pays Plat is long, with her mothers ancestral roots in the community. She does not have a fancy education, but holds great skill in navigating the recreational, social, and health services within the community. Her role as Community Wellness Worker has been supported by training that has helped enrich her knowledge and capacity to help.

 

As the Community Wellness Worker, she supports the Indigenous Healing & Wellness Strategy, Family Violence Initiatives, and Early Childhood Development programs.

 

LINDA GOODCHILD, Program Event Coordinator

 

Linda has been Pays Plat First Nation’s Program Events Coordinator for 15 years. Previously, she worked as a personal support worker assisting Elders with in-home care for 3 years.

 

Now, Linda’s role is to facilitate  programs for all stages of community members from  children to Elders. She provides healthy snacks and breakfast programs to students,  monthly cooking nights, as well as bingo and card games that promote community involvement and engagement.

 

 

FAMILY SUPPORT

 

We work hard to provide the necessary support that you and your family can rely on. From early childhood growth and development to adulthood and parenting, we can be there for you. Our health workers and program coordinators can help answer any questions you have about the many services we offer.

 

Brighter Futures

This program was designed to support young, new, and expecting families by providing activities and education surrounding child development, family counselling, as we;; as parenting skills and planning.

 

Prenatal Nutrition Program

We offer support programs for families to improve maternal and infant nutritional health by providing hands-on experience sessions for maternal nourishment, breastfeeding, and nutritional education and counselling. 

 

Family Violence Initiative

We strive to reduce occurrences of family violence and promote awareness by developing and implementing community activities that enhance healing and wellness through education and prevention. 

 

In addition to the programs listed above, we offer these additional services for families:

 

Family Support Service

Holding cultural sessions and workshops to empower community members with traditional knowledge and skills.

 

Early Childhood Development

Improving the health and social development of preschool aged children and their families through cultural connections to the community and the land.

 

Family Well-Being

Activities and programs that deliver holistic, prevention focused services to support families and help build a healthy community.

 

RAYMOND GOODCHILD, Family Support Worker

 

Raymond was born in Nipigon, Ontario, and moved to Pays Plat where he raised his family. After receiving his Social Services diploma, he spent 34 years working in the field of social services, and spent time as a Family Support Worker beginning in 1994.

 

Since 2008 Raymond has been involved in the political leadership of Pays Plat First Nation. Raymond spent 2 years as Chief and is currently one of three councillors.

 

KAIYA MORRISEAU-FERGUSON, Family Well-Being Program Coordinator

 

Kaiya has called Pays Plat First Nation her home for 23 years. She pursued post secondary education in Thunder Bay where she graduated from both the Child and Youth Worker (CYW) program at Confederation College and the Honours Bachelor of Social Work (HBSW) at Lakehead University.

 

Kaiya has been the Family Well-Being Program Coordinator since 2017 and offers Community-Based Programming and Safe Spaces for community members while building upon the pre-existing strengths and skills within the community. Other supports she provides includes connecting members to existing community services, coordinating family wellness plans, and collaborating with other outside professionals to ensure all community needs are met.

 

CLAUDETTE MORRISEAU, Child & Family Services Coordinator

 

Claudette coordinates the programs and workshops offered by Child & Family Services for Pays Plat First Nation. She assists with the facilitation of culturally relevant and educational services that provide families and individuals with opportunities to strengthen their self-awareness and outlook on life.

 

Part of Claudette’s role is to develop supports for the community’s children and youth. The programs she assists with stress the importance of passing down traditional values and teachings, and aim to increase the well-being of the younger and future generations.

 

 

COMMUNITY NURSES STATION

 

The Pays Plat Community Nurses Station provides services through Dilico, and Nurse Practitioner services from Schreiber.

 

Community Health Nurse

Visits twice a week, or as needed, and provides family planning services, immunizations, foot care, and blood pressure or blood sugar monitoring. Health workshops are also run for the community.

 

Mental Health & Addictions Nurse

Provides services that support mental health and addictions issues.

 

Dilico Primary Care Travel Team

Once a month, a team of medical professionals visits the communtiy. This includes: Nurse Practitioners, Social Workers, Registered Practical Nurses, Mental Health Nurses, as well as a Pharmacist, Chiropodist, Dietician, and Phycologist.

 

Diabetes Nurses

Support with the management of diabetes and chronic pain. As well, help with lifestyle management and supports to help quit smoking.

 

Home & Community Care

Services as needed to help with personal care, palliative care, respite, and various life enrichment support.

 

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioner Sue Fairservice comes from Schreiber Stokes Medical Centre once a month, offering her services to clients in our medical centre.