Executive director Richard Bruyere has been reminiscing over the establishment and growth of Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services.
“We’ve taken quite a journey over 20 years,” he remarked. “It’s hard to believe that in our early years there were only four staff, and today we have 18.”
Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services (which means “Little Rapids on the Point” in the Anishinaabe language) was established in 1988 after the closing of the Indian Affairs Canada district office in Fort Frances.
The new organization was established through the Tribal Council Program of the Department of Indian Affairs, with the objective to provide advisory and program services to member First Nations.
Originally, 10 First Nations were provided services. Seven of the First Nations continue to receive service, include Couchiching, Lac La Croix, Naicatchewenin, Nigigoonsiminikaaning, Rainy River, Seine River, and Stanjikoming.
Today, the staff consists of professionals who provide support, recommendations, and training in the areas of community infrastructure, fire prevention, financial and administrative management, human resource management and development, membership, elections, commercial lending, business support, and economic development.
Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing also provides two external services: the Aboriginal Business Canada Program and housing inspection for some area municipalities.
To commemorate the 20-year anniversary, Advisory Services will be hosting an open house at its offices on Friday, April 4 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Everyone is welcome!
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
