Additional services require expanded office space
AUNDECK OMNI KANING—Best laid plans can often go astray, but through determination and perseverance, Mnaamodzawin Health Services Inc. has expanded its roster from the original 12 staff to today’s 35—rising from 24 just five years ago. That expansion has necessitated a building with a much larger footprint.
Among the latest staff expansions is that Mnaamodzawin Health Services Inc. has taken on the role of Pride Manitoulin and considerable new programing is aimed at supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
“We are really pleased to show our new addition, we call it 3.1,” said executive director Craig Abotossaway. He noted that Mnaamodzawin Health Services’ sister organization, Noodmodzawin, completed phase II a few years ago. “This was always envisioned as being completed in three stages,” he said, noting that funding challenges have necessitated staged expansion—with the final third being divided into two stages, hence the 3.1 designation—3.2 will involve a further expansion out the back.
In addition to more than doubling the size of the organization’s board room, several office spaces have been added to the mix—an important consideration given the expansion in staff that has taken place since Mnaamodzawin Health Services Inc. was first established in 1979.
In those first few years, the organization was based in M’Chigeeng and called UCCM Health Services. Originally, six First Nations were part of the organization, but following M’Chigeeng’s decision to create their own health services, the remaining five changed the name to Mnaamodzawin Health Services Inc. in 1999 and based the new entity in Sheguiandah First Nation.
An unfortunate fire destroyed the original building in Sheguiandah First Nation and a new facility was then established in Aundeck Omni Kaning in 2005, with the building being constructed in partnership with Noojmowin Teg Health Services.
In addition to the internal expansion, a new outdoor patio section provides a welcoming outdoor space for staff and clients to enjoy.
The new building currently features two wall murals by well-known local artists Duncan Pheasant and Ivan Shawana. There will be two further murals created in the future as the building expands to its 3.2 version.
Mr. Abotossaway explained that the artworks follow one of the four levels of creation. Mr. Pheasant has worked to complete the water mural in the ‘admin’ hallway, Mr. Shawana is working on the earth hallway and the organization is sourcing other artists to complete the other two murals that will make up “the universe.”
The executive director thanked the Mnaamodzawin Health Services Inc. board, which has been “very supportive” of the work the organization has been doing. “We have implemented some really good changes here,” he said, noting the Indigenization of the organization that has included learning Anishinabemowin—and that is included in staff evaluations along with cultural teachings.
Mr. Abotossaway congratulated contractors PCI Preeminent Construction, which took over the project at the halfway point from James Owl, for their hard work in completing the project. The cost of construction jumped dramatically through COVID, presenting considerable challenges. MCI and Jason Abotossaway were responsible for the foundations.
Much of the interior design of the building was focussed on creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere, incorporating a lot of wood paneling and warm colours for which Mr. Abotossaway credited Rebecca Milne, who functioned as interior designer. Renovations included the older sections of the building.
As part of the opening ceremonies, attendees were treated to an amazing meal that included wild meat sliders, smoked trout, phylo cups, corn on the cob and fruit platters. The two red seal chefs, Angel Martinez and Simon DeSousa, normally supply 180 meals each week to those recovering from surgery or otherwise coming out of hospital, both children and adults.
Those attending the opening ceremonies were then taken on a tour of the building where they were invited to speak to staff about their work.
