M’CHIGEENG— Six First Nation fire departments travelled to M’Chigeeng recently to take part in the annual Ontario Native Fire Fighter Society ( ONFFS ) competitions.
In the end it was the Walpole Island Fire Department that took home the top honours, but it was a close win, determined by a tie breaker.
According to M’Chigeeng Fire Chief Eli Fox, the rest of the completion order was M’Chigeeng, Chippewa of the Thames, Six Nations, Oneida and Mississauga First Nation.
photo by Michael Erskine
“Also ONFFS held its annual general meeting the day before the competition,” noted Mr. Fox. “This coincided with their board election as well. The new board was announced with Steve Nolan from Garden River as the new president. Melvin McLeod from Nipissing FN the new vice president and the secretary/treasurer was determined to be Allan Manitowabi from Beausoleil First Nation. Other representatives elected to the board elect were Frank Gionette, Owen Johnston, Larry Laviolette, Terrance Meekis, and Mike Ott.”
“The teams showed great camaraderie with each other,” said Mr. Fox. “The winning team now goes on to the national competitions held in Mnjikaning First Nation, hosted by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. A chi miigwetch goes out to the support of the M’Chigeeng First Nation and the UCCMM Tribal Council. The event would not have been as successful without them. I would also like to commend the M’Chigeeng First Nation Fire Department for their assistance.”
