GINOOGAMING – Veterinary professionals came to this Treaty 9 community where “the need is great” for animal wellness services.
For four days ending June 1, members of Ginoogaming First Nation and nearby Long Lake #58 First Nation could bring their dog or cat in for rabies vaccination, spay/neuter surgeries, parasite control and other services for animal well-being.
The four-day clinic was a collaboration of Matawa First Nations Management with the Northern Reach Network and the Global Alliance for Animals and People. A veterinary clinic in Barrie provided veterinary professionals.
Matawa is the Thunder Bay-based management company for Ginoogaming, Long Lake #58 and seven other Treaty 9 First Nations.
Like the 2024 animal clinic for Ginoogaming and Long Lake #58, this year’s clinic “had a fantastic turnout, and it was really a celebration of the love of animals that people have for their family members,” said Judi Cannon, Matawa’s Indigenous animal services specialist.
“So, we were very lucky with our partner Northern Reach Network, based out of Thunder Bay, to secure another three years through a grant through PetSmart Charities.
“And the aim for that grant is really to gather partners and to help First Nation communities along their healing journey with their pets and their families.”
Matawa’s animal services project has “great partners, and we were able to successfully do 138 surgeries with 119 wellness checks,” Cannon said.
The project empowers communities to effectively manage their animal populations and safeguard people and companion animals alike from diseases like rabies, she said.
The clinic is supported by a grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada to the First Nations in partnership with the Northern Reach Network.
“Ginoogaming First Nation welcomes this second clinic to our community,” Chief Sheri Taylor is quoted as saying in a news release from Matawa.
“It’s so important to have them to ensure our pets have their shots and medical care and also for our community members to get the education or their questions answered about their pets so, as a whole, we keep everyone safe.”
Matawa’s animal services project began in February 2024 with goals including community education on animal wellness, spay and neuter clinics, vaccinations and healthier communities using the “One Health” model.
In October the project received a $1.5-million boost from the federal government.
