Chippewa Families

06/02/2026

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Calling All Young Athletes from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Are you ready to run, jump, throw, and have fun? Registration is now open for the 2026 Native Youth Olympics, hosted by Walpole Island First Nation!

This exciting event brings Indigenous youth together for a day of athletic competition, teamwork, and community spirit. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking to challenge yourself and have fun, everyone is welcome to participate!

📅 Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
☔ Rain Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026

⏰ Check-In: 9:00 AM
🏅 Events Begin: 9:30 AM

📍 Location:
Wallaceburg District Secondary School
920 Elgin Street
Wallaceburg, ON N8A 3E1

Ages 7–17
Track Events

🏃 50m • 100m • 200m • 400m • 800m

Field Events

🏅 Short Jump • Long Jump • Ball Throw

📲 Register by scanning the QR code on the poster.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our youth to stay active, build confidence, make new friends, and represent our community in a positive and supportive environment.

For more information:
📞 519-627-2077
📧 [email protected]

📢 Parents and caregivers: Please help us spread the word by sharing this post and encouraging interested youth to register.

We look forward to seeing our COTTFN youth shine on the track and in the field! 💙💛

05/27/2026

🥕 Take What You Need Produce Market 🍎

COTTFN Health Department is hosting a produce pop-up to help support access to fresh fruits and vegetables for our community.

Food security is an important part of community wellness. When families have access to quality, nourishing foods, it supports health, connection, and care across generations. This market is a small way to help make fresh produce more accessible for those who need it.

📍 Health Centre | 322 Chippewa Rd
📅 Thursday, May 28th
⏰ 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Or until supplies run out

In partnership with Urban Roots.

Take what you need, and help us continue supporting wellness in our community. 🌱

Questions? Contact [email protected]

05/27/2026

🏀 Ready to level up your game?

Join former NBA G League Champion Negus Webster-Chan for an exclusive basketball training session at the Chippewa Youth Centre!

Youth will work on:
🔥 Shooting skills
🔥 Ball handling
🔥 Footwork
🔥 Game IQ
🔥 Confidence on the court

📍 Chippewa Youth Centre
📅 May 29
⏰ 7 PM – 9 PM

⚠️ Only 12 spots available!
Register with Becky at 226-378-7374 before spaces fill up.

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

Thank You to Our Mother’s Day Sponsors!

The Child, Youth & Family Well-Being Services team extends our heartfelt gratitude to all of the generous businesses, departments, and community members who helped make our Mother’s Day celebration so special.

Your kindness, donations, and continued support help strengthen our community and create meaningful moments for families and caregivers. Because of your generosity, we were able to celebrate and honour the incredible mothers, aunties, kokums, and caregivers in our community.

Miigwech for helping us create a memorable and joyful day filled with connection, appreciation, and love.

05/13/2026

🌿 Specialized Services – Now Accepting Referrals & New Clients 🌿

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Child, Youth & Family Well-Being Services is currently welcoming new clients and referrals for therapeutic support services for children, youth, adults, and families. 💙

Our Specialized Services team provides culturally safe, trauma-informed, and compassionate care to help support healing, wellness, and connection - whether you are located on or off reserve.

Our therapists include:

✨ Teresa Benincasa – Adult Therapist
📞 519-878-3052
📧 [email protected]

✨ Makayla Cassell – Child Therapist
📞 519-878-1352
📧 [email protected]

Services may include:
🌱 Emotional wellness support
🌱 Mental health support
🌱 Coping strategies
🌱 Family support
🌱 Therapeutic interventions

Whether you are supporting a child, navigating family challenges, carrying stress or grief, or simply needing someone to walk alongside you, our team is here to help in a good way. You do not have to carry things alone.

To connect with our therapists or learn more, please reach out directly using the contact information above. 🤍

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

🏹 Calling All Young Archers! 🏹

The Native Youth Olympics Archery Event is happening on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 at the Walpole Island Arena (Backyard)!

Youth ages 7–17 are invited to come out, test their skills, represent their community, and have fun in a day of friendly competition and connection.

📍 Walpole Island Arena (Backyard)
🕙 Start Time: 10:00 AM
🎯 Hosted by Walpole Island First Nation

Please note:
• A maximum of 20 registered archers per participating NYO community
• Registration is required

Scan the QR code on the poster to register!

For more information:
📧 [email protected]

📞 519-872-0936

05/04/2026

FREE Family Education Series 💚

Families supporting a loved one experiencing psychosis are invited to join this free 7-week education series hosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

📅 May 5 – June 16, 2026
🕕 Tuesdays, 6:00–8:30 PM
📍 Join in person at Talbot House (St. Thomas) or attend virtually on Zoom

This series will cover important topics like mental health and addictions, medication, legal rights, coping as a family, and life after psychosis.

Chippewas of the Thames community members are welcome to attend in person or online.

To register or learn more, please contact:
📞 Kathryn Callahan – 226-980-8589