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The Wasoqopa’q First Nation Housing Department consist of 2 Administrative Workers, Jim Pictou, Housing Director and Marie Falls, Housing Assistant. There are currently 4 Head Licensed Carpenters, 3 Apprentice Carpenters, 8 Labourers, 1 Head Plumber, a Plumber Apprentice, an Electrician and 1 Electrician Apprentice.
The Housing Department is responsible for the maintenance of all housing units on Reserve; however, we have also assisted members off Reserve as directed by Chief and Council. Wasoqopa’q First Nation currently has a total of 144 units on our 5 Reserves that are spread out throughout South West Nova Scotia. The units are divided into 3 different categories:
The duties of the Housing Administrative Staff are to administrate and manage the housing program, secure funding, submit reports to the appropriate agencies, assist Band Members and occupants with their request and/or concerns, work with contractors, Canada Mortgage and Housing Commission (CMHC), Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), Chief and Council and other programs within our Wasoqopa’q First Nation programs.
Wasoqopa’q First Nation has experienced positive structural growth in the past decade. We have made steady progress in the field of housing. The housing, infrastructure, roads and public works are a very important component of Wasoqopa’q First Nation with a wide range of responsibilities, including planning and promoting new developments along with an ever-changing environment. All housing applications and requests for repairs are submitted to the Chief and Council for consideration. The Administrative Staff cannot approve any application or request submitted.
Applications for Housing are available and accepted at any time and reviewed by the Chief and Council as housing units become available. You can obtain a housing application from our offices.
Request for off-reserve band members can now be submitted by completing the following form: Off-Reserve Request Form.
"Wasoqopa’q First Nation is temporarily suspending the off-reserve housing support initiative. This is due to the negative financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically the closing of our gaming sites and the impact on our own source revenue. Applications will remain on file for future consideration as determined by C&C."
10534 Hwy # 3
Yarmouth, NS B5A 5J7
Phone: (902) 742-0257
Fax: (902) 742-4824
Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Marla Robinson-Pyne
Health Director
311 Beech Hill Road
Chester Basin, NS B0J 1K0
Phone: (902) 627-1245
Fax: (902) 627-1361
Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sarah-Lyn Pettipas
Receptionist
The Yarmouth and Gold River Health Centres offer various services to the members of Acadia First Nation and their families.
The Wasoqopa’q First Nation's vision of health is to support every community and its members in achieving and maintaining optimal health and quality of life.
Wasoqopa’q First Nations Health mission is to provide health programs and services to: "Assist communities and their members to achieve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health through health promotion, traditional teachings, education, disease prevention activities, partnerships and health services."
Dr. A.J. Marais MB. ChB CCFP is practicing at the Yarmouth Health Centre daily. Dr. Marais is servicing WFN and community members who need a family doctor.
The VON is available at the Health Centre every other Thursday, 9:00 am-11:00 am, providing:
Adult Mental Health Clinician available on intermittent Wednesdays, 8 am-5 pm by appointment only.
Child and Youth Mental Health Clinician available weekly 8 am-5 pm by appointment only.
VON staff run community clinics to deliver nursing services such as flu shots, wound care and education sessions for people with diabetes.
VON nurses and other health professionals provide foot care for all ages, from infants to seniors. Nurses provide assessment, care and advice for clients, including the elderly and people with diabetes, who have particular problems looking after their feet. Care includes clipping nails, treating corns, calluses, ingrown nails and thickened nails and preventative care as well as referral to other health professionals.
VON Wellness and Health Promotion clinics offer clients screening tests and assessment of cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index and other indicators of potential health problems. Individual counselling focuses on education and raising awareness on topics such as heart health, diabetes, asthma, allergies and osteoporosis.
Non-Insured Health Benefits provides reimbursement for medical travel to specialists outside of Yarmouth. If you require this assistance, please call the Health Centre for further information.
The tour for the cure mobile breast screening information bus makes its way to the Yarmouth Health Centre yearly. This year, women received information on the importance of breast exams and were taught how to perform self-examinations.
If there are any health questions and/or concerns, please feel free to call your Community Health Representative (CHR) at the Yarmouth Health Centre for assistance.
For further information on any of the ongoing programs listed for the Yarmouth Health Centre, please feel free to contact (902)742-4337.
Adult Mental Health Clinician available on intermittent Tuesdays 8 am-5 pm by appointment only.
Child and Youth Mental Health Clinician services beginning April 2019.
Our community nurse delivers nursing services such as flu shots, wound care and education sessions for people with diabetes and other health-related services/programs to our communities.
Chelsea Sawyer BScN, RN
Community Nurse
Email:
Office: (902) 627-1245
Cell: (902) 277-2297
Bio
The VON is available at the Health Centre every other Thursday, 9:00 am-11:00 am, providing:
VON staff run community clinics to deliver nursing services such as flu shots, wound care and education sessions for people with diabetes
VON Wellness and Health Promotion clinics offer clients screening tests and assessment of cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index and other indicators of potential health problems. Individual counselling focuses on education and raising awareness on topics such as heart health, diabetes, asthma, allergies and osteoporosis.
Elementary school students attend the afterschool program on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2:15 pm - 4:15 pm each week. The program achieves its goals through a focused developmental strategy of cultural, recreational, life skills and nutritional activities.
Once a month, Kathy Boehner, from the Bridgewater Family Resource Centre, provides fun activities for children aged birth to 5 years of age.
For further information on any of the ongoing programs listed for the Gold River Health Centre, please feel free to contact (902) 627-1245.
Child and Youth Mental Health Clinician available twice monthly 8 am-5 pm by appointment only.
The VON is available at the Wildcat office on the last Thursday of every month from 9:00 to 11:00 am.
A blood collection clinic is available once every three months.
For further information, please feel free to contact (902) 682-2421
Baby baskets are available for expectant mothers/fathers who are registered Wasoqopa’q First Nation band members. These beautiful baskets are valued at approximately $150.00 each and are delivered promptly to new parents upon the arrival of a child. Please call one of the offices to ensure your name is on the list of expectant parents. You will also qualify for up to $200.00 towards the purchase of a car seat. This program is sponsored under the pre/post postnatal and maternal health program.
The Children's Oral Health Initiative (COHI) is an early childhood tooth decay prevention program for children aged 0-7, their parents and caregivers and pregnant women. COHI services include annual screening, fluoride varnish applications, sealants and temporary fillings.
COHI supports and encourages families to make oral health and oral care a regular part of family life, and to make healthy choices in caring for their young children. Families receive excellent resources - including DVDs, visual aids, flip charts, parent kits, and of course, toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss.
Water testing is taking place within WFN by certified water monitors delegated in the Gold River, Wildcat and Yarmouth areas. Certified monitors, along with Environmental Health Officials with Health Canada, are working closely with one another to ensure healthy and safe drinking water in our homes. Total coliform and bacteria levels are tested regularly in each of our communities.
Wasoqopa’q First Nation's community health program funds the following services:
Also, the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB) provides a limited range of medically necessary health-related goods and services that are not otherwise provided by other government programs or private plans. Eligible recipients do not need to register, but can become eligible once they have received their registration date and number as a Status Indian. More information on the services and eligibility for coverage can be accessed at Non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit, or by calling 1-800-565-3294.
If required, please print and complete the following forms. Once completed, please bring the form to the Yarmouth or Gold River Health Centre.
The Wasoqopa’q Employment and Training Program operates under a Sub Agreement with the Mi’Kmaq Employment Training Secretariat (METS) to offer employment and training services to band members residing in Nova Scotia. METS is a not-for-profit organization funded by Service Canada to offer employment and training programming to all 13 First Nation Communities in Nova Scotia and the Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre.
To provide programs and services to assist band members in preparing for, obtaining and maintaining employment.
Band Members seeking employment and training who are unemployed or underemployed and residing in the province of Nova Scotia.
Box 1, Comp2
Greenfield, NS B0T1E0
Phone: 902-685-2956
Fax: 902-685-2237
Wanda Westhaver
Indigenous Employment Officer
Cecilia Ernst
Indigenous Employment Officer Assistant
