About Us

Nenaawateg Inc. is a diverse, dynamic, multiservice centre for Indigenous culture and healing, and settler reconciliation education. Nenaawateg evolved from The Indigenous Hub run by The Circle of Turtle Lodge [registered charity] in Pembroke from Summer 2022 to Fall 2023. Now it is a Canadian Not-for-Profit organization that you will find in Renfrew’s Indigenous Cultural Centre in Ma-te-way Park.

Our Products & Services

We provide a racially safe place for people with Indigenous ancestry to gather and we strive to provide quality, culturally appropriate, wholistic services by sharing and promoting traditional practices to enable people to live in a more balanced state of well-being with a focus on providing services to Indigenous Peoples (Status, Non-status, Inuit, and Métis) living in Renfrew County. We also provide education for settlers and the broader community about Indigenous cultures, histories, and philosophies and provide the opportunity for Allies to come together in a spirit of reconciliation to pursue the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Our main offerings are celebrations, regular Sharing Circles, quarterly Feasts, twice a year Sweat Lodge Ceremonies and rights of passage as well as reconciliation education. Other services include cultural education in the form of seminars, workshops and our vision for an annual national conference. We have a reference library and we sell books on Indigenous culture and various promotional items.

Market & Competitor Analysis

The 2021 census reported that there were over 8,400 self declared people of Indigenous heritage living in Renfrew County and at least 8,000 of these individuals are not able to be served by the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan in accordance with the Indian Act, and therefore cannot access their services for cultural reclamation, language, social and other health and wellbeing programs. We also attract an eclectic group of individuals from Nations represented from across the country. In addition, the local settler population, including the New Age population, educators, church groups and the general public all have expressed interest and participated in our programming. There are no other organisations in the County or surrounding area providing the programming that Nenaawateg offers.

Investment Partners

We are seeking long term partners who share goals of true reconciliation and healing who will unite with us to support our ongoing annual operational costs. We have a tiered funding strategy as we work in stages to grow to meet our ongoing annual operating costs of $66,200 to $264,200 so we can fully function as an organisation and grow our vision. Currently we are staffed by the Board and additional volunteers. We have an established funding partner, The Circle of Turtle Lodge, who is covering our immediate rent and utility costs.

Our long term goal is to have Nenaawateg locations in both Pembroke and Renfrew for Sharing Circles, cultural teachings and educational activities to take place, as well as a main central rural/wooded Nenaawateg Healing Lodge. This central Hub will serve not only as a meeting place where cultural reclamation, rights of passage, celebrations, regular Sharing Circles, quarterly Feasts and twice a year Sweat Lodge Ceremonies will take place, but also a space where Indigenous people and Allies will meet to make progress towards reconciliation through cultural education services. It is here that Elders and Knowledge Keepers from across Turtle Island will be welcomed to share their knowledge and cultural teachings.

We are currently leasing premises in the town of Renfrew where we hold our regular cultural programming. We also hold events throughout Renfrew County. We are actively recruiting and training volunteers and legally securing donated land. We are pursuing operational funding to meet urgent staffing needs.

Secure operational funding. Employ Admin Assistant and/or Office Manager as funding permits. Plan and establish programs / create ongoing events calendar. Pursue program funding and expand programming. Continue to develop volunteer base and community relationships. Develop donated land for ceremonies and celebrations. Develop annual national conference. Build future funding partnerships.

Appoint Executive Director. Continue to build volunteer base and community relationships. Build relationships with ongoing funding partners. Secure seed money for developing land. Build national networks and start national programming.

Fund and build national Healing Lodge. Establish community on land. Nurture funding partnerships and community relationships. Realise, enhance and expand existing national network connections.

This budget reflects our broad expenses in relation to our immediate, short and medium term goals. We have a tiered funding strategy as we work in stages and grow to meet these goals. It does not include any specific program funding or short term employment contracts that may arise during this time. Once we are fully operational we anticipate program grant funding to cover specific program staffing costs. Going forward we will continue to rely on volunteers to help staff the centre. Advertising primarily takes place online and over social media so incurs minimal expenses.

Our main income stream is from donations, grants and corporate sponsors. We also have a small revenue stream from retail sales of products, contracting cultural services in the community and Ally pledges. These are not reflected in the budget.

The Circle of Turtle Lodge was financially in charge of running The Indigenous Hub while it was operational in Pembroke Mall and is in full compliance and up-to-date with CRA accounting requirements and annually audited as a NFP organization. Our financial statements are available on the CRA website or at any time upon request.
CRA 845859016 RR 0001

Despite the lack of a physical venue from November 2023 – August 2024, and the continued absence of paid staff, Nenaawateg and our community partners have hosted the following events in the past year or so.

Nenaawateg Events and Community Partnerships

In addition, The Circle of Turtle Lodge, in conjunction with Nenaawateg, ran a regular monthly Sharing Circle in Pembroke. In 2024 the focus was on The Seven Grandmother Teachings and the attendance averaged from 10-16 participants.

Membership Numbers

As of January 2025:

The Indigenous Hub opened in the Pembroke Mall in September 2022. Initially, it served as a gathering place for local Indigenous people: “I’ll meet you at The Hub.” It was informal, a place to sit and chat, to congregate, to socialize and it was a racially safe place to just be.

While well acquainted with most Algonquin people in the area, operating in Pembroke revealed a larger population of Indigenous ancestry in Renfrew County than previously known.

Regular structured programming occurred during open hours Monday to Friday, and occasionally during evenings or Saturdays for Circles, cultural and craft activities, seminars or workshops offering Traditional Teachings. Two-staff minimum fielded questions about issues unique to Indigenous People and from the general public.

Attendance numbers for programming only were collected from February 2023 until the site closed in November 2023 [see below].

The Indigenous Hub has now relocated to the new Indigenous Cultural Centre in the town of Renfrew, which serves more Status/non-Status First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals.

We are looking for a culturally knowledgeable Indigenous applicant who is highly
organised and detail-oriented who will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth
operation of our office environment, managing staff and volunteers, coordinating office
activities and administrative tasks and developing workshops and circles. The ideal
candidate will be able to effectively coordinate meetings, marketing and secure future
funding. Someone that possesses a friendly demeanour who can liaise with wider
community as the ace of the organisation. A passionate individual who thrives in a fast-
paced environment, possesses excellent communication skills, and has a strong ability
to multitask. An active team member who has a humble, collaborative, can-do attitude.

Responsibilities

• Provide helper assistance as required to the Traditional Healers, Elders and Knowledge Keepers;
• Assist in developing and coordinating the schedules workshops and events;
• Develop and compile protocols and procedures on ceremonies, fasts, sweats, celebrations and feasts in conjunction with the Cultural Advisory Committee;
• Develop, implement and supervise an assistant/mentee/apprentice training program for Indigenous community members that will offer opportunities to learn and experience sweats, fasts, ceremonies, traditional teachings and fire keeping;
• Develop, supervise and implement an education program for non-Indigenous community members that will offer opportunities to learn about and experience cultural issues, understanding and wisdom as appropriate;
• Participate in the monthly, quarterly and yearly budget review processes;
• Develop/expand and supervise, coordinate, train, appraise and orient staff members.
• Develop/expand and supervise, coordinate, train, appraise and orient helpers, volunteers and placements;
• Read, review and understand the organization’s personnel policies and procedures;
• Seek out, develop and maintain funding partnerships to ensure the financial stability and future of Nenaawateg; grant writing experience an asset. Pursue project funding.

Requirements

• Diploma or college certificate in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Mental Health or other relevant programs of study;
• Knowledge of culture and experience working Indigenous Traditional Healers and Knowledge Keepers
• Participate in staff meeting, training workshops, seminars and teaching and Sharing Circles as required;
• Strong organizational and supervision skills with the ability to work effectively and independently;
• Facilitation skills and the ability to speak at public events, conferences and meetings to promote Nenaawateg;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across Nenaawateg and community;
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly;
• Computer literacy, including skills in Google Suite
• Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies;
• Valid Ontario Driver’s “G” license; clean driver’s abstract, as well as proof of personal auto insurance (must be insured a minimum of 3 years and in good standing)
• Travel within Renfrew County and area as required;
• Clean and current police check as a condition of employment;
• This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned.

Nenaawateg values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference
will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants (please self-identify).

Nenaawateg is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the
Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you
require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please
advise.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please forward your cover letter and
resume to …………

Nenaawateg Inc

We are looking for a culturally knowledgeable Indigenous applicant who is highly organised and detail-oriented who will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of our office environment, managing administrative tasks, coordinating office activities, and providing support to our workshops and circles. The ideal candidate will be able to effectively coordinate meetings, marketing and other office events. Someone that possesses a friendly demeanour who can effectively interact with the public and respond to in-person, phone and written correspondence. A passionate individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, possesses excellent communication skills, and has a strong ability to multitask. An active team member who has a humble, collaborative, can-do attitude. Position based in Renfrew.

Monday – Friday, 10AM – 5 PM flexible, occasional evening/weekend hours as necessary

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and organise office activities and centre events
• Greet visitors at office
• Support workshops and Circles
• Publicise activities, monthly newsletter
• Oversee stock of office and craft supplies
• Coordinate inbound and outbound office mail/email
• Prepare all financial and accounting operations including billings, collection, payables and payroll
• Monthly bank reconciliations
• Regular government reporting (HST, WSIB & Other government returns)
• General office administrative duties
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Experience with administrative and clerical work
• Full cycle bookkeeping & year end experience
• Experienced using Quickbooks
• Experience with FaceBook and Mailchimp or willing to learn
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, including Slides, Docs, Meet, etc
• Certificate, diploma, or degree in business or accounting is an asset – Graduates of Office Administrative Executive from Algonquin College are ideal
• Self-motivated and self-directed with strong time management and organisational skills
• Friendly and upbeat demeanour
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multitask and prioritise work
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational and planning skills in a fast-paced environment

Nenaawateg Inc

We are looking for a culturally knowledgeable Indigenous applicant who is highly organised and
detail-oriented who will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of our office
environment, managing administrative tasks, coordinating office activities, and providing support
to workshops and circles. The ideal candidate will be able to effectively coordinate meetings,
create our monthly newsletter, manage our bookkeeping and tend to other administrative
tasks…someone who possesses a friendly demeanour who can effectively interact with the
public and respond to in-person, phone and written correspondence. A passionate individual
who can multi-task and possesses excellent communication skills. We seek an active team
member who has a humble, collaborative, can-do attitude.

Monday – Thursday, 10:30AM – 5 PM flexible, evening hours as necessary

Responsibilities Include:

• Greet visitors at office
• Coordinate and organise office activities and centre events
• General office administrative duties
• Publicise activities, monthly newsletter
• Take/distribute meeting minutes
• Support workshops and Circles
• Oversee stock of office and craft supplies
• Coordinate inbound and outbound office mail/email
• Prepare all financial and accounting operations including billings, collection, payables and payroll
• Monthly bank reconciliations
• Regular government reporting (HST, WSIB & Other government returns) as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Experience with administrative and clerical work
• Full cycle bookkeeping & year end experience
• Experienced using Quickbooks
• Experience with FaceBook and Mailchimp or willing to learn
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, including Slides, Docs, Meet, etc
• Certificate, diploma, or degree in accounting is an asset
• Self-motivated and self-directed with strong time management and organisational skills
• Friendly and upbeat demeanour
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multitask and prioritise work
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational and planning skills in a fast-paced environment