Region 8 is mostly composed of the Greater Toronto Area. We know that the name Toronto comes from a Mohawk word “tkaronto” with its meaning of ”where there are trees standing in the water”. This shows a great strength of Region 8, it is ever full of Change and Strength. After all Mother Earth must give great strength to a tree that stands in the water and that Tree must be ready and willing to change as the waters rise and lower. Toronto, as a City, is ever growing in the day, and then shrinks down that night only to be reborn again the next day. Again and again this happens; all the while the tree still stands. Region 8 has taught this lesson to OCIP, change will always happen, but the tree or OCIP still stands tall. Next, Region 8 has taught the great lesson of Holding onto the Past is written into the Trees rings and bark. So it was not a great jump to move to the idea that we, of OCIP, must record our Traditions or Culture down on Bark so to speak. We must record them on paper or what is being used. For when the water raises who but the tree remembers? It’s the same with People, who but us or in this case OCIP will remember? And therefore who but us is there to record our History? Region 8 shows daily that it is still there and yes change has happened. People have come and gone, but the history or story goes on.

Covid-19 Funding & Response

Region Eight (8) of OCIP has been tasked with the oversight of the Covid-19 funding for our area. So all Applications (see link below) must be made by Indigenous Peoples in urban and rural centres or living off reserve. Authentication of Indigenous Status is done, as a certain amount of verification is undertaken by OCIP. However If you attach your OCIP Membership Number this becomes a simple process. Next Please note, below a full list of activities serviced by this Covid-19 funding to help you confirm you might qualify for funding. If so then just fill out the application, ensuring it is signed and dated. Then return it to the “Contact Me” link above. If you have any questions and/or concerns please feel free to contact me either by phone or email: generalocipinquiries@hotmail.com . Special Note: You will be asked to complete a “Needs Survey” for your Region as this will help OCIP better serve our Region. You will be sent this Regional Needs Survey.

1. Emergency response staff
2. Housing and shelter
3. Essential goods
4. Health and medical
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
6. Transportation and delivery of goods
7. Support for Elders, Youth, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable community members
8. Educational support for children and youth
9. Communications and utilities
10. Cultural and spiritual supports
11. Other activities related to supporting COVID-19 preparedness and response measures

OCIP RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVIEW, ALLOW OR DISALLOW ALL CLAIM(S) MADE DEPENDING ON ELIGABILITY.

Please remember If You are Filling out an Application you should include your Needs Survey in this package as well. Otherwise we ask that you Please Fill out this Region 8 Needs Survey as it will help OCIP and your Region target the specifics needs of Our Indigenous People.

Thanking You For Your Help