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.

Important Covid-19 Funding Update

OCIP is pleased to announce that it has been able to secure a limited amount of funds for a final round of Covid-19 Community support for its members. This Community support will be in effect from January 16^th ,2023 till March 31^st ,2023. This support is to help alleviate some of the further burden of the Covid-19 pandemic. OCIP has heard the continued calls of its members and in conjunction with all 9 regions and CAP with support from Governmental sources is now able to offer this Final round of Community Support. It MUST be noted that Funds are limited and timing is critical as the March 31^st ,2023 deadline is firm. Therefore, OCIP has adopted the following protocols.

a) All information must be completely filled out with all Supporting documentation
b) All applicants hereby agree to follow the guidelines given by OCIP in a “Timely Fashion”
c) All applicants understand fully that March 31st ,2023 is the closing date and agree to have All documents, claims, requests for information, receipts, etc. to their OCIP Representative no later than March 20th ,2023 to ensure processing, mailing, delivery, etc. by OCIP before the March 31st ,2023 closing date.
d) All applicants agrees and understands that OCIP reserves the right to review, allow or disallow all claim(s) made depending on eligibility and/or Available funds.

Please review the list below to see if you have these needs,

• Emergency response staff
• Housing and shelter
• Essential goods
• Health and medical
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Transportation and delivery of goods
• Support for Elders, Youth, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable community members
• Educational support for children and youth
• Communications and utilities
• Cultural and spiritual supports
• Other activities related to supporting COVID-19 preparedness and response measures

To apply please fill out this Application