A story was told of a Young Seneca girl named, Lelawala who was paddling her canoe near present day Niagara Falls. She was swept over the falls, Then “Hinum” the Thunder God caught and rescued her. While talking by the moving river, this Young Girl and Hinum talked. During the conversation she discussed a great monster snake living in the river. Hinum showing great compassion told the Young Girl how to fight and destroy the monster. Lelawala thanked Hinum and went back to her people and told them how to slay the monster. Lelawala and her people went to battle with the great snake monster and the victory was theirs. Two things remind us of this battle and day; one is that in the exact place of this battle is where we see the great Niagara Falls of today. Next, Lelawala from that day onwards was known as “The Maid of the Mist”. What Region 9 has taken from this story is sometimes we “mere people” must band together to slay the monsters of this world. Region 9 has learned that not all monsters shed their skins and have fangs. But we must use our mouths and words to do battle with these present day monsters. This is exactly what OCIP has learned from Region 9. Perhaps one day years from now these Region 9 members and others who follow their examples will be honoured with a name like “The Maid of the Mist”.

Region 9 Meetings and Events

Covid-19 Funding & Response

Region Nine (9) 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: jonathanswainocip@outlook.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 9 Needs Survey as it will help OCIP and your Region target the specifics needs of Our Indigenous People.

Thanking You For Your Help