Health Department
Attawapiskat First Nation Health Services
The History
The Health Centre building project began in 1998-1999. A site was selected, and significant effort was put into submitting proposals, developing projects, and creating a comprehensive plan for a new building with offices for health activities in Attawapiskat. At that time, all public health services were located at the local hospital. In 1997, a Health Authority was established, consisting of a team of five local community members.
The Health Centre was completed in 2002, and staff officially moved in during the fall of that year. At the time, the staff included the Health Director, Public Health Nurses (PHNs), Community Health Representatives (CHRs), Receptionists, Finance Department personnel, staff from the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADP), and a Crisis Worker.
Around the same time, plans were underway to build a Healing Lodge, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health. This complex, initiated in 1997 and completed in 1999, is located approximately two miles north of Attawapiskat. The Healing Lodge features four apartments designed to house individuals needing assistance with substance abuse. The community named the building “The Jules Mattinas & Tony Fireman Healing Lodge,” in memory of two youth who passed away due to substance-related issues.
In 2004, the Home Care program was added to the Health Centre. Nurses, Homecare Coordinators, Personal Support Workers (PSWs), and Homemakers joined the staff. This program focuses on providing care to elderly clients and individuals with non-urgent medical needs, assisting with daily living activities, and offering basic medical support for outpatient services.
In 2010, the Health Authority Board of Directors was dissolved, and leadership of the Health Services was taken over by the Attawapiskat First Nation leadership
As of November 2025, the Health Services program has had nine Health Directors. I, Jackie Shisheesh, am proud to serve as the 9th Health Director, after a ten-year gap during which the position remained vacant. I have been in this role since 2022. Prior to becoming Health Director, I worked with the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI) for 15 years. In 2024, a Health Consultant was hired to work alongside me, assisting with overseeing programs and contracts, creating proposals, and managing the Crisis Team.
Health Centre Programs
The Health Centre offers a range of services to the community, including the following programs:
- Public Health Nurses (Indigenous Services Canada – ISC): Specialize in prevention programs, immunizations, tuberculosis (DOT), child development, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), rabies and animal bites, and reportable disease management.
- Receptionist (Community Health Promotion Program – ISC): Handles phone calls, files reports, and books dental and chiropractor appointments.
- Community Health Representatives (CHR) (Attawapiskat First Nation – AFN): Support community health and wellness by assisting Public Health Nurses, Dentists, Denturists, Audiologists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, and other community-led services.
- Midwifery Program (Neepeeshowan Midwifery Service): Led by head midwife Christine Roy, this program provides prenatal care for expectant mothers.
- Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative Program (AFN): Serves 250–300 clients, focusing on promoting healthy living for individuals with diabetes.
- Indigenous Health Babies & Healthy Children (AFN & NAN): Serves children aged 0–6 with developmental issues, helps develop healthy parenting skills, and supports families with pregnant mothers and young children.
- Jordan’s Principle Program (NAN): Launched in March 2025, this program helps clients apply for medical and food support under Jordan’s Principle.
- Home Care Department (Ministry of Health – MOH): The department includes an interim Home and Community Care Manager, two Registered Nurses, PSWs, and Homemakers. This service is dedicated to elderly and high-need clients and recently launched a palliative care program.
- Family Well-Being Program (FWB) (NAN): Supports families and youth through community engagement. The program has developed a spacious campsite with cabins, a kitchen, and fire pits, and organizes retreats for men, women, and youth throughout the year.
- Crisis Workers (AFN & NAN): Provide support to community members during crises, either in group or individual sessions. The team consists of 9-10 members who rotate shifts every two weeks in Attawapiskat.
- Security (AFN): Provides on-site surveillance from 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM daily and 24-hour coverage on weekends.
- Janitorial Services (AFN): Ensures the building remains clean and well-maintained, including tasks like sweeping, mopping, window washing, restroom sanitation, and trash removal.
- Maintenance Department (WAHA) (ISC) (Mushkegowuk): Currently vacant.
Conclusion
This concludes with the overview of Health Services provided at the Attawapiskat Health Centre.
“As we look ahead, may our shared efforts continue to turn challenges in opportunities, and opportunities into lasting change.”
Thank you, and please do not hesitate to contact us at Health Services for more information
Jackie Shisheesh, Director of Health Services
Jackie.shisheesh@attawapiskat.org
AFN – Health Services
Attawapiskat, ON, POL 1AO
16 Rapids Road West
PO Box 248
Phone: 705-997-2149
Fax: 705-997-1307
