June is National Indigenous History Month, so we’re taking the time to highlight and showcase some of the amazing contributions First Nations peoples have made in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math, and other technical fields. Follow along as we highlight two #IndigenousInnovators, whose impact cannot go unnoticed, on our social media channels each week. Follow @ofntsc on social media and share to help increase awareness of this subject and please continue reading to learn more about these incredible people.

We asked one of our Circuit Rider Trainers, Jack Brown, to answer a few questions for us on what the Circuit Rider Training Program is and why it's so important for First Nations Water Operators to utilize. Check out his responses below! 1. What are the most common issues you see that cause BWAs in First Nations communities?  The most common issues that I have encountered that relate to B.W.A.s are directly related to water distribution system breakdowns. The most common occurrence is usually from a water main break.

Many people have done it by accident, or on purpose and any person that drives a vehicle, operates a watercraft, uses a lawnmower, chainsaw, etc. uses this product. Today I’m going to provide you with some information on why you shouldn’t pour or spill “it” on the ground and especially not in the water!  Yes, I am talking about Petroleum Products, e.g. (Gasoline, Diesel fuel, engine oil, transmission fluid, etc.). The list is too long to mention all of the products.

Hello! My name is Brandon Staats and I am the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation’s Acting Field Officer. I want to take a little bit of your time today to talk to you about the importance and building blocks of having a 72-hour Emergency Survival Kit for your household. The winter months are upon us and in the event of an emergency, you will need some supplies.  You need to be prepared to be self-reliable for up to 72 hours because you may be without power or water.

It's a new year, and with it come new projects, new initiatives, new events, new staff, technology, responsibilities, and more! In other words, a lot of change. Over the past twenty-five years, OFNTSC has accomplished so much for our First Nations, but as an organization, the Board structure has not evolved. When I joined OFNTSC as the Executive Director in 2018, it quickly became apparent that a lot of transformation needed to happen if OFNTSC was going to stay relevant and remain essential to the First Nations communities we serve. 

It’s that time of year again to make sure you keep the winter weather from entering into your home through the little cracks and gaps that may occur during the warmer months.  By checking these various items before the temperatures drop will save you time and money and likely reduce your chance of having to do any major repairs to your exterior in the cold winter months.

Making decisive decisions about constructing, operating, maintaining and replacing community infrastructure is difficult. Choosing between competing and worthy initiatives to grow and build our communities against the investment needs of critical services such as roads, bridges, schools, arenas, water and wastewater systems is a challenging task.

Hello! My name is Nathan Hill, Fire Safety Coordinator / Infrastructure, from the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation. October 4 – 10, 2020 is Fire Safety week and this year’s campaign is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen”. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.

I know we have all likely spent more time indoors over the past 3 months than normal. That’s why I think it is a good time to take advantage of it by giving your home a little bit of TLC. I have put together a list of 5 home maintenance tips you can do yourself. You may require a few additional tools or materials that you don’t have at home right now but with one trip to the hardware store you could have everything you need.