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October 2023 |
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In this issue: 2023 AGM | Pre-retirement Celebrations for Ann McSweeney | iSisters Funding Announcements | Ciena Honours iSisters | iSisters Workshop |
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Indigenous Land Acknowledgement |
Here at iSisters, we respectfully acknowledge that we work and live on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinabe Nation. We commit ourselves to learn the truth and be active in the process of reconciliation. Ondaje iSisters, nidapiitenindaamin kikenindamang eji ondaamitaayaang ashidj abiyaang ondaje ega wiikaad kamiigiwaaniwang iyo kichi Anishinaabewakii. Niwaawiindamaagemin niinawind kidji-kikenindamang tebwewin ashidj kidji-kwayakijichigeyaang kabii-ijiwebag. |
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2023 AGM |
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The 2023 iSisters Annual General Meeting is coming up. We hope you’ll join us!
Date: Tuesday October 17, 2023 Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m. Location: James Bartleman Archives and Library Materials Centre, 100 Tallwood Drive in Nepean (Room 115)
Register below if you plan to attend. |
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Documents are located here: https://isisters.org/agm-information/
If you are a member who cannot attend the AGM, please complete and submit the Proxy Form prior to the meeting to assign your vote.
And remember, non-members are welcome to attend as well! |
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Pre-retirement Celebrationsfor Ann McSweeney |
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Board of Directors CelebrationOn September 19, at a regularly scheduled monthly board meeting, the iSisters Board of Directors honored Ann McSweeney, Executive Director, for her past three years service. |
| Claire Toplis, Board Chair, celebrated Ann’s accomplishments as she lead the organization through COVID by introducing online learning, an extremely successful 20th Anniversary Celebration and Silent Auction (also during COVID) and how she has grown the organization in such a short timeframe. Claire presented Ann with a retirement plaque and an Indigenous “Strong Woman” shawl as a thank you for her hard work and accomplishments. |
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Ann also presented each member of the board with a large pink rose to thank each of them for their support and guidance. Prior to presenting each rose, she said the following: |
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Operations Team CelebrationOn September 21, the iSisters Operations team and instructors gathered for a dinner to celebrate Ann’s upcoming retirement. There was good food, wonderful gifts, and plenty of anecdotes from Ann’s long and storied career. |
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iSisters Funding Announcements |
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We wish to thank the Ministry of Labor, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for their one- year financial support in the amount of $60,764 to support our iMentor (Employment) Program.
This program mentors participants who are seeking employment and offers support while they are working, and until they feel comfortable working without guidance. Several soft skills workshops are also offered to assist women to prepare for employment. |
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The Community Services Recovery Fund is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support community service organizations, including charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Canadian Red Cross (one of three national funders) received an incredible number of applications and it was an extremely competitive process. Our iSisters application was selected to receive funding in the amount of $69,669. |
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Ciena Honours iSisters |
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In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, Ciena, a generous iSisters suppporter, honoured iSisters' commitment to Indigenous women in an article to its employees.
The Indigenous community in Canada faces significant challenges when it comes to online learning. Through the support of Ciena's Digital Inclusion Grant program, iSisters was able to expand technical training programs for Indigenous women and youth while offering programming in Indigenous languages for the first time in 2022.
Read the full article here |
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iSisters Workshop |
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On Thursday September 14, iSisters hosted a workshop for learners on self confidence. The one-hour workshop provided participants with valuable tools and strategies to build confidence for personal and professional success. It was inspiring to hear many participants relate their own experiences with self-confidence and their struggles and successes along the way.
Special thanks to iSisters instructor Kim Wall, Nokia's Chantha Nhem, and Marjaneh Jafar Targhi for hosting and presenting. |
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Thank you all for an incredible three years! Ann McSweeney, Executive Director |
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| Donate to iSisters As a non-profit organization, all of our funding goes into creating a safe, judgment-free learning environment for our students.
Your support helps make this possible. Consider a donation today! |
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Registered Charity Number: 874302714RR0001 |
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