LCW-Thunder Bay| 2025
Lynx Clan Watch is extending a heartfelt acknowledgment to Cat Lake First Nation and Marten Falls First Nation for their ongoing acts of generosity, cultural responsibility, and community care toward their members living off reserve. At a time when many families continue to struggle with the rising costs of food, housing, and child-rearing, these two Nations have demonstrated what true Nation-to-Nation support looks like.
Cat Lake First Nation: A Model of Monthly Care
For many months, Cat Lake First Nation has gone above and beyond, by providing monthly food hampers, filled with essential groceries and once in the summer, with household necessities, for 2 of the grandchildren in our care who are registered members of Cat Lake. These hampers have consistently included:
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Nutritious food items
one box hamper out of 3 -
hamper with Winter jackets and warm clothing
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one hamper of Blankets
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one hamper of Pots and home essentials
- a Christmas dinner and presents provided to all the grandchildren.
- one of them, even won a bmx bike in a draw.
This generous support has been delivered even though the child resides off reserve, showing that Cat Lake First Nation continues to uphold the principle that membership in a Nation does not end at municipal boundaries. Their actions have brought real relief to a grandmother raising multiple grandchildren, including caring for the children of her recently deceased son every weekend and holidays in honour of his wishes and never asks for support for this providing culture, guidance and support as a family unit.
Lynx Clan Watch gives a profound Chi Meegwetch to Cat Lake First Nation’s leadership, staff, and community for recognizing the needs of their off-reserve members and responding with dignity and compassion.
Marten Falls First Nation: Keeping Community Connections Strong
We also recognize Marten Falls First Nation for its annual commitment to hosting Christmas gatherings for members living in Thunder Bay. These events have welcomed our three grandchildren who are members of Marten Falls, offering them a sense of belonging, celebration, and joy.
The holiday gifts shared with the children each year bring much-needed support during a season that can be difficult for many families. Marten Falls’ dedication to maintaining community connections—no matter the distance—is deeply appreciated.
A Broader Message About Community Responsibility
While some First Nations continue to receive annuities, land claim settlements, and water claim compensation, support for off-reserve members varies widely across the region. Many families raising Indigenous children receive limited or no assistance from their home communities throughout the year, even those in correctional facilities and institutions.
Cat Lake and Marten Falls have demonstrated leadership by showing that helping members—especially children—should remain a central value of Nationhood.
Uplifting Families, Upholding Traditions
Raising grandchildren is both a responsibility and an honour, rooted in our teachings. Yet it is also a challenge that requires community backing. The support shown by Cat Lake and Marten Falls helps ensure that Indigenous children remain connected to their culture, identity, and Nation, even when living away from home.
On behalf of Lynx Clan Watch, we extend our deepest respect and gratitude:
Chi Meegwetch, Cat Lake First Nation.
Chi Meegwetch, Marten Falls First Nation.
Your generosity has strengthened our families, uplifted our spirits, and brightened this holiday season.
For more information, please contact:
Lynx Clan Watch
Thunder Bay, ON
lynxclanwatch@outlook.com
Lynxclanwatch.ca
