Matawa First Nations

Matawa Animal Wellness Services has partnered with a team of six veterinarians from the Toronto Humane Society to run clinics in Neskantaga, Nibinamik, and Marten Falls First Nations.

The clinics will be focused on vaccinating, neutering, and spaying more than 200 pets from the three First Nations.

“First Nations – with support from Toronto Humane Society – are guiding this work to protect their animals, their people, and their lands, while honouring cultural traditions that teach us animals are kin,” says Judi Cannon, Indigenous animal wellness specialist with Matawa Animal Wellness Services.

Matawa Animal Wellness Services plans to run clinics in all nine Matawa member First Nations by the end of the year.

Some of the remote northern communities involved in the clinics have not had access to veterinary care for more than a decade.

One community hopes to have more than 90% of its dog population spayed, neutered, or vaccinated, which will prevent the spread of rabies, reduce the number of strays, and decrease the risk of dog bites.