Blog | OFNTSC

Recycling Contamination Rates

Recycling is one of the most important methods of reducing waste, conserving natural resources and protecting the environment. However, the effectiveness of recycling programs depends on the quality of the materials that are collected. One of the greatest challenges facing recycling systems today is contamination. Recycling contamination occurs when non-recyclable items or recyclable materials that contain food, liquids, or other contaminants are placed

Issues and Options from the Joint Table on First Nations Waste Management and Unauthorized Dumping

BACKGROUND:

Prior to the launch of the First Nations Solid Waste Management Initiative in 2016, there was no dedicated support for waste management on reserve lands, leaving most First Nati

Celebrating our Shared Journey - 30 years of OFNTSC

Take a look back at some highlights and accomplishments from OFNTSC staff over the years!

Preliminary Findings: Joint Table on First Nations Waste Management

OFNTSC’s Regional Solid Waste Specialist is a member of the Joint Table on First Nations Waste Management, a group made up of Indigenous Technical Organizations and federal agencies from various regions of Canada. The Joint Table was established in December 2024 to develop practical, community-informed, and culturally grounded solutions to the longstanding and complex issues surrounding waste management on First Nations reserve lands.

Podcast Transcript | S1 E5: "Earth Special with Solid Waste Specialist, Heidi Manitowabi"

A transcript of our Earth Day episode of our "Technically Speaking" podcast with OFNTSC Regionl Solid Waste Specialist Heidi Manitowabi.

Podcast Transcript | S1 E4: "International Women's Day Special with our Executive Director, Melanie Debassige"

A transcript of our International Women's day episode of our "Technically Speaking" podcast with OFNTSC Executive Director Melanie Debassige.

Podcast Transcript | S1 E3: "Operations, Maintenance, and Elmer Lickers!"

The following is an auto-generated transcript of an episode of OFNTSC's Podcast "Ontario First Nations Technically Speaking 'Cast" hosted by Chelsey Johnson. In this episode, Operations and Maintenance Supervisor Elmer Lickers discusses the early days of the OFNTSC as well as what the future hold for his service and its programs.

Meet OFNTSC Operator-In-Training, Josee Street

Today on International Women's Day, we're highlighting even more young inspirational women who are paving the way for women in STEM here at OFNTSC.

Meet OFNTSC Engineer-In-Training, Amy Gollat

Today on International Women's Day, we're highlighting even more young inspirational women who are paving the way for women in STEM here at OFNTSC.

Meet OFNTSC HUB Water and Wastewater Process Technician, Courtney Lamb

Today on International Women's Day, we're highlighting even more young inspirational women who are paving the way for women in STEM here at OFNTSC.

Meet OFNTSC Solid Waste Specialist Heidi Manitowabi

In anticipation of International Women's Day on March 8th, we're highlighting some of the young inspirational women who are paving the way for women in STEM here at OFNTS

Meet OFNTSC Asset Management Specialist, Madison Hill!

In anticipation of International Women's Day on March 8th, we're highlighting some of the young inspirational women who are paving the way for women in STEM here at OFNTSC.

Interview with Operator in Training - Josee Street

Josee recently joined OFNTSC as one of our HUB team's Operators-in- Training! Josee says she feels right at home with the HUB team. Her work allows her to follow her passion for working in the environment in a role that honours her traditions. Read our interview with Josee now

Sustainable Asset Management Planning For First Nations

Over the past few years, it has become increasingly clear that asset management and the preservation of our community assets is of great importance when it comes to creating healthy and thriving First Nation (FN) communities. Many communities have recently invested substantial resources into the planning and construction of much needed infrastructure such as water & wastewater treatment facilities, schools, housing and fire protection equipment, to name a few...

The Circular Economy

In this article Heidi Manitowabi Teaches us about 'The Circular Economy. The circular economy is a different way of looking at how we use materials and resources, with an emphasis on the 3R approach: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The Circular Economy moves beyond the linear approach to a more sustainable, longer-lasting, and higher-value system of use. In the circular economy, products are used in ways that maximize their lifecycle, while reducing waste. This can involve recycling, reusing, repairing, sharing, refurbishing, and more.

Indigenous History Month – Celebrating Indigenous Innovators throughout history

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.

An interview with OFNTSC Circuit Rider Trainer, Jack Brown.

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.

Why you need to extra careful when handling fuel!

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.

Embracing change. A message from Melanie Debassige

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.

NSTC FN Asset Management Project

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.