AWN’s financial assistance program for medical travel was established to ensure community members are able to access necessary medical appointments and focus on their health and wellbeing rather than financial challenges. The fund is not intended to assist with family emergencies, extraordinary circumstances, or travel beyond the scope of the program.
Download a copy of the medical travel funding application. Complete the application and submit it to the AWN office with a copy of your proof of appointment at least ten (10) days before the scheduled appointment.
Funding is awarded on a first come first serve basis until annual funding is exhausted. Community members may apply more than one time for medical travel financial assistance until the individual annual amount of $500 per year is exhausted. Hotel accommodation and taxi expenses must be pre-approved and will be paid according to submitted receipts. Financial assistance is available for community members who meet the below requirements as per AWN Policy 10.08:
Up to $2500 is available to help families cover the cost of funerals and related expenses after the passing of a community member.
*Payments for funeral expenses will be made directly to the funeral home
Funding is awarded on a first come first serve basis until annual funding is exhausted. Community members may apply more than one time for assistance with funeral expenses. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate they have exhausted all other means of financial support. Assistance with funeral expenses is available for community members who meet the below requirements as per AWN Policy 10.07:
Elders are the gatekeepers and safeguarders of wisdom, knowledge, language and history. We have the privilege of having them as role models and teachers. Many Aseniwuche Winewak Elders continue to practice cultural and traditional activities including beading, tanning hides and making traditional food. As representatives of some of the last remaining fluent Cree speakers in our community, Elders keep the Cree principle of nehiyawewin ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ, the Cree language, alive.
AWN’s Consultation, Land and Resources Department relies on the memories and knowledge of Elders to complete important identification work within the Aseniwuche Traditional Territory. Without them, we would not be able to protect culturally and historically significant places that are a part of the history of the Aseniwuche Winewak.
To support the Elder community, AWN developed the role of Elder Engagement Coordinator. The Elder Engagement Coordinator’s responsibility is to engage and assist Elders with English and Cree translation, paperwork, arranging appointments and staying connected with the community.
AWN’s Wood for Warmth program started in 2019. Almost three-quarters of AWN’s membership live in the Co-operatives and Enterprises. Residents rely on a wood stove as a heat source for the home. Winter temperatures in Grande Cache can fall as low as -40° C. Acess and availability of wood is essential for members to stay safe and warm.
During the winter months, AWN arranges truckloads of wood to the communities to help members who are unable to buck and split their own wood such as Elders, members living with disabilities and single-parent households. Wood is made until the annual budget allocated towards the program is exhausted.
The holidays are a wonderful time for many and AWN keeps things busy in December with an Elders Feast, Community Christmas Supper and a visit from Santa for AWN children.
Elders and Community Dinners are an opportunity to spend time together during the holidays. We tell stories, share well wishes and break bread no matter which community we are from. Santa makes an early visit before Christmas to surprise the children with a gift.
AWN’s Christmas gift program is for all members’ children ages 10 and under and is funded by generous contributions from Aseniwuche’s friends and partners in industry. Visit the Events & Announcements page for this year’s holiday programs.
The recipients of the AWN Community Awards are nominated annually by the general membership. There are four awards named in memory of exceptional community members who personified excellence in leadership, volunteerism, cultural preservation, and living a balanced lifestyle.
Nominations are collected in November and shared with the families of the individuals each respective award is named after. The families select who they feel is most deserving of the award each year. Recipients are announced in the New Year and have their name added to plaques displayed in the AWN Elders Room.
