Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Celebrates 40th Anniversary
In 2026, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST), the largest urban First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) multi-service agency with a child protection mandate in Canada, proudly celebrates 40 years of serving the Toronto FNIM Community.
Founded in 1986 through four days of ceremony led by FNIM Elders, Knowledge Carriers, and community leaders, NCFST was created in response to the impacts of residential schools and imposed child welfare systems on FNIM families. Today, we work alongside more than 250 FNIM communities to ensure children and families receive services guided by their Nations.
From the beginning, our work has been rooted in community, culture, and care. NCFST provides integrated, culturally grounded services that support healing, wellness, and strong families honouring FNIM values, extended family, and the right to self-determination.
As part of our journey, NCFST has embraced a governance model grounded in traditional teachings and shared decision-making. Guided by Elders, Knowledge Carriers, community voices, and the Seven Sacred Teachings, we move forward together – celebrating 40 years of resilience, connection, and community-led care.
"We are thankful to all who have supported, guided, and believed in this work – together, we carry this legacy forward."
Guided by the enduring wisdom of the Seven Sacred Teachings, we remain committed to service excellence.
Our Shared Values
The Seven Sacred Teachings
Zaag'idwin (Love)
The Eagle flies closest to the Creator, carrying all the teachings upon its wings. From its high vantage point, the Eagle reminds us that love connects us to all teachings and all of creation. It teaches us to see the world with peace and understanding, and to approach every interaction with unconditional love for ourselves and others.
We approach conversations, each other, and community from a place of compassionate inquiry, kindness and care.
Aakdewin (Bravery)
The Bear calls us to honour all of creation. The Bear gives its entire being to sustain human life. It teaches us that respect is mutual and reciprocal. To receive respect, we must also give it. The Bear's selflessness shows us how to live in harmony with all of creation.
With the Bear, we hold space for a diversity of experiences and perspectives. We honour the teachings of this territory shared with us through Elders, Knowledge Carriers, animals and the Land. We practice them in all aspects of who we are.
Minaadendamowin (Respect)
The Buffalo guides us to live with courage and integrity, facing ourselves and making difficult but necessary decisions. It reminds us to trust our inner guidance and ancestral wisdom, stand up for our beliefs, and act rightly, even against colonial pressures.
In doing so, we honour shared decision-making and Indigenous governance, even when it is not recognized by colonial systems.
Debwewin (Truth)
The Turtle teaches us to live with care and intention, showing that truth is in how we move through life. Its deliberate pace reminds us to value the journey, fostering patience, humility, and thoughtful action.
By walking in relationship with our communities, we honour kinship, acknowledge the harms of inherited systems, and commit to restoring Indigenous ways in our words and deeds.
Gwayakwaadiziwin (Honesty)
Honesty is living our values with integrity—speaking truth, listening with humility, and taking accountability for our place in the world. The Sabe reminds us to walk tall in truth; integrity flows from honesty, guiding us with respect, humility, and care for all of creation.
We tell the truth, even if it is uncomfortable. We listen to those telling us their truths with open and humble hearts. We are accountable for how the systems we have inherited work today.
Dabaadendiziwin (Humility)
The wolf lives for the pack rather than for the individual. Its wisdom reminds us that every being is a sacred and integral part of creation. It teaches us to understand our place in the world while honouring our inter-dependence with all things. Its devotion to the pack shows how balance and cooperation strengthen both ourselves and the communities we are part of.
Guided by the Wolf, we honour our roles in the lives of others, act with care, and speak thoughtfully. We acknowledge what we know, and what we don't, and face mistakes with humility, kindness, and respect.
Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom)
The Beaver teaches us to use our gifts wisely for the benefit of all. Like the beaver building lodges in harmony with the land, we act with foresight and care for future generations. Wisdom is applied knowledge, shared and strengthened in the circle through humility and collaboration.
The Beaver reminds us to live sustainably, nurture the world, and honour the gifts each brings, walking in balance with responsibility to all of creation.