Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) is a multi-service agency founded by First Nations and Métis community members living in Toronto to support the wellbeing of Indigenous children and families living or staying in Toronto region.  Guided by the vision of providing culturally connected, land-based holistic services, and child & family wellbeing support to Section 35 rights holders living or staying in the urban setting of Toronto, our programming offers support across all quadrants of the medicine wheel, focused on strengthening and empowering families through all stages of life. 
We work with over 250 First Nations, Inuit and recognized Métis communities to ensure children and families receive distinct and appropriate services guided by their Nations. 

Mission Statement

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Native Community. We do this by creating a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Native people, the extended family and the right to self-determination.

Service Model

Founded in 1986, our service model was developed through four days of ceremony by Aboriginal Elders, knowledge keepers and community leaders. It directs us to develop a holistic and sustainable multi-service organization to support the quality of life of Aboriginal children and their families in Toronto.  The community that came together to create NCFST was responding to the impacts of residential schooling and a European model of child welfare on Aboriginal children and families.  Our service model directs us to develop and deliver integrated services for healing, wellness, and family supports sufficient to provide Aboriginal children and their families with multiple pathways to a quality life.  We do this by developing programs and services that are grounded in Aboriginal values, knowledge, best practice and worldview.

Governance 

NCFST supports a diverse range of First Nations, Inuit and recognized Métis communities and is working to ensure our leadership and staff reflect this. 
In 2022, we made the decision to divest from a hierarchical leadership model toward a governance model better aligned with the traditional governance structures of this territory. Throughout 2023 and 2024 we undertook this transformative work, supported by Knowledge Carriers, Elders, community feedback and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, led by Dr. David Newhouse; and guided by our ancestors and the intentions of the founding board members. Now, in 2025 we are grateful to be working as a Governance Council, practicing shared decision making guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings.  The Governance Council comprises Kookum Alita Sauve, Melissa Hamonic, Jennifer Turner, Jessica Wilson, and Veronika Bencze. The Council works in close and ongoing collaboration with Knowledge Carriers Freida Gladue, Rosary Spence, Vivian Roy, and David Bolton; along with the newly organized Elder’s Advisory Council comprising acknowledged and recognized Elders from diverse Nations.