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$200,000 Ontario Government Grant via OTF Helped to Implement Poverty Reduction and Advocacy Program for Indigenous Community
Toronto, ON – On Friday, local MPP Andrea Hazell met with the team at Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) at the Scarborough Child and Family Life Centre (SCFLC) to hear more about the $200,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant it received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in the summer of 2022. The OTF grant was used to support the implementation of a new Poverty Reduction and Advocacy program for Indigenous community members.
“This grant has made an extraordinary and remarkable impact on the programs and facilities of Native Child and Family Services of Toronto by implementing the new innovative Poverty Reduction and Advocacy Program,” said Andrea Hazell, MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood. “The program has helped with the hiring of new staff and creating new workshops and programs in the areas of financial literacy, employment and skills training, mental health, and others through an indigenous holistic approach and in means of creating a brighter and healthier future for many more Scarborough families. Congratulations to the Native Child and Family Services of Toronto for receiving this much deserved grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation, and I am grateful for all the good work this grant will help accomplish!”
The project saw the development and implantation of a new and innovative Poverty Reduction and Advocacy Program as a long-term solution to address the needs of Indigenous community members experiencing poverty – needs that were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Using an Indigenous lens, the Poverty Reduction and Advocacy Program provides culture-based resources and financial supports for clients to achieve financial stability, addressing the barriers (i.e. financial literacy, lack of skills training, health, mental health, and underemployment, family/relationship breakdown, etc.) that impact experiences of poverty.
And to help the NCFST with this program, the OTF grant was used to help with staffing costs for a Poverty Reduction Case Manager, as well as for hosting workshops and sessions, and assisting with some administrative costs as well.
“Miigwetch to OTF for the funds they provided,” said Valerie Kerr, Supervisor, Family and Community Programs at SCFLC. “With the funding, we were able to provide financial literacy programs with an indigenous holistic approach, creating a brighter, healthier future where balance and prosperity go hand in hand.”
NCFST provides a diverse range of culturally centred services across all quadrants of the medicine wheel that support the wellbeing of Indigenous children and families living in or accessing services in Toronto and Peel region. Visit nativechild.org to learn more.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Randall Arsenault, Manager, Communications/PR and Events
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
416-969-8510 / [email protected]
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Hosts 27th Annual Community Pow Wow
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, ON – Monday, September 16, 2024 – Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) is excited to announce the 27th Annual Community Pow Wow, taking place on Saturday, September 28th, at Dufferin Grove Park. This vibrant annual community event will bring together nearly 2,000 people for a full day of Indigenous culture, dancing, drumming, singing, and more.
Attendees can explore an Indigenous artisan market, participate in children’s activities, and witness the special Commemorative Red Jingle Dress ceremony, which holds significant meaning in the community. The day will also include a feast open to everyone, celebrating unity and culture.
Join us in honoring Indigenous traditions and community spirit at this free, family-friendly event.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
- Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin Street, Toronto, M6H 3K8
About Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto is a multi-service urban Indigenous agency providing holistic, culture-based programs and services for Indigenous children and families in the Greater Toronto Area and Peel region. NCFST strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, healing, and self-determination for children and families in the Toronto urban Indigenous community. We do this by implementing a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Indigenous people, the extended family and the right to self-determination. To learn more about NCFST, please click here.
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Completes Clarendon Station Cabin Revitalization with help from Government of Canada Funding
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Toronto, ON] – Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) is proud to announce the completion of its On the Land Camps revitalization project using non-repayable Government of Canada contribution from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
In the summer of 2020, NCFST piloted the On the Land (OTL) program delivering land-based healing activities to urban Aboriginal families, to address the adverse health and wellness impacts of the pandemic. Building on the pilot’s successes, NCFST expanded on 20+ years of our annual summer camp programming to provide new, year-round OTL camps, creating valuable culture-based outdoor opportunities for Aboriginal children, youth, and their families to reclaim healthy spirits and rebuild healthy communities by reconnecting to culture and the land throughout all four seasons.
In 2021, NCFST purchased its own campground property in Eastern Ontario’s Clarendon Station, and began running the OTL camps in spring 2022. With the funding from FedDev Ontario, NCFST completed the revitalization of cabins at Clarendon Station by ensuring campgrounds are suitable for all seasons by insulating and modifying cabins and kitchen space for safe use and meeting Public Health/building codes. These changes will allow for NCFST to deliver year-round On the Land camps to Indigenous community members, with regard to winter safety.
“Investing in strong, cultural programming like the On the Land Camps created by Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST), ensures that youth and families have a space to come together. This project promotes physical activity while offering a space to connect with culture all year round. The Government of Canada is pleased to support projects that put people first and empower communities.” The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
“Investing in culturally relevant programs for Indigenous children, youth, and their families, is not just an investment in their future; it is a commitment to fostering resilience, connection, and holistic well-being. By embracing traditional knowledge and practices in outdoor education, we pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.” The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and Member of Parliament for Toronto–Centre
“The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario team was helpful and supportive, with straight-forward claim and reporting processes. This allowed us to focus on the project – getting contractors on board and scheduling the work within the funding timeframe.” Norman Clarke, Senior Manager, Real Estate and Procurement, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.
“Engagement with the Land across all seasons is vital to wellbeing for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. NCFST is honoured to be able to provide enhanced winter land-based programming to community members. We thank the Government of Canada for its generous support.” Melissa Hamonic, Director, Holistic Services, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.
The revitalization project enables NCFST to continue to foster a vibrant, welcoming and culturally responsive community space in a rural outdoor area that supports socially distanced outdoor activities to improve mental health, strengthen intergenerational bonds, decrease parent stress, reduce social isolation, increase physical exercise, increase cultural connectedness and build a sense of belonging.
About Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) is a multi-service urban Aboriginal agency providing holistic, culture-based programs and services for Aboriginal children and families. NCFST strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, healing, and self-determination for children and families in the Toronto urban Aboriginal community. We do this by implementing a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Aboriginal people, the extended family and the right to self-determination. To learn more about NCFST, please click here.
About FedDev Ontario
For 14 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Randall Arsenault
Manager, Communications, Public Relations, and Events
(416) 639-9039
[email protected]
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
[email protected]
We’re excited to release our second “Report Back to Community”.
Download the Report
One year ago, on Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) made a commitment to reform Indigenous child welfare services in the city of Toronto. Today, with gratitude and respect, we present our second “Report Back to Community.”
This year’s report highlights the wisdom gained, the progress achieved, and stories of transformation, all woven together in our shared pursuit of reducing the number of Indigenous children in care.
We extend our gratitude to our incredible community for their support and involvement. Your contributions fuel our efforts to heal, grow, and find a better path forward. Together, we can shape a future where every Indigenous child flourishes within their own community—a future that is grounded in respect, love, and belonging. 🌟
Our Commitment to the Safety and Wellbeing of 2SLGBTQ+ Children and Youth
In light of the recent country-wide protests, we want to take a moment to reaffirm our commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth.
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) has zero tolerance for any form of hateful or discriminatory acts targeting the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It is disheartening that in our province, some youth have found themselves entangled in the child welfare system due to the rejection they have faced from their caregivers regarding their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. We recognize that forcibly outing a child or youth can expose them to severe risks and potential harm. At NCFST, we hold the belief that every youth should have the opportunity to explore their identity in a nurturing and accepting environment. We are committed to amplifying the voices of our youth across Turtle Island and providing them with safe spaces in all our circles, where they can truly belong.
ALL youth, including our cherished 2SLGBTQ+ youth, possess an inherent right to respect, safety, and overall well-being. We remain committed in our dedication to nurturing a healthy community on Turtle Island that values diversity and actively protects the rights and well-being of every individual.
Join Us for our 26th Annual Community Pow Wow on Sept 30th!
26TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY POW WOW!
🔶 Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Dufferin Grove Park located at 875 Dufferin Ave. Toronto, ON🔶
- Sunrise Ceremony – 6 AM
- Grand Entry – 12 PM
- Retiring of Flags – 5 PM
KNOWLEDGE CARRIERS – Pat and Linda Green
EMCEE – Ian Akiwenzie
HOST DRUM – Dabezdaguzh
CO-HOST DRUM – All Nations Junior
TWO-SPIRIT HEAD DANCER – Michael Healy
HEAD DANCER – Ciara John
HEAD DANCER – Jay Lomax
YOUTH HEAD DANCER – Ashton St. Hill
YOUTH HEAD DANCER – Jada McGregor-Dickens
All Are Welcome!
🔹 DANCER REGISTRATION – Available Onsite on day of Pow Wow🔹
🔹 VENDOR APPLICATIONS – NOW CLOSED🔹
For more information, please contact [email protected]
✅ Supported by TD Ready Commitment