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February 2024

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]

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September 2023

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. 🌟

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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.

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August 2023

Native Child & Family Services of Toronto Recognition of OTF Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                     

TORONTO, ON – On Thursday, local MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam met with Native Child and Family Services of Toronto to recognize funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, a $663,200 GROW grant and $100,100 Resilient Communities Fund grant. The grants have allowed for the second and final year of Native Child and Family Services of Toronto’s After Hours Mental Health and Crisis Support Telephone Service (After Hours Help Line) to run as a safe response to meet urgent community needs through immediate telephone access.

“I am immensely proud to congratulate Native Child and Family Services of Toronto on their funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The After Hours Mental Health and Crisis Support Telephone Service has emerged as a lifeline for residents facing urgent mental health challenges. The invaluable support provided through immediate telephone access, a full Outreach Worker, and Case Manage has undoubtedly impacted the lives of countless Indigenous youth and families. I applaud the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their astute vision in recognizing the importance of this initiative and providing support,” said MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam.

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto continues to support the community members with their full suite of in-house social services, including access to Indigenous healing, housing support, a wide array of mental health and addictions services, family/domestic/intimate partner violence support programs, and anti-human trafficking programs.

Three years of funding provided by the OTF GROW grant has allowed for Native Child and Family Services of Toronto’s Bekaadendang (Being Peaceful) Program to scale up the prevention component of our culturally-informed anti-human trafficking model to strengthen urban Indigenous youths’ social and emotional skills to prevent human trafficking.

The grant allowed for the hiring of a full time Outreach Worker, a full-time Case Manager and training peer mentors, an Elder, and a person with lived experience to deliver skills-building workshops to high-risk Aboriginal youth in Toronto. The workshops enhanced the participants’ resilience by equipping them with the skills and tools to make informed decisions. The Outreach Worker grew the program’s capacity-building efforts by offering trainings to community partners and schools, reaching additional Indigenous youth across Toronto.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

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For more information contact:

Freida Gladue
Manager of Communications
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
437-244-2816
[email protected]

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Recognition

WHAT

On Thursday, August 3rd at 1:00 PM, local MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam Will be at NATIVE CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES OF TORONTO (NCFST) for a recognition of Ontario Trillium Foundations support towards NCFST’s Crisis Support Telephone Service and Bekaadendang (Being Peaceful) Program for Toronto’s Indigenous community members.

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam and an Ontario Trillium Foundation volunteer, will attend the event to mark the work done as a result of receiving a grant from the Foundation.

Melissa Hamonic, Director of Holistic Healing, will be talking about these programs and their impacts on community.

WHO

  • Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP for TORONTO CENTRE
  • Ontario Trillium Foundation volunteer
  • Melissa Hamonic, Director of Holistic Healing, NATIVE CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES OF TORONTO
  • Freida Gladue, Emcee, NATIVE CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES OF TORONTO

WHEN

Thursday, August 3rd at 1:00 PM

WHERE

Native Child and Family Service of Toronto, 30 College Street Toronto, ON

Photo and Interview opportunities available

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For more information, please contact:

Freida Gladue, Manager of Communications
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
437-244-2816
[email protected]

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June 2023

NCFST Announces our 2022 – 2023 Annual Report

We are delighted to announce the release of our 2022-2023 Annual Report. We extend our appreciation and gratitude to our valued partners, funders, and community members for their support throughout a year marked by growth, and transformation. We invite you to view the highlights and progress our Agency achieved during these uncertain times.

In addition to the Annual Report, we are pleased to share our Audited Financial Statements for the fiscal year 2022-2023 along with two videos from our Annual General Meeting on June 29th, 2023.

Miigwetch for your continued interest and dedication to Native Child and Family Services of Toronto. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our community members.

This year’s Annual Report and Financial Statements, as well as previous years, are also available on our Policies and Publications page.

An opening song with singers Isaiah and Jordan on the big drum.

Greetings with Executive Director, Micheal Miller from Association of Native Child and Family Services Agencies of Ontario (ANCFSAO).

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May 2023

Join us for our Virtual Annual General Meeting on June 29th, 2023

Aaniin – Boozhoo – Kwey Kwey – Tansi – Hello

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto cordially invites staff, community members, funders, partners and all our friends to register and join us in our Virtual Annual General Meeting on June 29th from 6pm to 9pm.

To receive your link please register here

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

For questions or concerns, please email: [email protected]

Miigwetch – Nia:wen – Marsee – Kinanâskomitin – Nakurmiik – Thank you!

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Native Child and Family Services of Toronto is Seeking Board Members

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) is the largest urban Indigenous multi-service agency with a child protection mandate in Canada. We have been providing holistic, culture-based prevention and child and family well-being services to the Indigenous community in the Greater Toronto Area for over three decades.

Our circle includes over 350 staff who deliver over 140 programs across 20 locations serving 8,000 individuals annually. The agency was developed by community for community to address the intergenerational legacy of residential schooling and mainstream child welfare.  NCFST works with communities, partner agencies, Indigenous governing bodies, and governments to develop and deliver services and promote safety, health, wellness and prosperity for Aboriginal children, youth, and families across Toronto and Peel regions.

It is a particularly interesting time to join the Board of Directors at NCFST. Indigenous people represent the youngest, fastest growing, and most diverse population in Canada. Ontario’s process of child welfare modernization, the federal transformation of Aboriginal child welfare through Bill C-92, and the push by all governments and major institutions to address systemic racism create a dynamic context for the growth and innovation ahead. We are also entering an exciting time in our agency as we are in the process of transitioning from a colonial model of leadership with an Executive Director, towards an Indigenous model of governance in the form of a leadership council. We are actively developing this new model and will begin implementation in early 2024.

For individuals who are invested in the wellbeing of Indigenous children in Toronto and Peel, this is an opportunity to get involved in an innovative and multifaceted organization that has accepted a sacred responsibility for the next generation.

We are currently seeking self-identified Indigenous individuals to sit on our Board of Directors. New members will stand to be voted in at our Annual General Meeting on June 29th, 2023, and are expected to serve a minimum of a one-year term, though we encourage Directors to serve for multiple years.  Board members are required to attend monthly board meetings (minimum of nine (9) total in the year), and to join and participate in one of our board committees (active committees include Executive, Governance, Finance, and Indigenous Spirit Fund). Board members may be required to contribute to strategic planning and related governance activities.

For current board vacancies we are interested in candidates with one or more of the below qualifications and/or lived experiences:

  • Five (5) years or more experience serving on non-profit boards.
  • Strong connections to the Indigenous community in Toronto and/or Peel
  • Knowledge of Indigenous culture, ceremony, and systems of traditional governance
  • Demonstrated history of success with philanthropy and securing private donations
  • CPA designation
  • LLB designation

Prospective candidates must either live or work in the City of Toronto or Peel Region.

Qualified individuals are invited to submit a letter of interest along with a current resume to [email protected]. 

We will be accepting nominations until positions are filled.

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April 2023

NCFST Announces Family-Based Home for Human Trafficking Survivors and At-Risk Youth

April 17, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Toronto, ON] –  Native Child and Family Services of Toronto is seeking a dedicated individual to serve as a full-time live-in community caregiver in our family-based home. The ideal candidate will have experience working with at-risk Indigenous youth and survivors of human trafficking. The community caregiver will be committed to providing a safe and supportive environment to young people.

This home will provide a safe and supportive environment for young persons who have experienced trauma and need wraparound support.

“A family-based home that provides culturally grounded wellness and healing is what our vulnerable youth need that are at risk of or survivors of human trafficking.” said Jennifer Turner, Director of Child and Family Wellbeing. “They must have access to security, nurturing and a culturally safe space to begin healing from the trauma they have experienced.  NCFST is pleased to have the opportunity to develop this home for them.”

“Family based care is Indigenous care. We are honoured to provide culturally grounded, trauma-informed support to youth as they stabilize and heal from human trafficking, trauma, and the ongoing impacts of colonization in ways that are aligned with our culture and wellness practices.” said Melissa Hamonic, Director of Holistic Services at NCFST.”

In this home, Indigenous youth receive, wholistic support around the clock from a trained and dedicated live-in community caregiver. These caregivers maintain a safe and supportive home while acting as role models, assisting youth with life skill building as they work towards self-sufficiency and independence.

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto believes that family-based homes are a better option than other types of residential placements, such as group homes or institutions. Community homes provide a more intimate and personalized environment. With a low resident-to-caregiver ratio, caregivers and support workers can respond to the individual needs of youth – their emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs. Additionally, family-based homes are often located in residential neighborhoods, providing youth with a more natural and integrated living experience.

If you are interested in becoming a community caregiver, please visit our website for more information and to express your interest.

Email: [email protected]

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.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Freida Gladue
Manager of Communications
(437) 244-2816

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NCFST Announces the Agency’s 2023 – 2028 Strategic Plan

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto is pleased to announce the release of the Agency’s 2023 – 2028 Strategic Plan. This plan was co-developed with community and will guide our work over the next five years.  Miigwetch to our community members and staff at NCFST for their guidance and providing a solid direction for the Agency to remain Child Centered, Family Focused, and Community Driven.

Download the Strategic Plan

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