Mahmoh Wiichehitowin: Helping One Another, Together
The Cultural Services Department at Native Child and Family Services of Toronto plays a vital role in supporting the cultural identity, healing, and wellbeing of Indigenous children, youth, and families. Our team works to ensure that Indigenous culture, language, teachings, and ceremony remain central to the services we provide. Through culturally grounded programming, we create opportunities for community members to reconnect with their traditions, strengthen family bonds, and access culturally safe spaces for healing and learning.
Our work is guided by Elders, Knowledge Carriers, and traditional teachings, and is rooted in the understanding that culture is medicine. Cultural Services supports the agency by providing access to ceremonies, teachings, land-based experiences, and creative programming that reflects the diverse Indigenous Nations represented in Toronto's urban community.
Supporting Children, Youth, and Families
A key focus of the Cultural Services Department is ensuring that children and youth connected to Native Child and Family Services of Toronto have access to their culture. Through workshops, ceremonies, and cultural gatherings, we support children and caregivers in strengthening cultural identity and building relationships with community, Elders, and traditional knowledge holders.
Cultural Services Team
The Cultural Services Department is made up of a dedicated team of cultural workers, artists, facilitators, and community helpers who bring diverse knowledge, creativity, and lived experience to the work. Our team includes Knowledge Carriers, cultural facilitators, traditional artists, and program coordinators who lead workshops, ceremonies, and cultural gatherings throughout the year. Guided by the NCFST Elders Advisory Circle, the team works collaboratively to ensure that programming is delivered with respect for cultural protocols and community needs.
The Cultural Services team is committed to creating spaces where Indigenous children, youth, and families can feel welcomed, supported, and connected to their culture. At Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, culture is at the heart of healing. Through ceremony, teachings, and community gatherings, the Cultural Services Department works to ensure that Indigenous children, youth, and families remain connected to their identities, traditions, and the strength of their Nations.
Cultural Programming
The Cultural Services Department offers a wide range of programming throughout the year for children, youth, families, and community members. Programs are designed to strengthen cultural knowledge, build resilience, and support holistic wellness.
Our programming includes:
- Weekly Culture Nights featuring drumming, singing, teachings, and community gatherings
- Weekly community sweat lodge ceremonies
- Pipe ceremonies, rights-of-passage ceremonies, fasting camps, and various specialized ceremonies led by Elders, Healers, and Knowledge Carriers
- Traditional medicine teachings, including plant knowledge, tea making, and land-based learning
- Beading, regalia making, and traditional arts workshops
- Language-based activities and cultural teachings
- Healing sessions with Elders and traditional helpers
- Culture Days for Children and Youth in Care
- Seasonal culture camps and land-based learning experiences for families
These programs create meaningful opportunities for participants to learn traditional skills, connect with Elders, and build a strong sense of belonging within community.
Summer Camp 2026
Dates and details for summer camp sessions in 2026 can be seen on the Summer Camps page.