TORONTO, ON – September 15, 2026 – Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) is proud to celebrate 40 years of serving the Toronto First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) community and invites the public to join in the celebration at its 29th Annual Community Pow Wow on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Dufferin Grove Park. 

As one of the largest urban FNIM multi-service agencies with a child protection mandate in Canada, NCFST has spent four decades supporting Indigenous children, youth, and families through culturally grounded services rooted in culture, community, connection, and care. 

Founded in 1986 through four days of ceremony led by FNIM Elders, Knowledge Carriers, and community leaders, NCFST was created in response to the lasting impacts of residential schools and imposed child welfare systems on Indigenous families. Today, the agency works alongside more than 250 FNIM communities to ensure children and families receive services guided by their Nations. 

The annual Community Pow Wow has become one of Toronto's most anticipated Indigenous cultural gatherings, bringing together families, Elders, dancers, drummers, singers, Knowledge Carriers, vendors, community partners, and supporters in celebration of culture, resilience, and belonging. This year's gathering will be especially meaningful as NCFST marks its 40th anniversary of serving the Toronto First Nations, Inuit and Métis community. The event will feature traditional dancing and drumming, cultural teachings, Indigenous vendors, food, and family activities, while creating opportunities to honour the agency's legacy and the many communities, partners, and supporters who have been part of its journey. NCFST gratefully acknowledges TD for its generous support of this year's Pow Wow celebration. 

"As we reflect on 40 years of service, we honour the vision and mission set forth by the strong matriarchs who served as our first board members, and our founder Kenn Richard. Their vision of providing culturally centered support, wellbeing and healing services to Indigenous community members in Toronto guides our work to this day. This year's community Pow Wow is grounded in gratitude to all community members and partners who have contributed to NCFST's growth and impact as we continue to walk a path of reconciliation, self-determination and boundless wellbeing for First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families living or staying in Toronto." 

Melissa Hamonic 
NCFST Director of Governance & Strategy, Leadership Council Chair  

"As someone who grew up within the child welfare system, I know firsthand the importance of ensuring Indigenous children and families have access to culture, ceremony, land and community. Culture was my safety net, it gave me a place of healing, belonging and connection to my identity as a Mushkego Cree woman. It is an honour to help guide cultural and healing programming. This work is deeply personal to me because I know the difference culture can make in the life of a child." 

Rosary Spence 
NCFST Supervisor, Cultural Services 
 

From the beginning, NCFST's work has been rooted in community, culture, and care. The agency provides integrated, culturally grounded services that support healing, wellness, and strong families while honouring FNIM values, extended family relationships, and the right to self-determination. NCFST works with over 250 FNIM communities to ensure children and families receive distinct and appropriate services guided by their Nations. 

As part of its 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, the agency continues to move forward together while celebrating 40 years of resilience, connection, and community-led care. 

Event Details 

29th Annual Community Pow Wow 
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026 
Time: 12PM to 5PM 
Location: Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin Street, Toronto ON 
Admission: Free and open to the public 

For more information, visit nativechild.org  

About Native Child and Family Services of Toronto 

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) is a multi-service agency founded by First Nations, Inuit and Métis community members living in Toronto to support the wellbeing of FNIM 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. 

Media Contact: 
Romina Oliverio 
Communications/PR and Events Specialist 
Phone: 416-301-9129 
Email: [email protected]