Searching for Indigenous Peoples

COVID-19 Response

• All offices are closed to in-person meetings and services; in-person legal education and outreach activities have been suspended
• For legal services in Simcoe County call 705-326-6444 or 1-800-461-8953 Mon-Fri 9 am-12 noon, 1 pm-5 pm
• For legal services in Haliburton, Lindsay and Minden call Lisa Loader at 1-800-461-8953 Ext. 42 or email lisa.loader@shkl.clcj.ca
• Offices in Haliburton, Lindsay and Minden are open by appointment only

Regular Service
Services include:

• Disability Issues
• Income Maintenance (Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program)
• Aboriginal Justice Outreach Program
• Worker's Compensation
• Housing
• Employment
• Human Rights
• Consumer Law
• Education
• Canada Pension Disability
• Services offered over the telephone and by appointment
• Guest speakers available for community and education purposes
• Notary Public
• Commissioner of Oaths (all lawyers are Commissioners of Oaths)
• Duty Counsel for the Landlord and Tenant Board
• Do not provide family law or criminal law services

COVID-19 Response

• Wasa-Nabin program is being held virtually
• Some components of the Wasa-Nabin program may not currently be available, for more information or support:
  • call 705-721-7689
  • email info@bnfc.ca or t.felbert@bnfc.ca
  • check Wasa-Nabin Facebook Group

Regular Service
Wasa-Nabin (Ojibway meaning 'To Look Ahead') Program is designed to provide comprehensive services to urban Aboriginal at-risk youth between the ages of 13-18 with the support, tools and healthy activities that will build upon and foster their inherent ability to make healthy lifestyle choices

Program components include:

• General Social Support
• You in Care
• Healthy Eating and Physical Development
• Education
• Justice Intervention
• Violence Prevention

COVID-19 Response

• Some components of the Akwe:go program may not currently be available, for more information or support:
  • call 705-721-7689, ext 213
  • email info@bnfc.ca or m.gerrard@bnfc.ca
  • check BNFC Family Team Facebook Group
• Center is currently open by appointment only
• safety restrictions are in place, view details on BNFC Facebook videos

Regular Service
Akwe:go (Mohawk meaning All of Us) Program is designed to provide comprehensive services to urban Aboriginal at-risk children between the ages of 7 - 12 with the support, tools and healthy activities that will build upon and foster their inherent ability to make healthy lifestyle choices

Program components include:

• after school support
• peer support circles and peer counselling
• access to recreational and sporting activities
• referral to to other community supports
• workshops on healthy eating habits
• tutoring and mentoring

COVID-19 Response

• Center is currently open by appointment only
• safety restrictions are in place, view details on BNFC Facebook videos
• some programs and workshops are still available online and can be accessed at BNFC Facebook page
• for more information or support call 705-721-7689 or email info@bnfc.ca or executivedirector@bnfc.ca

Regular Service
Meets the needs of families in the community through culturally based programs designed to bring parents and their children together

• develop and enhance healthy social skills, motor skills and cognitive development
• address the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being of individuals, families and communitie

COVID-19 Response

• Center is currently open by appointment only
• safety restrictions are in place, view details on BNFC Facebook videos
• some programs and workshops are still available online and can be accessed at BNFC Facebook page
• for more information or support call 705-721-7689 or email info@bnfc.ca or executivedirector@bnfc.ca

Regular Service
Assists Aboriginal families to provide the best opportunities for healthy development for children 0 - 6 years of age through education, family home visiting, service coordination and referrals

COVID-19 Response

• Soup Kitchen Meal on Fri not being held at this time
• Center is currently open by appointment only
• safety restrictions are in place, view details on BNFC Facebook videos
• some programs and workshops are still available online and can be accessed at BNFC Facebook page
• for more information or support call 705-721-7689 or email info@bnfc.ca or executivedirector@bnfc.ca

Regular Service
Food pantry program and soup kitchen

• food pantry program aimed at raising awareness for sustainable food security by identifying the gaps in existing services and increasing practical access to good healthy food
• soup kitchen and drop in every Friday

COVID-19 Response

• Center is currently open by appointment only
• safety restrictions are in place, view details on BNFC Facebook videos
• some programs and workshops are still available online and can be accessed at BNFC Facebook page
• for more information or support call 705-721-7689 or email info@bnfc.ca or executivedirector@bnfc.ca

Regular Service
Assists individuals charged with suitable low risk offenses in the Barrie Criminal Court by managing Aboriginal Diversions, offers:

• case management
• community referrals
• youth empowerment programs
• guidance to clients

COVID-19 Response

• Center is currently open by appointment only
• safety restrictions are in place, view details on BNFC Facebook videos
• some programs and workshops are still available online and can be accessed at BNFC Facebook page
• for more information or support call 705-721-7689 or email info@bnfc.ca or executivedirector@bnfc.ca

Regular Service
Meets the health needs of the community and individuals by:

• promotion, education and referral within the indigenous culture and mainstream resources
• working with other health services and agencies to deliver assistance and increase Indigenous representation and client access

COVID-19 Response

• Center is currently open by appointment only
• safety restrictions are in place, view details on BNFC Facebook videos
• some programs and workshops are still available online and can be accessed at BNFC Facebook page
• for more information or support call 705-721-7689 or email info@bnfc.ca or executivedirector@bnfc.ca

Regular Service
Supports the health and well being of Indigenous people, through fitness, nutrition and smoking cessation

COVID-19 Response

• Center is currently open by appointment only
• safety restrictions are in place, view details on BNFC Facebook videos
• some programs and workshops are still available online and can be accessed at BNFC Facebook page
• for more information or support call 705-721-7689 or email info@bnfc.ca or executivedirector@bnfc.ca

Regular Service
Provides opportunities for urban Indigenous people to improve their economic lives through culturally based services in an employment supportive environment

COVID-19 Response

• Center is currently open by appointment only
• safety restrictions are in place, view details on BNFC Facebook videos
• some programs and workshops are still available online and can be accessed at BNFC Facebook page
• for more information or support call 705-721-7689 or email info@bnfc.ca or executivedirector@bnfc.ca

Regular Service
Focuses on Indigenous men and male youth who are committed to ending violence against Indigenous women and girls

• promotes understanding and responsibilities of traditional roles to resolve trauma and encourage overall well being and community wellness
• includes 1:1 peer counselling and group activities

COVID-19 Response

• Center is currently open by appointment only
• safety restrictions are in place, view details on BNFC Facebook videos
• some programs and workshops are still available online and can be accessed at BNFC Facebook page
• for more information or support call 705-721-7689 or email info@bnfc.ca or executivedirector@bnfc.ca

Regular Service
Supports awareness of traditional teachings and cultural knowledge within the Friendship Centre

• Coordinator works with Elders and traditional knowledge keepers, with a strong focus to ensure the needs of children, youth and families are met
• provides culture supports and consultation to schools and outside agencies on Indigenous issues

COVID-19 Response

• Center is currently open by appointment only
• safety restrictions are in place, view details on BNFC Facebook videos
• some programs and workshops are still available online and can be accessed at BNFC Facebook page
• for more information or support call 705-721-7689 or email info@bnfc.ca or executivedirector@bnfc.ca

Regular Service
Provides Indigenous culturally based supports at Bail hearings

• assists in the selection of Urban Indigenous clients suitable for bail supervision
• supports for surety release

COVID-19 Response

• Center is currently open by appointment only
• safety restrictions are in place, view details on BNFC Facebook videos
• some programs and workshops are still available online and can be accessed at BNFC Facebook page
• for more information or support call 705-721-7689 or email info@bnfc.ca or executivedirector@bnfc.ca

Regular Service
Assist Indigenous people regardless of status, non-status, on/off reserve, that have come into contact with the criminal justice system to ensure that they receive the best available legal and justice related services throughout their court appearances

COVID-19 Response

• Center is currently open by appointment only
• safety restrictions are in place, view details on BNFC Facebook videos
• some programs and workshops are still available online and can be accessed at BNFC Facebook page
• for more information or support call 705-721-7689 or email info@bnfc.ca or executivedirector@bnfc.ca

Regular Service
Urban Aboriginal Community Centre that provides culturally appropriate programs and services to community members throughout all stages of the life cycle

• provides information and support on how to apply for 'Registered Indian Status Cards
• provides guest speakers who will discuss Aboriginal issues
• hosts a Pow Wow every year on the first weekend in June
• Programs Include:
  • Aboriginal Healthy Babies/Healthy Children Program
  • Aboriginal Family Support Program
  • Aboriginal Health Outreach Worker
  • Life Long Care Program
  • Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Program
  • Akwe:go Program
  • Wasa-Nabin Program
  • Hunger To Hope Program
  • Urban Aboriginal Healthy Living Program
  • Apatisiwin Employment and Training Counsellor
  • Indigenous Criminal Court Worker
  • Indigenous Bail Supervisor
  • Kizhaay Anisinaabe Niin (I'm a Kind Man) Program
  • Restorative Justice Coordinator
• Weekly Classes Include:
  • Ojibway Language Classes every Mon from 5:30 pm-7 pm (weather permitting), call Arlene McKenzie at 705-721-7689 Ext 216 to confirm
  • Bootcamp Classes every Mon from 5:15 pm-6 pm (weather permitting)
  • Cardio Classes every Tue from 5:15 pm-6 pm (weather permitting)
  • Okichitaw Barrie (Martial Arts) 6 pm-7 pm (weather permitting), call Amaru Mendez at 705-721-7689 Ext 204 to confirm

COVID-19 Update
Group is not running in-person meetings at this time, call for information and support

Regular Service
Support group to ensure a better home environment for participating families through positive community and family interaction in cultural, health and family events

• supports low to moderate income families
• run by volunteers

COVID-Update
Office is closed to in-person service, call for more information

Regular Service
Mandate is to provide, rent geared to income housing and low-end-of-market housing to First Nations people

Regional health and social planning group comprised of representation from Indigenous communities and organizations in Simcoe County and York Region:

• promote a wholistic approach to address common concerns of all member communities
• work in cooperation with communities in areas of concern where coordinated efforts are required to meet needs
• instill the importance of the Anishinaabe language, wisdom and knowledge in all their endeavours
• member of the North Simcoe Muskoka Community Support Services Coalition
• member of CT Link Community Transportation

Partners include:

• Barrie Native Friendship Centre
• Beausoleil First Nation
• Biminaawzogin Regional Aboriginal Women's Circle
• Chippewas of Rama First Nation
• Enaahtig Healing Lodge and Learning Centre
• Georgian Bay Metis Council
• Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre
• Georgian Bay Native Women's Association
• Georgina Island First Nation
• Orillia Native Women's Group
• Rising SUN Women's Support Group
• SUN Housing
• York Region Native Womens Association

Long Term Liaison Services include:

• Friendly visits; in-home visits, assisting with shopping needs and other daily living activities
• Safety and wellness checks through regular weekly telephone calls and/or home visits
• advocacy on health and related social issues
• makes referrals to appropriate service providers
• identifies educational opportunities for clients through workshops and seminars
• assist clients with non-insured health benefits, e.g. Ontario Disability Insurance Program

Aging@Home Transportation Services

• non-emergency transportation to medical appointments
• transportation to cultural activities/events, traditional healers
• offer standard wheelchair accessible rides, but are not equipped to provide bariatric wheelchair services
• transportation appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis

COVID-19 Response

• Offices are open Mon- Fr 8:30 am- 4:30 pm for pre-booked and screened appointments only
• Team members are available by telephone call back for support.
• Please call or email for more information

Regular Service
Interdisciplinary primary health care team

• Nurse Practitioner led clinic in a shared care model
• provide holistic care incorporating Indigenous concepts of health and well-being
• Traditional Healers, Registered Nurses, Registered Social Workers and a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist
• Services include:
  • family health care
  • Traditional healing coordination
  • Pre/post natal care
  • Immunizations
  • Sexual health education
  • Referral services to specialists
  • Diabetes management
  • Cancer screening
  • Chronic conditions support
  • Nutrition and health promotion
  • Foot care services
  • Counselling services
  • Provide presentations, workshops and traditional healing opportunities in the community, see website for details

Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin meaning: Everyone Helps

Culturally sensitive homemaking and assisted living care services for older adults with age related health conditions and/or disabilities who self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit

Homemaking Supports

• light housekeeping
• laundry
• sweeping/mopping and dusting
• personal hygiene care
• medication support
• meal preparation
• social visiting
• telephone reassurance

Transportation

• local trips to shopping centres/banking, in Barrie only

Dementia supports:

• education to increase awareness to support earlier identification and reduce stigma of Dementia
• increase community support services to Indigenous families managing Dementia

Program is a partnership between Helping Hands and Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle

Provides culturally sensitive homemaking and assisted living care services to older adults living in their homes in Midland, Wasaga Beach, and Collingwood, services include:

• light housekeeping
• laundry
• sweeping/mopping and dusting
• personal hygiene care
• medication support
• meal preparation

Program is a partnership between March of Dimes Canada and Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle

Programs and services include:

• support services (academic, career, personal, and social)
• Indigenous education programs
• liaison services between Georgian College staff and Indigenous communities, organizations and individuals
• information and resources on Indigenous culture and language to the Georgian College students and staff
• Niwijiagan Program (Peer Mentor Service)
• Visiting Elder Program (support, spiritual guidance, and cultural awareness to all students)
• Indigenous Resource Centre (cultural gathering place - drop in centre)
• cultural gatherings

Indigenous academic programs at the college include:

• Shki-Miikan (New Road)
• Indigenous Community and Social Development
• Anishnaabemowin and Program Development
• Maajii-Anishnaabemdaa

Indigenous Education Services also works with Indigenous communities to identify and initiate the development of new Indigenous programming and services and assists with local community-based training initiatives

Help indigenous patients with cancer access health care support and services at home

• co-ordinates traditional and non-traditional community resources and healing
• counselling and support before, during and after clinical appointments
• liaison/support between the care team, patients and families
• advocacy on behalf of patients
• assistance with care planning
• advocacy for end of life care focused on the individual's goals and wishes

If visiting the hospital:

• See Visitor Information
• See Parking and Transportation Information
• See COVID-19 Information

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of client groups

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention