Searching for Indigenous Peoples

Community Counselling

• intake, assessment, referral
• short-term individual, couple, family and group counselling
• professional counselling for a variety of issues including:
  • substance abuse, problem gambling, other addictions
  • anxiety, depression
  • grief/loss
  • anger/emotion management
  • personal stress, self-esteem
  • communication, couple/family conflict, extended family issues
  • separation/divorce, blended family issues
  • abuse/violence, sexual assault/abuse, trauma
  • job stress, workplace violence/conflict
  • school problems
  • balancing work and family life
  • caring for elderly parents

Service is offered in-person at various locations throughout Durham Region, or remotely by phone or video

Partner Assault Response (PAR) (see separate listing)

• mandated structured group program for men and women who have been found and/or pled guilty to domestic violence

Employee Assistance
Available for people whose employers contract with Family Services to provide employee assistance services and supports as part of their employee benefits program

• intake, assessment and referral
• counselling for employees and their family members
• critical incident counselling and support services
• organizational support and wellness seminars for employee groups

Adult Protective Services (see separate listing)

• assessment, information and referral
• service coordination and system navigation
• case management
• advocacy and supportive counseling for adults with a developmental disability

Member agency of Support Services Network for Male Survivors in Ontario (central region)

First Nations and Inuit Health Non-Insured Health Benefits Counselling

Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) counselling for children and youth who are victims of internet sexual exploitation and their immediate family

Retired or medically released Canadian Forces personnel and their families

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

Services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including:
Indigenous peoples, Older workers, Persons with disabilities, Persons on social assistance, Immigrants/newcomers, Francophones, Students, Youth and Women

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

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

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Satellite offices located in

• Roseneath -- 9059 County Road 45, Roseneath, Ontario K0K 2X0 (Alnwick Civic Centre). Hours of Operation: Wednesday 1pm to 4 pm
• Colborne -- 6 King Street, Colborne, Ontario K0K 1S0 (Cramahe Public Library). Hours of Operation: Thursday 1 pm-4 pm.

Aboriginal community

• economic development for the community through The Great Blue Heron Casino
• health programs and services, public works
• geographically the closest first nation to metropolitan Toronto

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

Services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including:
Indigenous peoples, Older workers, Persons with disabilities, Persons on social assistance, Immigrants/newcomers, Francophones, Students, Youth and Women

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

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

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Satellite offices located in

• Roseneath -- 9059 County Road 45, Roseneath, Ontario K0K 2X0 (Alnwick Civic Centre). Hours of Operation: Wednesday 1pm to 4 pm
• Colborne -- 6 King Street, Colborne, Ontario K0K 1S0 (Cramahe Public Library). Hours of Operation: Thursday 1 pm-4 pm.

Culturally-based programming with a focus on community capacity building, empowerment and self-determination

Children and Youth Programs

• licensed child care program with Aboriginal priority placement
• Waabanong Aboriginal Head Start Program -- early intervention program for children
• after school program
• social and recreational activities
• homework club, summer camp, girls group, confidence building groups
• youth drop in
• GED supports
• Aboriginal Youth Education and Skill Building Program (AYESBP)
• Indigenous EarlyON Centre
• youth outreach worker

Parent, Family and Community Programs

• financial advocacy program
• community culture nights - weekly
• senior's programs
• housing support
• community kitchen
• pre-natal/post-natal programs
• community crisis support
• Ode'l Min walk in clinic

Licensed child care centre

Assistance applying for social housing and rental supplements (when available)

• help resolving landlord/tenant disputes
• counselling, workshops and support groups of interest to Indigenous tenants
• information and referral to general services
• housing search
• advocacy assistance with landlords, workers and other agencies

Primary health care and health promotion programs and services to the black community across the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) as its priority population

Health centre focused on family and community health * health professionals assess and treat non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses * referrals to other local health services and personal development groups

Community-led health teams develop programs to improve the social supports and conditions that affect long-term health including diabetes education programs and sexual health clinics

Programs and services include:

• diabetes education program
• dietetic services
• counselling services
• foot care services
• Back 2 Life program
• Telemedicine
• COVID-19 Helpline, call 416-495-2593 or email covid-19en@taibuchc.ca

Services and Programs:

• Diabetes Education Programs
• Sexual Health Clinics

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

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Management and Administration of Hiawatha First Nation. Departments and services include:

• Finance
• Education
• Employment and Training
• Fire & Police Services
• Lands
• Housing
• Economic Development
• Core Consultation
• Public Works and Water Operations.
• Registration of vital statistics including births, deaths, marriages and transfer of band members.
• Health & Social Services
• Child Care Centre

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

Child and family services agency that delivers culturally appropriate services.

Services include:

• Works to reclaim the inherent right to protect and care for Indigenous children
• Ensures the safety and well-being of youth with culturally appropriate, community oriented and case specific services provided to families so they can begin to reconnect and rebuild their lives in order to restore the family unit
• Mental Health and Addiction services
• Accompanies Children's Aid Society workers to ensure cultural practices are respected
• First point of contact for families, children and youth in need of support
• Provides advocacy

Child and Family services for 8 First Nations:

Chippewas of Beausoleil First Nation (Simcoe County)

• Health and Social Services Building
• 11 O'Gemaa Miikaan

Chippewas of Georgina First Nation (York Region)

• Health and Social Services Building
• 144 Hello Road

Mississaugas of Hiawatha First Nation (Peterborough County)

• Health and Social Services Building
• 517 Hiawatha Line

Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation (Northumberland County)

• Health and Social Services Building
• 8467 County Road 18

Mississaugas of Scugog First Nation (Durham Region)

• Health and Social Services Building
• 22600 Island Road

Pottawatomi First Nation of Moose Deer Point (District of Muskoka)

• 3719 12 Mile A Road

Wahta Mohawks (Simcoe County)

• 2664 Muskoka Rd #38

Chippewas of Rama First Nation

• 5884 Rama Road, Suite 200

COVID-19 Response

• All offices are closed to in-person meetings and services; in-person legal education and outreach activities have been suspended
• Offices in Haliburton, Lindsay and Minden are open by appointment only
• No drop-in hours offered

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

For legal services in Simcoe County call 705-326-6444 or 1-800-461-8953

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

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

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including:
Indigenous peoples , Older workers, Persons with disabilities, Persons on social assistance, Immigrants/newcomers, Francophones, Students, Women, Youth

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

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Provides culturally appropriate early learning activities for Indigenous parents and children and assistance for Indigenous families facing difficult life circumstances. Aims to support healthy child development

Activities include:

• infant and child nutrition
• parenting workshops/circles
• play groups
• resource sharing
• cultural teachings

Provides culture-based holistic programs and services to improve the health outcomes of pregnant Indigenous mothers and their babies up to six months. Programs are designed to include father, extended family and women contemplating pregnancy. Supports the needs of pregnant women facing challenges that put their health and the health of their infants at risk.
Services include:

• Well Baby Clinics
• Prenatal health and lifestyle counselling
• Infant and childcare development education
• Breastfeeding education and support
• Nutritional counselling
• Drop-in supports
• Traditional/cultural celebrations
• Parenting classes

Offers activities and services to improve the quality of life of urban Indigenous children. The program focus is on enhancing the skills, knowledge, attitudes and values that will demonstrate positive personal choices and develop an awareness of the consequences of negative behaviours.
Activities include:

• One to one support
• Homework club, movie night, baking night etc.
• FASD - provide education/awareness to community and support for individuals and families
• Self-esteem and healthy relationships
• Cultural identity programming (i.e.. Berry fast teachings)

Self-development program for at-risk urban Indigenous youth.

• Promotes personal well-being, healthier lifestyles and personal success.
• One-on-one supports and group activities include goal-setting, leadership skills development, how to make healthy choices and improving interpersonal skills.

Activities include:

• Youth Justice - Street Wolf. Provide support and advocacy for youth in the justice system
• Homework Club
• Movie Nights, baking night, etc.

Offers a cultural space for individuals with mental health and addictions issues to find help to move towards a healthier lifestyle.

• Programs offer one-on-one supportive counselling and consultation regarding treatment options and culturally based services and support groups, including wholistic healing and participation in cultural activities

The Healthy Living program promotes and supports healthier lifestyles for urban Indigenous people.

• Creates opportunities for community members to learn about healthy lifestyles and participate in active living activities.
• Provides urban Indigenous community with hands-on experience through:
  • interactive workshops
  • healthy nutrition information
  • cooking classes
  • fitness training
  • smoking cessation support
  • sport and recreational activities
• Focuses on youth leadership by encouraging and supporting youth to be healthy living leaders in their community. Provides training, mentoring, and community event involvement

Healthy Kids Program: Offers child-focused programs that increase awareness of nutrition and access to physical activity for Indigenous children

• Increase awareness and provide education on healthy eating for children
• Increase access and availability to healthy foods for children/support healthy eating for families
• Increase recreation activities which incorporate traditional activities and increase children and youth physical activity levels

Program fosters improvements in the health and well being of Indigenous individuals, families and children. The focus is health promotion, illness prevention, and family violence prevention workshops.

• Provides client-based and participant-based services, including:
  • supportive counselling
  • access to services related to reducing family violence
  • advocacy
  • crisis intervention
  • referrals
• Health promotion workshops, community events, sharing circles, drumming, and access to traditional ceremonies

Program is designed to engage Aboriginal men and male youth in ending all forms of violence towards Aboriginal women.

• Empowers participants to be positive male role models in their families and communities
• Sharing / Support circles
• Group based programming
• One-on-one support / peer counselling
• Cultural events and activities
• Access to Elders and traditional knowledge holders
• Advocacy and assistance with accessing services
• Crisis Intervention / Safety Planning
• Support to men and male youth involved with the justice system (pre-charge or court-ordered intervention and diversion programming

Assists Indigenous individuals to better understand their rights, options and responsibilities when appearing before the court.

• Guidance on court documentation
• Supports in both criminal and family courts
• Support for couples who are separating
• Support for parents involved in child welfare matters

Provides support and services for gender and sexually diverse people- Two Spirit and LGTBQ+ individuals of the community of Peterborough

• Utilizes existing Indigenous community capacity to support self-defined youth and adults from a culture-based framework
• Integrates Indigenous cultural approaches to the planning and delivery of project programs
• Provides one to one peer support and participant-based services
• Promotes awareness, coordinates relevant project activities for Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGTBQ+ young people

The Apatisiwin Employment and Training program provides community-based and one-to-one supports and resources and can assist urban Indigenous individuals to access a range of training, education and skills development opportunities.

Program Coordinator seeks to:

• Assist in the development of labour force skills to improve employability of urban Indigenous people
• Develop employment opportunities for direct-service users
• Support direct-service users to stay in school, return to school and transition along the education and employment continuum

Offers:

• Stay in School program
• Assistance with résumés, cover letters, job search, practicing for interviews, on-the-job training

Supports Employment Insurance recipients, unemployed, underemployed and youth.