Searching for Indigenous Peoples

COVID-19 (18 Nov 2021): Due to COVID19, programming is on hold but shelter remains in operation.

21-bed Aboriginal specific shelter

• provides a safe and supportive environment
• 24-hour residential support
• advocacy
• individual and group counselling
• community/transitional support
• housing support
• referrals
• legal advocacy and support
• cultural and spiritual programs

COVID19 (18 Oct 2021): Call, send an email or visit the website

Native women's association founded on the collective goal to enhance, promote, and foster the social, economic, cultural and political well-being of First Nations and Métis women within First Nation, Métis and Canadian societies

Aggregate of twelve Native women's organizations in Canada

Network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs)

• dedicated to stimulating economic growth for Canada's Aboriginal peoples by promoting and underwriting Aboriginal business development

AFIs provide business financing support to Aboriginal businesses, which can include:

• business loans
• financial consulting services
• aftercare
• start-up support

Advocacy group protection and promotion of

• Inuit culture and language
• health policy environmental protection and the conservation of the land's resources
• the quality and nutrition of traditional foods in the Arctic and
• wildlife resources National Inuit Youth Council

The National Inuit Youth Council (NIYC) :

• Represents the interests of Inuit youth in Canada
• in partnership with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Council works to open communications between the regions and improve the lives of Inuit youth in Canada
• visit their website at www.niyc.ca

COVID-19 (21 Apr 2020): Staff is delivering services remotely. Métis who are in need of help accessing supports are urged to contact the MNO toll free at 1-800-263-4889 or email covidhelp@metisnation.org.

Access to community support

• transportation to medical appointments
• indigenous support
• referrals to counselling agencies
• security check/reassurance calls
• advocacy

COVID-19 (21 Apr 2020): Staff is delivering services remotely. Métis who are in need of help accessing supports are urged to contact the MNO toll free at 1-800-263-4889 or email covidhelp@metisnation.org.

Employment and training supports as well as educational assistance for Métis people

• job search support
• resume assistance
• training purchase
• wage subsidies
• self-employment
• bursaries
• internships
• summer career placements

COVID-19 (21 Apr 2020): Staff is delivering services remotely. Métis who are in need of help accessing supports are urged to contact the MNO toll free at 1-800-263-4889 or email covidhelp@metisnation.org.

Peer support groups, education, and training for family members, service providers, and caregivers

• sessions may include information such as advanced directives and safety issues

COVID-19 (21 Apr 2020): Staff is delivering services remotely. Métis who are in need of help accessing supports are urged to contact the MNO toll free at 1-800-263-4889 or email covidhelp@metisnation.org.

Regular friendly visiting and security checks to the chronically ill, frail and elderly

COVID-19 (21 Apr 2020): Staff is delivering services remotely. Métis who are in need of help accessing supports are urged to contact the MNO toll free at 1-800-263-4889 or email covidhelp@metisnation.org.

Culturally relevant victim services

• advocacy
• access to cultural supports and community groups and circles to support healing
• referrals to relevant community agencies and programs, and to psychiatrists
• development of a safety plan
• information on local shelters or safe housing options
• assistance with housing applications
• information and assistance regarding court processes and orientation, including the creation and delivery of Victim Impact Statements
• short-term peer support
• workshops on topics such as navigating victim services, identifying warning signs of abuse, court processes, child witnessing, etc

COVID-19 (9 December 2021): Staff is delivering services remotely. Métis who are in need of help accessing supports are urged to contact the MNO toll free at 1-800-263-4889 or email covidhelp@metisnation.org for COVID-19 support programs

Support and development of self-government institutions of Métis people

• healing and wellness
• education
• labour market development
• housing
• Duty to Consult and Accommodate
• community relations
• traditional knowledge
• intergovernmental relations
• economic development
• finance
• communications
• human resources
• information technology

Community based programs and services

• coordinates services to 31 Métis Communities in Ontario
• support services are client-driven, family centered and provide holistic care

Programs:

• healthy parenting
• early childhood development
• chronic disease management
• healthy aging
• independent living
• prevention of addictions
• problem gambling
• mental wellness
• education supports

Video conferencing suites are available on-site and use Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) to provide psychiatry and other health care specialists with a remote connection to patients and clients.

The Métis Nation of Ontario maintains the only recognized provincial census of Métis people. It identifies and registers Métis citizens and harvesters who are eligible rights holders in the province of Ontario.
Citizenship applications are assessed by an independent registrar who approves citizenship for those applicants who meet the criteria set out in the National Definition for Métis.

Support program

• provides direct services to victims of crime across Ontario and funds community organizations that deliver support services to victims

Free access to a same-day or next-day phone or video counselling session concerning:

• sleep issues
• anxiety and depression
• bullying
• behavioural issues
• separation
• relationships
• grief and loss
• drugs and alcohol
• gender and sexuality
• adjusting to life in Canada
• problem gambling
• isolation and loneliness

Services include:

• Adult Mental Health Brief Counselling Intervention
• Adult Addiction Brief Counselling Intervention
• Youth and Young Adult Mental Health Brief Counselling Intervention
• Children & Families Brief Counselling Intervention
• Youth and Young Adult Addiction Brief Counselling Intervention
• Indigenous Counselling Service

Government of Canada's agency responsible for funding health research in Canada

Consists of 13 virtual institutes that bring together all partners in the research process - the people who fund research, those who carry it out and those who use its results - to share ideas and focus on what Canadians need: good health and the means to prevent disease and fight it when it happens

Details and contact information for each institute is available through the website under Institutes;

• Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health
• Institute of Aging
• Institute of Cancer Research
• Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health
• Institute of Gender and Health
• Institute of Genetics
• Institute of Health Services and Policy Research
• Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health
• Institute of Infection and Immunity
• Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis
• Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction
• Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes
• Institute of Population and Public Health

Online Friendship Centre and platform for sharing stories about Indigenous experiences * includes information on services, transition support, and healthy living resources for Indigenous people living in urban areas

Organization representing the 125 Friendship Centres across Canada

• a list of centres is available on the website

COVID19 (4 Jun 2020): Red Cross is helping supporting communities through COVID19. See website for in-depth details.

Various programs such as:

• Disaster Management: assists clients after a disaster * emergency preparedness materials
• First Aid Training: certified and non-certified First Aid and CPR courses
• works with Indigenous communities in the promotion of safe environments and risk reduction
• supports individuals and communities affected by disasters and other emergencies

Affordable housing apartment building

• smoke free
• 28 units for people of Aboriginal ancestry (First Nations, Inuit and Metis) - through sister company Madawan Management & Development Inc
• 162 rental units that are geared to income
• 11 unit building for independent seniors only

Supports Aboriginal students classroom, career, and personal needs with their culture and values in mind

• provides culturally sensitive and welcoming climate
• academic guidance and counselling
• peer help support, tutor referral service, service referrals
• information on local indigenous services, programs, social and cultural events
• employment services
• aboriginal legal referral services
• mentoring for indigenous students
• computer lab and use of a fax machine, telephone and printer
• visiting elders program
• organizes occasional student luncheons
• arranges for guest speakers and aids students organizes social and cultural activities

COVID-19 (30 April 2020): Offices across Ontario are closed and all programming suspended until further notice. Staff will continue to work remotely. Community members are encouraged to check the social media pages for updates, and health and safety tips.

This information is regularly updated on their Facebook page.

Support services for families in crisis and aid in creating safe and supportive means of living through support of culturally safe systems through:

• crisis management services
• traditional supports
• systems navigation
• advocacy support
• holistic teachings
• partnerships with other service providers

Program re-connecting Indigenous women to culturally grounded supports, addressing contributing factors to their involvement in the criminal justice system, help telling their story, recommending alternatives to incarceration for the Court's consideration where appropriate

• Gladue Reports
• Gladue aftercare supports, including referral to culturally appropriate services
• Dedicated Gladue Researcher/Policy Analyst

Gladue Reports are completed where the Crown is seeking a custodial sentence of at least 90 days for an out-of-custody client or three additional months for a client who is in-custody. Following a guilty plea or a finding of guilt, a letter will be prepared where the Crown is seeking 90 days or less of a custodial sentence. A brief letter identifying the Gladue factors and circumstances of the individual can also be prepared for the consideration of a bail hearing.

Home visiting services that offers education and support with:

• breastfeeding
• pre and post-natal
• nutrition
• growth and development
• fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)/foetal alcohol effects (FAE)
• parenting
• bonding
• building self-esteem
• health and safety
• cultural teaching
• promotion of healthy living and healthy relationships

Platform for Indigenous youth

• explore and execute ideas
• gain access to small grants of up to $5,000
• have opportunities to receive or take on mentorship roles
• participate in skills training
• expand networks by connecting with other youth, partners, and funders

College program based in Ottawa

• for Inuit youth from Nunavut who want to prepare for the educational, training, and career opportunities that are being created by the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA) and the new Government of Nunavut