About Us
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) is a multi-service agency founded by Indigenous community members living in Toronto to support the wellbeing of Indigenous 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.
We work with over 250 Indigenous communities to ensure children and families receive distinct and appropriate services guided by their Nations.
Mission Statement
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Indigenous Community. We do this by creating a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Indigenous people, the extended family and the right to self-determination.
Service Model
Founded in 1986, our service model was developed through four days of ceremony by Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers and community leaders. It directs us to develop a holistic and sustainable multi-service organization to support the quality of life of Indigenous children and their families in Toronto. The community that came together to create NCFST was responding to the impacts of residential schooling and a European model of child welfare on Indigenous children and families. Our service model directs us to develop and deliver integrated services for healing, wellness, and family supports sufficient to provide Indigenous children and their families with multiple pathways to a quality life. We do this by developing programs and services that are grounded in Indigenous values, knowledge, best practice and worldview.
Governance
NCFST supports a diverse range of Indigenous communities and is working to ensure our leadership and staff reflect this. In 2022, we made the decision to divest from a hierarchical leadership model toward a governance model better aligned with the traditional governance structures of this territory. Throughout 2023 and 2024 we undertook this transformative work, supported by Knowledge Carriers, Elders, community feedback and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, led by Dr. David Newhouse; and guided by our ancestors and the intentions of the founding board members. Today, we are grateful to be working as a Governance Council, practicing shared decision making guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings. The Governance Council comprises Melissa Hamonic, Jennifer Turner, Jessica Wilson, and Veronika Bencze. The Council works in close and ongoing collaboration with Knowledge Carriers Rosary Spence and David Bolton; along with the newly organized Elder's Advisory Council comprising acknowledged and recognized Elders from diverse Nations.
7 Grandfather Teachings
Rooted in the Seven Grandfather Teachings of Honesty, Humility, Love, Bravery, Wisdom, Truth, and Respect, we are guided in our commitment to service excellence and accountability to community.
Our Shared Values
The Seven Grandfather Teachings
Zaag'idwin (Love)
The Eagle flies closest to the Creator, carrying all the teachings upon its wings. From its high vantage point, the Eagle reminds us that love connects us to all teachings and all of creation. It teaches us to see the world with peace and understanding, and to approach every interaction with unconditional love for ourselves and others.
We approach conversations, each other, and community from a place of compassionate inquiry, kindness and care.
Aakdewin (Bravery)
The Bear calls us to honour all of creation. The Bear gives its entire being to sustain human life. It teaches us that respect is mutual and reciprocal. To receive respect, we must also give it. The Bear's selflessness shows us how to live in harmony with all of creation.
With the Bear, we hold space for a diversity of experiences and perspectives. We honour the teachings of this territory shared with us through Elders, Knowledge Carriers, animals and the Land. We practice them in all aspects of who we are.
Minaadendamowin (Respect)
The Buffalo guides us to live with courage and integrity, facing ourselves and making difficult but necessary decisions. It reminds us to trust our inner guidance and ancestral wisdom, stand up for our beliefs, and act rightly, even against colonial pressures.
In doing so, we honour shared decision-making and Indigenous governance, even when it is not recognized by colonial systems.
Debwewin (Truth)
The Turtle teaches us to live with care and intention, showing that truth is in how we move through life. Its deliberate pace reminds us to value the journey, fostering patience, humility, and thoughtful action.
By walking in relationship with our communities, we honour kinship, acknowledge the harms of inherited systems, and commit to restoring Indigenous ways in our words and deeds.
Gwayakwaadiziwin (Honesty)
Honesty is living our values with integrity—speaking truth, listening with humility, and taking accountability for our place in the world. The Sabe reminds us to walk tall in truth; integrity flows from honesty, guiding us with respect, humility, and care for all of creation.
We tell the truth, even if it is uncomfortable. We listen to those telling us their truths with open and humble hearts. We are accountable for how the systems we have inherited work today.
Dabaadendiziwin (Humility)
The wolf lives for the pack rather than for the individual. Its wisdom reminds us that every being is a sacred and integral part of creation. It teaches us to understand our place in the world while honouring our inter-dependence with all things. Its devotion to the pack shows how balance and cooperation strengthen both ourselves and the communities we are part of.
Guided by the Wolf, we honour our roles in the lives of others, act with care, and speak thoughtfully. We acknowledge what we know, and what we don't, and face mistakes with humility, kindness, and respect.
Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom)
The Beaver teaches us to use our gifts wisely for the benefit of all. Like the beaver building lodges in harmony with the land, we act with foresight and care for future generations. Wisdom is applied knowledge, shared and strengthened in the circle through humility and collaboration.
The Beaver reminds us to live sustainably, nurture the world, and honour the gifts each brings, walking in balance with responsibility to all of creation.