Seniors Program
The Senior’s Program is designed to provide a supportive environment for Aboriginal people residing in the Toronto area though the delivery of client centered services enabling them to live independently in their homes. To keep the circle strong the Senior’s Program is committed to addressing the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of Aboriginal people.
The Senior’s Program is delivered by certified Personal Support Workers including coordinating efforts and linkages with various existing programs and services within Toronto.
Objectives
- To respect traditional and contemporary Aboriginal approaches to wellness
- To assist Aboriginal seniors to maintain optimum health, wellbeing and independence in their respective homes
- To ensure that all clients have access to a comprehensive continuum of service delivery within the community
- To assist clients to effectively utilize available community supports where available and appropriate
Program Services
- Medical Transportation
- Diabetes Support Group Coordination
- Personal Support Worker Services
- Shopping Club
- Security and Reassurance Checks
- Social Activities
- Advocacy Measures
- Assistance with ADL – Activities of Daily Living
- Palliative Care Supports
- Congregate Dining
Seniors Program Hours
Monday to Friday
8:30am-4:30pm
Eligibility Guidelines
For Indigenous Seniors 59+
If you have any questions regarding this program and its services please contact Case Manager, Christine Lynn at 416-964-9087 x304 or christine.lynn@ncct.on.ca. For a list of various events, please check our Events Calendar.
Funding for the Senior’s Program has been provided by the provincial Local Health Integration Networks (LHIN).
Cultural Programs
The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto offers a wide variety of activities and events, which highlight the cultural teachings and traditions of First Nations people. These activities are open to all members of the Native Canadian Centre and most take place on a weekly basis.
If you have any questions or would like to suggest a workshop and/or class that is not listed, feel free to contact Eric Johnston at Eric.johnston@ncct.on.ca or 416-964-9087 x224. Other events and cultural workshops are scheduled frequently. Please check the Events Calendar for the most up to date listings.
Case Management, Adults
NCCT Adult Case Managers are responsible for assisting Indigenous adults (25-58 years) to access services by way of holistic wellness planning, counseling, and service coordination/navigation. Open to referrals by agencies, organizations, or self.
- Identified Supports
- Emotional support
- OW/ODSP Support
- Educational
- Social/recreational
- Health and/or Addiction Supports
- Housing Support
- Personal Finance/Budgeting
- Cultural Learning
- Referrals
If you are in need of any of the above supports with our case managers, you must book an appointment or come during drop in hours.
Drop-in Hours
Monday & Wednesday
9 – 5 p.m.
Any other time will need to be by appointment.
Due to COVID-19 we currently do not have drop in hours. Please contact our case managers below to make an appointment.
Contact Us
Bella Lafontaine
Case Manager, Adults
416-964-90 87 x248
Bella.Lafontaine@ncct.on.ca
Heather Young
Case Manager, Adults
416-964- 9087 x241
Heather.Young@ncct.on.ca
Community Health Navigator
The NCCT Community Health Navigator is responsible for assisting Indigenous adults (25-58 years) to access services with holistic wellness planning, health workshops, and health service navigation. Users may be referred by agencies, organizations or self.
IDENTIFIED SUPPORTS
• One on One with Elders
• Talking Circles
• Health and/or Addiction Supports
• Art Therapy
• Finding Community
• Cultural Learning
• Navigating Various Health Services
If you are in need of any of the above supports, you must book an appointment or come during drop in hours.
DROP IN HOURS
Due to COVID-19 we currently do not have drop in hours. Please contact our coordinator below for an appointment.
CONTACT US
Mandy Mack
Community Health Navigator
416-964-9087 X273
mandy.mack@ncct.on.ca
Okichitaw Martial Arts Program
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto Martial Arts has been offering instruction and training in martial arts since the 1990’s. Located in
Toronto, Ontario, this Indigenous Martial Arts school has produced not only great martial artists but also champions in life!
Students and enthusiasts of martial arts have many reasons for their interest in the martial arts. Some are drawn to the physical fitness and weight-loss aspects of training while others seek to add discipline and self-control into their lives. Others may be concerned about their safety and want to learn self-defense.
This program is headed by George Lepine (Okimakahn Chief Instructor-Plains Cree) and a staff of expert instructors and assistants. The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto Okichitaw Martial Arts offers a number of programs for physical fitness, instruction and activities in the area of Indigenous Martial Arts.
Okichitaw is an Indigenous Combat Art of the Indian Plains (Assiniboine/Plains-Cree). This system has been effectively structured and cultivated by Canadian Martial Artist, George J. Lepine. Chief Instructor (Okimakahn Kiskeno-humakew) George Lepine is Plains Cree-Assiniboine from Manitoba and grew up on the Prairies embracing his indigenous history, identity and culture. Okimakahn Lepine learned traditional games as well as combat techniques well before his Rights-of-Passage (at the age of 13 years). He has also achieved high ranks in other martial arts over his 40+ years of training, such as a Brown Belt (First Kyu) in Japanese Judo, a Black Belt (6th Dan) in Tae Kwon-Do, a Black Belt (6th Dan) in Hap Ki-Do and Okimaw (Chief’s Status) for Okichitaw.
Okichitaw has been fully endorsed and supported by Traditional Teachers and Elders (in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario & Alberta) and in the early 1990s, Mr. Lepine was awarded the responsibility as the Chief Instructor (Okimakahn Kiskeno-humakew) to establish and ensure that the indigenous practice and education of Okichitaw continues for future generations. He has since brought international attention to Okichitaw by providing education in the area of indigenous combat arts where Okichitaw is now officially recognized through the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Culture Organisation (UNESCO) as an intangible cultural art and practice within Canada.
Whether you are interested in our programs for mental, cultural, spiritual or physical well-being, the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto Indigenous Martial Arts school offers a number of programs that will fit your developmental needs and your busy schedule as well.
The Okichitaw Aboriginal Martial Arts Program consists of Basic and Advanced Martial Arts training. Advanced training involves the introduction of specific aboriginal weaponry and the proper training in working with these indigenous implements.
Hours
Classes are Wednesday 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. and Saturday 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. You can find a detailed schedule in our Events Calendar.
Contact
For more information regarding this empowering and fun program, please contact:
George J. Lepine
Chief Instructor Okichitaw Indigenous Combat Arts
Canada Representative, World Martial Arts Union (UNESCO)
(416) 964-9087
Or visit http://okichitaw.com
Children’s Indigenous Language Led Programming
Youth Program
This Program provides our youth the opportunity to explore many areas of their lives that may assist youth to progress into their future. We offer educational support, physical supports, culture programming, recreational activities, Transitional Housing Support and so much more that we encourage you to discover.
The Youth Program was developed between January 14th-18th, 2013. In an effort to ensure youth engagement and guidance on program development, youth and staff came together to create a program plan. The Youth Program focuses on addressing youth mental health and addictions challenges, housing needs, offering youth employment training and providing cultural and recreational programming. The Youth Program continues to be youth driven and we are led by a 9 member Youth Council. The Youth Program works with youth between the ages of 12-24.
Hours
Monday to Wednesday: 12 – 8 p.m.
Thursday: 1 – 9 p.m.
Friday: 10 – 6 p.m.
Unless otherwise listed on the calendar.
Youth Events & Programming
Programming is open to youth between the ages of 12-24. Tokens and food provided. Some programming requires pre-registration! Please click on the program below to get more information and to find out how to register!
Youth Cedar Basket
The Youth Cedar Basket brings opportunity to provide training for youth in the retail industry, while promoting our authentically handmade products and the arts of our First Nations, Inuit & Metis people.
Hours of Operation
Monday to Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
Indigenous Marketplace
The Indigenous Marketplace is a community economic development initiative that pairs small business and entrepreneurial training, growth supports and infrastructure with the intent of building a stronger, more diversified Indigenous economic presence in the City of Toronto.
Are you a Toronto based Indigenous Business Owner?
Contact us at zjames@ncct.on.ca or courtney.cada@ncct.on.ca to be added to our database and get invites to networking and training opportunities!
Online Small Business Training
As part of this program the NCCT is presenting Aboriginal BEST (Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training) is the only entrepreneurship training program of its kind in Canada!
BEST benefits people in all stages of business development who want to turn their dreams into reality. Some people are looking for a part-time business opportunity, others have a solid idea to research, and some are eager to write a plan that will help them launch or grow their venture.
TOPICS INCLUDED
101 Business Ideas for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs
Polishing Your Idea
Building Your Business Plan
Market Strategy
Financing and Tax
Assessing Your Idea
Market Research
Operations Strategy
Operating Challenges
E-business
Financial Literacy
Hiring the BEST
Basic Bookkeeping
Participant Presentations. Where to go from here?
PROGRAM INCLUDES
- Business coaching
- On-going mentoring
- Help to start and grow your business
- Aboriginal and local speakers
- Business Plan competition with prizes
Applications are now open! Application Deadline is April 1st 2021 and there are only 80 spots available! Please complete the form at the link below to apply:
https://forms.gle/qmxABAS83sFZkao36
Please contact zjames@ncct.on.ca & courtney.cada@ncct.on.ca and sign up for training today!
Indigenize Our Minds Workshops
What is the Indigenize Our Minds Education Outreach Program (IOMEOP)?
The Indigenize Our Minds Education Outreach Program (IOMEOP) is a not for profit program committed to providing an Indigenous perspective to Indigenous history, culture and language in North America.
IOMEOP delivers the understanding of our First Nations, Inuit and Métis people by engaging our audience with cultural academic educators through experiential, interactive and holistic learning.
All of the presentations meet the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum and provides Indigenous Cultural Sensitivity training and customized presentations based on the requests of Organizations, Agencies & Businesses.
How long does a presentation last?
Presentations are approximately 60-90 minutes in length and can be adjusted to your schedule. Workshops can be designed to be delivered over a half and/or full day session.
Where do these presentations take place?
Two options are available:
The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto located at 16 Spadina Road (North of Bloor Street on West side of Spadina Road) and we can host your group of up to 120 people. There is a fee associated with renting a space and it is subject to availability. Please find rental information by clicking here.
We can present to your group at your location.
What is the cost of a Presentation?
Presentation fees are negotiated at the time of the booking: Mileage costs will apply for presentations outside the GTA. Payments can be made through Visa/MasterCard, cash (official receipt will be provided), debit and cheque. Contact Shane McLeod at 416-964-9087 x315 or email at Shane.mcleod@ncct.on.ca for availability and quotation.
Workshops Available
INDIGENOUS GAMES
Learn why games are an integral part of Indigenous society, passed down from generation to generation and important for the emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental development of the community members.
INDIGENOUS TREATIES
Learn the historical relationships between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government, as reflected in specific treaties and agreements and the intent behind them.
ANISHINABE HISTORY
Learn about the Anishinabe People, from their origin to their daily life to their historical relations.
CLAN SYSTEMS
Participants will describe past and present Indigenous political structure amongst the Ojibwa, Cree, Iroquois Confederacy, clan systems
DREAMCATCHER MAKING & TEACHING
Learn how to make a dreamcatcher and learn the story of how the dreamcatcher was gifted to the indigenous people.
INDIGENOUS INNOVATIONS & CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WORLD
From shampoo to democracy, learn about the inventions, food and famous people from Turtle Island
IROQUOIS HISTORY
Learn about the “People of the Longhouse” who occupied much of modern day New York and southern Ontario. Topics also included are the Great Law of Peace, The Iroquois Confederacy and The Peacemaker.
MÉTIS HISTORY
Participants will identify and explain similarities and differences in the goals and interests of various groups in New France, including French settlers, First Nation peoples, and both French and English fur traders.
POW WOW EXPERIENCE
Participants will learn the origin and movement of the various pow wow dance styles, through demonstration and participation, as well, as learn about the origin of the big drum.
PRE-CONTACT HISTORY
What did social organization, spirituality and the geography look like for the more than 12,000 years before contact? Learn what life was like for the many nations living on Turtle Island before European contact.
MEDICINE WHEEL TEACHINGS
Participants will make meaningful connections between themselves the world around them and how we apply these teachings to daily living
SEVEN GRANDRANDFATHER TEACHINGS
Participants will identify and compare the ways in which people in various early civilizations met their physical and social needs, including how they interacted with and use the natural environment.
Tax Clinic
Volunteers can help you prepare your income tax and benefit return if you have low income and a simple tax situation. Remember to bring all your tax slips and forms with you.
No walk-ins. Please call reception to book an appointment – 416-964-9087
