For Indigenous peoples, the path to healing from violence and intergenerational trauma is profoundly linked to culture, community, and spirit. Mainstream support services, while well-intentioned, often cannot provide the culturally-grounded care that is essential for true well-being.

Fortunately, the Greater Toronto Area is home to a network of powerful, resilient, and life-affirming Indigenous-led organizations. These are places of safety, understanding, and reconnection. This guide highlights some of the key services available for Indigenous community members seeking healing and support.

These organizations provide more than just a roof; they offer safety and support within a culturally-aware and respectful environment.

• Anduhyaun Inc.: A vital organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous women and children. They operate:

  • Anduhyaun Shelter: An emergency shelter for women and children fleeing violence, providing a safe haven and support services.

  • Anduhyaun House: A second-stage transitional housing program that helps women and their children rebuild their lives in a supportive community for up to one year.

• Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto (NWRCT): A cornerstone of Toronto's Indigenous community for decades. While not a direct shelter operator, they are a primary point of contact for women seeking help with housing, advocacy, and referrals to safe accommodations. Their programs provide a web of support that is crucial for women transitioning out of violence.

• Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST): Focused on the well-being of Indigenous children and families, NCFST offers various housing supports, including transitional housing for youth who may be fleeing unsafe home environments.

These services address the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of healing through ceremony, tradition, and community.

• Anishnawbe Health Toronto: A comprehensive health centre that masterfully blends traditional Indigenous healing practices with contemporary medical care. Their mental wellness team offers:

  • Access to Traditional Healers, Elders, and ceremonies.

  • Individual and group counselling with Indigenous therapists.

  • Culturally-specific programs for mental health and substance use.

• Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto (NWRCT): The heart of the NWRCT is its cultural programming. They offer a safe space for women to reconnect with their identity and heal in community through:

  • Healing circles and talking circles.

  • Access to Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

  • Traditional crafts and skills workshops (e.g., beading, drum making).

  • One-on-one support and advocacy.

• Council Fire Native Cultural Centre: A central gathering place for the community in downtown Toronto. Council Fire provides a vast array of programs that support holistic well-being, fostering healing through connection, ceremony, and shared identity.

For immediate, confidential support from someone who understands.

• Talk 4 Healing: A helpline for Indigenous women, by Indigenous women, available 24/7 across Ontario. They offer support in 14 Indigenous languages and provide culturally-grounded crisis counselling and referrals.

  • Phone: 1-855-554-HEAL (4325)

• Hope for Wellness Helpline: A national 24/7 helpline offering immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention for all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Service is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.

  • Phone: 1-855-242-3310

A healing circle is a traditional practice common to many Indigenous cultures. It is a sacred, confidential space where a small group of people can come together to share their experiences and feelings without judgment. Guided by an Elder or a trained facilitator, the circle emphasizes deep listening, respect, and the understanding that each person's story contributes to the collective healing of the group. It is a powerful alternative to Western therapy models, rooted in community and shared strength.

The journey to wellness is unique for everyone. For many Indigenous people in the GTA, the path lies in the strength of community and the wisdom of culture. The organizations listed here are pillars of that community, holding safe space for every step of that journey.

---

Indigenous-led services are rooted in cultural traditions, teachings, and a deep understanding of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism. They offer a holistic approach to healing that addresses spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental well-being, creating a safer and more validating environment for Indigenous survivors than mainstream services might provide.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For immediate, confidential support from a culturally safe service, you can call the Talk4Healing helpline 24/7 at 1-855-554-HEAL (4325). They can provide crisis counselling and connect you with emergency shelters like Anduhyaun Inc. in Toronto.

A healing circle is a traditional Indigenous practice where individuals gather to share their experiences and feelings in a safe, supportive, and confidential space, often led by an Elder or traditional healer. For survivors of domestic violence, it offers a powerful, non-judgmental environment to break isolation, bear witness to each other's stories, and draw strength from the community and cultural teachings.

Yes. Organizations like Anishnawbe Health Toronto and Anduhyaun Inc. are dedicated to serving the diverse urban Indigenous population of Toronto, which includes First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Their programs are designed to be inclusive and relevant to a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

Absolutely. A core part of the services offered by organizations like Anishnawbe Health Toronto and the Niiwin Wendaanimak program is providing access to traditional healers, Elders, and ceremonies such as smudging, healing circles, and land-based activities. This is seen as essential for spiritual and emotional healing.

Non-Indigenous allies can provide support in several important ways:

• Donate: Financial contributions are crucial for these often under-funded organizations.
• Amplify: Follow them on social media, share their stories, and promote their work and fundraising campaigns.
• Educate Yourself: Learn about the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women and the importance of culturally specific, self-determined services.