| | Honouring the Transition: Grandmother Moon, Mother Earth Day Reflections and Upcoming Red Dress Day We are honoured and excited to begin sharing the teachings of the 13 Grandmother Moons, which will guide the themes of our newsletters and social media in the year ahead. Each Grandmother Moon provides an opportunity to share learning on Indigenous ways of being aligned with our work to support the journey of Indigenous health and healing. Each moon carries its own name, lesson and seasonal teaching, rooted in Indigenous Knowledge and our deep connection with the natural world. These teachings offer wisdom on balance, responsibility, care for land and water, and living in harmony with all living things. By aligning our communications with the Grandmother Moons, we hope to create a space for learning, reflection and deeper connection to the cycles of nature, community, health and healing.  As April comes to a close, and we begin to notice the blossoming flowers, buds on trees and sweet spring air sweeping in the wind, we welcome a time of transition. This is a moment to reflect on the teachings of the Grandmother Moon, who this last month shone as the Sucker Moon. In Indigenous teachings, the Sucker Moon signals renewal, nourishment and the return of life to our waters. Like suckerfish that swim upstream to spawn, this moon teaches us about perseverance, natural life cycles and the importance of giving back to what sustains us, especially to what is found in our forests, waterways and skies. In that same spirit, the health professionals at AHT walk alongside clients on their healing paths, helping them reconnect with culture, community and the medicines that have always sustained us. This lesson was also highlighted on April 22nd with Mother Earth Day, a moment where we reconnected with nature, gave gratitude for Mother Earth and reconnected with our roles as caretakers of the land – lessons that are integral to our traditional Indigenous healing practices. At AHT healing is inseparable from the land, through ceremony, and traditional medicines, clients are supported in this reconnection with mother nature. As we move into May, we will welcome the Flower Moon which honors the blooming plants, offering us healing energy, and inviting us to connect with our spiritual beings. Chi Miigwech! Brooke Harrison Senior Marketing, Communications and Donor Relations Manager |
| | |
|
| AHF Welcomes New Executive Director The Anishnawbe Health Foundation Board of Directors is delighted to announce that Amelia Pruchnicki has been selected as our new Executive Director. Amelia will officially step into her leadership role at the foundation on May 28, 2025. Amelia brings a unique combination of leadership experience and not-for-profit expertise along with a deep commitment to advancing the mission of improved healthcare accessibility and equity for Indigenous peoples. “I’m honoured and excited to join the Anishnawbe Health family. The work of the Foundation, and the generosity of our donors, are essential to ensure Indigenous people have access to the culturally informed health care offered at Anishnawbe Health Toronto” explained Amelia. “As someone who has been reconnecting with my Indigenous identity and living far from my home community, Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nations, I truly see the life-changing impact Anishnawbe Health Toronto has in regard to reclaiming health, healing and identity.” Boozhoo Amelia we are thrilled to have you join the AHF team. We would like to thank Debra Kerby for her work as Interim Executive Director through our leadership transition process. Debra will be staying on to support Amelia as she steps into her new role. |
| | |
|
| |
|
| | Bring your community together: Host a fundraiser for Indigenous Health and Healing! This spring and summer, we invite you to turn your passion into purpose by organizing a third-party fundraiser in support of the life-changing health and healing practices provided by Anishnawbe Health Toronto. Whether you’re hosting a birthday fundraiser, community walk, art show or market event your efforts help support programs rooted in Indigenous culture, healing and wellness. We’re here to support you with resources, ideas and promotional tips to help make your fundraiser a success. Ready to get started? Reach out to us at bharrison@aht.ca to learn more |
|
|
| |
|
| | Upcoming Dates: May 5th – Red Dress Day and National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two- Spirit People This day raises awareness about the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit peoples. The display of red dresses symbolizes the loss and the call for justice and healing. May 10th Bear Witness Day This day honours Jordan River Anderson and is a day to support Jordans Principle and ensure all First Nations Children can access the services they need, when they need them. May 16th – Moose Hide Campaign Day Moose Hide Campaign Day focuses on ending violence against Indigenous women and children. The campaign involves wearing moose hide as a symbol of commitment to standing up against violence and supporting survivors. June 3 - Anniversary of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls This anniversary marks the release of the National Inquiry’s final report, which addresses the violence faced by Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit peoples. It is a day to reflect on the calls for justice and action. June – National Indigenous History Month A time to recognize the rich history, culture and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. June 21st – National Indigenous Peoples Day and Summer Solstice A day to celebrate Indigenous Culture and knowledge, join a local event, or take time to learn and reflect. The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year, a time of celebration and renewal in many Indigenous cultures. It signifies the peak of growth, abundance, and connection to the earth. |
|
|
| | Did you know Anishnawbe Health Toronto supported on average 30,177 clients per year over the last 5 years? This would not have been possible without donors like you! |
| |
|
| | | | Your Support is Vital For over 35 years, Anishnawbe Health Toronto has been a fixture in the city. When you make a gift, you’re helping fund programs and services that are Indigenous developed and led. At the heart of AHT is our Traditional Healers, whose wisdom, ceremony and compassion guide each client on a path of healing rooted in culture, identity and deep connection to community. The health centers dedication to integrating traditional healing practices and cultural preservation is critical to keeping our culture and our people alive not just on reserve but also in urban settings like Toronto. We cannot walk our healing path alone. We need donors like you. Together, we are working towards the common goals of reconciliation and a stronger, healthier urban Indigenous community |
| |
|
| | |
|
| | |
|
|
