July 2024 Newsletter

 
 

Exciting News from AHF and AHT: The Opening of Our New Health Center at 425 Cherry Street, Toronto  

We’re thrilled to share that a major milestone has arrived in our journey: the completion of the new AHT health center! Located at 425 Cherry Street, Toronto, this beautiful new facility is more than just a building—it’s a beacon of hope and healing for our community. 

In mid-June, just before National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrated a significant moment as the AHT team officially moved into their new home. This transition wasn’t just about relocating; it marked a pivotal step forward in our mission to provide outstanding care and support. The new center represents a blend of innovation and tradition, designed to enhance  and enrich our community’s well-being. 

The dedicated AHT staff are already hard at work in this state-of-the-art facility, eagerly serving clients and beginning to create an environment of comfort and care. But the journey doesn’t end here—several exciting projects are still underway to complete the buildings vision. We’re still adding the final touches, including: 

  • A Stunning Star Blanket “Skin”: The building will soon be adorned with a breathtaking Star Blanket-patterned façade, weaving together beauty and significance. 

  • Vibrant Signage: The final placement of eye-catching signage will guide you through our space with clarity and warmth. 

  • Inspiring Artworks: We’re curating and installing artwork that celebrates our rich cultural heritage and inspires all who enter. 

Inside, the first floor is still coming to life with remarkable features such as: 

  • Main Reception Area: A welcoming space that radiates warmth and hospitality. 

  • Community Rooms: Designed for connection and collaboration, these rooms are perfect for gatherings and workshops. 

  • Traditional Medicines Area: A dedicated space to honor and provide traditional healing practices. 

  • Indigenous Peoples Landscape: An outdoor area that celebrates and respects Indigenous cultures. 

  • Ceremonial Spaces: Crafted with care, these spaces will offer a place where community members can gather to honor their heritage, share wisdom, and strengthen their connections to one another and their ancestors. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us through this transformative project. Your unwavering patience and encouragement have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.  

Chi Miigwech, 

Brooke Harrison 

Senior Marketing, Communications and Donor Relations Manager 

If you’re interested in nominating a community member to be spotlighted in an upcoming series titled “Community Corner: Highlighting Our Local Heroes” please send their story to Brooke Harrison at bharrison@aht.ca 

 
 
 
 

Exciting News: AHF has Moved to a New Office!

We’re excited to share that our foundation has a new address!  

You can now find us at 507 King Street East, Suite 120, Toronto, ON M5A 1M3. Please ensure that all mail and correspondence are sent to this new location moving forward. This move to a vibrant and central location will allow us to better serve our mission and expand our impact.  

 
 

In The News:

We are thrilled to share a special highlight from the opening of the new health center with you! Our story of transformation and dedication has been beautifully captured in a recent feature on CTV! This video offers a glimpse into the opening of the new Anishnawbe Health Toronto Centre, showcasing the vibrant new space.

Click the link below to watch the feature and experience pride as we step into a new chapter of community care and cultural celebration. 

 

Sweet Grass Reading Circle: 

We are excited to continue our journey with the Sweet Grass Reading Circle as we delve into the profound and inspiring book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer!  

Our circle has been a source of enriching discussions and shared insights, and we are thrilled to announce that we will be focusing on Kimmerer’s acclaimed work starting this September. Braiding Sweetgrass beautifully intertwines Indigenous wisdom with modern science, offering readers a deep exploration of our relationship with nature and the reciprocal gifts it provides. 

Robin Wall Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is renowned for her ability to meld scientific knowledge with traditional Indigenous teachings. In this book, she eloquently explores themes of gratitude, reciprocity, and the interconnectedness of life, inviting us all to reflect on our place in the natural world. 

As we continue our Sweet Grass Reading Circle, we look forward to vibrant discussions and meaningful exchanges inspired by Braiding Sweetgrass. We invite you to join us in exploring these rich themes and deepening our connection to both the natural world and our community. 

Stay tuned for the exact date in September we will be holding the Reading Circle, if you haven't already, please indicate your interest in participating by filling out the form below.

 

Upcoming Dates: 

In August, several notable Indigenous events and observances take place across Canada. These events offer opportunities to engage with and support Indigenous communities and participate in meaningful activities. Here are some key dates and events to look out for:  

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples: 

Date: August 9, 2024   

This day is observed globally to promote and protect the rights of the world's Indigenous peoples. Various events and activities are organized to highlight the contributions, cultures, and issues faced by Indigenous communities worldwide. In Canada, it’s a day for educational events, cultural performances, and community gatherings. 

Powwows and Cultural Celebrations  

 Dates: Vary by region   

August is a popular time for powwows and cultural festivals in Indigenous communities across Canada. These events feature traditional dances, music, food, and arts. They provide opportunities for cultural exchange and celebration. Local Indigenous organizations and community centers often list upcoming powwows and festivals. 

 

Learning Resources: 

Welcome to our Learning Resources section, where we spotlight tools and materials to help you enrich your understanding of Indigenous peoples, cultures, and histories. This month, we’re excited to share a diverse range of resources that will further your knowledge and appreciation of Indigenous heritage. 

Explore the comprehensive Indigenous Foundations website, created by the First Nations and Indigenous Studies Program at the University of British Columbia. This resource offers an extensive overview of Indigenous histories, cultures, and contemporary issues, providing a scholarly yet accessible introduction to important topics. 

Listen to, Telling our Twisted Histories an 11-episode award-winning podcast series that reclaims Indigenous history by exploring 11 words whose meanings have been twisted by centuries of colonization. Host Kaniehtiio Horn guides us through conversations with over 70 Indigenous people from 11 communities whose lands now make up Quebec, New Brunswick and Labrador, as they share their words, humour and truths about concepts that impact us to this day.

 
 

ANISHNAWBE HEALTH FOUNDATION

225 Queen Street East, Toronto, Ontario M5A 1S4     |    416-657-0379 X 232    |     foundation@aht.ca

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