Local Support Agencies
*For private counselling services, some agencies will bill directly to the Government of Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for Indigenous peoples (or children of parents) with Indian status registration. For more information about NIHB visit https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1572537161086/1572537234517
1. The Healing of Seven Generations
Assists First Nations, Metis, and Inuit individuals, youth, and families residing in the Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas. Healing of the Seven Generations works with individuals and families who have been impacted by the Indian Residential School system and who are experiencing the intergenerational impacts. Healing of the Seven Generations offers a variety of services including addressing food security, housing support, cultural programming, and group or individual support.
https://healingofthesevengenerations.ca
2. White Owl Native Ancestry Association
White Owl is dedicated to innovative Indigenous Wholistic practice with a commitment to whole person development within the family and community. The goal for children and youth is to experience belonging and value through relationship-building that encourages self acceptance, self expression, and understanding – a sense of place and belonging. Our Wholistic Practitioners work with individual clients and their families to help them in that process.
3. K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project
Non-profit organization in the Waterloo Region providing safe, secure, and affordable rent geared-to-income housing and tenant support to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit individuals and families with low to moderate income situations.
https://kwunwp.weebly.com/
4. Family and Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region Two-Row Team
Family and Children’s Services has created a dedicated team of individuals, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to support families and work with community partners to keep families together.
https://www.facswaterloo.org/FNIM
5. Ahwenehoade – Indigenous Justice Program
Affiliated with Waterloo Region Community Legal Services, Ahwenehoade provides culturally respectful and appropriate clinic law services for First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, while fostering and improving coordination and integration with partnering agencies, other legal aid services, and across all elements of the justice sector
http://wrcls.ca/ahwenehaode-indigenous-justice/
6. Employment, Education and Training Support
Anishnabeg Outreach
NPAAMB Indigenous Youth Employment & Training
7. Local University and College Indigenous Student Support Services
Conestoga College Aboriginal Services https://www.conestogac.on.ca/aboriginal-services
University of Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre https://uwaterloo.ca/stpauls/waterloo-indigenous-student-centre
Wilfrid Laurier University Indigenous Student Centre https://students.wlu.ca/student-life/indigenous-student-services/services/index.html
Post-Secondary Bursaries & Funding or Grant Opportunities
a) Indspire
Indspire provides financial support for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across Canada to assist them in completing their post-secondary education.
b) SUNDANCe Indigenous Award
Granted to full-time Indigenous students who are attending Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, the University of Waterloo, Conrad Grebel College, Renison College, St. Jeromes College, St. Pauls College or the University of Guelph. The SUNDANCe Indigenous Award was established to recognize Indigenous students who give back to their communities.
c) Dreamcatcher
Supplies grants to individuals with a goal of developing youth as future Ontario First Nations community leaders, the Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation helps to build a brighter future. Offers grants available in the areas of Education, Arts and Culture, Sports and Recreation and Health and Medical to foster innovation, creativity, vitality and knowledge within our communities.