Ontario Trillium Foundation grants in various sectors are helping build capacity in Aboriginal and First Nations communities throughout Ontario.

Statistics suggest that the health of Aboriginal people is poorer than that of other Canadians. To help narrow the gap, OTF is supporting a project initiated by Mama-Wes-Wen, the North Shore Tribal Council. A key mandate of the council is to promote healing of community. The current project will see the implementation of a regional model of traditional healing that encourages cultural practices integrated into existing health services.

Just as traditional cultural practices are one key to the revitalization of First Nations communities, communication is critical to deepening understanding and building bridges across cultures.

The OTF-supported project, Turning Point: Natives Peoples and Newcomers On-Line, is using the internet to facilitate dialogue, information sharing, critical understanding and co-operative action between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants. In addition to a moderated “talking circle”, the site includes information on educational resources and activities that have successfully challenged racism and increased cross-cultural understanding.

The Métis Women’s Circle designs and delivers programs intended to identify and build culturally sensitive community networks, primarily for urban Aboriginal families. The OTF-funded project helps in the exploration of issues that face Métis and non-status youth who are at risk of failing to complete high school. Using innovative, creative programming that helps them explore their stories, this strong, volunteer based organization is helping young people reconnect with the values that will help them succeed.

OTF grants to the Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the Union of Ontario Indians are helping communities increase their understanding of forestry and mining issues. They are enabling participation with governments and other communities in forest management, land use planning, mineral exploration and economic development activities.

Because of our broad, cross-sectoral approach to funding, OTF is able to make a strong contribution to Aboriginal and First Nations’ ability to build capacity in their organizations and across their communities.

From April 1, 2000 to December 15, 2004, OTF awarded, through the Community Grants and Province-Wide programs, 176 grants valued over $10.5M serving Aboriginal or Metis people and their communities.