I have been working and living in what is known as Toronto, Ontario for over 3 years. This land has been the home of Indigenous people and Nations long before colonial documentation of time and is specifically the land of the Wendat, Anishinaabe, Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Haudenosaunee. This territory is under the One Dish, One Spoon Wampum belt, a peace treaty between the Haudenosaunee and the Anishinaabek, and is a mutual agreement between nations for sharing land and resources. There have been many Indigenous names and words associated with this place, including the Mohawk word tkaronto, meaning “where there are trees standing in water.” Today, Toronto is home to a multitude of Indigenous people, languages, and cultures from around the world.
I encourage you to support and advocate for Indigenous people and communities, everywhere. In Canada, specifically, this can look like many things; such as actively returning land, rejecting government legislation that violates the rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people, denouncing colonial histories within institutions, ending violence against Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, and girls, donating money to Indigenous youth groups, and any actions that genuinely support the wellbeing and success of Indigenous people, everywhere.
Some Indigenous-led community groups and initiatives to support include:
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Native Youth Sexual Health Network: http://www.nativeyouthsexualhealth.com/
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Walking With Our Sisters: http://walkingwithoursisters.ca/
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No More Stolen Sisters: https://www.amnesty.ca/our-work/campaigns/no-more-stolen-sisters
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Strawberry Ceremony on February 14th, every year at the Toronto Police Headquarters: http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/event/14th-annual-february-14th-strawberry-ceremony-for-mmiwg2s/
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Donate to the ENAGB youth program in Toronto: https://www.facebook.com/enagbyouthprogram/
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Idle No More: http://www.idlenomore.ca/volunteer
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Donate to and hire The Institute for Culturally Restorative Practices for cultural competency, restorative practices, and Indigenous people and youth support training: https://www.culturallyrestorativepractices.ca/
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Support and donate to Maggie's Sex Worker Action Project, Toronto: http://maggiestoronto.ca/
Resources:
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Read and educate yourself about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, 2Spirit, Girls, GNC, and Non-Binary people. https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/
References:
http://muskratmagazine.com/toronto-aka-tkaronto-passes-new-city-council-protocol/