Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST)
NCFST was founded by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders to support First Nations, Métis, and Inuit families in Toronto. NCFST offers a full range of prevention programs, treatment and healing services, early years programs, youth programs, and cultural and recreational programs to all members of Toronto’s Indigenous communities. Their work addresses the lasting impacts of colonization, residential schools, and systemic racism, to uplift communities historically harmed by mainstream child welfare systems.
NCFST serves over 8,000 community members annually, offering over 100 culture-based prevention and child welfare programs. These programs are grounded in Indigenous values and best practices, supporting the health and wellbeing of children, youth and families.
When supported by culture-based prevention services designed to meet their unique needs, research demonstrates that Indigenous people and communities can thrive.
NCFST’s work is driven by data on the impacts of colonization, intergenerational trauma, residential schooling and the European child welfare model on Indigenous communities. This includes higher rates of poverty, unemployment, homelessness, and the over-representation of Indigenous children in child welfare systems.
First Nations, Métis and Inuit children, youth and families.
