Since the completion of our environmental scan in 2023, Grandmother’s Voice has been walking with intention — sitting at tables, listening deeply, and ensuring that Indigenous wisdom is not only invited into systems, but meaningfully embedded within them.
This period has been one of relationship-building, advocacy, and quiet leadership. We have been present in community engagement and development, social and civil service action tables, conservation, primary health, and patient-family advisory spaces to carry forward the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, grounded in the principle of ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’. Our work is about more than participation — it is about transforming how systems see, serve, and partner with Indigenous peoples.
At the heart of this work is our commitment to building Indigenous-led spaces for healing, belonging, and care in Halton and beyond — places where Indigenous families feel safe, seen, and supported through culturally-rooted approaches to health, mental wellness, land-based connection, and community navigation.
While our full conclusions and formal findings will be shared soon, we want our community to know that we are actively shaping what comes next — ensuring Indigenous knowledge informs how services are designed, delivered, and evaluated.
A key focus of this work is our role with Connected Care Halton – Ontario Health Team (CCHOHT) through the Patient Family Advisory Committee (PFAC). This partnership supports system change across Oakville, Halton Hills, and Milton by bringing together hospitals, physicians, mental-health providers, home care, and community services to create seamless, culturally-safe pathways of care. Through PFAC, Indigenous voices are helping guide improvements to primary care, mental-health supports, addictions services, and palliative care — ensuring community experience shapes real solutions.
This work aligns with Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan and the province’s vision for integrated, patient-centred health systems. It is also reflected in collaborations with the
Halton Physicians Association, Burlington Ontario Health Team, Joseph Brant Hospital’s Patient Family Advisory Council, and innovative partnerships such as Conservation Halton, Halton Healthcare, BC Parks Foundation, and the PaRx initiative — reconnecting health with the land.
Alongside this system-level advocacy, Grandmother’s Voice continues to offer no-cost, community-based programming rooted in Indigenous teachings, land-based healing, and intergenerational knowledge sharing — ensuring that while we help reshape systems, we remain deeply grounded in community.
We will be sharing our conclusions and next steps soon. For now, we offer this as a living reflection of our work in motion — carried by the voices of our Ancestors, our community, and our unwavering belief that Indigenous leadership is essential to building just, compassionate, and whole systems of care.
Action Tables, Resources and Important links to connect to Community Services in Halton:
Halton Violence Prevention Council (HVPC) works to end violence in all its forms, alleviate its effects, and build an inclusive, egalitarian and healthy community.
Halton Collaborative Against Human Trafficking (HCAHT) exists to create and support a unified Halton community and regional response to combat human trafficking. SAVIS is the lead agency and acts as a backbone organization to the HCAHT.
https://www.haltonht.ca/about-us
Our Kids Network- Early Years Resiliency Action Table (OKN EYRAT) is cross-sector representation of OKN protocol partners and community partners in Halton who collaborate to:
1. promote the wholistic well-being of all infants/children, caregivers and their communities (service providers and educators).
2. support the early identification of infants/children with developmental concerns and timely connection with the resources/supports they need.
3. promote early intervention, build resilience, and ensure all children have the foundation to thrive emotionally, socially, and cognitively.
Human Services & Justice Coordinating Committee (HSJCC) To provide a provincial leadership mechanism to support the implementation of the Ontario government’s policy framework (1997) for people who come into contact with the justice system and who have needs which can be met by one or more of the provincial human services systems.
Patient Family Advisory Committee- PFAC –the involvement and input of the people who access health and social services. The role of the PFAC is valued as a partner on the healthcare team in order to achieve best possible health outcomes for patients and families.
Halton Region-Ontario Health Team Navigation Line (1-844-806-3093) provide information and referral services within our region of Halton.
Calling 211- connects people to local health, social, and government services, like food banks, housing, mental health support, and senior care, acting as a vital “community connection” for non-emergency needs, available 24/7 via phone, text, or chat in many languages.
Calling 811 connects you to Health811, a free, secure, and confidential service for non-urgent health care information, advice, and referrals, available 24/7. It has replaced the former Telehealth Ontario service.
Halton Healthcare is an award winning healthcare organization comprised of three community hospitals and numerous community-based services in the growing urban and rural communities of Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville.
https://www.haltonhealthcare.on.ca
Connected Care Halton Ontario Health Team (CCHOHT) A group of local healthcare organizations in Oakville, Halton Hills, and Milton working to provide seamless, coordinated care, especially in areas like primary care, mental health, addictions, and palliative care, by linking providers, improving access, and connecting residents with family doctors.
Ontario Health Team
It is Ontario’s model for integrated care, aiming to reduce fragmentation and improve patient experience by bringing different providers together.
Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios-primary-care-action-plan-january-2025
Article launched in fall of 2025
Halton Physicians Association
The Burlington Ontario Health Team is a collaboration of health care partners from all sectors in Burlington and surrounding communities, including primary care, hospital care, long-term care, community health services, and social service groups, who are working together with a goal of providing coordinated care for patients.
BOHT Primary Care Action Plan Discover Report: Full Report
The Joseph Brant Hospital Patient Family Advisory Council -PFAC is a formal body within the JBH organization that serves to act as a central source of consultation for improvement and design activities, and to guide the ongoing refinement and growth of Patient and Family Advisory activities across JBH.
Conservation Halton and Halton Healthcare, in partnership with BC Parks Foundation and the PaRx initiative
https://www.conservationhalton.ca/parx-healing-with-the-land
Community Connections with Grandmother’s Voice
Stride – Employment support services for youth & adults (mental health + job readiness)
https://stride.on.ca/
Canadian Mental Health Association – Halton (CMHA Halton) – Mental health support, education, and wellness services
https://halton.cmha.ca/
Thrive Counselling – Community counselling & mental health supports
https://thrivecounselling.org/
Summit Housing & Outreach Programs – Supportive housing & wellness in Halton Region
https://summithousing.ca/
Support House – Peer-driven mental health supports & community housing services
https://supporthouse.ca/
John Howard Society – Community justice & reintegration services
https://johnhoward.on.ca/peel-halton-dufferin/
Wesley Urban Ministries – Community outreach & social services in the Halton & Hamilton area
https://wesley.ca/
SAVIS (Sexual Assault / Violence Intervention Services) – Support services for trauma and violence survivors
https://savisofhalton.org/
ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids) – Children & youth mental health, developmental, and family services
https://rockonline.ca/
BPL (Burlington Public Library) – Community learning & engagement partner
https://bpl.on.ca/
Oakville Museum – Cultural heritage partner & place-based learning space
https://www.oakville.ca/parks-recreation-culture/arts-culture/oakville-museum/
Oakville Center for Performing Arts(OCPA) – Community arts, performance, and cultural gathering space supporting education, dialogue, and community-based events.
https://www.oakvillecentre.ca/
Bronte Creek Provincial Park – Ceremony & community gathering space in partnership
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/brontecreek
St. Paul’s United Church (Oakville) – Community gathering and inter-faith reconciliation partner
https://www.stpaulsoakville.com/
WHAM (Women of Halton Action & Movement) – Community partner noted in regional Indigenous awareness work.
CDH (Community Development Halton) – Regional support and equity resource partner
https://www.cdhalton.ca/
Conservation Halton – Land stewardship, environmental education & Indigenous land-based teachings connections
https://conservationhalton.ca/
AWH – Advancement of Women Halton – Advocacy for women’s equity, systemic change, and community partnerships including GASP and Halton Women’s Place members (see member list)
https://awhalton.com/
GASP – Grand(m)others Act To Save The Planet – Grassroots climate justice group of grandmothers + allies
https://www.gasp4change.org/
Glen Abbey United Church – Local faith community and community engagement partner
https://www2.glenabbeyunitedchurch.com/
Hope Place Centres – Addiction treatment and trauma-informed support services (women’s & family programs)
https://www.hopeplacecentres.org/
Halton Women’s Place – Emergency shelter and support services for women & children experiencing domestic abuse
https://haltonwomensplace.com/
The Women’s Centre of Halton – Support, peer counselling, empowerment & resources for women
https://thewomenscentreofhalton.com/
CDL – Centre for Diverse Learners
Inclusive education and learning supports for children, youth, and families with diverse learning needs
HMC Connections (Halton Multicultural Council) – Settlement, community connections, mentoring & cultural programming
https://hmcconnections.com/
The Lighthouse for Grieving Children and Families
Grief support programs for children, youth, and families experiencing loss
https://lighthousegriefsupport.org/
The Meeting House – Events and Rentals
Community gathering, events, and rental space supporting connection, learning, and community care
https://www.themeetinghouse.com/
CLNH – Community Living North Halton
Supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, promoting inclusion and belonging
https://clnh.on.ca/
“This list reflects the community organizations and regional partners that Grandmother’s Voice has engaged with across Halton and the Greater Toronto Area. If your organization or partnership isn’t listed here and you have walked alongside Grandmother’s Voice, our sincere apologies — we welcome your connection and invite you to let us know so we can acknowledge your relationship and add it here.”
Presented by Samantha Doxtater
Presented by GRANDMA RENEE
In a world seeking direction, Indigenous teachings offer clear and enduring policies for how to live in harmony with one another and the Earth. This workshop invites participants to explore the profound lessons of the Two Row Wampum Belt and other wampum belts as frameworks for mutual respect, environmental care, and collective well-being. These belts, created long before colonization, embody ancestral agreements that guide humanity on how to coexist with honor, dignity, and reciprocity.
Led by Grandmother Renee, this session emphasizes the importance of relearning and honoring the policies established by our ancestors, rather than creating new paths disconnected from this wisdom. Through the teachings of the belts, participants will uncover the principles of self-care, stewardship of the land, and respect for all beings. This is not about inventing something new—it is about rediscovering the instructions that were always there and committing to uphold them.
Key Takeaways:
Through this workshop, participants will be reminded that the wisdom of the belts is not only a guide for Indigenous communities but a path for all of humanity to walk together in respect and care for one another and the Earth.
Presented by Grandma Gail and Angela DeMontigny
Ceremony is more than tradition—it is a deliberate practice rooted in wisdom, responsibility, and foresight. This workshop explores the “science of ceremony” as a guide to living with intention and accountability for the next seven generations. Our ancestors used ceremony to prepare for the future, ensuring that their actions would benefit not only their own time but also those yet to come. Now, it is our responsibility to carry that practice forward.
Led by Grandmother Gail, this session will examine what has been lost and the actions we must take to restore, respect, and reclaim the ceremonial practices that ensure the well-being of future generations. Participants will be encouraged to reconnect with ceremony as a means of healing, reflection, and renewal, building a foundation of responsibility to guide us in restoring balance and harmony.
Key Takeaways:
Through this workshop, participants will rediscover the transformative power of ceremony as a pathway to healing, accountability, and preparation for a sustainable and harmonious future. Together, we will reaffirm our responsibility to the generations to come.
Presented by Asha Frost
Join Asha Frost, an Indigenous healer, teacher, and bestselling author, for a transformative workshop rooted in traditional teachings and the power of self-discovery. Asha’s work often centers on reconnecting with ancestral wisdom, embracing one’s authentic self, and creating pathways for healing and empowerment. Drawing from her Anishinaabe roots, she weaves stories, teachings, and practical tools to inspire participants to reclaim their power and align with their purpose.
Through her signature blend of traditional healing practices and modern insights, Asha guides participants in understanding how to honor their own journey, navigate challenges with resilience, and embrace the interconnectedness of all beings. This workshop is an invitation to explore the sacred within and around us, fostering personal growth and collective transformation.
Key Takeaways:
Whether you are seeking personal healing, professional inspiration, or a deeper connection to traditional wisdom, this session with Asha Frost promises to be a profound and enriching experience.
Presented by Allen Sutherland
The Seven Fires prophecy, as shared by seven prophets across different time periods, offers profound guidance for humanity’s path forward. According to Anishinaabe oral tradition, these teachings speak to the choices we face when the world has been polluted, and the waters turned bitter by disrespect. The prophecy teaches that humanity must choose between materialism and spirituality—one path leading to survival and the other to destruction.
In this workshop, Mishoomis Allen will guide participants through the teachings of the Seven Fires prophecy, exploring its relevance in today’s world and its call for spiritual renewal. Additionally, he will share his Canadian Indigenous Historical Timeline, providing a broader context for understanding the cultural, social, and spiritual significance of these teachings.
Key Takeaways:
This workshop offers an opportunity to reflect deeply on humanity’s collective responsibility and the transformative power of choosing a spiritual path for the survival of future generations.
Presented by Thohahoken Michael Doxtater
In this session, Thohahoken Michael Doxtater explores the ongoing impact of Canada’s colonial policies on Indigenous communities and the historical journey toward Truth and Reconciliation. He examines the systemic attempts to erase Indigenous identity, from residential schools to the suppression of cultural practices, and highlights Indigenous resilience and legal resistance. The presentation also delves into the concept of the “Canada Rafter,” a historical agreement acknowledging Canada’s adoption into the Indigenous Longhouse, raising the question: Has Canada truly upheld its responsibilities in this relationship?
