Native Canadian Centre of Toronto facts for kids

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT) is a special place that helps Indigenous people in Toronto. It's a charity that offers many services, like fun activities, cultural events, and spiritual support. It started in 1962 and is run by its members.

How It Started

After World War II, a very important person named Verna Patronella Johnston helped create a welcoming home for Indigenous people in Toronto. The Jamieson family, from the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve, also opened their home as a meeting spot.

In 1962, the North American Indian Club was formed with help from the YMCA. This club moved a few times before settling at 603 Church Street in January 1963. On April 4, 1962, the club officially became the Canadian Indian Centre of Toronto.

Many people visited the centre! In 1963, about 6,000 people came by. The next year, that number grew to 10,000, and by 1964-1965, it was more than 16,000 visitors.

A group called the Ladies Auxiliary, started in 1963, helped the centre earn money. This allowed the centre to buy a three-story building at 210 Beverley Street in 1966. In 1967, the centre became a registered charity. During this time, the centre also helped start many other important Indigenous organizations, like Anishnawbe Health and Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto.

In February 1972, the centre changed its name to the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. With a growing community of 25,000 people, the centre needed a bigger space. By 1975, it moved to its current home at 16 Spadina Road. The official opening was celebrated in 1977, with Ontario Premier Bill Davis cutting the ribbon.

In 2020, the centre worked with the Ukrainian Museum of Canada in Toronto to create an exhibition about beautiful beadwork.

What the Centre Offers

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto has many programs for all ages:

• Cultural awareness training: Helps people learn about Indigenous cultures.
• Seniors program: Activities and support for elders.
• Cultural programming: Includes drumming, dancing, ceremonies, kids' activities, and language classes.
• Dodem Kanonsha' Elder's Cultural Facility: A place for learning and sharing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
• Adult case management: Helps adults with different needs.
• Okichitaw Indigenous martial arts program: Teaches traditional martial arts.
• Indigenous marketplace: A place to find Indigenous crafts and goods.
• Enagb youth program and enagb saswaanhs (nest): Programs and a safe space for young people.
• Cedar basket gift shop: A shop where you can buy gifts.

See also

• Bloor Street Culture Corridor
• Native Friendship Centre