10/22/2026
On October 21, Muskoka Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services (MPSSAS) welcomed the Hon. Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka, to recognize the impact of a five-year, $1.25 million Youth Opportunities Fund grant awarded in 2023 by the Ontario government through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
This funding supports the Akinoo’amaadiwaad ji nookidizyang project — “they who gather on the land to teach each other a tender life” — which aims to make mainstream mental health and sexual assault services more accessible and culturally appropriate for Indigenous youth.
Now in year three, the project has brought together a board of 10 Indigenous youth aged 16–29, Elders, and community partners. Through relationship-building and focus groups, we have learned about the barriers Indigenous youth face when accessing culturally safe support.
MPSSAS has now begun implementing its program to help mainstream mental health and sexual violence service providers expand their cultural knowledge when working with Indigenous support seekers. More than 100 regional service providers have been contacted about the project, with additional resources to be shared as the work continues.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Elders Penny French and Andre Halfday; Albert Doxtator of Four Doors of Healing; Desarae Doolittle and Brad Bowland of B’saanibimaadsiwin Indigenous Mental Health; Dr. Nancy Stevens; Cora-lee Simon of CAMH Shkaabe Makwa; and Jody North and Kaitlin Odom of Mind Aid.
Thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, MPP Graydon Smith, our community partners, and especially the Indigenous youth whose voices and experiences continue to guide this work.
