Indigenous Initiatives at Durham CHC

11/18/2025

This Wednesday

Join the Team at for a Women's healing circle with Sitting Turtle! Please come prepared with a skirt (Optional), to***co, a water vessel, journal, and an open heart-and-mind.

To learn more or register, please contact Meagan at: (905)723-0036, ext. 1084 or mklavet@durhamchc.ca

Please note: An earlier version of this post also advertised the healing circle on Monday, Nov. 17. That occurrence has been cancelled.

11/18/2025

Today at 6pm

Big Thunder (John Laforme) sits in the Turtle clan; He descends from the Ojibwe and Mohawk people of Mississauga’s of the Credit and Six Nations.

Coming from a Traditional home, Big Thunder carries teachings at the core of his identity. As a Pipe Carrier, Lodge Keeper and Song Keeper, Big Thunder inspires to ignite the sacred fire that lives within. Come join Big Thunder.

To register, please contact James at jcostello@durhamchc.ca or 905-723-0036 Ext. 1072

11/12/2025

We invite you to join us on Monday November 17th, 6pm -8pm for an online presentation on “First Nation Treaties and the First People of Turtle Island (North America)” presented by Jode Kechego, an Indigenous Medicine Person from the Chippewa and Oneida Nations.

For more information and instructions see attached flyer. And please share with your Friends, Family and Community.

11/11/2025

Make your own Moccasins! Join the Team at for a Moccasin workshop!

Registration is required, please contact Mary Sue at: mrobinet@durhamchc.ca to learn more and register!

11/08/2025

November 8th is National Indigenous Veterans Day, a day of remembrance and commemoration of the contributions of Indigenous veterans.

Miigwech to all who served, and who continue to serve, for their brave contributions.

Learn more here: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/people-and-stories/indigenous-veterans

Today, on Indigenous Veterans Day, we recognize and honour the courage and sacrifice of all Indigenous individuals who have served. Many Indigenous veterans returned home to face discrimination and were denied the same benefits as others. Today, marks our gratitude as we remember their service and continue to call for justice, equity and lasting recognition. Their contributions are a crucial part of our shared history. Let’s ensure their stories and sacrifices are not only heard — but honoured and never forgotten.

11/07/2025

Join the Indigenous Health and Wellness Team at DCHC for an Indigenous Men’s Sweat Lodge Ceremony with Big Thunder (John Laforme)

The Sweat Lodge is a sacred space designed for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual cleansing, healing and learning.

Traditional Protocols are in effect.
18 years and older.
Bring towel and shorts

Registration is required. To register or learn more please contact James at: jcostello@durhamchc.ca 905-723-0036 Ext. 1072

11/07/2025

Honouring International Inuit day

11/07/2025

11/07/2025

Big Thunder (John Laforme) sits in the Turtle clan; He descends from the Ojibwe and Mohawk people of Mississauga’s of the Credit and Six Nations.

Coming from a Traditional home, Big Thunder carries teachings at the core of his identity. As a Pipe Carrier, Lodge Keeper and Song Keeper, Big Thunder inspires to ignite the sacred fire that lives within. Come join Big Thunder.

To register, please contact James at jcostello@durhamchc.ca or 905-723-0036 Ext. 1072

11/07/2025

Appointments are available with Sitting Turtle for Traditional Healing!
Kelly Lavallee (Memengwaa-bimashii), brings forth love, kindness, and truth in all spaces she occupies.

Her work is led by addressing the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs in a safe and confidential space.

For more information, or to make an appointment, contact Meagan at: mklavet@durhamchc.ca or 905-723-036 Ext. 1084.

11/07/2025

Join the Team at for a Women's healing circle with Sitting Turtle! Please come prepared with a skirt (Optional), to***co, a water vessel, journal, and an open heart-and-mind.

To learn more or register, please contact Meagan at: (905)723-0036, ext. 1084 or mklavet@durhamchc.ca

Please note: An earlier version of this post also advertised the healing circle on Monday, Nov. 17. That occurrence has been cancelled.