ABOUT US
The OAC is an alliance of urban Indigenous service delivery organizations dedicated to offering front-line programs and services to Indigenous individuals residing in Ottawa.
OUR STORY
The Coalition was established in 2001 to present a unified voice for the local Indigenous community in Ottawa, particularly regarding homelessness. From 2001 to 2005, under the leadership of the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, the Coalition collaboratively addressed various issues impacting the Indigenous community, including the Official City Plan and investments from United Way for Indigenous service organizations
In 2005, the OAC was formally recognized as a Coalition of Indigenous service organizations providing front-line programs and services to Indigenous individuals residing in Ottawa.
The founding members included the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, Gignul Housing, Odawa Friendship Centre, Minwaashin Lodge, Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre, Tungasuvvingat Inuit, and a representative from the Métis community.
WHO WE ARE
The OAC is made up of ten member organizations. There are two co-chairs: Mikki Adams, CAFM Executive Director of Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families and Mary Daoust, Executive Director of Minwaashin Lodge- Indigenous Women's Support Centre. The OAC has eight staff working on the key initiatives and strategies in the organization: Facilitator, Relationship Coordinator, Administrative Coordinator, Indigenous Women's Safety Coordinator, Research Coordinator, Research Assistant, Project Coordinator, Project Support, Well-Being Coordinators and Communications.
WHAT WE DO
The OAC advocates at the community, municipal, provincial, and federal levels, aiming to educate and raise awareness about Indigenous issues and the unique circumstances of Indigenous individuals in Ottawa. Our goal is to enhance the positive and healthy choices available to community members and their families across various areas, including health, housing, education, employment, training, and access to cultural activities.
OUR PRIORITIES
The OAC strengthens collaborative relationships and focuses on several key priorities:
.png)
OUR LOGO
The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition’s logo, which was adapted from the original logo created for the City of Ottawa’s Aboriginal Working Committee, is representative of First Nations, Métis and Inuit in Canada.
Flying forward against the backdrop of the sun is a Snow Goose, representative of all Indigenous peoples as this goose flies across all territories. It is painted in red and black Haida-style with a moose antler in its design to signify the First Nations. A white infinity symbol, which is found in the Métis flag, can be seen swirling around the goose. And the Ulu, a traditional Inuit women’s knife, in the backdrop of the sun is meant to symbolize our most northern peoples, the Inuit. In addition to its circular shape, the 4 colours of the logo are the 4 colours of the Medicine Wheel: yellow, red, black and white.
