Every year, the 10 Indigenous service organizations that make up the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition have the privilege to deliver a wide range of services to 20,000 of the 40,000 Ottawa Indigenous community members.

 

Each Christmas we organize hampers, gifts and people to ensure that Indigenous community members, especially the Elders in our community, are cared for during this season of light and peace.

 

During COVID, over the last two years, the OAC organizations would pivot with each change, providing services and programs – while grieving the loss of community members to COVID and overdoses; through the discovery of the unmarked graves in the second year of COVID and that continues today; and through the Occupation, this February,  on the streets of Ottawa where we were prevented from providing services including food to Elders and basic needs to community members on the street.

 

As we enter our third Christmas since COVID came into all of our lives, we are asking for the help of the broader community to support the OAC organizations and ensure that every Indigenous person  in Ottawa who has a need this Christmas is seen, connected with and shown that they are loved and valued.

 

Each organization has developed a list of their needs. Please go to the OAC member logo below and give what you can.  And in the spirit of reciprocity, take time this holiday season to care for yourself and your loved ones. 

 

With love and respect

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The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition