What We're
All About
Who We Are
History
The Indigenous Network is located on the Treaty Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Nation, Huron Wendat and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. We also acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other global Indigenous peoples who now call Peel Region their home.
Originally established as the Peel Aboriginal Network (PAN) in 2003, The Indigenous Network had its beginnings through the hard work of a small group of volunteers dedicated to improving the quality of life for Indigenous people in the Region of Peel. The year 2007 saw the formation of a formal Board of Directors and incorporation followed in 2008.
The establishment of a cultural centre for use as a gathering place for the community happened in 2009. The Indigenous Network’s growing group of staff and volunteers have helped to drive the organization forward to dismantle systemic and cultural service challenges among the Indigenous and Non-Indigenous populations in the region to facilitate cultural understanding and reconciliation.
Our Mission
The Indigenous Network is a community-based, non-profit, registered charity whose mission is to provide programs and services to address the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical needs of the Urban Indigenous population of Mississauga and neighbouring regions. Through a supportive social network and culturally appropriate programs and services Indigenous peoples will have the opportunity to develop and strengthen a sense of community in Mississauga.
Our Goals
CULTURAL
CULTURAL
SOCIAL
SOCIAL
create harmonious relations & partnerships.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Our Guiding Principles
Seven Grandfather Teachings from:
Nottawaseppi Huron Band
of the Potawatomi
LOVE
Knowing love is to know peace. Our love must be unconditional. When people are weak, that is when they need love the most. Love is a strong affection for another. This can form between friends and family. Love is an attachment based upon devotion, admiration, tenderness, and kindness for all things around you. For one to love and accept themselves is to live at peace with the Creator and in harmony with all of creation. Love knows no bounds. We must accept it sincerely and give it freely.
RESPECT
A way to honor creation is by showing respect. There should be no part of creation that should be excluded from the honor that we are to give. We demonstrate respect by realizing the value of all people and things, and by showing courteous consideration and appreciation. We must give respect if we wish to be respected. We honor the traditional roles that we fill and the teaching we have been given. We honor our families and others, as well as ourselves. We are not to bring harm to anyone or anything. Respect is not just an action, but a heart-grown feeling.
BRAVERY
Facing a problem with integrity is a true demonstration of bravery. We do what is right even when the consequences may be unpleasant. We face life with the courage to use our personal strengths to face difficulties, stand tall through adversity, and make positive choices. We must stand up for our convictions and have courage in our thinking and speaking. All of these actions together will lead to ceaseless bravery.
TRUTH
Truth is having the knowledge of our cultural teachings. It gives us the ability to act without regret. We must understand, speak, and feel the truth, while also honoring its power. Truth should not lead us to deceptions. We know who we are in our heart. By knowing that, we also know the truth. Our emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual gifts will guide each one of us in our journey.
HONESTY
Facing a situation is to be brave, but having the courage to not only do the right thing, but also saying it, is honesty. We must allow truth to be our guide. We must first be honest with ourselves. This will allow us to be honest with others. We must give full value to both the efforts of our own and others. When we walk through life with integrity, it is then that we know honesty. Be truthful and trustworthy. We must also remember to accept and act on truths through straightforward and appropriate communication.
HUMILITY
Humility is to know that we are a part of creation. We must always consider ourselves equal to one another. We should never think of ourselves as being better or worse than anyone else. Humility comes in many forms. This includes compassion, calmness, meekness, gentleness, and patience. We must reflect on how we want to present ourselves to those around us. We must be aware of the balance and equality with all of life, including humans, plants, and animals.
WISDOM
The mixture of these teachings, combined with the experiences of life, is what we refer to as wisdom. It is given to us by the Creator to be used for good. Wisdom carries other meanings, which also include intelligence or knowledge. When we cherish our knowledge or intelligence, we are also cherishing our wisdom. We must use sound judgement along with the ability to separate inner qualities and relationships. We must use a good sense and course of action to form a positive attitude. We must remember to listen and use the wisdom that has been provided by our Elders, Tribal leadership, and our Spiritual leaders. We must also always remember that Wisdom comes in all shapes, sizes, forms, and ages.
Code of Ethics
In order for The Indigenous Network (TIN) to be a member in good standing with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, The Indigenous Network shall subscribe and be accountable to the following principles:
TIN is a community directed organization whose aims and objectives are consistent with those of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC).
TIN, first and foremost, respects and honours all Indigenous beliefs and customs, and acts and speaks with the pride and dignity that Indigenous heritage demands.
TIN is committed to information-sharing, referrals, recreation and social activities, cultural reinforcement, community development and all other activities which ensure that Indigenous people are afforded a better quality of life through Indigenous self-determination.
TIN promotes unity among all Indigenous people without regard to the legal distinction which may be drawn between Status, Non-Status, Metis, First Nations, or Inuit people. TIN ensures its programming, services, and information are accessible to all Indigenous people.
TIN supports and strives to achieve the stated aims and objectives of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres.
TIN is tolerant of diversity, forthright in expressing its views on particular issues and respectful of the opinions of other Friendship Centres and Indigenous groups even though they may disagree.
TIN will bring any grievances, comments or complaints relating to the Ontario Federation of Friendship Centre to the attention of the OFIFC Board of Directors. Similarly, any grievance, comment or criticism that the OFIFC has relating to The Indigenous Network will be brought to the attention of TIN’s Board of Directors.
TIN will endeavour to work in a cooperative manner with other Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations and groups towards creating a humane society. TIN offers equal opportunity for participation, tolerance towards differences, and has respect for all living things.TIN’s members and representatives must honour and respect the commitments of The Indigenous Network to the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres.
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To Our Partners
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What We're
All About
Who We Are
History
The Indigenous Network is located on the Treaty Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Nation, Huron Wendat and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. We also acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other global Indigenous peoples who now call Peel Region their home.
Originally established as the Peel Aboriginal Network (PAN) in 2003, The Indigenous Network had its beginnings through the hard work of a small group of volunteers dedicated to improving the quality of life for Indigenous people in the Region of Peel. The year 2007 saw the formation of a formal Board of Directors and incorporation followed in 2008.
The establishment of a cultural centre for use as a gathering place for the community happened in 2009. The Indigenous Network’s growing group of staff and volunteers have helped to drive the organization forward to dismantle systemic and cultural service challenges among the Indigenous and Non-Indigenous populations in the region to facilitate cultural understanding and reconciliation.
Our Mission
The Indigenous Network is a community-based, non-profit, registered charity whose mission is to provide programs and services to address the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical needs of the Urban Indigenous population of Mississauga and neighbouring regions. Through a supportive social network and culturally appropriate programs and services Indigenous peoples will have the opportunity to develop and strengthen a sense of community in Mississauga.
Our Goals
CULTURAL
CULTURAL
SOCIAL
SOCIAL
create harmonious relations & partnerships.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Our Guiding Principles
Seven Grandfather Teachings from:
Nottawaseppi Huron Band
of the Potawatomi
LOVE
Knowing love is to know peace. Our love must be unconditional. When people are weak, that is when they need love the most. Love is a strong affection for another. This can form between friends and family. Love is an attachment based upon devotion, admiration, tenderness, and kindness for all things around you. For one to love and accept themselves is to live at peace with the Creator and in harmony with all of creation. Love knows no bounds. We must accept it sincerely and give it freely.
RESPECT
A way to honor creation is by showing respect. There should be no part of creation that should be excluded from the honor that we are to give. We demonstrate respect by realizing the value of all people and things, and by showing courteous consideration and appreciation. We must give respect if we wish to be respected. We honor the traditional roles that we fill and the teaching we have been given. We honor our families and others, as well as ourselves. We are not to bring harm to anyone or anything. Respect is not just an action, but a heart-grown feeling.
BRAVERY
Facing a problem with integrity is a true demonstration of bravery. We do what is right even when the consequences may be unpleasant. We face life with the courage to use our personal strengths to face difficulties, stand tall through adversity, and make positive choices. We must stand up for our convictions and have courage in our thinking and speaking. All of these actions together will lead to ceaseless bravery.
TRUTH
Truth is having the knowledge of our cultural teachings. It gives us the ability to act without regret. We must understand, speak, and feel the truth, while also honoring its power. Truth should not lead us to deceptions. We know who we are in our heart. By knowing that, we also know the truth. Our emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual gifts will guide each one of us in our journey.
HONESTY
Facing a situation is to be brave, but having the courage to not only do the right thing, but also saying it, is honesty. We must allow truth to be our guide. We must first be honest with ourselves. This will allow us to be honest with others. We must give full value to both the efforts of our own and others. When we walk through life with integrity, it is then that we know honesty. Be truthful and trustworthy. We must also remember to accept and act on truths through straightforward and appropriate communication.
HUMILITY
Humility is to know that we are a part of creation. We must always consider ourselves equal to one another. We should never think of ourselves as being better or worse than anyone else. Humility comes in many forms. This includes compassion, calmness, meekness, gentleness, and patience. We must reflect on how we want to present ourselves to those around us. We must be aware of the balance and equality with all of life, including humans, plants, and animals.
WISDOM
The mixture of these teachings, combined with the experiences of life, is what we refer to as wisdom. It is given to us by the Creator to be used for good. Wisdom carries other meanings, which also include intelligence or knowledge. When we cherish our knowledge or intelligence, we are also cherishing our wisdom. We must use sound judgement along with the ability to separate inner qualities and relationships. We must use a good sense and course of action to form a positive attitude. We must remember to listen and use the wisdom that has been provided by our Elders, Tribal leadership, and our Spiritual leaders. We must also always remember that Wisdom comes in all shapes, sizes, forms, and ages.
Code of Ethics
In order for The Indigenous Network (TIN) to be a member in good standing with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, The Indigenous Network shall subscribe and be accountable to the following principles:
TIN is a community directed organization whose aims and objectives are consistent with those of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC).
TIN, first and foremost, respects and honours all Indigenous beliefs and customs, and acts and speaks with the pride and dignity that Indigenous heritage demands.
TIN is committed to information-sharing, referrals, recreation and social activities, cultural reinforcement, community development and all other activities which ensure that Indigenous people are afforded a better quality of life through Indigenous self-determination.
TIN promotes unity among all Indigenous people without regard to the legal distinction which may be drawn between Status, Non-Status, Metis, First Nations, or Inuit people. TIN ensures its programming, services, and information are accessible to all Indigenous people.
TIN supports and strives to achieve the stated aims and objectives of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres.
TIN is tolerant of diversity, forthright in expressing its views on particular issues and respectful of the opinions of other Friendship Centres and Indigenous groups even though they may disagree.
TIN will bring any grievances, comments or complaints relating to the Ontario Federation of Friendship Centre to the attention of the OFIFC Board of Directors. Similarly, any grievance, comment or criticism that the OFIFC has relating to The Indigenous Network will be brought to the attention of TIN’s Board of Directors.
TIN will endeavour to work in a cooperative manner with other Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations and groups towards creating a humane society. TIN offers equal opportunity for participation, tolerance towards differences, and has respect for all living things.TIN’s members and representatives must honour and respect the commitments of The Indigenous Network to the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres.
Let Us Introduce You
To Our Partners