Oct. 2021 - Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction

We’re so happy to be able to bring back our cookies for a cause program starting in October. Line Cook Mel has selected Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction as the the beneficiary of this month’s cookie sales. From TIHR’s website:

“Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction (TIHR) emerged in April 2020 during the first wave of the COVID19 pandemic in response to a massive shutdown of frontline services and a lack of basic needs for Indigenous houseless folks in the city of Toronto. Over the past year, we have provided basic needs, access to critical health support & covid 19 testing, harm reduction supplies, sexual, reproductive health and prenatal support, traditional medicines, traditional food, expressive arts, and ceremony to some of our most vulnerable people. TIHR aims to reduce the negative impacts of substance use and other stigmatized behaviours and experiences through culture and unconditional support. TIHR is an entirely queer and Two-Spirit Indigenous collective founded by Nanook Gordon, co led by Brianna Olson Pitawanakwat and supported by Dashmaawaan Bemadzinjin (They feed the people) and countless volunteers.

To date we have served over 3,000 meals to the encampments and Indigenous street folks.”

We asked Mel why she picked this charity. Here is her response:

“I chose Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction for the cause this month because they use culture to support urban Indigenous communities. They do this by acknowledging ongoing colonization and lack of services by providing traditional meals, traditional medicines, expressive arts, ceremony, and other supplies that are needed. It is important for Indigenous communities to thrive.”