Building The Fire

Building The Fire ​🧡 Building The Fire. (ISAN’s evolution)
Indigenous-led advocacy guided by Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk). Developing EARTH Works initiative for community healing.

Resources, cultural events, and support for organizations (Willow Feather Method).

Today Building the Fire acknowledges World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, this is not an abstract concept or just a...
07/30/2026

Today Building the Fire acknowledges World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, this is not an abstract concept or just a date on a calendar. It is lived truth for myself and many others.

​As a survivor of human trafficking, attempted femicide, domestic violence, and sexual assault, I know the heavy, suffocating darkness that violence brings into a life. I know what it feels like to have your freedom stolen, your spirit targeted, and your safety dismantled.

​Every single life is sacred. Our women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ kin are sacred life-givers, water keepers, and knowledge holders. Human trafficking, abuse, and exploitation attempt to desecrate that sacredness—to dim the fire inside us and make us believe we are alone.
​But violence does not get the final word. Your spirit remains sacred, no matter what has been done to you.

​As survivors, we carry these truths:
❤️​It happens right here. Exploitation thrives in our small towns, urban centers, and reserve communities, feeding off systemic injustice, intergenerational trauma, and isolation.

❤️​We deserve to get out. Freedom, safety, and dignity are your birthright. You are worthy of peace.

❤️​Healing is a sacred journey, and we need support to walk it. Escaping and rebuilding after extreme violence isn't something anyone should have to do alone. It takes wrap-around community care, love, culturally safe supports, and accessible resources to tend to our fire until it burns bright again.

​Yesterday’s newly released report, "Unseen, Unknown, and Unsolved", underscores the devastating, direct connections between human trafficking and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ (MMIWG2S+) genocide. Illuminating how Human trafficking is an active pipeline stealing our sacred relatives.

Fulfilling the Calls for Justice is not optional—it is an urgent, life-saving duty.

​If you are trapped, seeking a way out, or trying to piece your life back together: You are sacred. You are not forgotten. And you deserve to be free.

​Below are regional and Indigenous-led supports ready to wrap around you:

​Support Resources
​🔥 24/7 Crisis & Indigenous Helplines
​Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010 (Call/Chat 24/7)
​Talk 4 Healing (Indigenous Women’s Support): 1-855-554-HEAL (4325)
​ONWA Anti-Human Trafficking Crisis Line: 1-800-667-0816
​Hope for Wellness Indigenous Helpline: 1-855-242-3310

​📍 Oxford County
​Victim Assistance Services of Oxford County (VASOC): 519-537-2824
​Domestic Abuse Review Team (DART) / Oxford Women’s Emergency Shelter (Ingersoll/Woodstock): 519-539-4883 / 1-800-265-1938

​📍 London-Middlesex
​Atlohsa Family Healing Services (Indigenous-Led): 519-438-0068 / 24/7 Crisis: 1-800-605-7477
​London Abused Women’s Centre (LAWC - HT Supports): 519-432-2204
​Anishnabeg Outreach (London): 519-658-8272

​📍 Kitchener-Waterloo (KW) Area
​Healing of the Seven Generations (Indigenous-Led): 519-570-9118
​Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC) Waterloo Region – Anti-Human Trafficking Program: 519-741-8633 (24/7 Line)

​📍 Brantford, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit, Chippewas of the Thames, Oneida Nation, Munsee-Delaware
​Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services (Six Nations): 519-445-4325 (24/7 Crisis Line)
​De Dwa Da Dehs Nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre (Brantford): 519-752-4340
​Nova Vita Domestic Violence Services (Brantford): 519-752-HELP (4357)
​SOAHAC (Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre - London, Chippewas, Munsee): 519-289-0359

​We hold space today for those still in the dark, those who were stolen from us, and those walking the long road of healing. We keep the fire burning for all of you. 🪶🔥

​

07/27/2026

On July 29th, Atlohsa’s Okaadenige Team invites Indigenous youth ages 15–23 to join us for an afternoon of creativity and conversation. We'll be creating beaded lanyards while learning about what human trafficking can look like among youth, including common warning signs, healthy relationships, and ways to stay safe. Join us in a welcoming space to connect with others, express your creativity, and gain knowledge to protect yourself and your community. 🩵

Okaadenige at Atlohsa Family Healing Services is an Anti-Human Trafficking Program dedicated to prevention, awareness, and support for those who have experienced human trafficking, sexual abuse, exploitation, or who may be at risk. Through outreach and education, we aim to help youth recognize the signs of unsafe situations, build awareness, and feel supported in their choices.

Here’s what to expect:
📿 Beaded Lanyard Workshop (make and take home your own!)
💬 Safe, Open Discussion
🍴 Food & Supplies Provided (no cost)
📅 Wednesday, July 29th, 2026
🕒 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
📍 Atlohsa's Head Office, Mino Kitchen, 343 Richmond Street, London

Have questions? Contact Sandra at 382-577-3679 or [email protected]!

07/27/2026

The Ndakimnaan Healing Lodge Program at Atlohsa invites Indigenous men (ages 18+) to join our Men's Healing Camp! This is a safe and supportive space to heal from addictions and traumas, connect with the land, and reclaim your identity. 🫂

All Indigenous men are welcome, provided you are able to safely endure a substance-free camp. There is no cost to attend this program, and transportation will be provided.

📍 Pearce Williams Camp | Fingal, ON

What to expect:
• Creative Workshops
• Teachings from Knowledge Keepers & Elders
• Land-Based Healing & Learning
• Reconnecting with Culture
• Non-Religious, Substance-Free Programming

Day Program:
August 10th to 15th

Overnight Program:
August 17th to 28th

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: August 5th, 2026 (noon)

To register or make any inquiries, contact Lois at:
[email protected] | 382-577-3059

🩵

07/27/2026

Atlohsa's Women's Circle is back again this Monday! 🩵

Women’s Circle is a welcoming space where Indigenous women and girls (ages 16+) can come together to build connections, support one another, share experiences, and spend time in community.

Through cultural teachings, wellness activities, conversations, and creative workshops, women will have opportunities to reconnect with themselves, each other, and their strengths in a safe and supportive environment.

What to expect:
- Cultural teachings and activities
- Guest speakers and facilitators
- Creative workshops and hands-on crafts
- Wellness and self-care focused sessions
- Supplies and meals provided; no costs to attend

📆 Biweekly on Mondays
⏰ 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
📍 343 Richmond Street, London (Atlohsa's Elders' Lounge)

Questions? Contact [email protected]!

Happy Indigenous Peoples Day! June 21st wasn't chosen by accident. It is the Summer Solstice—the longest day of the year...
06/21/2026

Happy Indigenous Peoples Day!

June 21st wasn't chosen by accident. It is the Summer Solstice—the longest day of the year and a time when the sun sits highest in the sky. For generations, Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island have gathered on this specific day to welcome the return of warmth, celebrate the gifts of the earth, and honor the change of seasons.

​In 1996, this day was officially recognized in Canada as a time to celebrate the distinct cultures, rich histories, and incredible resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
​When we talk about "building the fire" today, it means something different depending on who you are. Today is about shining a bright solstice light on both education and reclamation:

​For my non-Indigenous friends and neighbors:
Building the fire means putting in the work to educate yourself. True allyship means learning about the land you live on, understanding the true history of the unique heritages of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, and listening with an open heart. The responsibility to learn belongs to you—don't let the fire of reconciliation burn out when today ends.

​For my Indigenous relatives and those on the journey of reconnecting:
Building the fire is your birthright. If you are learning your language, tracking down your family roots, or discovering your traditions for the very first time, know this: you belong to this circle. You don't have to know everything to start. Every piece of knowledge you reclaim adds wood to a fire that colonial systems tried to put out, but never could. Your spark is powerful.
​
A Special Solstice Firekeeper Shoutout:
Because June 21st also lands on Father's Day today, we want to honor the incredible dad figures and masculine energies in our lives.
​To the dads, stepdads, grandfathers, uncles, Elders, and anyone else who fills that father-like role: thank you for being our personal Firekeepers. Thank you for protecting our sparks when we were small, shielding us from the cold, and passing down the strength and patience we need to keep growing.

​An especially deep, heartfelt thank you goes out to the men and firekeepers who have courageously stepped onto their own healing journeys. Breaking cycles, facing the hard work, and healing your own spirit so you can be a strong, healthy, and grounded firekeeper in your home and life is some of the most powerful, sacred work there is. We see you, and we honor your strength.

​📍 Celebrate, Reconnect & Learn Locally:
If you are looking for meaningful ways to engage, learn, and show up today and tomorrow, we have some incredible things happening right here in our community:

​📚 This Afternoon (June 21st): Head over to Commonplace Books for author Cody Groat’s book launch! It is a fantastic opportunity to support Indigenous authorship, listen to vital stories, and expand your learning.

​🌅 Tomorrow Morning (June 22nd): Start your day in a good way by joining the community for a sacred Sunrise Ceremony led by Elder Mary Lou Smoke right here in Ingersoll. Come out to connect, reflect, and share space.

​Whether you are gathering the wood to learn, or fanning the flames to reconnect—let’s keep the fire burning together.

​

06/18/2026

Looking for a fun land-based activity to do this Saturday? 🌿

Join Atlohsa and Chase Nethercott for an Indigenous-led edible and medicinal scavenger hunt focused on learning about the land and the gifts that it provides!

⏰ 10AM to 2PM | Saturday, June 20th
📍 550 Wellington Road, Building J (behind Wiigiwaaminaan Lodge)
🍴 Food and drinks provided
📩 Contact [email protected] / 548-388-8403 with any questions

(Note: be punctual; maximum of 20 participants!)

If you are looking for a way to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples Day this year, Tillsonburg is having their second annual ...
06/17/2026

If you are looking for a way to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples Day this year, Tillsonburg is having their second annual event!

Or catch Dr. Cody Groats book launch at Commonplace Bookstore in Ingersoll in the afternoon.

Also check out what Two Row Creeations is doing

If your Sunday is already packed, but you wanted to do something to honor the day you can join us on Monday morning in Ingersolls Victoria Park for Sunrise Ceremony with Elder Mary Lou Smoke

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Ingersoll, ON

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