Our Story

Walking with Shkaabe Makwa

As we move forward with CAMH’s Agenda for reconciliation, we put forth a new name and way of talking about our work that recognizes how we seek help and guidance from the Spirit World. When this spiritual name emerged in the spring of 2018, our team (formerly Aboriginal Engagement and Outreach) gathered in the Ceremony Room at CAMH. For hours we sat together and prayed, smoked traditional pipe, shared our thoughts and made offerings to the Bear. We began to move forward with this new name and acknowledged that our team has been walking with the Bear for years.  We believe that the Bear emerged as a symbol for us as we all felt a cultural connection whether we were First Nations, Inuit or Métis. For some of us, we acknowledge the Bear as “medicine,” and others as a “knowledge keeper, protector and healer.”

We also know that over time, several First Nations lived in the traditional territory of what is now called Toronto – and more specifically, the Mississaugas camped and held council meetings on the site of our Queen Street location. It is for this reason that we will honour our name in the Anishinaabe language.  Shkaabe Makwa translates to “Spirit Bear Helper.”