National Indigenous Peoples Day

Jimmy Dick has been a community organizer in Toronto since moving to the city in 1975. He has been a longtime board member at Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training, an organization dedicated to equipping Indigenous clients at many stages of life to become innovators, skilled workers and leaders.

Dick is an active volunteer with numerous organizations in the Indigenous community, a ceremonial leader, and an advocate for Indigenous rights. A fluent Cree language speaker, he shares his knowledge on Native Culture and Spirituality as an educator at Kâpapâmahchakwêw - Wandering Spirit School. He also leads the Eagleheart Drummers and Singers, a highly regarded group who have been performing in Toronto and beyond for over twenty-five years, with key members including Dick’s partner, Marie Gaudet, and their sons.

Dick is recognized across Toronto for his selfless community work and commitment to sharing his knowledge as an educator and advocate.

Asha Frost has a BA in Psychology from the University of Guelph and a degree in Homeopathic Medicine. 

Asha is also the best-selling Author of You are the Medicine.

Working closely with homeless and marginalized communities in Toronto since 1995, Steve Teekens has been the Executive Director at Na-Me-Res (Native Men’s Residence) since 2008.

Currently operating an emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent housing and affordable housing in locations across the city, Na-Me-Res has been using a culture-based approach to support Indigenous men experiencing homelessness since 1985, expanding significantly since that time to address ongoing housing crises in Toronto. Na-Me-Res works to address clients’ physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs through cultural programs and services, including ceremonies, an educational fund, a Medicine Wheel Garden, music and language classes.

Teekens is also a proud father, traditional drummer, singer, and Grass Dancer, who has performed at major events across Canada and internationally with the Red Spirit Singers. He regularly teaches drumming and singing to men and youth in Toronto, and shares teachings on the drum.