For over 15 years, Cathy Walker, has been coordinating Indigenous-led care for encampments, shelters and community programs in Tkaronto. She created the Allan Gardens Food and Clothing Share, and Giwaabamin, a free herbal clinic that brings trauma informed, harm reduction care to encampments, shelters, and community programs.

Giwaabamin provides wound care, foot care, and aftercare for those discharged from hospitals or released from prison as well as herbal support for illnesses linked to houselessness, environmental exposure and poverty. Since February 2026, Giwaabamin has offered a monthly, free, 2 Spirit, Trans & Non Binary herbal and acupuncture clinic.

Cathy aims to meet people where they are physically and emotionally, reducing anxiety and making care more accessible.

Giwaabamin remains 100% grassroots and does not receive government funding. This means a lot of expenses are out-of-pocket. For those of you who know how

expensive it is to cover essentials like rent for a space, jars, oils, honey, vegetable glycerine, alcohol for tinctures and purchased plant materials, you know how expensive it can be.