Crow Shield Lodge
Crow Shield Lodge is an Indigenous-led registered charity in Waterloo Region, Ontario, founded in 2021, delivering land-based healing, youth diversion, cultural education, and community programs grounded in Seven Grandfather Teachings and the Medicine Wheel.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersWaterloo, Canada
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Crow Shield Lodge does
Crow Shield Lodge is an Indigenous-led registered Canadian charity (Registration #728954934 RR0001) founded in 2021 by Clarence Cachagee, a Sixties Scoop survivor from Chapleau Cree First Nation, and headquartered in Waterloo Region, Ontario. The organization's mission centers on land-based healing and cultural education delivered to Indigenous community members, with a formal methodology anchored in the Seven Grandfather Teachings and the Medicine Wheel framework. Programming spans a portfolio of recurring circles and ceremonies — including Women's Circle, Grief Circles, Community Workers Circle, and ceremonial offerings — alongside more recent institutional initiatives such as the Migisi Bizindan (Eagle's Nest) Youth Diversion Program, a justice-sector initiative co-delivered with Starling Community Services and Waterloo Regional Police, and participation in the regional HART Hub serving individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction.
The operational footprint comprises four program sites: one indoor facility at 101 David Street, Kitchener, and three outdoor land sites used for on-the-land programming and ceremony. The team is organized as an Accountability Circle that pairs the executive function with specialized contributors in grants, outreach, media, ceremony, and knowledge-keeping roles, with the public listing of staff and circle members indicating a workforce in the 1–10 employee band.
The revenue model is that of a diversified small charity. Income is drawn from tax-receipted individual donations, targeted giving campaigns, an online merchandise storefront (hoodies, t-shirts, hats, mugs, beading trays, and books), recurring community fundraisers such as the Feed the Fire annual event, and a broad mix of grant funding from federal, provincial, and municipal governments and from foundations including the United Way, CMHA, and the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation. The economic model is therefore donation-and-grant dependent rather than fee-for-service, and growth is gated by grant cycles, fundraising capacity, and the availability of culturally appropriate human resources.
Crow Shield Lodge firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Crow Shield Lodge
- Legal name
- Crow Shield Lodge
- Website
- https://crowshieldlodge.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Crow Shield Lodge is an Indigenous-led registered charity in Waterloo Region, Ontario, founded in 2021, delivering land-based healing, youth diversion, cultural education, and community programs grounded in Seven Grandfather Teachings and the Medicine Wheel.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Crow Shield Lodge industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Indigenous community healing and education services
- NAICS
- Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Child and Youth Services (62411), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Minority, Indigenous & Disability Rights (BPADAGAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cultural & Community-Based Lodges (Indigenous/Local Conservancies) (THAGAIAL), Indigenous/Tribal Education Authorities & Boards (EDADABAM)
Keywords
Where Crow Shield Lodge is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Waterloo
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Crow Shield Lodge business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others
Revenue model
- Charitable Donations: Tax-receiptable donations through CanadaHelps platform. Crow Shield Lodge is registered as a charitable organization (Registration #728954934 RR0001).
- Merchandise Sales: Online storefront selling branded merchandise (hoodies, t-shirts, hats, mugs, beading trays, books) with proceeds supporting programming.
- Targeted Gifting: Donors can designate gifts to specific pillars: Education, Healing, Reconciliation, or Land Stewardship.
- Government Funding: Program funding secured under Region of Waterloo's 'Building Safer Communities Fund' for youth diversion programming.
- Grant Funding: Dedicated grant team pursues funding partnerships to sustain and grow land-based programming.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Merchandise price points ranging from $15-$60 CAD |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Donation amounts of $20, $50, or $100 CAD |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Crow Shield Lodge product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Crow Shield Lodge delivers Indigenous land-based healing, cultural education, and reconciliation programming across the Waterloo Region, including sweat lodge ceremonies, sharing circles, grief and women's circles, youth diversion services (Migisi Bizindan - Eagle's Nest), homelessness/addictions pathways support (HART Hub), and land stewardship teachings. All services are grounded in the Seven Grandfather Teachings and Medicine Wheel framework and offered to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples at no cost. Branded merchandise sales and charitable donations sustain the programming.
Product overview
Crow Shield Lodge is an Indigenous land-based healing and education organization offering a diverse portfolio of merchandise and community programs. The merchandise line includes branded apparel and accessories (hats, hoodies, t-shirts, toques, mugs, beading trays, and enamel pins priced from $15 to $60) plus the published memoir 'North Wind Man Book' ($25), all sold through their e-commerce shop with proceeds supporting programming. The program portfolio includes the Migisi Bizindan - Eagle's Nest Youth Division (12-25 age diversionary program), the HART Hub (Homelessness, Addictions, Recovery, and Treatment), plus recurring circle programs (Women's Circle, Kitchener Grief Circle, Cambridge Grief Circle, Community Workers Circle), educational offerings (reconciliation learning circles, land stewardship teachings, cultural workshops, art and craft workshops), and ceremonial events. The annual Feed the Fire Fundraiser is their signature community event. All programs are rooted in the Seven Grandfather Teachings and the Medicine Wheel, welcoming people of all nations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- HART Hub: Homelessness, Addictions, Recovery, and Treatment Hub providing personalized guidance, resources, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use.
- Migisi Bizindan (Eagle's Nest)
Products and services
- Migisi Bizindan - Eagle's Nest Youth Diversion Program
Companies that use Crow Shield Lodge
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Crow Shield Lodge technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Crow Shield Lodge partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, moderate and core.
- LIFE Co-OperativeminorCommunity partner supporting Crow Shield Lodge's land-based healing and education initiatives.
- Kindred Credit UnionminorFinancial institution partner supporting community initiatives.
- Mennonite Central CommitteeminorHumanitarian organization partner supporting Indigenous healing and reconciliation work.
- Mennonite Church CanadaminorChurch organization partner in reconciliation efforts.
- Kitchener-Waterloo House Church AssemblyminorFaith community partner in reconciliation initiatives.
- Future Generations FoundationminorFoundation supporting community programming and future generations.
- Pfenning's OrganicminorOrganic farm partner supporting local food systems and community initiatives.
- The Healing of the Seven GenerationsmoderateIndigenous-focused healing organization aligned with Crow Shield Lodge's mission around the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
- United Way Waterloo Region CommunitiescoreMajor community partner providing funding and support for social service programming in Waterloo Region.
- Backyard Honey CompanyminorLocal business partner supporting community initiatives.
- YMCA of Three RiversminorCommunity organization partner in programming and wellness initiatives.
- Canadian Mental Health AssociationcoreCMHA Waterloo Wellington partnership for Indigenous wellness programming and community healing initiatives, including conversations video series with CEO.
- Bell Let's TalkminorMental health initiative partner supporting awareness and programming.
- Kitchener-Waterloo Community FoundationcoreCommunity foundation providing grant funding and support for local initiatives.
- Gore MutualminorInsurance partner supporting community initiatives.
- Nature ConnectminorOrganization connecting people with nature, aligned with land-based healing mission.
- Starling Community ServicescorePartner in Migisi Bizindan - Eagle's Nest youth diversion program, providing mentorship and support services for Indigenous youth.
- Waterloo Regional PolicecoreLaw enforcement partner in youth diversion programming, providing court-mandated referrals and building relationships between youth and police officers.
- HART Hub Waterloo RegioncoreHomelessness, Addictions, Recovery, and Treatment Hub. Crow Shield Lodge is an Indigenous-led community partner providing pathways support and traditional land-based healing for individuals navigating the healthcare system.
- Langs Community Health CentreminorHealthcare facility hosting Cambridge Grief Circle programming for community members.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Crow Shield Lodge competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Minwaadiziwin Healing Lodge: Indigenous-led, land-based healing and cultural education organization operating in Ontario. Closest direct peer given shared Seven Grandfather-style teachings, ceremony-based programming, and community-driven model.
- Tungasuvvingat Inuit: Indigenous-led community organization providing culturally based healing, social services, and wellness programming for urban Indigenous populations in Ontario. Comparable urban-Indigenous service-delivery model.
- White Buffalo Youth Healing Lodge: Indigenous youth healing lodge offering land-based cultural programming, ceremonial teachings, and mentorship for at-risk youth — directly comparable to Crow Shield Lodge's Migisi Bizindan (Eagle's Nest) youth diversion work.
- HART Hub Communities (homelessness/addictions hubs network): Crow Shield Lodge is itself a community partner of HART Hub Waterloo Region; comparable HART-style homelessness/addictions/recovery hubs in other regions operate as peer Indigenous-led healing partnerships.
- Canopy Support Services (Aakoma): Indigenous-led youth mental health and wellness organization providing culturally grounded support services. Comparable target population (Indigenous youth) and diversion/wellness programming model.
- Native Women's Healing Circle / Native Women's Resource Centre: Indigenous women's circle programming, ceremony, and cultural support. Comparable to Crow Shield Lodge's Women's Circle and grief/community circles across Canada.
- The Healing of the Seven Generations: Indigenous healing organization aligned with Seven Grandfather Teachings providing cultural support and family services. Listed as a strategic partner of Crow Shield Lodge and a strong peer for programming philosophy.
Emerging players
- Wisahkotewinowak Collective: Indigenous-led food sovereignty and land-based education collective operating in the Waterloo-Wellington region. Overlap via CSL's HR Lead and Accountability Circle member Dave Skene; comparable land-stewardship and Indigenous-agriculture education model.
- Starling Community Services: Community services organization co-delivering Crow Shield Lodge's youth diversion program. Comparable in youth-services and family support space, with cultural programming as a differentiator.
Broad incumbents
- Anishnawbe Health Toronto: Established large-scale Indigenous health and healing organization offering traditional healing, ceremonies, and community wellness programs across the Greater Toronto Area. Broader service portfolio but overlapping land-based and ceremonial offerings.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Crow Shield Lodge social profiles
Digital presenceCrow Shield Lodge financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Crow Shield Lodge leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles15 records
Crow Shield Lodge funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Crow Shield Lodge M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Crow Shield Lodge
What does Crow Shield Lodge do?
Crow Shield Lodge delivers Indigenous land-based healing, cultural education, and reconciliation programming across the Waterloo Region, including sweat lodge ceremonies, sharing circles, grief and women's circles, youth diversion services (Migisi Bizindan - Eagle's Nest), homelessness/addictions pathways support (HART Hub), and land stewardship teachings. All services are grounded in the Seven Grandfather Teachings and Medicine Wheel framework and offered to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples at no cost. Branded merchandise sales and charitable donations sustain the programming.
Is Crow Shield Lodge a public or private company?
Crow Shield Lodge is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Crow Shield Lodge founded?
Crow Shield Lodge was founded in 2021. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Crow Shield Lodge based?
Crow Shield Lodge is headquartered in Waterloo, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Crow Shield Lodge make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Charitable Donations are the primary driver. The others are merchandise Sales, targeted Gifting, government Funding and grant Funding.
Who are Crow Shield Lodge's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Minwaadiziwin Healing Lodge, Tungasuvvingat Inuit, White Buffalo Youth Healing Lodge, HART Hub Communities (homelessness/addictions hubs network), Canopy Support Services (Aakoma), Native Women's Healing Circle / Native Women's Resource Centre and The Healing of the Seven Generations. Emerging players are Wisahkotewinowak Collective and Starling Community Services. Anishnawbe Health Toronto is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Crow Shield Lodge have an API?
No public API is recorded for Crow Shield Lodge.
What industry is Crow Shield Lodge in?
Crow Shield Lodge's product category is Indigenous community healing and education services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADAGAH, Minority, Indigenous & Disability Rights, with a secondary code of THAGAIAL, Cultural & Community-Based Lodges (Indigenous/Local Conservancies). Its NAICS code is 813 and its SIC code is 8300.