The Indian Act remains a contentious piece of legislation within settler and Indigenous communities. Despite policies within it aimed at limiting traditional practices, it is also the only document that allows some measure of protection for Indigenous traditions. It remains in place today to ensure that erasure efforts led by colonialization, such as the Residential School System, never return.
In the effort to erase Indigenous Peoples from Canada, settler governments implemented policies to restrict sacred cultural practices such as traditional singing, dancing, Pow Wows, and ceremonial gatherings. Despite these measures, Indigenous Peoples fought back and continued to participate in events and pass down Indigenous ways of knowing in secret.
Located on the picturesque eastern shores of Lake Winnipeg, Hollow Water First Nation has deep roots in the land, inspiring spiritual connections within its members. Despite a strong legacy of community-led healing, the Nation has experienced many recent tragedies, including in September 2025.
Access to education is an integral building block on the path to a successful future. Education opens doors to opportunities and helps young people foster critical literacy, thinking and social skills. However, many Indigenous communities do not have the resources to offer secondary or post-secondary education locally.
Many young Indigenous Peoples remain disconnected from their traditional practices. Educational opportunities for these skills are often in classroom settings, lacking connection to Indigenous ways of knowing, such as land-based teachings or through Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Meaningful connections between the youngest and the oldest within Indigenous communities has been the beating heart of how culture and language is shared. Colonization has frayed these bonds and led to a generational divide between Indigenous Peoples, increasing the risk of losing integral cultural knowledge.
150 years ago on August 23, 1876, a pivotal moment in history was made with the signing of Treaty No. 6 at Fort Carlton, in what is today known as Saskatchewan. The critical treaty between First Nations and the Crown continues to impact life today.
There is a sacred bond between young Indigenous Peoples and community Elders that is integral to passing on traditional knowledge, practices and history. Due to the impacts of colonization, these bonds have frayed over generations.
Spirit Lodge, an initiative the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) helped bring to life with a bequest, will promote Indigenous spiritual and cultural practices such as smudging and is outfitted with movable furniture, a kitchen dedicated to preparing traditional food and medicine and garden access for growing sacred plants.
Birch bark has long held important cultural significance within Indigenous communities, traditionally used for baskets, artwork, and many more practical purposes. Over the years, opportunities to learn these practices have waned and these critical cultural skills have faded from modern life.
