A Shared Rhythm

It takes a community to raise a child. Lifestyle, worldviews, language and cultural values shape identity.

For disenfranchised youth, especially Indigenous children in foster care, living away from traditional lands and being disconnected from their traditional practices have left them adrift and at risk of losing their cultural identity. This is an issue plaguing Indigenous communities in the Calgary region and across Canada.

To meet this need and build on existing programming, the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY) will be providing consistent programming through the new Cultural Connections program. This two-phase initiative will teach traditional dance, song, ceremony, and land-based teachings to help reconnect Indigenous youth with their culture. Train the Trainers is the first phase currently underway where six young Indigenous adults with dance experience will become skilled cultural instructors, learning from Elders and Knowledge Keepers from Cree, Blackfoot, and Sioux nations. These new instructors will deepen their understanding of protocols, ceremony, teaching methodologies, and public speaking, while strengthening their physical and spiritual wellness through weekly sweats and medicine teachings. They will then begin co-leading community and school dance, drum, and song classes before transitioning into the second phase, which provides ongoing cultural programming for Indigenous youth. The program creates a safe and supportive environment for youth, including those with disabilities and others facing barriers to cultural connection. 

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is contributing funding to support this initiative that creates the cultural connection essential for healing intergenerational trauma, building resilience, and creating pathways to wellness and pride in one’s Indigeneity. The IRF’s support will help USAY and its partner Wandering Spirit in ensuring the next generation is educated, prepared, and excited to carry forward cultural practices.

Diocese of Calgary