Adopting as Kin

Indigenous families continue to be impacted by colonization and systemic policies focused on cultural erasure.

The painful legacy of the residential school system has led to many Indigenous parents losing the skills to create healthy family units. These parents are often overburdened as they navigate community, family trauma, poverty, and personal challenges, all of which affect their ability to guide and support their children. As communities seek to heal, organizations are creating opportunities for children, youth, and adults to see themselves as essential, valuable members of their communities, and to begin planning for a stronger future.

The non-profit Kayâs-isîhcikêwin is introducing a four-day, survivor and Indigenous-led cultural healing gathering. Tāpākōmitowin, meaning “adopting as kin,” is a scared gathering where residential school survivors, intergenerational survivors, and sixties scoop survivors will share their stories, teachings, and pathways to healing. Tāpākōmitowin will invite Indigenous children, youth, families, Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and spiritual leaders into a shared space of learning, healing, and reconciliation. Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants will work together through shared learning sessions, listening to survivor stories, and join in guided dialogue grounded in respect, truth-telling, and accountability. Local churches and faith communities will be invited to participate, volunteer, and support the gathering in the spirit of reconciliation.

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is proud to contribute funding to support Tāpākōmitowin, taking place in Treaty 4 Territory in Saskatchewan. This gathering is an act of truth, healing, and shared responsibility, helping to heal homes and bring participants together in a space rooted in kinship, culture, and community. By centring survivor voices and Indigenous leadership, it honours the past while building pathways forward for families, communities, and allies.   

Archdiocese of Regina