Monthly National Indigenous-Led Rosary
This monthly gathering meets over Zoom to pray the Rosary in 5 Indigenous Languages, English, & French spoken across Turtle Island
Healing and Reconciliation: The Church’s Commitment to Indigenous Peoples
In a historic move that goes beyond symbolism and turns into concrete action, the Catholic Church in Canada is advancing a difficult yet essential process of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
No Lesson is Too Small
Learning is a lifelong commitment that goes beyond the classroom. For Indigenous Peoples, curating knowledge about the land and culture is equally as important as math or science. However, many First Nation schools struggle to provide access to land-based learning due to funding restrictions.
Our Future Leaders
Across Canada, young Indigenous Peoples face higher rates of mental health challenges and substance abuse issues. They often lack access to resources that other urban communities take for granted, such as healthcare, education and cultural programming. These issues are compounded for Indigenous girls, the most vulnerable population and often the most invisible.
Pîkiskwê
The first word a child utters defines who they are, where they have come from, and the culture they are born into. Nêhiyawêwin is the language spoken by the Nêhiyawak (Cree) people, the largest Indigenous group in Canada. For generations, Nêhiyawak culture and traditions have been deeply interwoven with its language, which has struggled to survive due to the impacts of colonization.
Faith in Indigenous Spirituality
Reconciliation is a complex and nuanced journey that requires vulnerability, humility and forgiveness. It can be exceptionally challenging between Indigenous Peoples and the Catholic Church as the history between the two parties is fraught with pain and requires slow, delicate steps to work towards a healthier relationship.
Identity is Sacred
A vibrant and unique culture, Métis are often a forgotten subset of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. For young people, finding opportunities to learn about distinct Métis culture and language is difficult, leading to a loss of pride in their Métis identity. For those in the Niagara, Ontario region, early cultural programming only exists for youth under 12.
It Takes a Village
Disappearing Indigenous ways of knowing can lead to cultural erasure and a loss of self, a critical issue facing many communities. There remains an ongoing need for Indigenous-focused initiatives that foster healing, strengthen cultural identity, and rebuild what has been damaged through loss of language, traditions, and spiritual connection. Finding opportunities to strengthen Indigenous identity is vital, and language revitalization is an important aspect of this.
Creating Community
cross the vast North, Inuit communities face challenges specific to remote living, while simultaneously dealing with issues common for many Indigenous Peoples. From high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder to intergenerational trauma stemming from the 15 Collective Traumas experienced by every Inuit family, many are forced into leaving their homes and relocating south in search of a better life.
Peaceful Waters
Large gatherings are a vital part of life for Indigenous Peoples to celebrate their traditions and foster strong relationships. Yet, for generations these gatherings were outlawed by colonial policies. Today, the need for culturally grounded spaces where Indigenous Peoples can heal from the impacts of colonization and the residential school system is more critical than ever before.