Many issues within Indigenous family systems stem from the trauma experienced at residential schools, leading to the loss of ancestral knowledge, value systems, ceremonies, language, and identity. These losses often result in the abuse of substances, alcohol, devices, and even other people.
On September 30, 2024, the Indigenous Health Education Committee at St. Joseph's Care Group (SJCG) in Thunder Bay, Ontario, will observe Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is dedicated to creating awareness and encouraging conversations about the Residential School System and its lasting impact on Indigenous People in Canada.
In August 2024, the First Peoples House of Learning at Trent University is hosting its second annual Learning on the Land Camp on Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. The project brings together 30 First Nation, Métis, Inuit and non-Indigenous Trent University students for a hands-on learning experience built to foster relationships among students, Elders, local community members, and the land and water.
Beading and fiddling are two of the major art forms of the Métis People, reflecting their rich cultural heritage and history. Known as the "Floral Beadwork People," the Métis became known in the 19th century for their fine floral design beadwork.
In recent years, Alderville First Nation in South-Central Ontario had to witness the decimation of its green spaces and tree lines due to an infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive beetle species that has left the community looking barren. Now, to breathe new life into its landscape, the Nation is planning an extensive tree planting and landscaping effort.
In Northern Saskatchewan, many Indigenous families grapple with socio-economic challenges and often have limited access to support services, especially for youth and children. For these communities, fostering a sense of cultural identity and pride among youth is critical for their holistic well-being and community resilience.
St. Louis, a Métis community in Saskatchewan, faces many challenges as the result of colonization and intergenerational trauma – from mental health issues and substance abuse to social issues such as domestic violence and suicide. To foster healing, St. Louis Métis Local, representing over 600 Métis citizens, is launching "Out On The Land," a program that will reconnect community members with their cultural roots and the natural environment.
The Niagara Region Métis Council is led by volunteers who are elected citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Every year, the Council organizes an overnight Family Camp where Métis families gather to immerse themselves in Métis traditions, Michif language, land-based living skills, and cultural practices.
With a student body comprised of mostly Indigenous youth, education at Ben Calf Robe School (BCR) in Edmonton, Alberta, is firmly grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing. Central to the school’s mission is the celebration of Indigenous culture and language, nurturing a sense of belonging and community among its students.
The St'át'imc Declaration Gathering is an annual event that brings together the St'át'imc people, a First Nation located in the southern Coast Mountains and Fraser Canyon region of British Columbia.
