Indigenous Residential School Survivors across Canada continue to grapple with the impacts of trauma, in addition to facing barriers to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. In Regina, Saskatchewan, the Regina Survivors Circle (RSC) provides a safe and supportive space for Survivors to share their stories, find connections, and reclaim their cultural heritage.
Moosonee, a community in the James Bay area of Ontario, is set to host an important reconciliation gathering, driven by the idea of a community Elder. The event, inspired by the desire to bridge divides between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, marks an important moment in the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
The wounds inflicted on Indigenous communities by the residential school system run deep, with one of the most devastating impacts being the suppression of Indigenous languages. The loss of language has left a void in the cultural identity of Indigenous communities across Canada.
Ms. Esther Diabo, an Ojibwe language speaker, Elder, and educator, is committed to cultural reconnection and healing for her community. Having spent nine years in residential schools, she understands the profound impact of language loss on Indigenous identity and today offers Ojibwe language classes as a pathway to healing and cultural revitalization.
Many newcomers who arrive in Canada seeking refuge, opportunity and a better life are unaware of the history and ongoing journey of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in this country. The People Bridge Advocacy (PBA) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan has been addressing this gap by providing on-going Truth and Reconciliation education and activities for immigrants and refugees.
The Dr. Peter Centre in Vancouver, BC, known for its holistic care approach for individuals facing HIV and other vulnerabilities, is in need of renewed funding to support critical initiatives within the urban Indigenous community in Vancouver.
In the School District of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Indigenous students often face financial barriers that hinder their educational pursuits, from purchasing books to covering living expenses. Recognizing this challenge, the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Student Bursary was established in 2023 with financial support from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF).
For many Métis people, discovering their cultural heritage has been a journey of revelation and rediscovery. Métis youth are seldom exposed to Michif language and culture, as older generations grapple with a legacy of shame surrounding their identity. Organizations like the Michif Language Revitalization Circle (MLRC) are working to mend these connections and reclaim Métis heritage.
In 2023, Balcarres Community School in Saskatchewan embarked on an initiative to engage students, many of whom are members of neighbouring First Nation communities, in truth and reconciliation. Under the guidance of their teachers, students produced artwork that depicts the 94 Calls to Action outlined by the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada.
Ticmup, a non-profit society founded in January 2021, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Nuu-chah-nulth family cultural teachings, language, and art through collaborative efforts with Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies.
