In 2022, Pope Francis made a historic visit to Canada, standing before residential school survivors and their families in Maskwacis, Alberta, and offering an apology on behalf of the Catholic Church for its involvement in the residential school system. The Parish is planning to build a healing pavilion, featuring aisles and a platform, and surrounded by traditional gardens.
M.E. LaZerte High School in Edmonton, Alberta is an educational hub for nearly 9,000 students from 15 elementary and junior high schools. The student population represents over 80 cultural backgrounds and 70 languages, with many students identifying as First Nation, Métis, or Inuit, emphasizing the rich diversity that shapes the school's community.
For over a century, Indigenous children endured the traumatic experience of Indian Residential Schools in Canada, and the haunting legacy continues with the search for those who never returned home. Many Indigenous Nations are actively seeking their lost children, employing archaeological remote sensing and geophysics to locate potential burial sites. However, limited support and resources hinder these crucial efforts.
Located on the Sturgeon River northwest of Edmonton, Alberta, St. Albert Parish carries a rich history that is closely connected with Indigenous Peoples in the area. Yet, many parishioners remain unaware of these ties and the broader narrative of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Recognizing the importance of education and cultural understanding, the parish has embarked on a journey to bridge this knowledge gap and foster meaningful connections.
The effects of intergenerational trauma and the legacy of residential schools have contributed to the breakdown of the family unit in many Indigenous communities, often resulting in family crisis, dysfunction, and substance abuse. Recognizing the need for holistic healing that addresses the entire family unit, Bearwoman & Associates, through its non-profit arm, Heart Spirit Healing and Wellness, introduces the Mother Bear Wellness Project.
The scars of historical injustices weigh heavily on Indigenous Elders and seniors, creating a pressing need for healing, reconciliation, and cultural revitalization. The Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre (EASC), with its over 300 members, knows all too well the profound impact of intergenerational trauma, loss of cultural knowledge, and fractured identities on its community.
The art of crafting traditional Indigenous clothing and jewelry has seen a steady decline due to the enduring impact of residential schools and cultural erosion. However, there is a growing movement to reclaim and share this Traditional Knowledge, offering a path to preserve Indigenous culture.
As the number of Elders declines within Indigenous communities, their wisdom and guidance are increasingly sought after for many community needs. This includes passing down Traditional Knowledge, teachings, languages, crafts, and spiritual guidance to younger generations.
Cree people across Turtle Island are seeking a renewed sense of pride in their heritage, free from the shadows of historical trauma. The Catholic Parish of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in Alberta is spearheading an initiative to revive the Cree language as part of the community's prayers and hymns, with the goal of instilling a renewed sense of pride in Cree Catholics that transcends the painful legacy of the residential school system.
The legacy of residential schools and day schools casts a long shadow of trauma, affecting not only those who attended but also their children and grandchildren. At Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, an Indigenous Parish in Maskwacis, Alberta, the journey toward healing has been a central focus for many years. This commitment to healing involves not only the Church but also collaboration with Indigenous organizations in the region. The Parish is planning to build a healing pavilion, featuring aisles and a platform, and surrounded by traditional gardens.
