The XYE Cree Speakers' Society was founded in 2021 by Milton Tootoosis, a nêhiyaw of the Poundmaker Cree Nation in Treaty Six Territory, with the goal to revitalize the Plains Cree language and promote the teachings of Cree Elders and traditional speakers. This learning process often challenges conventional Western education and requires a commitment to reconciling both worlds.
The Nignen Women's Shelter in Natoaganeg, New Brunswick, has recently been established to serve 15 Mi'kmaw and Wolastoqiyik communities. It is the first Indigenous women's shelter located on First Nation land in New Brunswick and is looking to provide a culturally safe space for women in need.
Many Indigenous youth in Thunder Bay, Ontario, find themselves far from their home as they pursue their education. The physical distance from family and community can create a sense of identity loss and isolation, making it difficult to maintain a connection with their cultural roots.
Gignoo Transition House near Fredericton, New Brunswick, has been a sanctuary for Indigenous women and children since 1993. The organization helps families overcome the impact of intergenerational trauma stemming from Canada’s history of residential schools, Indian day schools, and the 60s scoop. At Gignoo, vulnerable and at-risk families find support and protection as they look to heal and break cycles of trauma in their communities.
The First Nation community of Houpsitas is located in Kyuquot Sound, on the Northwest coast of Vancouver Island, BC. Community members navigate life on their traditional territories while grappling with food security issues that are exacerbated by inflation and the high cost of transporting goods to the marine-only accessible village.
The community of Welamukotuk (Oromocto First Nation) in Oromocto, New Brunswick, is dealing with an increase in mental health issues and addiction. Lingering effects of post-pandemic isolation, coupled with poverty and limited support options, have intensified these challenges for community members.
The Métis community across Canada has endured the impacts of colonization, resulting in the erosion of their traditions and cultural heritage. By gathering together, Métis citizens are hoping to rebuild a sense of pride and connection that has been lost within the community.
The impacts of colonization and the residential school system continue to reverberate through Indigenous communities, resulting in the loss of culture, language, and traditional parenting knowledge. Intergenerational trauma has contributed to cycles of substance abuse, violence, and suicide, leaving many Indigenous parents overwhelmed and communities fractured.
Advancing Reconciliation is the third in a series of three workshops hosted by Returning To Spirit, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization located in Treaty 1 territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Sandy Bay First Nation, located near Amaranth, Manitoba, is taking steps to help youth in the community cope with intergenerational trauma and loss of cultural identity. Recognizing the devastating struggles with substance abuse among its young people, the Council of Elders has been looking at ways to revitalize traditional spiritual beliefs and values in alignment with Christian teachings.
