The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was established to facilitate reconciliation among Residential School Survivors, their families, their communities and all Canadians. By travelling to all parts of Canada and hearing from more than 6,500 witnesses, the TRC created a historical record of the residential school system.
Drumming and singing hold deep spiritual meaning for Indigenous peoples, and are a solemn prayer to the Creator. However, the art of drumming and drum making has faded over the years, leaving many Indigenous children disconnected from their cultural heritage and spirituality. Recognizing the importance of revitalizing these traditions, the Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, Alberta, is spearheading efforts to teach children the sacred practices of drumming and singing.
To this day, the intergenerational trauma caused by the Residential School System has left many Indigenous people in need of healing and reconciliation. At Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, Alberta, an Elders Ministry plays an important role in offering spiritual guidance and counseling to those in need
As part of their commitment to the Enoch Cree Nation and the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada, Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Edmonton, Alberta, is devoted to restoring a foundation of shared faith and tradition with Indigenous community members. The Parish is planning to build a healing pavilion, featuring aisles and a platform, and surrounded by traditional gardens.
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.
