Growing up in urban centers, Indigenous youth often experience a disconnection from their cultural roots and a lack of access to culturally safe resources and services. Since 2019, the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) has worked with youth from Friendship Centres across Alberta to address and support the unique needs of urban Indigenous youth.
Despite ongoing commitments and efforts towards Truth and Reconciliation, the lasting impacts of colonization continue to persist in Canada today. Indigenous people experience micro-aggressions, discrimination and outright racism in society, institutions and work environments, leading to struggles with cultural identities, feelings of hopelessness, and hesitancy to pursue opportunities due to fears of unfair treatment.
Indigenous women in Western narratives often face negative stereotypes, perpetuating harmful misconceptions and contributing to real-world challenges – from being more likely to be victims of violence and experiencing racism and prejudice to being denied employment or adequate healthcare. Nokee Kwe, based in London, Ontario, has been addressing this issue through its Positive Voice Program since 2016.
The Sierra Club BC (SCBC) is undergoing a significant transformation to enhance its support for Indigenous communities grappling with environmental challenges, climate change impacts, and the need for cultural revitalization and healing. With a 50+ year history dedicated to biodiversity and climate change issues, SCBC recognizes the critical need to align its efforts with Indigenous Knowledge, Rights, and priorities.
Trauma, when left unaddressed, can manifest itself in chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and countless other challenges. Many Indigenous people are facing addiction and trauma and are in need for ongoing support to start healing. The Sts'ailes, a Coast Salish First Nation, recognized this need and established weekly Healing Circles named "Your Spirit Remembers."
New to the Kendaasawin Project is a week-long Indigenous Language Training Program. The program will feature a language teacher who will share and teach the Algonquin language to Indigenous participants on Kateri land. To ensure inclusivity, all on-site events will have an online counterpart, enabling remote participation for those unable to attend in person.
The Mohawk Community of Akwesasne is dealing with the deep impact of Residential Schools, which have led to an erosion of the Mohawk language and culture, particularly among Akwesasronon children and youth. One clear void is the lack of opportunity to pass on Mohawk traditions like social and ceremonial singing to future generations.
Notre Dame High School, a school within the Ottawa Catholic School Board, is dedicated to blending tradition, culture and learning with Christian living. Embracing a mission that encourages spiritual growth and societal transformation, the school incorporates teachings on reconciliation and decolonization through a Catholic lens into its curriculum. To support this mission, Notre Dame High School will be hosting a group of Dene students from Deh Gáh Secondary School in Fort Providence, NWT.
Wasauksing Kinomaugewgamik School, a First Nation school for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, is eager to strengthen ties with other schools in Parry Sound. With a commitment to fostering cultural understanding, the school plans to host a series of events, ceremonies and activities involving Parry Sound schools and the Wasauksing Kinomaugewgamik School First Nations community.
Curve Lake First Nation in Ontario is taking steps to commemorate Every Child Matters, the message honouring Orange Shirt Day that pays tribute to children lost to the residential school system. The community would like to create a space that promotes knowledge sharing and awareness for its members and visitors to the Nation’s territory.
