A vibrant and unique culture, Métis are often a forgotten subset of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. For young people, finding opportunities to learn about distinct Métis culture and language is difficult, leading to a loss of pride in their Métis identity. For those in the Niagara, Ontario region, early cultural programming only exists for youth under 12.
Disappearing Indigenous ways of knowing can lead to cultural erasure and a loss of self, a critical issue facing many communities. There remains an ongoing need for Indigenous-focused initiatives that foster healing, strengthen cultural identity, and rebuild what has been damaged through loss of language, traditions, and spiritual connection. Finding opportunities to strengthen Indigenous identity is vital, and language revitalization is an important aspect of this.
cross the vast North, Inuit communities face challenges specific to remote living, while simultaneously dealing with issues common for many Indigenous Peoples. From high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder to intergenerational trauma stemming from the 15 Collective Traumas experienced by every Inuit family, many are forced into leaving their homes and relocating south in search of a better life.
Large gatherings are a vital part of life for Indigenous Peoples to celebrate their traditions and foster strong relationships. Yet, for generations these gatherings were outlawed by colonial policies. Today, the need for culturally grounded spaces where Indigenous Peoples can heal from the impacts of colonization and the residential school system is more critical than ever before.
Long renowned for their canoe building and carving skills, the Sto:lo people of Sumas First Nation have lived on the shores of the Fraser River in British Columbia for countless generations. Their ancient culture has been guided by the waterways surrounding them. However, the impacts of colonization have caused some of their vital traditional skills to be lost or forgotten.
Substance abuse is a complex, devastating disease caused by many underlying factors and Canada’s most vulnerable population is facing an endemic of struggles with addiction. Indigenous women are experiencing profound disconnection from culture, language, land, and identity due to colonization, residential schools, the child welfare system, and intergenerational trauma.
As a time for renewal and connection, summer has held an important place in the hearts of Indigenous Peoples for countless generations. For those living in remote or rural areas more likely to see harsher winters, summer can be a time of relief. However, as the number of wildfires increases each year, summer is quickly becoming a season to fear. After a devastating fire swept through Lytton, British Columbia in 2021, the effects exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, that fear caused traditional celebrations to be paused.
For many Indigenous Peoples living in urban centres, it is difficult to find spaces and groups to feel safe and comfortable sharing lived experiences and trauma. This is especially true for residential school survivors who carry scars from the abuse they endured in these institutions. Those living in cities often face feelings of increased disconnect and additional barriers to health care, education, and employment, along with limited financial resources and support systems.
The building of a birch bark canoe, known as wiigwaas jiimaan in Anishinaabemowin, is a sacred act in Anishinaabek culture. The canoe represents the physical connection to the water, the land, and to one another.
Reliable transportation in remote and rural Indigenous communities is critical to increasing safety, reducing isolation, supporting independence, and providing critical access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and support organizations.
