Canada has been facing a national crisis targeting the most vulnerable members of Indigenous communities. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) crisis has left lasting scars on families and friends and has woven itself into the very fabric of communities. Indigenous women are four times more likely to be the victims of homicide than non-Indigenous women.

Spiritual practices that have endured generations of colonization and systemic suppression are returning stronger, more vibrant and louder than ever before. With each passing year, Indigenous communities are unearthing their traditional roots and celebrating their unique cultures. For the Wahpeton Dakota Nation in Saskatchewan, the Sun Dance is one of the most important events the community is dedicated to revitalizing.

For over fifty years, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan has been tirelessly committed to restoring pride in the Cree language, worldview and Indigenous identity throughout its Nation. This preservation-driven strategy is rooted in the belief that no one can tell Muskeg Lake’s story better than its own people.

In the last decade, there has been a surge in Indigenous Peoples’ desire to reconnect with traditional practices and cultural expression through hands-on activities. The Catholic Church shares this drive to revitalize a culture that has historically been oppressed under systemic institutions. Creating safe spaces to teach traditional skills and bring Indigenous Peoples of all ages together is key to achieving this shared goal.

Since colonization, Indigenous youth have had to navigate a world that challenges their sense of self, their belonging and their community. Today, the disconnect between young people and their cultural identity is growing. At the same time, Elders are struggling to share meaningful traditional knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight with the youngest generations, putting these ancient cultures at risk of fading away.

Now more than ever, events that bring people together in the spirit of unity and healing are deeply needed. Divisions between communities and cultural understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples has led to generations of tension and mistrust. To help heal these relationships, Indigenous leaders and communities are welcoming more outsiders into celebrations to learn about their traditions, history and to promote reconciliation.

Finding peace and direction in today’s world is challenging. While technology has connected us more than ever before, these connections are often superficial and can lead to many feeling lost. Interconnection between one another and the land is a core pillar of Indigenous identity.

Hollywood has seen an increase in voices calling for more recognition of films featuring or directed by minority groups. While some have been amplified, those by Indigenous Peoples have been left behind. Despite sharing rich stories rooted in culture, history and entrancing traditions, less than 3% of Indigenous-created films reach global distribution.

Dignity in death is a simple, yet profound question many contemplate at end-of-life. For Indigenous Peoples whose traditions are rooted in ceremony, community and ancestry, finding services that deliver critical healthcare while holistically guiding the spirit onto its next journey can be difficult. Many hospice services are unequipped to incorporate cultural sensitivities into end-of-life care.

Indigenous feet have been dancing on the land for generations. A way to honour Indigenous culture and spirituality, dance is a vital part of tradition, connection and social structure within communities. In Atlantic Canada, while there are increasing opportunities for youth to learn traditional Indigenous dances, those seeking contemporary dance instruction from Indigenous teachers in jazz, hip-hop or tap are out of luck.