Art has long been a vital form of expression and knowledge transmission within and between Indigenous cultures. Beadwork, sewing, and painting are traditional practices deeply connected to Indigenous identity and storytelling.

In 2021, the Canadian Census found that Indigenous children under the age of 15 accounted for 53.8% of those in foster care, despite only making up 7.7% of the general population. This number paints a stark picture of the impacts that intergenerational trauma and colonization continue to have on Indigenous children and their families today.

Indigenous women have always played the vital cultural role as caregivers, leaders, knowledge keepers, and supports for their families and communities. But these traditional roles have become warped by colonialist viewpoints and intergenerational trauma.

Many healthcare facilities in Canada have prayer rooms or religious rooms, but the unique needs of Indigenous cultures are often overlooked. In Alberta, few hospitals have space for Indigenous patients and their families to gather for prayer, smudging, and healing, particularly in areas protected from the weather.

Many Indigenous youth, particularly in urban areas, feel left behind and that they’re missing out on crucial opportunities for education and growth. Systemic barriers, intergenerational trauma, and a lack of access to culturally safe and effective mental health supports mean young Indigenous Peoples struggle more than the average individual in their age group.

The burden of intergenerational trauma is one that every Indigenous Person carries. Colonialism and systemic racism have displaced Indigenous Peoples from their lands and deliberately disconnected them from their cultures and support systems, leaving them with a distorted sense of self.

Shame and fear often leave victims of sexual abuse silent, traumatized and without support. For male victims, these feelings are often compounded by the societal belief that male childhood abuse does not happen.

Childhood can feel eternal, but as those easy summers fade, the daunting reality of becoming an adult and the responsibility to make good decisions can feel overwhelming. For many Indigenous youth, especially those in urban centres, social and economic challenges create barriers when seeking better futures.

There is a historical reckoning happening in Canada, reflecting on how Indigenous Peoples have been treated and unmasking the truth of the residential school system. These efforts have primarily been driven by survivors sharing deeply personal stories of trauma and resilience, leading to frank discussion and educating individuals about the truth of Canada’s history.

Reconciliation is a complex and nuanced journey that requires vulnerability, humility and forgiveness. It can be exceptionally challenging between Indigenous Peoples and the Catholic Church as the history between the two parties is fraught with pain and requires slow, delicate steps to work towards a healthier relationship.