Reconciliation is a pathway all must walk together, no matter the starting point, to heal old hurts, introduce hope and encourage understanding and empathy. This road, rooted in healing and reflection, is focused on the rebuilding of bridges between Indigenous Peoples and the Church, who have historically had a harmful relationship. Healing begins with spiritual renewal, connection, honouring of sacred traditions and the affirmation of Indigenous identity and faith.

It’s been eight years since British Columbia declared a public health emergency to address the opioid overdose crisis. In that time, overdose deaths have tragically continued to rise, hitting marginalized communities hardest, including many Indigenous Peoples. Deep-rooted systemic racism and long-standing biases have made it harder for those who need help most to actually get the care and support they deserve.

Indigenous cultures, traditions, languages, and arts are vibrant, diverse, and rooted in deep history. Yet colonization has long distorted how Indigenous Peoples are seen, often reducing them to stereotypes or symbols of tragedy. As Dr. Cindy Blackstock has famously said, “Indigenous Peoples are only thought about when they are drumming, dancing, drunk, or dead.” This is not the story Indigenous communities have chosen for themselves.

Asking for help can be a daunting and difficult task. Knowing how to start, who to turn to and finding an authentic, judgment-free space can feel impossible. For the Dr. Peter Centre in downtown Vancouver, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere as soon as an individual walks through the door is what sets it apart.

In Canada, most individuals in social service programs and child welfare systems are Indigenous. Indigenous Peoples count for 76% of those currently in or dealing with the criminal court system. These are all outcomes of intergenerational trauma, poverty and addiction caused by colonization. Breaking these cycles is difficult, but communities and organizations remain committed to healing their people, exploring new methods to improve the criminal justice system and tackling deeply rooted issues many Indigenous families continue to face.

Indigenous Peoples in Canada continue to face persistent barriers to even the most basic healthcare. Colonial policies have disrupted traditional food systems, entrenched poverty, and created a healthcare system that is fragmented, underfunded, and often not culturally aligned. These conditions have led to significant health disparities, including higher rates of chronic illness, mental health challenges, and preventable disease.

Often misunderstood, politicized and intimidating, reconciliation has been a buzzword on the national stage since 2015. However, the actual understanding behind what the word means has been lost in the noise, and the tangible actions many take are often surface level. The importance of educating both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples on the purpose of reconciliation is critical to the building blocks of this healing journey.

The Truth and Reconciliation Ceremonial Arbor in Rolling River First Nation has stood for years strengthening intergenerational ties between families, friends and Nation members. It serves as a safe place for the Nation and surrounding communities to gather for traditional ceremonies and knowledge sharing. Unfortunately, disrepair, dereliction and deterioration have eaten away at the structure meant to embody healing, hope and culture.

The doors firmly closed on the last residential school less than 30 years ago, in 1996. By then it was much too late. A countless number of Indigenous children had passed through the system, suffering at the hands of these institutions for more than one hundred years. The devastating effects on communities, cultures and traditions and the lasting impacts of widespread trauma are still felt today.

A Vision Quest involves an exploration and education of the spiritual and cultural legacies left behind by Indigenous ancestors, taught by those remaining today. They weave Indigenous values, traditions and culture together and provide opportunities for people from varied backgrounds to learn, work and participate in ceremony. They aim to revitalize culture, instill self-pride in Indigenous youth and help heal intergenerational trauma.