
Unearthing Truth: Locating Unmarked Graves
For over a century, Indigenous children endured the traumatic experience of Indian Residential Schools in Canada, and the haunting legacy continues with the search for those who never returned home. Many Indigenous Nations are actively seeking their lost children, employing archaeological remote sensing and geophysics to locate potential burial sites. However, limited support and resources hinder these crucial efforts.

Healing Indigenous families – The Mother Bear Wellness Project
The effects of intergenerational trauma and the legacy of residential schools have contributed to the breakdown of the family unit in many Indigenous communities, often resulting in family crisis, dysfunction, and substance abuse. Recognizing the need for holistic healing that addresses the entire family unit, Bearwoman & Associates, through its non-profit arm, Heart Spirit Healing and Wellness, introduces the Mother Bear Wellness Project.

Healing and Reconciliation for Indigenous Elders and Seniors
The scars of historical injustices weigh heavily on Indigenous Elders and seniors, creating a pressing need for healing, reconciliation, and cultural revitalization. The Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre (EASC), with its over 300 members, knows all too well the profound impact of intergenerational trauma, loss of cultural knowledge, and fractured identities on its community.

A Healing Workshop For Residential School Survivors and Their Families
The legacy of residential schools and day schools casts a long shadow of trauma, affecting not only those who attended but also their children and grandchildren.
At Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, an Indigenous Parish in Maskwacis, Alberta, the journey toward healing has been a central focus for many years. This commitment to healing involves not only the Church but also collaboration with Indigenous organizations in the region.
The Parish is planning to build a healing pavilion, featuring aisles and a platform, and surrounded by traditional gardens.

Walking in two worlds – Healing Through Cultural Workshops
The Children, Family, and Community Services (CFCS) branch within Catholic Social Services (CSS) provides support and housing for high-risk youth who have faced trauma and abuse, as well as shelter for vulnerable women and children escaping domestic violence.

Healing Childhood Sexual Abuse in Rural Communities
One in six men experiences childhood sexual abuse, a haunting statistic that has often been silenced, particularly within Indigenous communities. Kimberlite Media confronts this painful reality with "The Cost of Silence #UsToo – Healer’s Edition," a DVD training program and resource aimed at supporting those helping to heal survivors of childhood sexual abuse, specifically focusing on male survivors.

Empowering Indigenous Voices for Positive Change
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.

Healing Circles for Trauma Recovery
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."

Curve Lake First Nation honours Every Child Matters
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.

Indigenous Ministry Office fosters healing through vital programs in Thunder Bay
The Indigenous Ministry Office, under the Diocese of Thunder Bay, plays a vital role in supporting the Indigenous population in the Thunder Bay area and its surrounding communities. The Office manages programs such as monthly Healing Circles for Residential School Survivors and an Elders Council to the Bishop that meets regularly to discuss how to assist community members in the Diocese.


