For many Indigenous and Black seniors, finding safe, permanent housing can be an uphill battle. The lasting impacts of residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, anti-Black racism, along with daily experiences of discrimination, have left many older adults without stable housing or access to adequate support systems. As a result, they face higher rates of homelessness and poorer health outcomes compared to other senior populations.

Grouard Mission, a hamlet on Treaty 8 territory in Northern Alberta, is rich in Indigenous history and home to a primarily Indigenous population. Its cemetery, with the earliest recorded burials dating back to 1873, holds the stories of generations past. Among the 1,500 residents buried there, 221 are presumed to be children from the Indian Residential School in Grouard. As the years pass, Elders in the community fear that the identities of those laid to rest may fade into history.

Indigenous communities face significant mental health challenges, many of which are deeply tied to the lasting effects of colonialism. Intergenerational trauma, poverty, unemployment, and housing insecurity have created an environment where mental health struggles are prevalent. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 1 in 5 Indigenous adults reported mental health issues - double the rate of non-Indigenous adults.

High school graduation is a critical milestone that helps youth transition successfully into adulthood and contribute to their communities. In Canada, there are significant gaps between non-Indigenous and Indigenous students' literacy skills, reflecting the intergenerational harm of residential schools.

In August 2024, the First Peoples House of Learning at Trent University is hosting its second annual Learning on the Land Camp on Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. The project brings together 30 First Nation, Métis, Inuit and non-Indigenous Trent University students for a hands-on learning experience built to foster relationships among students, Elders, local community members, and the land and water.

With a student body comprised of mostly Indigenous youth, education at Ben Calf Robe School (BCR) in Edmonton, Alberta, is firmly grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing. Central to the school’s mission is the celebration of Indigenous culture and language, nurturing a sense of belonging and community among its students.

Ben Calf Robe School (BCR) in Edmonton, Alberta, serves over 450 students, most of whom are Indigenous. The school offers an educational experience deeply rooted in Indigenous culture and ways of knowing, and healing and reconciliation are part of the daily experience for students.

In Thunder Bay, Ontario, the St. Kateri Student Bursary program has been supporting Indigenous students pursuing higher education. Funded by the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF), the bursary looks to empower Northern Indigenous youth by alleviating financial barriers to education and promoting cultural pride. The response from students, teachers, and guidance counselors has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the importance of accessible education in Indigenous communities.

In the School District of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Indigenous students often face financial barriers that hinder their educational pursuits, from purchasing books to covering living expenses. Recognizing this challenge, the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Student Bursary was established in 2023 with financial support from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF).

Located on the Sturgeon River northwest of Edmonton, Alberta, St. Albert Parish carries a rich history that is closely connected with Indigenous Peoples in the area. Yet, many parishioners remain unaware of these ties and the broader narrative of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Recognizing the importance of education and cultural understanding, the parish has embarked on a journey to bridge this knowledge gap and foster meaningful connections.