Revitalizing Ojibwe Anishinaabemowin at Caldwell First Nation
Situated along the shores of Lake Erie, Ontario, Caldwell First Nation (CFN) is the newest established First Nation in Canada. Since receiving designated reserve lands in 2020, CFN has been working to reconnect with their lost language and culture. Every living member has been affected by Residential Schools, Adult Day Schools, and the 60s Scoop, resulting in a significant loss of connection to their Ojibwe Anishinaabemowin language and cultural practices.
Re-awakening Ancestral Ways of Knowing at Star Blanket Cree Nation
Many issues within Indigenous family systems stem from the trauma experienced at residential schools, leading to the loss of ancestral knowledge, value systems, ceremonies, language, and identity. These losses often result in the abuse of substances, alcohol, devices, and even other people.
Planting “Roots of Reconciliation” at Alderville First Nation
In recent years, Alderville First Nation in South-Central Ontario had to witness the decimation of its green spaces and tree lines due to an infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive beetle species that has left the community looking barren. Now, to breathe new life into its landscape, the Nation is planning an extensive tree planting and landscaping effort.
The Northern Prairie Indigenous Peoples Collective’s Summer Solstice Event
In Northern Saskatchewan, many Indigenous families grapple with socio-economic challenges and often have limited access to support services, especially for youth and children. For these communities, fostering a sense of cultural identity and pride among youth is critical for their holistic well-being and community resilience.
Embracing Youth at the Niagara Region Métis Council’s Family Camp
The Niagara Region Métis Council is led by volunteers who are elected citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Every year, the Council organizes an overnight Family Camp where Métis families gather to immerse themselves in Métis traditions, Michif language, land-based living skills, and cultural practices.
The St’at’imc Northern Tribe Powwow Arbour
A Powwow is an opportunity for all people - Indigenous and non-Indigenous - to gather and celebrate Indigenous languages, cultures, and practices. Most importantly, Powwows are a place for Indigenous people to reconnect to each other and find their way home, to their people, language, culture and self-identify.
Language Classes at Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation
Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation, located at the head of tide of the Miramichi River in New Brunswick, is taking steps to address the steady decline in Mi’kmaq language speakers. The majority of youth in the community struggle with basic greetings and conversations in Mi’kmaq, prompting the Nation to begin offering language classes for youth and other learners.
Peskotomuhkati Nation to Showcase Cultural Artifacts at Camp Chiputneticook
Like many First Nations, Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik in New Brunswick has long been looking for opportunities to preserve its history, language, and culture. A chance to do so emerged in 2018, when the Canadian federal government transferred ownership of Camp Chiputneticook to the Nation. The large property and lodge, closely tied to Passamaquoddy history, was also home to over 100 artefacts, including tools, beaded clothing, jewelry, woven baskets, and canoes, making it the first known collection of Passamaquoddy objects in Canada.
Revitalizing the Plains Cree Language at 2024 “Keep Our Language Alive” Conference
The XYE Cree Speakers' Society was founded in 2021 by Milton Tootoosis, a nêhiyaw of the Poundmaker Cree Nation in Treaty Six Territory, with the goal to revitalize the Plains Cree language and promote the teachings of Cree Elders and traditional speakers. This learning process often challenges conventional Western education and requires a commitment to reconciling both worlds.