Elders Ministry at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples

To this day, the intergenerational trauma caused by the Residential School System has left many Indigenous people in need of healing and reconciliation. 

At Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, Alberta, an Elders Ministry plays an important role in offering spiritual guidance and counseling to those in need.

Elders have profound spiritual insight and Traditional Knowledge and thanks to their support, Sacred Heart Church can offer a safe space for community members who are struggling. 

With help from a grant from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF), the church can sustain this service, covering honorariums for Elders over an eight-month period. The funding ensures that individuals can access the wisdom and guidance of Elders, fostering healing within the community.

The connection with Elders extends beyond Indigenous communities, as they also share teachings and insights with non-Indigenous individuals, fostering reconciliation and community building.

Archdiocese of Edmonton