Healing Trauma Through Cultural Teachings

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was established to facilitate reconciliation among Residential School Survivors, their families, their communities and all Canadians.

By travelling to all parts of Canada and hearing from more than 6,500 witnesses, the TRC created a historical record of the residential school system.

In Edmonton, Alberta, the Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples is dedicated to sharing cultural teachings related to all aspects of the TRC with its community members. These teachings delve into Indigenous spirituality, culture, and the significance of sacred symbols. They help address the intergenerational trauma carried by Indigenous communities, offering pathways toward healing within the community.

Thanks to funding from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF), the church can continue its efforts, covering teacher fees, hall rentals, and all class materials for monthly sessions scheduled throughout 2023 and 2024. These sessions provide vital spaces for education, dialogue, and reflection, fostering greater awareness and understanding of the history and legacy of the residential school system.

As communities strive to support healing and reconciliation, the importance of ongoing education and acknowledgment of Survivors’ experiences remains critical and will help lead communities toward a future rooted in empathy and understanding.

Archdiocese of Edmonton