IRF Project Collections

In contrast with colonial views, gender roles in Indigenous communities have historically been fluid. Over centuries, these traditional roles have become warped by western influence, leaving many young Indigenous men in a state of disconnect and confusion as to where they belong. Many struggle daily, wondering who they are, who they should be, and what role they should play between these two diverging viewpoints.

In Thunder Bay, the St. Kateri Church has become known as a champion for reconciliation and promoting Indigenous culture. One of the many events it hosts each year, the Kateri Prayer Weekend transcends cultural barriers and merges Indigenous ceremonies with Catholic faith. For three days, Indigenous Peoples from across Northwestern Ontario gather to invite and ignite the presence of the Holy Spirit within the community.

Language is a living, breathing force in Indigenous cultures. Tied to the spirit, it is how generations have passed down traditions and histories orally from grandparent to grandchild. Today, many Indigenous languages facing extinction means not just the loss of the spoken word, but an erasure of culture and connection to land.

Forced into silence for generations, Indigenous Peoples were denied the right to speak traditional languages, pass down oral history and celebrate cultural practices. This systemic oppression failed in its purpose and the spirits of Indigenous Peoples remained resilient, despite the overwhelming odds against them. To this day, these warrior spirits have risen to reclaim their Indigeneity, rebuild connections to community and culture and to revitalize traditional practices.

The wisdom held by Elders and shared with the youngest generations is the bridge between past and present, the tether tying together ancient traditions and modern culture. This wisdom is vital to preserving generational knowledge, yet too often is lost before it can be passed down. Cowessess First Nation has lost much of its history, leaving a painful gap in the record of community traditions, culture and identity. Today, the stories and memories of seniors, or kêhtê-ayak, offer a vital link to ancestors whose teachings still guide the Nation.

The journey of faith is one unique to each individual, shaped by life experiences, personal beliefs, values and culture. A one-size-fits-all approach can be ineffective at meeting the needs of someone walking their own path. This is especially true for Canada’s three distinct Indigenous groups; First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

For over fifty years, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan has been tirelessly committed to restoring pride in the Cree language, worldview and Indigenous identity throughout its Nation. This preservation-driven strategy is rooted in the belief that no one can tell Muskeg Lake’s story better than its own people.

In the last decade, there has been a surge in Indigenous Peoples’ desire to reconnect with traditional practices and cultural expression through hands-on activities. The Catholic Church shares this drive to revitalize a culture that has historically been oppressed under systemic institutions. Creating safe spaces to teach traditional skills and bring Indigenous Peoples of all ages together is key to achieving this shared goal.