HEALING AND RECONCILIATION FOR COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES
Nuhkmoss, Muhsoms, Naka Ni’l: Strengthening Kinship Through Generations
In Indigenous communities, the relationship between Elders and children is a cornerstone of cultural preservation and growth.

Elders, as keepers of wisdom, share teachings that nurture young minds, instill confidence, and foster a deep sense of cultural identity.
These connections are not just educational – they bring joy, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose to Elders, strengthening the fabric of the entire community.
To honour and celebrate this sacred bond, St. Mary’s First Nation’s Child and Family Services in Fredericton, New Brunswick, is launching Nuhkmoss, Muhsoms, Naka Ni’l: Restoring Kinship. The 12-week program brings together residential school Survivors and children under five years old in a vibrant, play-based environment that prioritizes cultural teachings and language. Elders and Knowledge Keepers lead the program, guiding children through engaging activities rooted in traditional ceremonies, stories, and values. By laying this foundation early, the program ensures that young participants can carry their ancestral knowledge proudly into the future.
Funding from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) allows the program to provide a welcoming space where Elders and children can connect with their culture. The program’s name, Nuhkmoss, Muhsoms, Naka Ni’l, which translates to Grandmother, Grandfather, and Me, reflects its emphasis on restoring kinship ties and celebrating the intergenerational connections that hold communities together, ensuring a bright and culturally rich future for generations to come.
Diocese of Saint John
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Region: