Supporting Indigenous Ways of Being

The Family Centre of Northern Alberta is dedicated to healing the profound impacts of colonization and generational trauma faced by Indigenous communities.

Recognizing the legacy of Residential Schools, the 60’s Scoop, and other colonial policies, the Centre believes in the power of reconciliation grounded in Indigenous worldviews and teachings.

Thanks to a significant grant from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF), the Centre will be able to activate a number of impactful projects:

• The implementation of an Indigenous Practice Framework for the organization, developed after extensive community collaboration between the agencies, service providers, Elders and Knowledge Holders and Indigenous service users
• Traditional Indigenous Parenting Teachings that will allow staff and community to learn about parenting concepts from an Indigenous worldview 
• Signage in nehiyaw (Cree) around The Family Centre’s main office and the Reunification Homes 
• nehiyaw language classes for staff from the Indigenous Support Services unit 
• Star blanket teachings for staff of the Family Centre to help participants develop a deeper awareness of the importance of ceremony and Indigenous knowledge, beliefs, and values when working with Indigenous families
• A peer support group to help service providers feel more comfortable in guiding and supporting the children, youth and families they work with 
• Pipe ceremonies and a sweat lodge for Family Centre staff, partner organizations, service users and the community to begin and end these initiatives in a good way, and with the guidance and support of Elders.

The Family Centre supports families and children to help them flourish, and to help people engage with one another to promote healthy, safe, and economically viable communities. By incorporating Indigenous culture and ceremony into its programs, facilitating access to ceremonial practices, and actively taking part in ceremonies, the Centre looks to enhance its support for the diverse Indigenous populations it serves.

Archdiocese of Edmonton