From the communities that shape us to the families that guide us, our sense of identity is formed from our immediate surroundings. For Indigenous youth, these formative pillars have faced cultural erosion. The loss of language, oral history and traditional roles, particularly those of Clan Mothers, has left many disconnected from their identity.

Indigenous feet have been dancing on the land for generations. A way to honour Indigenous culture and spirituality, dance is a vital part of tradition, connection and social structure within communities. In Atlantic Canada, while there are increasing opportunities for youth to learn traditional Indigenous dances, those seeking contemporary dance instruction from Indigenous teachers in jazz, hip-hop or tap are out of luck.

It’s time to end the endemic of violence against Indigenous women and girls that has swept Canada for generations. Indigenous women and girls have faced abuse, domestic violence, addiction issues and much more. The victims of this cycle have often gone voiceless and unheard, and it’s time they had a platform.

As Indigenous Nations combat issues within their communities such as substance abuse disorders and lateral violence caused by intergenerational trauma, we must remember that we are all connected. The individual, the family and the community are inseparable and what affects one affects us all.

As a culture at the dawn of breakthrough technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, we know that preserving our history is just as important as building our future. Colonialism and the residential school system has all but erased Indigenous spoken languages in Canada. Traditionally passed down by community Elders, they are now at risk of being lost with these older 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.

The Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik in New Brunswick has long been committed to preserving its history, language, and culture. In 2018, the Canadian federal government transferred ownership of Camp Chiputneticook to the Nation. The property includes a historic lodge that is deeply tied to Passamaquoddy heritage and home to over 100 artefacts such as tools, beaded clothing, jewelry, woven baskets, and canoes, making it the first known collection of Passamaquoddy artefacts.

Bilijk First Nation, located along the Saint John River in New Brunswick, is home to nearly 700 on-reserve members. The community is looking to create a special space to honour its residential school Survivors - a place where Survivors, their families and visitors can come together to remember, reflect and heal.

Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation, located at the head of tide of the Miramichi River in New Brunswick, is taking steps to address the steady decline in Mi’kmaq language speakers. The majority of youth in the community struggle with basic greetings and conversations in Mi’kmaq, prompting the Nation to begin offering language classes for youth and other learners.

Like many First Nations, Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik in New Brunswick has long been looking for opportunities to preserve its history, language, and culture. A chance to do so emerged in 2018, when the Canadian federal government transferred ownership of Camp Chiputneticook to the Nation. The large property and lodge, closely tied to Passamaquoddy history, was also home to over 100 artefacts, including tools, beaded clothing, jewelry, woven baskets, and canoes, making it the first known collection of Passamaquoddy objects in Canada.