The wounds inflicted on Indigenous communities by the residential school system run deep, with one of the most devastating impacts being the suppression of Indigenous languages. The loss of language has left a void in the cultural identity of Indigenous communities across Canada.

Ms. Esther Diabo, an Ojibwe language speaker, Elder, and educator, is committed to cultural reconnection and healing for her community. Having spent nine years in residential schools, she understands the profound impact of language loss on Indigenous identity and today offers Ojibwe language classes as a pathway to healing and cultural revitalization.

In the School District of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Indigenous students often face financial barriers that hinder their educational pursuits, from purchasing books to covering living expenses. Recognizing this challenge, the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Student Bursary was established in 2023 with financial support from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF).

Indigenous women in Western narratives often face negative stereotypes, perpetuating harmful misconceptions and contributing to real-world challenges – from being more likely to be victims of violence and experiencing racism and prejudice to being denied employment or adequate healthcare. Nokee Kwe, based in London, Ontario, has been addressing this issue through its Positive Voice Program since 2016.

New to the Kendaasawin Project is a week-long Indigenous Language Training Program. The program will feature a language teacher who will share and teach the Algonquin language to Indigenous participants on Kateri land. To ensure inclusivity, all on-site events will have an online counterpart, enabling remote participation for those unable to attend in person.

The Mohawk Community of Akwesasne is dealing with the deep impact of Residential Schools, which have led to an erosion of the Mohawk language and culture, particularly among Akwesasronon children and youth. One clear void is the lack of opportunity to pass on Mohawk traditions like social and ceremonial singing to future generations.

Notre Dame High School, a school within the Ottawa Catholic School Board, is dedicated to blending tradition, culture and learning with Christian living. Embracing a mission that encourages spiritual growth and societal transformation, the school incorporates teachings on reconciliation and decolonization through a Catholic lens into its curriculum.

To support this mission, Notre Dame High School will be hosting a group of Dene students from Deh Gáh Secondary School in Fort Providence, NWT.

Wasauksing Kinomaugewgamik School, a First Nation school for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, is eager to strengthen ties with other schools in Parry Sound. With a commitment to fostering cultural understanding, the school plans to host a series of events, ceremonies and activities involving Parry Sound schools and the Wasauksing Kinomaugewgamik School First Nations community.

Curve Lake First Nation in Ontario is taking steps to commemorate Every Child Matters, the message honouring Orange Shirt Day that pays tribute to children lost to the residential school system. The community would like to create a space that promotes knowledge sharing and awareness for its members and visitors to the Nation’s territory.

The "Harvesting for Healing" project is a community-driven effort to keep alive important skills such as harvesting, hunting, and fishing.