For Indigenous Peoples seeking critical end-of-life care, accessing healing practices that reflect Indigenous traditions, knowledge and culture is not only a necessity, but a moral right.

The oldest residential school in Canada opened its doors in 1831, and for the next 139 years saw countless Indigenous children walk through its doors. Many of those children would never leave. Today, their communities and families continue to search for answers to what happened within the walls of the Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School.

Since 1972, the Woodland Cultural Centre has remained a beacon of Indigenous resilience and creativity, standing proud and resilient against systemic cultural erasure. Despite living within the walls of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School, it has become one of Canada’s most significant Indigenous-led cultural institutions.

Trust between Indigenous Peoples and the Catholic Church is strained. Historic injustices have left a legacy of mistrust and a fear of the intentions of religious institutions. Many living today have been personally victimized by the clergy.

Poor health, higher rates of chronic illness, and diminished mental well-being are only a few of the barriers Indigenous Peoples face when compared to the general population of Canada. Systemic challenges stemming from poverty, limited access to nutritious food, intergenerational trauma, and barriers to culturally safe care have led to Indigenous Peoples being left behind in the healthcare space.

The call for visible and lasting symbols of reconciliation is being made in communities across Canada. While conversations about truth and reconciliation are taking place throughout the country and on national stages, the absence of visible public monuments speaks louder than words. This lack of visibility leaves little opportunity for everyday reflection and serves as a reminder of why it is important to turn conversations into action.

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.

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.

Since 2013, the colour orange has become a symbol of reconciliation. It honours the children who never made it home from residential schools, it celebrates survivors, and it acts as a call to action that every child matters.

The St. Anne’s Christmas Bazaar has become a household event in Ottawa over the last decade. This annual marketplace of local vendors, holiday festivities, children’s corners and a silent auction, has Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members alike looking forward to gathering in celebration and holiday spirit each year. As the St. Anne’s Christmas Bazaar is set to return in 2025 for its 11th year, St. Anne’s is looking to give back and recognize those who have made this event a success.