In ways not seen since before colonialization, Indigenous Peoples are making sweeping changes, creating new opportunities and building unprecedented hope for the future. They are regaining control of their communities, their spirits and taking charge of their own economic development. This is being led by Elders and Knowledge Keepers determined to pass down their traditional wisdom to the youth and guide their communities.

A Vision Quest involves an exploration and education of the spiritual and cultural legacies left behind by Indigenous ancestors, taught by those remaining today. They weave Indigenous values, traditions and culture together and provide opportunities for people from varied backgrounds to learn, work and participate in ceremony. They aim to revitalize culture, instill self-pride in Indigenous youth and help heal intergenerational trauma.

Pow Wows are Indigenous celebrations where families, friends and communities come together to enjoy traditional music, dances, regalia and food. They transcend generations, bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples together to share in culture, celebrate ancestral traditions and provide hope for the future.

Reconciliation is a journey that requires Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to walk along a path together, working towards a future where Indigenous rights, traditions and cultures are equally valued, celebrated and respected. It requires non-Indigenous people to commit to being allies and educate themselves about the history of Canada, the systemic and unjust treatment Indigenous Peoples have been dealt at the hands of government institutions, and the oppression that continues today.

After centuries of systemic efforts to eliminate traditional practices and ways of life, Indigenous youth still face barriers to community connection, mentorship and opportunities. But each year, more organizations and programs appear across Canada to support young Indigenous Peoples in rebuilding their identity, stoking pride in their indigeneity, strengthening cultural ties and fostering resilience.

Important conversations around revitalizing Indigenous languages are taking place in English, exemplifying the problem at hand. As Elders and Knowledge Keepers grow older and the number of fluent Indigenous language speakers dwindles, it has become more critical to offer immersive and language-first approaches to save traditional dialects.

Indigenous women and girls are the most vulnerable population in Canada. Due to a systemic lack of support, combined with Intergenerational trauma, they are more likely to go missing, more likely to be targets of violent crime and more likely to be exploited. Many enter an ongoing cycle of poverty, struggle and abuse.

Stitch by stitch, bead by bead, and thread by thread, Indigenous Peoples are reclaiming their culture across Canada. There has been a resurgence of interest in Indigenous practices and a strong drive to revitalize traditional crafts and teachings that have survived, despite the odds, over the years. From youth to seniors, many are seeking educational opportunities to reconnect with their roots.

Elders play a valued role in the Indigenous community – passing down wisdom, knowledge, culture and traditions for generations. Indigenous seniors have faced increasing pressure to step into the role of Elder despite often dealing with self-healing journeys due to being disconnected from their culture in their youth.

Newcomers to Canada arrive at its coasts seeking opportunities, safety and fresh hope for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, their view of Canada is often formed through media and romanticized assumptions, which typically leave out the country’s history of Indigenous Peoples and ongoing reconciliation efforts. Today, there are still no systematic approaches to educating new Canadians about reconciliation or how to encourage their active participation in these significant dialogues.