Many healthcare facilities in Canada have prayer rooms or religious rooms, but the unique needs of Indigenous cultures are often overlooked. In Alberta, few hospitals have space for Indigenous patients and their families to gather for prayer, smudging, and healing, particularly in areas protected from the weather.

Many Indigenous youth, particularly in urban areas, feel left behind and that they’re missing out on crucial opportunities for education and growth. Systemic barriers, intergenerational trauma, and a lack of access to culturally safe and effective mental health supports mean young Indigenous Peoples struggle more than the average individual in their age group.

The path to reconciliation begins with overcoming the physical and social barriers created by colonial institutions and the cultural erasure efforts that many Indigenous Peoples face living in remote areas.

Creating safe, supportive spaces for Indigenous Peoples requires a thoughtful approach, with an understanding of the challenges and struggles that have led to spiritual disconnection. This can be done using traditional healing elements, Indigenous worldviews, and education about how systemic institutions have inflicted trauma on Indigenous Peoples for generations.

The burden of intergenerational trauma is one that every Indigenous Person carries. Colonialism and systemic racism have displaced Indigenous Peoples from their lands and deliberately disconnected them from their cultures and support systems, leaving them with a distorted sense of self.

In 1885, groups of Métis rose up against the Canadian government over settler encroachment on their lands and increasing erasure of First Nation and Métis rights. A five-month rebellion began, known as the North-West Resistance, which ultimately culminated in a defeat with settlers gaining a firm hold over western Canada.

For Métis individuals, finding a path that ties together their unique cultural identity and supports intergenerational healing can be difficult. Many communities lack appropriate programming, leading to a loss of belonging and connection with the community. There is a need for educational programming that not only shares Métis history, teachings and traditions, but engages individuals in activities in a thoughtful and safe manner.

Childhood can feel eternal, but as those easy summers fade, the daunting reality of becoming an adult and the responsibility to make good decisions can feel overwhelming. For many Indigenous youth, especially those in urban centres, social and economic challenges create barriers when seeking better futures.

There is a historical reckoning happening in Canada, reflecting on how Indigenous Peoples have been treated and unmasking the truth of the residential school system. These efforts have primarily been driven by survivors sharing deeply personal stories of trauma and resilience, leading to frank discussion and educating individuals about the truth of Canada’s history.

Learning is a lifelong commitment that goes beyond the classroom. For Indigenous Peoples, curating knowledge about the land and culture is equally as important as math or science. However, many First Nation schools struggle to provide access to land-based learning due to funding restrictions.