In Canada, most individuals in social service programs and child welfare systems are Indigenous. Indigenous Peoples count for 76% of those currently in or dealing with the criminal court system. These are all outcomes of intergenerational trauma, poverty and addiction caused by colonization. Breaking these cycles is difficult, but communities and organizations remain committed to healing their people, exploring new methods to improve the criminal justice system and tackling deeply rooted issues many Indigenous families continue to face.

Often misunderstood, politicized and intimidating, reconciliation has been a buzzword on the national stage since 2015. However, the actual understanding behind what the word means has been lost in the noise, and the tangible actions many take are often surface level. The importance of educating both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples on the purpose of reconciliation is critical to the building blocks of this healing journey.

The Truth and Reconciliation Ceremonial Arbor in Rolling River First Nation has stood for years strengthening intergenerational ties between families, friends and Nation members. It serves as a safe place for the Nation and surrounding communities to gather for traditional ceremonies and knowledge sharing. Unfortunately, disrepair, dereliction and deterioration have eaten away at the structure meant to embody healing, hope and culture.

The doors firmly closed on the last residential school less than 30 years ago, in 1996. By then it was much too late. A countless number of Indigenous children had passed through the system, suffering at the hands of these institutions for more than one hundred years. The devastating effects on communities, cultures and traditions and the lasting impacts of widespread trauma are still felt today.

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.