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.

In the decade since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Report in 2015, many Canadians have taken steps to understand and support tangible actions working towards reconciliation. However, racism and contempt towards Indigenous Peoples still exists, with some choosing to blame them as architects of their own misfortune. This is simply not good enough. Indigenous Peoples deserve to be heard and supported on their healing journeys.

Grouard Mission, a hamlet on Treaty 8 territory in Northern Alberta, is rich in Indigenous history and home to a primarily Indigenous population. Its cemetery, with the earliest recorded burials dating back to 1873, holds the stories of generations past. Among the 1,500 residents buried there, 221 are presumed to be children from the Indian Residential School in Grouard. As the years pass, Elders in the community fear that the identities of those laid to rest may fade into history.

High school graduation is a critical milestone that helps youth transition successfully into adulthood and contribute to their communities. In Canada, there are significant gaps between non-Indigenous and Indigenous students' literacy skills, reflecting the intergenerational harm of residential schools.

The Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is held annually on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day. It brings together community members to honour residential school Survivors, foster a shared understanding of Canada’s true history, and build relationships among Indigenous people, non-Indigenous Canadians and newcomers to Canada.

St. Mary's Wellness and Education is a school facility that was established in the Pleasant Hill Community of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan over 100 years ago. About 90% of its students are of Indigenous ancestry. The community continues to feel the traumatic effects of residential schools and has a strong need for community-building initiatives, inter-generational education, and healing programs.

Many issues within Indigenous family systems stem from the trauma experienced at residential schools, leading to the loss of ancestral knowledge, value systems, ceremonies, language, and identity. These losses often result in the abuse of substances, alcohol, devices, and even other people.