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.

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.