
Community Support Amidst Adversity: Sacred Heart Church’s Outreach Ministry
Sacred Heart Church has initiated an Outreach Ministry to address the pressing needs of its community members. By offering bag lunches, emergency hampers, and clothing items, the church helps lighten the struggles faced by individuals and families, many of whom are of First Nations or Métis backgrounds.

Cree Language Revival at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples
In the journey of reconciliation, preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages is a vital pillar. Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, Alberta, has made strides in this direction by offering Cree language classes since early 2023. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 20 participants engaging in the lessons.

Reviving Tradition: Bannock-Making Workshops
In many Indigenous communities, the loss of traditional teachings and ways of life has been deeply felt across generations. Indigenous peoples have experienced a disconnection from their heritage and traditions. One such tradition, the making of Bannock (or fry bread), holds significant cultural meaning among Indigenous families.

Healing Trauma Through Cultural Teachings
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was established to facilitate reconciliation among Residential School Survivors, their families, their communities and all Canadians. By travelling to all parts of Canada and hearing from more than 6,500 witnesses, the TRC created a historical record of the residential school system.

Children’s Drumming and Singing Classes
Drumming and singing hold deep spiritual meaning for Indigenous peoples, and are a solemn prayer to the Creator. However, the art of drumming and drum making has faded over the years, leaving many Indigenous children disconnected from their cultural heritage and spirituality. Recognizing the importance of revitalizing these traditions, the Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, Alberta, is spearheading efforts to teach children the sacred practices of drumming and singing.

Elders Ministry at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples
To this day, the intergenerational trauma caused by the Residential School System has left many Indigenous people in need of healing and reconciliation. At Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, Alberta, an Elders Ministry plays an important role in offering spiritual guidance and counseling to those in need

A healing pavilion for the Our Lady of Mercy Parish
As part of their commitment to the Enoch Cree Nation and the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada, Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Edmonton, Alberta, is devoted to restoring a foundation of shared faith and tradition with Indigenous community members.
The Parish is planning to build a healing pavilion, featuring aisles and a platform, and surrounded by traditional gardens.

Commemorating the Papal Visit to Maskwacis
In 2022, Pope Francis made a historic visit to Canada, standing before residential school survivors and their families in Maskwacis, Alberta, and offering an apology on behalf of the Catholic Church for its involvement in the residential school system.
The Parish is planning to build a healing pavilion, featuring aisles and a platform, and surrounded by traditional gardens.

Expanding the Circle of Courage at M.E. LaZerte High School
M.E. LaZerte High School in Edmonton, Alberta is an educational hub for nearly 9,000 students from 15 elementary and junior high schools. The student population represents over 80 cultural backgrounds and 70 languages, with many students identifying as First Nation, Métis, or Inuit, emphasizing the rich diversity that shapes the school's community.

Unearthing Truth: Locating Unmarked Graves
For over a century, Indigenous children endured the traumatic experience of Indian Residential Schools in Canada, and the haunting legacy continues with the search for those who never returned home. Many Indigenous Nations are actively seeking their lost children, employing archaeological remote sensing and geophysics to locate potential burial sites. However, limited support and resources hinder these crucial efforts.


