History was made in 2024 after the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, the Archdiocese of Vancouver and the Diocese of Kamloops came together to put pen to paper and create the Sacred Covenant. The Covenant’s purpose is to meet the demand for communities looking for answers about the fates of children who attended residential schools. This moment marked a milestone in the journey towards reconciliation, truth and healing between three groups that have a complex and contentious past.

Once again, the educational documentary “The Cost of Silence – #USTOO” is returning to make an even greater impact. This documentary features two editions and amplifies the voices of childhood sexual abuse survivors, particularly male survivors, who have suffered from inaction, silence and isolation for too long.

Hollywood has seen an increase in voices calling for more recognition of films featuring or directed by minority groups. While some have been amplified, those by Indigenous Peoples have been left behind. Despite sharing rich stories rooted in culture, history and entrancing traditions, less than 3% of Indigenous-created films reach global distribution.

Those first steps towards reconciliation begin with compassion and a willingness to understand the Indigenous experience. For non-Indigenous peoples it can be difficult to find spaces with opportunities to self-educate, listen, learn and reflect on the roles one can play in reconciliation. Bringing these two groups together to honour Indigenous culture and provide spaces where people of all backgrounds can witness Indigenous traditions flourish, is critical.

Language is the heart of culture. It determines how we communicate with one another, share stories and build relationships. For Indigenous Peoples who did not have written words prior to colonization, language is how their culture and traditions survived from generation to generation. However, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has found that Indigenous languages are at risk of dying out, with 75% of those in Canada considered endangered.

It’s been eight years since British Columbia declared a public health emergency to address the opioid overdose crisis. In that time, overdose deaths have tragically continued to rise, hitting marginalized communities hardest, including many Indigenous Peoples. Deep-rooted systemic racism and long-standing biases have made it harder for those who need help most to actually get the care and support they deserve.

Canada’s aging population is putting growing strain on healthcare systems, but for Indigenous seniors, the challenges run much deeper. While new programs are emerging to support seniors across the country, many fail to reflect the cultural realities and lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples.

Medicine takes many forms. Across Indigenous cultures, a shared understanding is that the earth provides all that we need to live and heal. Plant-based medicine has been used by Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial and remains a vital part of cultural identity. Yet, like many forms of traditional knowledge, these practices have been disrupted and, in some cases, lost due to the lasting impacts of colonization.

Asking for help can be a daunting and difficult task. Knowing how to start, who to turn to and finding an authentic, judgment-free space can feel impossible. For the Dr. Peter Centre in downtown Vancouver, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere as soon as an individual walks through the door is what sets it apart.

Indigenous Peoples in Canada continue to face persistent barriers to even the most basic healthcare. Colonial policies have disrupted traditional food systems, entrenched poverty, and created a healthcare system that is fragmented, underfunded, and often not culturally aligned. These conditions have led to significant health disparities, including higher rates of chronic illness, mental health challenges, and preventable disease.