Unfortunately, Indigenous children are overrepresented in the foster care system. The connection to cultural tradition and community shapes the healing path and future of Indigenous people in Alberta.
Integration into this vibrant cultural community is essential. As such, ensuring that children are involved in their Indigenous communities, no matter where they are being cared for, is vital.
Kiskinowâpamêw means ‘they learn by watching’ in Cree. Children integrate skills and develop pride in themselves and their culture by watching their parents, teachers, and Elders engage in positive activities. Positive Indigenous role models and exposure allow for children to release a negative past and replace it with a successful future.
This is what Kiskinowâpamêw is all about.
Indigenous people in Alberta are rich in culture – from the Northern Dene, to the Woodland Cree, the Blackfoot, and the Metis all throughout Alberta.
First Peoples have lived close to the land for thousands of years, and in turn, the land shaped their cultures, cultivating beliefs, values, and their sense of community. Though each Indigenous nation is unique, there are underlying beliefs that they have in common, specifically in their ties to the natural world.
Resources:
Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
Bent Arrow’s mission remains to “build on the strengths of Aboriginal children, youth, and their families to enable them to develop spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally so they can walk proudly in both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.” Programs and Services range from youth employment programs and comprehensive family services to supported referrals, and soup and bannock lunches.
Canadian Native Friendship Centre (CNFC)
The CNFC was originally organized to help Indigenous newcomers to the city with referral services and social and recreational programs. Today, the Centre continues to provide cultural, recreational, and social programming. They serve approximately 10,000 people annually through various programs, services, and functions.
Indigenous Canada, University of Alberta: Online Course
Indigenous Canada is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada from an Indigenous perspective. This course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. Audit the course for free!
Aboriginal People of Alberta: Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow
Guide to Indigenous Organizations and Services in Alberta
Indigenous Knowledge & Wisdom Centre Virtual Library
Edmonton Public Library: Indigenous Resources and Events
Indigenous Thought Leaders series brought to you by ALIGN.
Includes four short videos outlining Indigenous protocols for basic scenarios that our foster families may encounter – approaching an elder, ceremonies, smudging, and drums and songs.
Maintaining Cultural Connections:
- Virtual Library – Indigenous Knowledge & Wisdom Center
- CreeSimonSaysis a Cree group where that makes Cree language learning fun and easy.
- Quarantine Dance Specialsis a group that is open to the Public. Here you are able to enjoy and appreciate pow wow dancers and singers from all over North America.
- Think Indigenous On-Line Indigenous EducationElders share stories and teachings for Grades K-8 from Alberta and Saskatchewan.
- The Canadian Native Friendship Center
- Bent Arrow Healing Society
- Virtual Museum of Metis History and Culture
- Virtual Museum Exhibits
- Interesting story about a team of professors who are conducting research with youth who have transitioned out of government care to demonstrate the importance of cultural connections in that process.
- Explore Edmonton -Indigenous Edmonton
- Warrior Kids Podcast– Hosted by Pam Palmater, an Indigenous Educator from Canada, this interactive podcast is a celebration of everything Indigenous!
- Fort Edmonton Park Indigenous Peoples’ Experience