Over 70% of foster children in the Edmonton Region and over 90% of foster children in the Central Region come from Indigenous cultures.
Integration in this vibrant community is essential to children and families of Indigenous descent. The connection to cultural tradition and community shapes the future of Indigenous people in Alberta.
As such, ensuring that children are involved in their community, no matter where they are being cared for, is a priority for our families.
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 aid children in learning to release a negative past and replace it with a range of possibilities for a successful future.
This is what Kiskinowâpamêw is all about.
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.
Indigenous people in Alberta are rich in culture – from the northern Dene, to the Woodland Cree, the Blackfoot, and the Metis all throughout Alberta.
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.
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. Indigenous Canada is for students from faculties outside the Faculty of Native Studies with an interest in acquiring a basic familiarity with Aboriginal/non-Aboriginal relationships. 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
Upcoming Cultural Events:
2nd Annual Newowascistwan Roundance | The Venue at River Cree Resort & Casino (300 E Lapotac Blvd, Enoch, AB) | March 7, 2020
Iniskim – The Legend of the Buffalo Calling Stone | St. Albert Public Library (5 St. Anne Street, St. Albert) | March 14, 2020
KCWS Traditional PowWow | Panee Memorial Agriplex (Ermineskin, Maskwacis, AB) | March 21, 2020
Edmonton’s Indigenous Peoples Festival | Clarke Stadium (11000 Stadium Road, Edmonton) | June 13, 2020