Indigenous Resources

Honouring Indigenous Cultures: Resources and Support for Foster Families

The willow tree is known for its strength and flexibility, it bends but does not break, symbolizing the resilience found within Indigenous communities and the individuals we serve.

At Crossroads, we recognize the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples in Alberta and the importance of maintaining strong connections to traditions and communities for Indigenous children and youth in care.

As a foster family caring for an Indigenous child, you play a crucial role in supporting their cultural identity and well-being.

Indigenous child, highlighting the disproportionate number of Indigenous children in care in Alberta and the importance of Indigenous resources.

Overrepresentation of Indigenous Children in Care

Indigenous children and youth make up approximately 10% of the population of children and youth in Alberta, yet they represent nearly 80% of children and youth in care. This disproportionate representation is rooted in the historical and ongoing trauma faced by Indigenous peoples, including the impact of residential schools and systemic racism.

Supporting Cultural Connections

Strong cultural involvement shapes the healing path for Indigenous young people in care. At Crossroads, we believe that a strong connection to Indigenous cultural activities, learning about Indigenous histories and world views, connecting with positive Indigenous role models, and access to community allows Indigenous young people to build resilience and develop a sense of pride in their cultural identity.

RESET: Nîpisîy Resiliency Indigenous Initiative

Family Solutions Group, our partner organization, has created the RESET: Nîpisîy Resiliency Indigenous program which offers culturally respectful mental wellness programming. This initiative integrates western clinical concepts with Indigenous ways of knowing to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples.

Contact Us To Learn More

Resources for Foster Families

To support caregivers in strengthening and maintaining cultural connections for Indigenous children in their care, we have compiled a list of valuable 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 soup and bannock lunches and supported referrals.

Canadian Native Friendship Centre in Edmonton (cnfc)

The CNFC was originally organized to help welcome Indigenous newcomers to the city with referral services and social and recreational programs. Today, CNFC 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 Canadian issues from an Indigenous perspective. This course explores issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. Audit the course for free!

Indigenous Thought Leaders series brought to you by ALIGN.

This ALIGN series 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.

Aboriginal People of Alberta: Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow

Guide to Indigenous Organizations and Services in Alberta

Indigenous Knowledge & Wisdom Centre

Edmonton Public Library: Indigenous Resources and Events

Maintaining Cultural Connections: