If you would like to learn more about First Nations, Metis, or Inuit culture, or would like to access services in relation to cultural and social support, please click on the links below:
Reconciliation Canada works to educate people about Indigenous life and history to teach non-Indigenous people about reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Orange Shirt Society is a B.C.-based group that aims to educate people on intergenerational impacts of residential schools. It offers resources for teachers for Orange Shirt Day, held every year on Sept. 30.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation provides educational resources for Canadians to learn more about residential schools across the country.
A good place to start educating yourself is finding out more about the land we now call Canada. There is an app that non-Indigenous Canadians can use to see whose territorial land they are on. They can use the interactive map to look up territories, languages and Treaties
Voices of Amiskwaciy is a space that supports the community to create, share, discover and celebrate local Indigenous content online. Hosted by the Edmonton Public Library, there lies a wealth of knowledge and free accessible content for the public!
Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society has been serving indigenous children, youth and families in Edmonton and area since 1994. Our founders believed strongly that keeping culture at the center was crucial and that this important work was best done in partnership.
Since then we have developed strong partnerships with many and are proud to see that culture continues to play a central role in our practice. We also support many partners in elevating their capacity to serve the indigenous community in a culturally relevant, authentic and sincere way.
In 1980, a group of concerned citizens began to look at Indigenous education in the City of Edmonton and discovered that some 80% of Indigenous children did not complete high school. Their solution was to establish a school where Indigenous children felt accepted, culturally comfortable and thus encouraged to remain in school and complete their grade twelve. With the collaboration of the Catholic School Board, the Ben Calf Robe Society school was created.
Our fundamental beliefs reflect those of our namesake, Ben Calf Robe. He was a Blackfoot Elder and residential school survivor, who worked to bridge the gap between the non-Indigenous population and the Indigenous people.
The Society continues to support the School but primarily provides services to the larger community through its wide range of programs.
“The Red Road Healing Society has a firm belief in sharing with our participants the importance of our traditional roles and values (that build life); such as; love, courage, honesty, generosity, chastity, silence, and respect (without forcing a belief on anyone). These values traditionally were reflected in our families, communities and nations. It is our responsibility to give our people; particularly our youth; the direction, guidance, knowledge and wisdom; they will need, o sustain their lives; in a non-threatening, spiritual and culturally appropriate environment. The Red Road Healing Society believes that only then; the healing process can begin; whereupon at one point, it may have been neglected and abused; which may then require ‘in-depth’ therapy.”
– Joanne Lethbridge Pompana, Director, Lawyer, Mediator
Creating Hope Society is a non-profit society established to recognize that the sixties and seventies child welfare scoop of Aboriginal children is a continuation of the Residential Schools era. We believe that it is time to halt the cycle of Aboriginal children being separated from their families and communities. Creating Hope Society is carrying forward a healing process, commenced for Residential School survivors, to those who are products of a Child Welfare system that has perpetuated the legacy of the Residential Schools.
Our mission is to build on our strengths to create hope for the future for Aboriginal people impacted by the Child Welfare system, through healing processes, support, reconciliation and sharing what we have learned with each other. Our vision is to learn from the real life experiences of those who have survived the sixties and seventies scoop and create renewed hope for the third generation of Aboriginal children who are still being apprehended.
Creating Hope Society s currently the cultural support organization contracted through Leduc County Family and Community Support Services, which also serves the Town of Devon.
10336-121 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1K8 www.anfca.ca anfca.director@telus.net (780) 423-3138
In Alberta, 21 member Friendship Centres work to improve the lives of urban Indigenous people in their communities. As part of their mandate, Friendship Centres welcome all community members regardless of place of origin or status to partake in their services and programming – they are status blind and non-political, not representing, but supporting and advocating for all community members who seek their support.
This sense of inclusivity has earned Friendship Centres the reputation of caring, culturally driven community organizations who are committed to improving socio-economic situations. Inclusivity is one of the core values of the Friendship Centre Movement.
Suite 200, 17304-105 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1G4 www.ikwc.org admin@ikwc.org (780) 453-4592
The IKWC office opened its doors and began operations in the spring of 2017 where it will be a centralized location offering education, policy, language and culture. It provides a repository of information on Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7 and Treaty No. 8. Members, and a First Nations directed environment to learn and share information.
9 Mission Avenue St. Albert, Alberta T8N 1H5 www.michifconnections.ca michifculturalconnections@gmail.com (780) 569-0090
Michif Cultural Connections was founded by the Honourable Senator Dr. Thelma J. Chalifoux. She was honoured and proud to be the first Métis woman called to serve in the Senate of Canada in 1997. After retiring in 2004, Dr. Chalifoux founded the Michif Cultural Institute (now Michif Cultural Connections) in the historic Métis community of St. Albert to preserve, promote, protect and celebrate Alberta’s rich Métis culture. We are proud to honour her memory by continuing this important work and ensuring her legacy lives on.
Through leadership and education, Michif Cultural Connections provides programs, facilitates workshops, and exhibits Métis museum artifacts at the historic Juneau House in St. Albert. We have also established a library and keep archival documents in order to preserve, promote, and protect Alberta Métis history.
10335-172 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1K9 www.ssisa.ca info@ssisa.ca (587) 520-5910
Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Alberta (SSISA) is a non-profit society formed to represent survivors in Alberta, create dialogue and engagement and develop true reconciliation. Board members include representatives from Treaty 6, Treaty 7, Treaty 8, as well as Inuit and Métis representatives.
Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada: https://indigenouspeoplesatlasofcanada.ca/
Where are the Children: http://wherearethechildren.ca/en/
Indigenous Canada Course: https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html
P.O. Box 3419 Morinville, Alberta T8R 1S3 www.alexanderfn.com info@alexanderfn.com (780) 939-5887
P.O. Box 7 Glenevis, Alberta T0E 0X0 www.ansn.ca (780) 967-5919
Box 29. Enoch, Alberta T7X 3Y3 www.enochnation.ca info@enochnation.ca (780) 470-4505
P.O. Box 219 Maskwacis, Alberta T0C 1N0 www.ermineskin.ca (780) 585-3741
P.O. Box 130 Maskwacis, Alberta T0C 1N0 www.louisbulltribe.ca (780) 585-3978
Box 3086 Spruce Grove, Alberta T7X 3A4 www.michelfirstnation.com Quadbuds@xplornet.com
P.O. Box 70 Maskwacis, Alberta T0C 1N0 www.montanafirstnation.com (780) 585-3744
P.O. Box 1570 Rocky Mountain House, Alberta T4T 1B2 www.ochiese.ca (403) 989-3943
P.O. Box 89 Duffield, Alberta T0E 0N0 www.paulfirstnation.com (780) 892-2691
Suite 890 4445 Calgary Trail Edmonton, Alberta www.papaschase.ca (780) 540-8360
Box 100 Saddle Lake, Alberta T0A 3T0 www.saddlelakecreenation.ca (780) 726-3829
Cree Tribal Administration Building P.O. Box 159 Maskwacis, Alberta T0C 1N0 www.samsoncree.com (780) 585-3793
Blue Quills First Nations College became University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills in September 2015.
Since 1970, the educational facility originally called Blue Quills First Nations College (BQFNC) has been a locally controlled Indigenous education centre serving the academic and training needs of people of all cultures, encouraging everyone to experience studying in a unique socio-cultural and academic environment.
As an Indigenous non-profit educational institution, a prime objective is to promote a sense of pride in Indigenous heritage and reclaim traditional knowledge and practices. Blue Quills is owned and governed by seven First Nations (Beaver Lake, Cold Lake, Frog Lake, Whitefish Lake, Heart Lake, Kehewin, and Saddle Lake). Located approximately 200 kilometers northeast of Edmonton, Blue Quills occupies 240 acres of designated Reserve land near the town of St. Paul, Alberta.
The mission of the Gabriel Dumont Institute is to promote the renewal and development of Métis culture through research; materials development, collection, and distribution; and the design, development, and delivery of Métis-specific educational programs and services.
To educate with discipline and compassion so that Indigenous and other communities will be inspired by creative, intelligent individuals. They will in turn nurture, serve, lead, and bring justice to the world.
Maskwacis Cultural College is a ‘Centre of Excellence in Academics and Cree Indigenous Knowledge.
The Creator (K’se Manto) is the heart of the college. We will continue to advance and preserve: iyiniw pimatsiwin, ekwa iyiniw mamitoneyicekan (Indigenous forms of life and thinking). At its most fundamental level, we will remember dreams and visions (nistameymahkanak) for future generations. It was the founding members of MCC who embraced the concept of higher learning.
Yellowhead Tribal College is an inclusive and open learning institution in Treaty 6 territory. We provide accredited programs in a flexible, supportive academic environment that nurtures Indigenous cultures and traditions.
The college was established in 1986 by Yellowhead Tribal Council to meet the educational needs of its member nations (Alexander First Nation, Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, O'Chiese First Nation, and Sunchild First Nation). We now offer academic upgrading, certificates, diplomas, and post-secondary courses and degrees to all adult learners.
11738 Kingsway N.W. 100 Delia Gray Building Edmonton, Alberta T5G 0X5 www.albertametis.com (780) 455-2200
Since its inception in 1928, the MNA is the Métis Government for Métis Albertans with its geographical and legal boundaries being the province of Alberta. The MNA is governed by a Provincial Council, comprised of a Provincial President and Vice-President, and six (6) regional Presidents and Vice-Presidents, all democratically elected.
Together, this Council work toward the mandate of the MNA, which supports practices of transparency, accountability and inclusiveness for Métis Albertans in governments’ policy and decision-making processes, and overall, promotes and facilitates the advancement of Métis people through self-reliance, self-determination and self-management.
10335 172 St NW Suite 101 Edmonton, AB T5S 1K9 www.msgc.ca
3rd Floor, 12308 - 111th Avenue Edmonton, AB T5M 2N4 P: 780.423.2237 F: 780.482.2834 Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Call toll-free at 1-888-48-MÉTIS (1-888-486-3847) for more information regarding education funding and employment services from Rupertsland Institute.
Rupertsland Institute (RLI) is an affiliate of the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) and is incorporated as a not-for-profit organization under the Alberta Business Corporations Act. The Métis Nation of Alberta assigned RLI with a mandate in education, training and research. RLI’s vision is for a skilled, knowledgeable and self-reliant Métis Nation and is integral to enhancing the self-sufficiency and well-being of Alberta Métis through quality education, training and research.
Since its creation in 2010 and in support of its vision and mandate, RLI has been developing programs and services that embrace the principles of:
As an affiliate of the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA), RLI is accountable to its sole shareholder – the Métis people of Alberta – as represented by the MNA Provincial Council and to our funding partners at the federal and provincial governments.
The Indian Act is a Canadian federal law that governs all matters pertaining to First Nations people (defined as “Indians” in the act), Indian status, bands, and reserves. This law has been invasive and restrictive, as it authorizes the federal government to regulate and administer the affairs and day-to-day lives of registered “Indians” and reserve communities. This authority has ranged from extensive political control, such as imposing governing structures on Indigenous communities in the form of band councils, to control over the rights of Indigenous Peoples to practice their culture and traditions. The Indian Act also enables the government to determine the land base of these groups in the form of reserves, and even to define who qualifies as an “Indian” in the form of Indian status (kept in a federal registry).
While the Indian Act has undergone many amendments and minor changes since it was first passed in 1876, today it remains relatively unchanged.
The Indian Act is administered by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), formerly the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). The Indian Act is part of a long history of assimilation policies that intended to terminate the cultural, social, economic, and political distinctiveness of Indigenous Peoples by forcefully assimilating and absorbing them into mainstream Canadian life and values.
“The great aim of our legislation has been to do away with the tribal system and assimilate the Indian people in all respects with the other inhabitants of the Dominion as speedily as they are fit to change.”
- John A. Macdonald, 1887
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is an international declaration adopted by the United Nations on September 13, 2007 to preserve the rights that “constitute the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world.” The UNDRIP protects collective rights that may not be addressed in other human rights charters that emphasize individual rights, and it also safeguards the individual rights of Indigenous people. The Declaration is the product of almost 25 years of deliberation by U.N. member states and Indigenous Peoples globally.
The first of the UNDRIP’s 46 articles declare that “Indigenous peoples have the right to the full enjoyment, as a collective or as individuals, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms as recognized in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (4) and international human rights law.” The Declaration goes on to guarantee the rights of Indigenous Peoples to enjoy and practice their cultures and customs, their religions, and their languages, and to develop and strengthen their economies and their social and political institutions. Indigenous Peoples have the right to be free from discrimination, and the right to a nationality.
UNDRIP recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination, which includes the right “to freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.” It also affirms Indigenous Peoples’ right “to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs,” and protects their right “to maintain and strengthen their distinct political, legal, economic, social and cultural institutions”. It also states that “Indigenous peoples have the right to the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired,” and it directs states to give legal recognition to these territories. The Declaration does not override the rights of Indigenous Peoples contained in other Treaties and agreements with individual nation-states, and it commands these states to observe and enforce the agreements.
Learn more about UNDRIP here
For the full report, click here
Pertaining to the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the Constitution Act of 1982 states:
Part I - Section 25 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms:
25. The guarantee in this Charter of certain rights and freedoms shall not be construed so as to abrogate or derogate from any aboriginal, treaty or other rights or freedoms that pertain to the aboriginal peoples of Canada including:
a. any rights or freedoms that have been recognized by the Royal Proclamation of October 7, 1763; and
b. any rights or freedoms that now exist by way of land claim agreements or may be so acquired.
Part II - Section 35 of the Constitution Act:
35. (1) The existing aboriginal and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada are hereby recognized and affirmed.
(2) In this Act, “aboriginal peoples of Canada” includes the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.
(3) For greater certainty, in subsection (1) “treaty rights” includes rights that now exist by way of land claims agreements or may be so acquired.
(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the aboriginal and treaty rights referred to in subsection (1) are guaranteed equally to male and female persons.
It is important to understand that Section 35 recognizes Aboriginal rights but did not create them; Aboriginal and/or Indigenous rights have existed before Section 35.
In 1969, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and his Minister of Indian Affairs, Jean Chrétien, unveiled a policy that proposed ending the legal relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canada while also dissolving the Indian Act. This white paper was met with opposition from Indigenous leaders across the land which created a new era of Indigenous political organizing in Canada. (Source: indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca)
View the full comparative analysis of the red and white paper policies here
View the full white paper policy document here
14904-121a Ave N.W. Edmonton, Alberta T5V 1A3 www.ncsa.ca (780) 451-4002
From its origins as a single court worker program, NCSA has grown into an agency focused on social justice for Aboriginal people. For 45 years, NCSA has assisted Aboriginal people gain fair and equitable access to the justice, children’s services and corrections systems in Alberta.
24/7 Crisis Line: 1-844-413-6649 General inquiries: 1-888-495-6588
The National Inquiry’s Final Report reveals that persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses are the root cause behind Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people. The two volume report calls for transformative legal and social changes to resolve the crisis that has devastated Indigenous communities across the country.
The Final Report is comprised of the truths of more than 2,380 family members, survivors of violence, experts and Knowledge Keepers shared over two years of cross-country public hearings and evidence gathering. It delivers 231 individual Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries and all Canadians.
Rm 2, 9538 107 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5H 0T7 www.creatinghopesociety.ca (780) 477-7961
18104-102 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1S7 www.iaaw.ca (780) 479-8195
332, The Orange Hub, 10045-156 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5P 2P7 www.redroadjourney.ca (780) 471-2750
17533-106 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1E7 www.tcetsa.ca (780) 481-8585
Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Alberta (SSISA) is a non-profit society formed to represent survivors in Alberta, create dialogue and engagement and develop true reconciliation.
Indian Residential School Settlement https://www.residentialschoolsettlement.ca/
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1581971225188/1581971250953
KUU-US Crisis Line 1-800-588-8717
Indian Residential School Survivors and Family 1-866-925-4419
Tsow-Tun-Le-Lum Society 1-888-403-3123
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
Crisis Services Canada 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1‑855‑242-3310
Residential School Survivors Help Line IRSSS 1-800-721-0066
17533-106 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta, Treaty Six Territory T5S 1E7 www.treatysix.org (780) 944-0334
Treaty No. 6 was signed on August 23, 1876 at Fort Carlton in Saskatchewan. The total area of the Treaty stretches from western Alberta, through Saskatchewan and into Manitoba; and includes 50 First Nations. Provisions in the Treaty recognize the notion of the medicine chest as well as the right to education.
The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations was created in the Spring of 1993 with the purpose of serving as the United Political voice for those Treaty Nations who are signatories of Treaty No. 6 for the continued protection of the fundamental Treaty, Inherent and Human Rights of the Treaty peoples of those Nations.
The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations is dedicated to ensuring that the terms, spirit and intent of Treaty No.6 are honored and respected. The right of the Treaty No. 6 First Nations to self-determination must be honoured and respected.
Bay 215-2553 Grasswood Rd. East Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7T-1C8 (306)-244-2100 receptionist@otc.ca
The mandate of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC for short) is to facilitate a bilateral process to discuss treaty and jurisdictional issues between Saskatchewan First Nations and the government of Canada, with the government of Saskatchewan present as an observer.
The OTC works to make sure the people of Saskatchewan have a good understanding of treaties, the treaty relationship and reconciliation, through the education system, livelihood training, offering a speakers bureau, holding events and sharing the stories of people’s call to action.
The OTC offer various resources on Treaty education and reconciliation. Check out their website for more information!
Samson Ave, Maskwacis AB T0C-1N0 (780)-585-4530