June is National Indigenous History Month. This is a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. June 21 is also National Indigenous Peoples Day, and June 18 – 24 is Aboriginal Awareness Week in Calgary.
Indigenous Elders and older adults face many issues resulting from colonial systems and intergenerational trauma. Many Indigenous older adults in this province went through the residential school system, lost culture, family, and language, and may have been victims of the 60’s scoop. To better support the Indigenous adults who connect with your organization, listen and learn from them, hear their stories, and seek to understand what they have gone through and how it affects them and their families today. Familiarize yourself with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and UNDRIP. Learn how you can play a part in learning, healing, change-making, and knowledge sharing.
Resources to support staff learning or Indigenous adults at your organization:
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Learn more about reconciliation, Indigenous issues, and advocacy from Native Calgarian’s podcast and Chapters & Chat book club monthly on Zoom.
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Visit the Government of Alberta resources for mental health.
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The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress due to their residential school experience. Call 1-866-925-4419.
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The Elbow River Healing Lodge offers a full range of primary care services and visiting specialists to First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis, and Inuit people and their families.
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First Nations Health Authority elder abuse resources.
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Compiled a list of Indigenous older adult resources from the Canadian Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse.
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Social Isolation in Seniors: A Focus on Indigenous Seniors in Canada from Employment and Social Development Canada.
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The Blackfoot Digital Library has information about the Blackfoot people and culture. The site contains images, audio, videos, and documents from the past century.
Visit the Government of Alberta page for additional resources and events across the province this month.
