News

We are grateful to gather on the traditional lands of the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuu T'ina, the Îyârhe Nakoda First Nation and Métis Nation of Alberta ancestors and families at Wood's Homes to commemorate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21!

Over the past five past years, considerable effort has been made to create cultural safety for children, youth, and families within the Wood’s Homes community. We are committed to valuing and honouring every child – in the fullness of their identity – celebrating where they come from and who they are.

In this light, we created our first Indigenous Allyship Toolkit in the fall of 2022. It is our guide to honouring culture, supporting inclusion and authentic collaboration. As part of our commitment to allyship, all areas of our organization pledged to do things differently. Here is a sampling of some reflections that appear in our Toolkit:

“We will explore what a safe, cultural Indigenous space looks and feels like. We will listen and learn about what communities and nations think about what 'a good life' means and how our program can participate in this good life.”

“Our team reflected on learning and educating ourselves on the many nations in Canada. We look to form relationships with band designates, Elders and family members in the youth’s community.”

“We vow to do the land acknowledgement in a more thoughtful and consistent way.” Initiatives as they relate to our work in Equity, Diversity and Inclusions over the past year include:

• Mandatory Indigenous training for all program staff to ensure common practice and approach
• Strong focus on Indigenous teachings as a vital component of our service provision
• Forming an Indigenous group that provides opportunity for Indigenous staff to share their respective experiences with each other, look for ways to improve and support the workplace experience as well as to support professional development
• Continued focus by our Indigenous Initiatives Manager on helping to support the agency to be more culturally attuned and connected with resources
• Adopting Truth and Reconciliation Day (Sept. 30) and hosting a cultural experience with respected Elder John Cryer

We are hearing...

The voice of community in new ways, along with a collaboration of resources to support children and families

The voice of Elders and Knowledge Keepers in new ways as the sounds of ceremony and culture can be felt

The laughter and sounds of joy from our clients can be heard in the many rooms throughout our community

To learn more about our Indigenous Initiatives, click here.