We acknowledge Treaty 6 sacred territory—the traditional and ancestral territory of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux , Nakota Sioux and Métis Peoples.  We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit who have lived in and cared for these lands since time immemorial. We respect their histories, languages, and cultures whose presence continues to enrich our community. We are grateful for the traditional Elders and Knowledge Keepers who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We make this acknowledgement as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we are visiting and striving to live in harmony with.

Indigenous Resources

The Indigenous Resource Department provides cultural insight, support and teachings to the individuals we serve and staff in all programs and departments. We are committed to steward an embodied cultural connection through authenticity and practice;  to nurture the “Spirit First” approach and to honor a respectful understanding of Indigenous Peoples ways of knowing, doing and being.

Our Indigenous Resources are designed to provide a Traditional Indigenous Healing approach in working with children, youth, adults and families. We recognize the need for children, individuals and families to be connected to their culture and maintain ties to their family, ancestors and community.

We believe service effectiveness is enhanced by adapting treatment or wellness approaches, supports and education to the child’s personal characteristics and heritage. In an Indigenous context, healing begins with our Spirit which forms the foundation on which all other aspects of health are balanced. We strive to highlight an interconnectedness to all living things. According to Indigenous Worldviews – the stronger these connections are, the healthier the person and family/community will be.

Traditionally, Indigenous learning styles go beyond the standard western curriculum. Incorporating traditional healing practices and cultural values into otherwise western programs promotes our traditional ways of knowing, doing and being. By engaging children, youth, adults and families in their culture, we will promote, support, revitalize, preserve and strengthen cultural identity. A healthy cultural identity can provide an individual with a sense of belonging, purpose, social support and self-worth.

We honor and integrate the use of traditional healing practices throughout the agency and in all agency programs/facilities. We aim to provide more comprehensive understandings, experientially-based, crucial, intricate teachings and engage the individual (s) towards his/her culture in a meaningful and respectful way. We endeavor to be creative, strategic, empowering and transformative and include the four aspects of our being; Spiritual, Emotional, Physical and Mental; with the core of our Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings.

UPCS is committed in helping Indigenous peoples as individuals and as a family unit heal from past imbalances, gain pride in their cultural identity and develop skills to fulfill their goals.

Collaboratively, we encourage advancement in diverse social justice movements through advocacy, communication and program development.

The UPward Way of Knowing, Doing and Being

Indigenous Resources/Teachings

• 8 Hour “Traditional Indigenous Resolutions Teachings” on a bi-monthly basis to all Staff and our Family Base Care program
• 2 Day “Circle Up Teachings”– Sacred Family Healing Circles/Restorative Circles/Family Group Conferencing
• Weekly Cultural Teachings through our AMOSIS (Little Bee) EXPRESS via email to all the individuals we serve and to staff
• Consistent Sweat Lodge Ceremonies for agency children, youth, adults, families, staff and collaborative service delivery partners held at UP’s sacred gathering grounds – Kakisimo Lodge
• Specifically designed Cultural Safe spaces are honoured in every home and office
• Access to Indigenous Cultural Advisors and Indigenous Engagement Specialists for; case consults, Sacred  Family Circles/Family Group Conferencing, Cultural Support, Teachings and Community Collaborations
• Continuous Cultural Teachings and Ceremonies provided to all our homes
• Land Based and Experiential Teachings on an ongoing basis respecting of our 6 seasons
• Fun, Conversational Cree, Dene and Metis on a weekly basis
• Community Calendar of Cultural Events and Programs
• Access to Cultural Medicine’s
• Cultural Room on site at Centre 170 which is available to our children, youth, families and staff
• Drum, Rattle and Singing Circles (traditional and contemporary)
• Continual collaboration’s with Elder and Knowledge Keepers

For more information on Indigenous Resources, please contact:

Director of Indigenous Resources

Nancy Callio
Email (ncallio@upcs.org)
780-440-0708 ext 273