Cultural identity and connection give people a sense of belonging, which is fundamental to our well-being.

This is even more true for Indigenous Peoples whose culture has historically been threatened by colonization, with some Nations and their traditions being lost forever. Restoring those connections to culture is an act of Truth and Reconciliation - building a sense of belonging and community for future Indigenous generations that was stolen from their ancestors.

Understanding The Need

Last year over 17% of Trellis Society’s program participants identified as Indigenous. Whether walking through the door of the Avenue 15 emergency youth shelter, living in a Home Fire apartment, participating in Indigenous youth programming through Iiyika’kimaat, or accessing the support needed to maintain housing for their family, people coming to Trellis were seeking connections to their culture.

With support from Elders from surrounding Indigenous nations, Trellis Circle Keepers are key connectors for participants in our programs. Providing access to ceremony, teaching ways of knowing, and instilling self-pride is at the core of the work the Circle Keepers do. They meet with people where they are, building connections between generations and holding ceremonies for youth and families.

Circle Keepers help clear a renewed path for Indigenous people who are seeking ways to connect and renew traditions within an urban setting.

“Connecting to Indigenous ways of knowing and being, learning on the land, and growing through ceremonies and teachings from Elders are life-giving experiences that many don’t have access to. At Trellis the commitment to offering these is there but often we’re limited based on financial constraints.” says Wade.

ReconciliACTION

On October 18, 2023, Trellis welcomed staff from TD Bank Group to our Pineridge Hub to celebrate a donation of $100,000 in support of Trellis’ Indigenous Initiatives.

"We're so proud to help Trellis Society expand their programming and services for Indigenous Peoples," TD Bank Group’s Senior Vice-President and Prairie Region Head Robert Ghazal says.

"Through the TD Ready Commitment, our corporate citizenship platform, we're supporting community initiatives that foster a sense of belonging and help reach underserved populations."

This investment from TD Bank Group will help Trellis increase support for Indigenous participants with an additional Circle Keeper and deepen our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

“We’re thrilled that TD is keen to support a growing, inclusive, and connected community,” says Jeff Dyer, Trellis’ Chief Executive Officer.

“The Circle Keepers at Trellis work across the agency, supporting children, youth, and families, and we are seeing folks’ well-being change remarkably as their pride in and connection to culture is strengthened. Last year the Circle Keepers facilitated 499 cultural ceremonies and activities and through this generous investment from TD we will continue to grow the impact of this support and increase access to culture for everyone that Trellis serves.”

As part of building relations both organizations shared a meal and together participated in a Blanket Exercise - an experiential workshop that explores the nation-to-nation relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. Led Elder Charlotte Yellowhorn McLeod, Elder Ruby Eagle Child and Trellis staff member Verona Woods, the experience was impactful and meaningful to everyone who attended.