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In 1967, when Lee Hamelin was just four years old, he and several of his siblings were forcibly removed from their Aboriginal family's home in northern Alberta, Canada, never to return again. With the authorities labelling his mother as "morally depraved and of no benefit to society," Lee and his siblings became wards of the government, part of the Sixties Scoop-the mass removal of Aboriginal children from their families into Canada's child welfare system from the mid 1950s to...
I like the story of how I got my name. My mother was sitting in a hospital waiting room. Nearby, a couple of ladies were talking about baby names, and one woman said she hated the name “Sonia.” When my mom heard it, she loved it. She decided to grab hold of that name for me. Our name, or title, gives us our identity. And depending on who calls, hearing our name can bring a sense of favor and power. I love to hear my children call me “Mom.” They have my full attention. When certain people call me, I answer with enthusi...
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.-The Sac and Fox Nation, in collaboration with the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP), wants to make sure that Tribal members remember the importance of seeking help when facing mental health challenges through the 988 Mental Health Lifeline's Tribal Response service. This resource offers 24/7 free and confidential support to those in Native communities who face crisis. "Native American communities have experienced historical oppression,...
RAPID CITY, S.D.-The statistics are alarming. The life expectancy for Native Americans is more than two decades lower than for non-Indigenous citizens, and often the causes are preventable. In an effort to help combat health disparities, the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health is bringing Native-focused health care to Rapid City, S.D. Great Plains Native Health Hub blends traditional and modern medical approaches, all while centering Indigenous values and knowledge...
TRURO, N.S.-A new pilot project with The Millbrook First Nation is helping members receive funding to build their own homes through a program that allows mortgages on-reserve for the first time. Called the on-reserve housing loan, it's a partnership between Millbrook First Nation and the Royal Bank of Canada that grants a mortgage of up to $250,000 to approved band members, with the band as a co-signer. The Mi'kmaw band has already been trying to get members into new housing...
STEPHENVILLE, N.L.-This fall, participants marked the ceremonial opening of Ne'ata'q Place, a shelter for Indigenous women and children in Newfoundland. An initiative of the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network Inc. (NAWN), the shelter will provide a safe, supportive community for Indigenous women and children affected by family violence. "We are supporting the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and children affected by family violence," said The Honorable Patty...
EEYOU ISTCHEE, Que.-The Cree Nation Government's Department of Commerce and Industry (CNG/DCI), in partnership with the communities of Eeyou Istchee, recently announced the launch of Keep It Local, a new mobile app that rewards community members for shopping in Eeyou Istchee. Promoted with the tagline "When you buy local, we all win," the app is an innovative way to encourage support for businesses in Eeyou Istchee. Community members can use the Keep It Local app to enter a...
SAINT PAUL, Minn.-Four Minnesota Tribes recently received significant federal funding for public safety initiatives, as part of a broader effort to reduce crime and combat the opioid epidemic. The U.S. Department of Justice is giving grants from $450,000 to $900,000 to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Red Lake Band of Chippewa, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and White Earth Nation. These funds will support various Tribal programs, empowering the Tribes to address violent crime, opio...
TAHLEQUAH, Okla.-Cherokee Nation recently invested $10,000 into each of 10 women-owned Cherokee companies in a partnership with The University of Tulsa to help Cherokee businesses thrive. The Cherokee Women's AcceleratHER Fellowship, supported by the ayana Foundation, empowers businesses led by Cherokee women. The initiative includes a 12-week program and long-term support to launch, build and scale early-stage businesses. "Native American women represent the lowest rates of...
EDMONTON, Alb.- In November 2024, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI) Chief Executive Officer John Gordon and Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, Patty Hajdu, announced the recipients of NICHI's expression of need process to address the critical need for safe and affordable urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing projects in Alberta. The initiative announced more than $22.3 million in funding for 5 projects in...
WASHINGTON D.C.-A new technological partnership may help Native American Tribes pursue and secure funding sources in an easier manner for the next ten years, hoping to help Tribal nations access a capital stack they've historically been unable to access. In late December, the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Strategic Partnerships (OSP), Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Network, and Syncurrent announced the historic, 10-year partnership to...
OTTAWA, Ont.-In recent months, Tribal leaders across Canada have expressed frustrations and concerns over implementation of Jordan's Principle, a nation-wide program created to help Indigenous children. The Principle stipulates that when a First Nations child needs health, social or educational services, he or she should receive these services from the government first, with questions about final jurisdiction worked out afterward. The Jordan's Principle was implemented after...
WASHINGTON, D.C-During 2024, the U.S. Senate passed 16 bills and helped secure historic investments, which will benefit Native communities nationwide to the tune of $15 billion dollars. The benefits include delivering record funding for Native housing, totaling more than $1.3 billion, as well as more than $7 billion to strengthen Native health care. Additionally, four bills were enacted into law, and several others-including the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding...
TORONTO, Ont.-In recent weeks, two more Canadian organizations have come forward with apologies to the Indigenous people for their roles in discrimination and programs that supported colonization and assimilation. In mid December, the YWCA Canada announced, "As we have embarked on a journey towards meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, YWCA Canada is taking ownership of the harms caused as part of our legacy as a historically colonial institution with faith-based...
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz.—Diné bizaad is now the official language of the Navajo Nation after Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed long-awaited legislation to have the Navajo language used, taught and supported by appropriations. "One of my priorities coming in as president has always been to make sure that we make Navajo cool again," he said. "It's exciting to see the work that's being done. And, so, I commend the Navajo Nation Council for doing that." The legislation to ma...
A community's "heart-language" is one of the great ties that binds individuals to their own unique history and culture. This awareness is important in Christian ministry. When Bible truths are shared in the "heart-language" of the hearers, the beauty and logic and power of God's love can transform lives. Bessie McPeek is into "heart-language" ministry! Bessie's Dad was an Englishman, who came to Canada to serve as a missionary in an OjiCree community in northwestern Ontario....
ADA, Okla.—Helping others has always been ingrained in Kallie Chapman's DNA. As a youngster, the Chickasaw citizen from Coalgate, Oklahoma, wanted to play a role in being useful to others in their time of need. That passion still drives her today as a soon-to-be graduating senior at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater, Oklahoma. "I've always enjoyed being as helpful as possible," Chapman said. "If something is wrong or something needs fixing, I like to be there. I l...
If you're attending these events, come by and meet us! If you would like ILM to participate in your event, contact Krystal at admin@IndianLife.org Nov 15–17, Kamloops B.C., Indigenous Couples Getaway Dec 6–7, Mini Thni (Morley) Alb., Community Gospel Christmas Concert Jan 24–26, Loon Lake Sask., Every Story Matters . . . Including Yours, testimony conference Feb 7–9, Winnipeg Man., Manitoba Missionsfest Feb 14–16, Red Lake Ont., Indigenous Couples Getaway...
OTTAWA, Ont.—In late October, the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI) team announced the recipients of funding to address the critical need for safe and affordable urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing projects in Canadian provinces and territories. Through the national process, $277.8 million out of a total funding amount of $281.5 million is being distributed to 75 projects across the country, aimed at building more than 3800 units. This f...
ADA, Okla.-The Chickasaw Nation has partnered with Amazon Business to expand and enhance the Packed Promise program for its citizens. "The Chickasaw Nation Packed Promise program continues to grow and meet the nutritional needs of Chickasaw children throughout our treaty territory by offering shelf-stable meal delivery to increase food access, food security and diet quality," Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said during his 2024 State of the Nation Address presented...
OTTAWA, Ont.—The Government of Canada has announced plans to work with First Nations to establish a new fiscal relationship that moves toward predictable, flexible and sufficient funding for First Nations communities. The goal is that it will support self-determination and increase their ability to plan for the future. It will extend grant eligibility to to Tribal Councils and First Nations-led service delivery entities, such as health authorities. The grant stems from a Memorandum of Understanding the Government of Canada s...
TAHLEQUAH, Okla.—After Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the southeastern United States, the Cherokee Nation stepped in to support recovery efforts for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. Cherokee Nation Emergency Management, along with students and staff from the Cherokee Nation Immersion School, traveled to the region to provide critical aid. Cherokee Nation Emergency Management helped organize donated items and assembled food and care kits for f...
GATINEAU, Que.-Parks Canada has developed a new strategy for working alongside Indigenous communities to conserve nature and culture. The policy objectives, according to the Parks Canada website, are to have a framework for Indigenous stewardship and to support cultural continuity, cultural safety and healing. Parks Canada says the Indigenous Stewardship Policy recognizes and supports Indigenous stewardship in all places Parks Canada plays a role in administering. It is...
Winnipeg, Man.-On October 26, 2024, more than 150 people gathered at The Meeting Place in Winnipeg, Man. to offer praise to the Lord for the outreach and effectiveness of Indian Life Ministries. Attendees from Canada and the United States reflected on Ecclesiastes 3:1–4 and the goodness of God in every season. And the theme was carried throughout the music and message. Chris and Rochelle Creasy led the participants in worship and blessed the crowd with their music. Chris a...
LAVEEN VILLAGE-President Joe Biden, on October 25, 2024, formally apologized for the 150 years of abuse and harm suffered by Indigenous children who were put into the federal boarding school system. "I believe it is important that we do know there was [sic] generations of Native children stolen, taken away to places they didn't know, with people they never met, who spoke a language they never heard," Biden said during a visit to the Gila River Indian Community in front of an...
