This month our SPOTLIGHT is on Boys With Braids! Indigenous, Metis & Inuit boys of any age can wear traditional braids. Unfortunately, sometimes that can result in bullying or teasing when others don't understand the importance and meaning behind this sacred tradition. Braided hair isn't about what is in fashion; it is about culture, identity and spiritual connection. Caregivers and kids can learn more about boys & men with braids by accessing these great resources! | |
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CBC News Why Indigenous boys and men choose to wear braids
'I wear a braid to honour my ancestors,' says Michael Linklater, founder of #BoysWithBraids. He recalls being teased and bullied by classmates during his early years of schooling. After seeing his own sons being bullied in school for wearing braids, he decided to start a campaign called Boys With Braids. For some, braids are a symbol of strength, wisdom, and are something that reflects their identity. For many who wear a braid for cultural reasons, the only time they cut their hair is when they are grieving the loss of a loved one... Learn More Here
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Warrior Kids PODCAST honours Native men & boys who wear their long hair in braids! Kids and caregivers alike will really enjoy listening to this short podcast for kids and learning all about the meaning and tradition of boys with braids! | |
REMINDER! ELDERBEARY DAY
MARCH 20!
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"Elderbeary Day honours and celebrates the contributions of our Elders, who do so much to teach and raise our little ones. Celebrate by thanking your Elders for all that they do for you and for your community by writing them letters, drawing them pictures, or in any way you believe best represents how much you care" FNCaring Society
If you'd like to share your Elderbeary Day celebrations on social media, use the hashtags #ElderbearyDay or #JournéeOursonAîné.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN | |
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From Colouring It Forward - The Little Spirit Doll by Shelley Rose May (the Metis Mamma) This 40-page book contains illustrations that are gradually coloured in as the doll heals as a way to teach children about trauma and healing. The little spirit doll feels traumatized from being ripped from her home and feels that she has no name and no-one who loves her. She goes on a journey to heal and with the help of friends and spirit guides, she finds her way.
Pre-sale available now for $15.49 View Here
Hibernating 4 Health - Spirit Bear’s Guide to First Nations Children and Families Staying Safe During COVID-19, As colds, flu and COVID cases continue, it can be challenging for kids during the winter months. The First Nations Caring Society created Hibernating 4 Health - Spirit Bear’s Guide to First Nations Children and Families Staying Safe During COVID-19. These fun and informative info/coloring sheets for kids include core health recommendations and First Nations practices. Spirit Bear starts with a reminder to keep your paws off your face. Learn More – Download
#Hibernating4Health Sheet #1
#Hibernating4Health Sheet #2
Staying Warm in the Winter (Arevaaq - English/Inuktitut)
Intended for infants and very young children and are designed to help children develop physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language skills.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS FOR YOUTH | |
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Indigenous Story Studio creates illustrations, posters, video and comic books on health and social issues for youth.
Indigilove Is A Campaign Designed By Tribal Youth To Spread Positivity, Share Self-Care Tips, Build Mental Strength, And Encourage Youth To Reach Out For Help when needed. Through honest poetry, filmmaking, and visual art, IndigiLOVE offers valuable lessons about self-care, effectively managing our mental health, and reaching out for help. Poems & Videos
WeRNative: A comprehensive health resource for Native youth by Native youth, promoting holistic health and positive growth through the teachings of Native culture, history, and current events.
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Lethbridge February 25 - 26, 2023
Attendees get a glimpse into traditional regalia, music, and art that has defined the area for thousands of years. Promoting the culture of the Blackfoot people, raising awareness, promoting events an
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FREE - Indigenous Peoples Experience - Fort Edmonton February 25th, 2023, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Fort Edmonton Park Explore the diversity of First Nations' and Métis peoples' histories, cultures, experiences, and perspectives, local to Indigenous life in Amiskwacîwâskahikan
Oteenow Round Dance
Saturday, February 25th, 2023, Enoch Cree Nation
LEAD BY EXAMPLE POWWOW March 18, 2023 - March 19, 2023, Strathmore Lead by Example Powwow in Honour of Kakato’si Kristian Ayoungman Everyone Welcome! See flyer
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ALEXIS NAKOTA SIOUX NATION
GAMUMU BIG DRUM SINGING CIRCLE Ages 12 - 30 Weds 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Lac Ste. Anne County
BENT ARROW (Edmonton)
Coyote Kids WeeklyProgram is a free weekly Aboriginal culture program for Aboriginal children or children of Aboriginal ancestry ages of 6 - 12 years. Coyote kids meets every Mon staffed by the Coyote Pride Program Coordinators and have parent volunteers, Junior Leaders or people from the community who volunteer to help with the programming and supervision. Kikosewin Family Resource offer a variety of programs throughout the year for children, youth and families. Click Here to see what is currently
offered.
EPL & CNFC
Virtual Indigenous Language Classes
Nehiyawewin (Cree Language) Online Beginners Class
CLOSER TO HOME
THE FAMILY
CIRCLE - CALGARY
Wednesday mornings (10:30 – 12:00 PM)This is an opportunity to come and share, build life skills through traditional cultural teachings, meet some other participants and learn to drum and sing.
MISKANAWAH
COMMUNITY FAMILY DRUMMING CIRCLE (CALGARY) pdf
Every other Saturday 10:00 - 12:00 pm Sept 2022 – June 2023
For families and children up to 12.
Drumming & Storytelling
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TRELLIS
The Iiyika’kimaat Program (Calgary)
September through June, Monday through Thursday 4:00 - 8:00 PM 12-21 years An opportunity for youth aged 12 - 21 to reach their full potential through culturally-relevant and leadership-specific components and activities
ABORIGINAL FRIENDSHIP CENTER OF CALGARY
YOUTH & FAMILY DRUMMING (AFC CALGARY) On the 3rd Wednesday of every month, from 5:30 – 7:00 PM ages
6-17 Come together with their
parents/guardians to learn the fundamentals of the drum and to learn how to sing and drum as part of a group.
YMCA CALGARY
Indigenous Active Life
Drop-In Program
Thursdays | 7:00 - 10:00 PM Saddletowne
YMCA (Calgary) Drop in for an active night at the YMCA - for FREE! Join other youth and young adults (between the ages of 12 and 30) for court sports (such as basketball and floor hockey), swimming, cardio, resistance training and more! The Active Life program is available at the Saddletowne YMCA. The program is free, with full facility access during designated times. Grab a friend for some active, social fun.
Indigenous Drum and
Dance Mondays | 5:00 - 7:00 PM YMCA Bring your family for a weekly Drum and Dance drop-in night. Learn or brush-up your skills in Pow Wow dance styles, drumming and Indigenous culture.
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SUBMISSIONS - If you have cultural events, program, activity or resource that you'd like to share or if you'd like to suggest newsletter content ideas or things you'd like to see more of please send an email to starrd@alignab.ca Subject Line - CONNECTIONS SUBMISSION
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More fun ideas!
Re-visit past CONNECTIONS Editions - packed with lots of great traditional stories, videos, games, activities, recipes and more!
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