FR
Like many parts of Canada, Alberta continues to see a disproportionate number of Indigenous children and youth involved in the child welfare system. In the province, 10 per cent of the youth population is Indigenous, and more than 70 per cent of the youth in government care are Indigenous. While generations of involvement with child welfare have disrupted connections to culture and identity for many young people, often leading to negative thoughts and feelings, Indigenous communities across the province are working to restore those connections and support children and youth in reclaiming their cultural strength and belonging.
For nine years, the Trellis Society, one of Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada’s (CAFC) partner agencies in Calgary, has given Indigenous young people the opportunity to experience emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical wellness at their annual Culture Camp. Funded in part by CAFC’s Back to the Land Fund, the camp is a weeklong retreat in Alberta’s wilderness. Since its inception, over 270 young people have benefited from this unique camp experience.
The idea of developing a specialized camp for Indigenous youth came from Calgary-area Elders seeking a way to bring young people out onto the land to pass on their cultural knowledge. The Elders, along with the provincial government and community agencies like Trellis, were also concerned about youth wellness and wanted to enhance suicide prevention efforts through cultural healing and wellness opportunities.
Trellis Society’s Director of Indigenous Initiatives Shelly Wade explained that the activities taking place during Culture Camp are guided by the principles of the medicine wheel, which balances four interconnected aspects of being — the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional — providing a guide for healing and teaching. Camp activities support the mental health and well-being of participating youth by strengthening their sense of identity and belonging.
It helps the youth understand who they are and where they come from, while providing a safe and supportive space to explore their cultural identity. “Honestly, this camp is so healing for our youth because they are building relationships with each other, the Elders, their culture and the land. It’s really something to see how they can move through their challenges while at camp.”
By fostering strong community connections, the camp reduces feelings of isolation and builds meaningful relationships. Through land-based learning and ceremony, youth experience healing and develop resilience, self-esteem, and confidence. Time spent outdoors encourages physical activity and a deeper connection to the land, while the camp’s holistic approach nurtures mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional wellness.
Tarra, a returning camper who was struggling with her mental health affecting her self-esteem, sees how much the camp means to those who attend. “It brings the young people together, it gives them hope, it gives them courage and strength. When they walk out of Culture Camp, they’re just glowing. I walked out of camp feeling more confident about myself, feeling like I got this and I’m going to be okay.” Now 21, Tarra is looking forward to returning as a Junior Camp Leader, assisting staff and Elders.
Wade pointed out that Elders are the heart of the camp. They ground the camper’s experience in tradition, wisdom, and community responsibility. The Elders spend the week guiding youth in understanding their cultural identity, community responsibilities, and traditional values through storytelling, ceremonial demonstrations, and mentorship. “Their presence grounds the camp in authenticity and respect, ensuring that teachings are shared in a culturally appropriate way. Not only does the camp provide support, guidance and healing, it also fosters leadership by offering youth opportunities to support the Elders and mentor younger youth, which helps to nurture empowered, culturally grounded young leaders.”
According to Darryl Brass, Trellis Society’s Elder in Residence, camp helps the youth feel proud to be Indigenous. “When they come here and learn about their culture, they walk away with that sense of pride. It’s about learning one thing at a time, little by little, which helps them grow.”
Watch the video to learn more about Culture Camp and how it’s supporting young Indigenous youth with child welfare experience.
