All My Relations Newsletter | | | Art by Shay Paul – Watercolor Blackberries | July is berry-picking month! At this time, the Secwepemc staple, sxúsem (soap berry), is ripening all throughout the territory. Other berries like s7éytsqwem (raspberry), tqítq̓e (strawberry), and stcwelcúcwel̓ (gooseberry) are also being picked. Berries would be collected in birch bark and cedar woven baskets. | |
July marks the height of berry picking season across much of British Columbia, a time that has sustained Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. As forests, mountains, and meadows become abundant with huckleberries, Saskatoon berries, soapberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, families and communities gather on the land to harvest foods that nourish both body and spirit.
For the Secwépemc and many other Indigenous Nations, berry patches are places of learning where Elders pass on traditional knowledge to younger generations. Children learn how to identify edible plants, recognize when berries are ready to harvest, and understand the protocols that guide respectful harvesting. Stories, language, songs, and teachings are shared as families work together, reinforcing that knowledge is best learned through experience on the land.
| Berry Picking Song - Nels Mitchel | Take a moment to listen to the berry picking song by the late Nels Mitchel. | All My Relations Resources | We are excited to share a few sample resources that support hands-on, grounded learning with the land and encourage thoughtful engagement rooted in respect, observation, and responsibility. |
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Renewal: Indigenous Perspectives on Land-Based Education and Beyond the Classroom
This book explores the transformative power of Indigenous land-based learning, highlighting how relationships with the land, culture, language, and community shape meaningful education.
Through diverse Indigenous voices, the book offers valuable insights into teaching, learning, and reconciliation, emphasizing that some of life's most important lessons are learned beyond the classroom.
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Manomin: Caring for Ecosystems and Each Other
Manomin (wild rice) is a gift from the water, one that grows only when lakes and wetlands are healthy. Caring for it means caring for the whole ecosystem, from the water itself to the plants, animals, and people who rely on it. As a food source, Manomin is a valuable and nourishing resource, rich in nutrients and able to be stored and shared through seasons of need. This book, created with Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation, shares teachings grounded in Anishinaabe ways of knowing and being on the land. It speaks to the relationship between people, water, plants, and animals, and how everything is connected.
It also highlights the responsibility that comes with that relationship; caring for the land for those of today, and the generations to follow.
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Kaa-wiichihitoyaahk – We take care of each other
Kaa-wiichihitoyaahk brings together Métis voices, experiences, and teachings that speak to wellness as something deeply rooted in culture, community, and land. Aside from only focusing on individual health, it explores how wellbeing is shaped through relationships; family, kinship networks, language, stories, and connection to place.
The book highlights how cultural practices and teachings support healing and resilience, especially when they are carried forward and shared across generations. It reflects on identity in a living way, showing how Métis ways of knowing continue to guide people in navigating both everyday life and broader challenges.
As a resource, it is valuable for educators, students, and community members because it centers Indigenous knowledge in conversations about health and wellness. It offers practical and reflective insights that can support learning, relationship-building, and culturally grounded approaches to wellbeing in schools, workplaces, and community programs.
| Ways to Engage and Reflect | |
Harvest with Respect
Indigenous harvesting practices are rooted in reciprocity. It is important for us to always keep in mind that land should not be viewed as a resource to be exploited, rather a living relative that deserves our care and respect. Traditional teachings remind us to:
- Harvest only what is needed.
- Leave plenty behind for wildlife, birds, and future generations.
- Pick gently without damaging plants or surrounding vegetation.
- Offer gratitude before and after harvesting.
- Care for the land, so it continues to provide for generations yet to come.
These practices reflect an understanding that healthy ecosystems depend on balance and that humans have a responsibility to contribute to that balance.
| Congratulations Indigenous Grads 2026 | All My Relations would like to congratulate TRU Indigenous graduates and undergraduates of 2026 as they embark on a new journey filled with fulfillment, self-determination, and opportunities to uplift their communities and future generations. | |
With great pride and heartfelt congratulations, All My Relations celebrates Secwépemc Knowledge Keeper Elder Mike Arnouse on receiving an honorary degree from TRU. This well-deserved recognition honours his lifetime of sharing Secwépemc knowledge, language, teachings, and cultural traditions with generosity, humility, and care. Through his unwavering commitment to community, mentorship, and the preservation of Indigenous ways of knowing, Elder Arnouse has inspired countless people and helped ensure that Secwépemc knowledge continues to guide and strengthen future generations. We celebrate this remarkable achievement and thank him for the enduring legacy he continues to leave for our communities and all who have the privilege of learning from him.
| All My Relations Highlight | Cultivating Connections: Indigenous Knowledge, Food Sovereignty, and Education by Shay Paul | “On June 1st, I travelled to Montreal to speak at the Nourishing School Food Forum hosted by Farm 2 Cafeteria, Équiterre, and the Coalition for Healthy School Food. The day before the conference started, I attended a field school in Kahnawà:ke hosted by Tkà:nios: It Grows Initiative where we learned about Kanien’kehá:ka food sovereignty and food security programs within the territory. The next day, I co-presented the Indigenous Ways of Knowing: Capturing and Sharing your Community’s Story workshop with Dr. Gladys Rowe and the Indigenous Insights Collective. Dr. Rowe highlighted the importance of arts-based evaluation in research and I presented on art and land based education based on Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (TEK) for school-aged children. You can read my more in depth reflection on the Knowledge Makers blog!" | | Building a Sustainable Future: Reflections from the COP31 Youth Sessions by Nathan Wilson | | |
During my time in Türkiye for the Zero Waste Foundation COP31 youth sessions, I took part in workshops and discussions around sustainability, circular economy, and climate action. It was a really hands-on space where we looked at things like waste reduction, recycling, and upcycling, and how these ideas connect to real community-level change. A big focus was also making sure youth voices are part of the COP31 conversation and actually feed into the bigger climate discussions and decision-making.
| | Thompson Rivers University Excellence in Interculturalization Group Award | | Congratulations to the TRU Research Hub Open Learning Modules Project Group on receiving the 2026 Thompson Rivers University Excellence in Interculturalization Group Award. This prestigious award recognizes both The Research Hub and All My Relations’ outstanding contributions to fostering intercultural understanding, advancing inclusive learning, and making a lasting impact on the TRU community through their dedication and collaborative efforts. | | |
Let's Learn Secwépemctsín: | | | |  | | Tkemlups te Secwepemc Community BBQ | |
Tkemlups communities are invited to attend the annual Community BBQ on Thursday, July 16 at the Youth Centre. This will be a day to enjoy a free afternoon of food, activities, and community fun for all ages, including a waterslide, bouncy castle, axe throwing, face painting, music, and door prizes. Food and drinks provided by SCFSA. Activities and door prizes provided by Tk̓emlúps Community Services.
Date: Thursday, July 16th, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: 1105 Kamloopa Way (Youth Centre)
| 4th Annual Memorial Squamish Nation Youth Powwow | |
The Squamish Nation invites community members, families, and visitors to join us for the 4th Annual Memorial Youth Powwow, taking place July 10th – 12th, 2026. This gathering continues to grow as a space for celebration, connection, and the uplifting of youth through song, dance, and cultural pride.
This ceremony extends its invites to drum groups including Black Lodge Singers, Chiniki Lake, Sharpshooter, and Blackstone, alongside the host drum, Cree Confederation.
Expect an even bigger weekend ahead with more energy, more competition, and bigger prizes as dancers and singers come together for an unforgettable celebration.
Additional details, including special announcements and vendor registration information, will be shared soon. (Please note that vendor registration is not yet open.)
Date: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 9-11th, 2026
Location: Capilano 5, West Vancouver, BC, Canada, V7P 3J7
| Vancouver Island Métis Rendezvous | |
The Vancouver Island Métis Rendezvous invites all to spend a full day immersed in Métis culture, learning, and celebration; a welcoming gathering open to all Nations and all people. Métis and non-Métis community members are encouraged to attend, share, and experience the richness of Métis ways of life.
Throughout the day, participants can enjoy a vibrant lineup of cultural activities including traditional music, jigging, Voyageur games, hands-on workshops, a dedicated children’s zone, local vendors, food, and more. Each space is designed to offer opportunities for connection, learning, and joyful celebration in a welcoming environment.
This is a family-friendly event centered on sharing knowledge, strengthening relationships, and celebrating culture in a good way.
Admission is by donation.
Date: Saturday, August 15th, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Cowichan Exhibition Park
| | Upcoming Conference and Workshops | | |
What does it actually mean to invest in Indigenous futures?
This July, Finding Our Power Together is reflecting not only on history, but on the systems, policies, and decisions shaping the lives of Indigenous young people today.
Our upcoming Lunch & Learn shares findings from the Indigenous Youth Rising Study, a participatory action research project exploring how Indigenous youth define and engage in leadership, advocacy, political systems, and theories of change.
If you work in education, policy, research, youth programming, mental health, community services, or Indigenous engagement, this session is for you.
CPL certificate available
Time: 12:00 PM EST
| | Stories from the Heart - Community Languages Projects from Ready to Revitalize | | |
"Stories from the Heart: Community Language Projects from Ready to Revitalize" is a monthly series of informal talks by grassroots language champions worldwide. Each month, alumni of ELP's Ready to Revitalize program share about the programs they’ve developed to strengthen their languages.
Join the Endangered Languages Project on July 16 for the next Stories from the Heart, and learn from real-life experiences of Indigenous language revitalization!
Tarryn Ryan will be sharing about Kōrero ki Ōtautahi, a program to support learners and speakers of te reo Māori in Ōtautahi (Christchurch).
Time: 3:00 pm Pacific / 6pm Eastern / 10am (July 17) Aotearoa
| | IWI-Indigenous Women in Industry Summit | | September 28-30, 2026| Vancouver, BC | | |
IWI - Indigenous Women in Industry Summit - Canada 2026 is an international gathering designed to create economic, social, and cultural opportunities for Indigenous women around the world. Co-hosted by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) and Rise Global, this summit will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia, on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm, sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Host Nations. Rise Global are a Māori and Indigenous owned business based in Aotearoa, NZ. IWI means tribe or group of people in Te Reo Māori, the Indigenous language of Aotearoa. IWI 2024 was launched in Rotorua, NZ and will travel to Australia in 2028 and USA in 2030.
Location: Hyatt Regency Vancouver Hotel – 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C2R7
| | Call For Proposals & Submissions | | Explore these opportunities for scholars, students, and community partners to connect, present, and grow Indigenous-led research and community engagement. | | TRU Sustain – Future Earth Student Journal | | |
Future Earth, TRU’s student journal on sustainability and the environment, is accepting submissions from undergraduate and graduate students.
The journal publishes a range of work, including research articles, creative nonfiction and Indigenous perspectives on sustainability.
Future Earth accepts submissions year-round.
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The Mistahe Astêw Mîcôwin: Food Security Art Contest is open to MNBC Citizens and Métis self-identifying folks of all ages and skill levels.
This contest celebrates the many ways Métis people connect with food, land, culture, and community.
Métis Citizens and self-identifying folks residing in B.C. are invited to submit original artwork that reflects their own stories and experiences with food security and food.
Winning pieces will be featured in upcoming MNBC reports and documents related to food security.
One $500 CAD grand prize and five $100 CAD runner up prizes available.
Deadline: Sunday, July 12th, 2026
| | Terralingua – Indigenous Youth Storytellers Circle | | |
The Indigenous Youth Storytellers Circle (IYSC) is a global online platform for young Indigenous people who wish to share stories in their own voices about reclaiming their identities, their languages and cultures, and their relationships with the land. Stories may also be considered for Langscape Magazine, Terralingua’s flagship publication, if they speak to the issue’s theme.
Deadline: July 31st, 2026
| | We recognize the importance of equitable access to education and research funding for Indigenous learners and scholars. Below are current/ongoing opportunities you may qualify for — be sure to check each for deadlines, eligibility and how to apply. | | |
Indigenous Youth Roots - Medium Project Funding Stream
The Medium Project Funding Stream will provide funding of up to $60,000 to Indigenous youth-led registered non-profits and charities, as well as Indigenous youth-led grassroots groups that have experience running programming and projects (with a trustee to hold funds).
Projects must be led by 2+ Indigenous youth (ages 15–29) who are meaningfully involved in project guidance, planning, implementation, and/or evaluation.
Want to discuss your project or ask questions about the process?
Contact: sareema@indigenousyouthroots.ca
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BEEM Credit Union - Purple Cap Awards
BEEM Credit Union is introducing the Purple Cap Awards, a bursary program supporting members and their goals. With a simple application, it’s easier to access funding for trades, diplomas, and degrees that support new and continuing studies.
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Indigenous Climate Action – Sovereignty in Action (SIA) Awards
The Sovereignty in Action (SIA) Awards were created during the COVID-19 pandemic to support grassroots initiatives while prioritizing community health and safety by shifting away from in-person events. Now, SIA continues to honour our communities through supporting their work towards climate justice, climate change, and Indigenous sovereignty.
First Nation, Inuit, and Mètis Peoples within so-called Canada are invited to apply or nominate another relative to be awarded $2,500 CAD to honor their work, whether it's on the land, in language, research, or acts of resistance and care.
This year Indigenous Climate Action (ICA) will be accepting applications in 4 cycles:
Winter (March 2-April 30), Spring (May 4-June 30), Summer (July 2-August 31), and Fall (September 2-November 9).
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