CONNECTIONS is for Foster and Kinship Caregivers to help them support the Indigenous, Metis and Inuit children and youth in their care to stay connected and learn more about their culture and traditions. | | This Month's SPOTLIGHT: Indigenous Creation Stories | | In honour of Earth Day which is celebrated annually on April 22, we are spotlighting traditional creation stories. Indigenous peoples have always been the stewards of the land. Protecting the earth is a responsibility deeply woven into Indigenous cultural teachings, passed down through generations along with the creation stories that share how it all began. | | For many Indigenous people throughout North America, the turtle is part of the creation story (a story about how everything came to be). Turtle Island might sound like some far away island in the sea, but it's actually what some Indigenous people call the continent of North America, while others, such as the Ojibwa, use it to refer to the whole world... Learn more at CBC Kids | | | | |
READ ALOUD (Youtube)
Aski and Turtle Island
| Askî is a turtle who lives in the pond. Askî means “earth” in Cree. His story introduces Turtle Island and Mother Earth—two concepts that are central in First Nations’ worldview. Askî also tells stories about life at the pond alongside the other swimmers, crawlers, flyers, and other animals. Watch Here | | BOOK Turtle Island: The Story of North America's First People by Eldon Yellowhorn & Kathy Lowinger (Ages 12 -15) | This book takes readers back to the Ice Age to give young readers a glimpse of what life was like pre-contact. The title, Turtle Island explains how North and Central America were formed on the back of a turtle. Available Here | | | | | ANIMATED VIDEO The Legend of Weesakayjack | First Nation Legend | How North America came to be Listen to how Muskrat dove down in the water to find a piece of earth and how turtle carried the weight of that earth on his back so life could start again. Watch Here | | |
The Story of Turtle Island: Lessons from the land by Dallas Arcand
This book weaves together the collective Indigenous creation story of Turtle Island (North America) with teachings about respect, stewardship, and community. It encourages children to connect with nature, learn from Indigenous traditions, and help care for the Earth. Available Here
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| | Turtle Coloring Book For Kids: This adorable colouring book is perfect for boys and girls ages 4–8 who love sea creatures! From sea turtles to land turtles and magical underwater animals, this book is filled with a wide variety of unique, creative, and fun illustrations that will delight any child who loves turtles. The Colouring Book of Turtles and Sea Life invites children into a wonderful world of sea and land adventures.. Available Here | | | | Turtle Coloring Pages (Free PDF Printables) from monday mandala | If you or your young one(s) are fascinated with these incredible animals, these pintables will surely provide hours of free entertainment! Once the coloring pages are complete, they can be repurposed as party banners, decorations, backdrops for turtle enclosures, and so much more! Download Here | | | |
DID YOU KNOW?
Not all Indigenous creation stories feature a turtle.
| | | | In many Northwest Coast Indigenous cultures, Raven or Yáahl features prominently in origin tales. According to the Haida, the Raven created Haida Gwaii and brought light into the world. Raven, or Yáahl is responsible for creating Haida Gwaii, releasing the sun from its tiny box and making the stars and the moon. Watch animated READ ALOUD video How Raven Stole the Sun | | A Blackfoot Creation Story that gets kids up and moving with the actions of this Read Aloud story! A Blackfoot Movement Story | |  | Sedna, is the ocean spirit, whose fingers created all the sea creatures, and is central to Inuit creation stories. Watch animated video Sedna - Inuit Mother of the Deep | | | Great Idea!
Don't miss an ideal opportunity to spend time together learning more about Indigenous culture. Read or listen to a creation story each day with the children in your care. | | Read or download a selection of creation stories like the Legend of Fire and Beaver and His Tail available through Indigenous Culture-Based Learning in Alberta Curriculum. Start reading here! | | Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams Celebrated May and June People of all ages plant heart gardens in memory of children lost to the residential school system to honour Residential School Survivors and their families, and support the legacy of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Anyone can plant a heart garden! Heart gardens can be planted indoors or outdoors, and they can be made decorated paper hearts or include real flowers and medicine. Be creative and speak from your heart! Learn how to plant a heart garden here. | | Bear Witness Day, May 10th Bear Witness Day honours the memory of Jordan River Anderson and is dedicated to ensuring that First Nations children receive the services they need, when they need them, as outlined in Jordan's Principle. Show your support and “Bear Witness” to Jordan’s Principle by bringing your bears to daycare, school, or work on May 10th. Host a “Bear Party,” coffee break, or lunch to learn more about Jordan’s Principle and to honour Jordan River Anderson. | National Child & Youth Mental Health Day May 7 National Child & Youth Mental Health Day is about creating meaningful connections between young people and the caring adults in their lives. “I Care About You” is at the heart of May 7, reminding us that through conversations, support, and everyday actions, we can help young people feel seen, heard, and valued. Join FamilySmart for three special online events to celebrate National Child & Youth Mental Health Day. These conversations bring together parents, caring adults, and experts to share experiences, insights, and practical ways to support the mental health of children and youth. | | |
The Caring for Children with Complex Needs Series
This is a virtual program designed for caregivers of children with complex needs under 18. This group is for parents, relatives, grandparents, and foster parents, providing a space to share experiences, learn about caregiving challenges, and reduce feelings of isolation. This program runs on Tuesday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. You must register to receive the Zoom link or phone number to join the group. Note: Registration is ongoing, and new participants can join at any time.
Virtual Dates: April 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20, 27; June 3, 10, 17, 24
Register Here
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Are you a caregiver (kinship, foster, or adoptive) of a Métis child or youth? Are you interested in attending a family-friendly conference focused on Métis culture, history, and reconnection? Hosted by The Métis Nation of Alberta’s Children and Family Services department, this conference is designed to connect Métis children and youth ages 0-17 (citizens of the Métis Nation of Alberta or who self-identify) to connect to Métis culture, history, and community as well as caregivers (kinship, foster, adoptive) and their families to Métis land, culture, and community in a meaningful way.
May 23 - 25, 2025 Métis Crossing, Smoky Lake Register Here
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Explore the vital connection between disability, community, and culture in our upcoming session on Indigenous Peoples. We will discuss how traditional values and family care systems shape the understanding of disability, as well as the historical injustices that contribute to discrimination against Indigenous individuals with disabilities. June 12, 2025 Virtual Register Here
| | ALIGN's report “Empowering Futures: Gatherings for Indigenous Child Welfare Sovereignty” April 2025 is a testament to attendees collective wisdom and a call to action, amplifying the voices that will drive meaningful change. The stories and perspectives underscored the urgent need to shift from intervention to prevention, to champion Indigenous-led initiatives, and to ensure Indigenous children remain connected to their families and traditions. View Report | | |
2025 Shannen’s Dream Scholarship deadline is April 30th, 2025
There are two $10,000 scholarships and two $5,500 scholarships available for 2025!The Shannen’s Dream Scholarship is an award to assist First Nations youth with post-secondary education costs (university, college, trades). As a “pay-it-forward” scholarship, winners must make a fair and measurable contribution to the Shannen’s Dream campaign or related First Nations initiative as a condition of receiving the award.
Spirit Bear Award nominations for 2025 are now open Deadline April 30, 2025 The Spirit Bear Award is presented to groups of young people who demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. This year, three awards of $500 will be given to groups of young people to use as they would like toward their activities or simply to celebrate!
| | To submit program info to be added, please email starrd@aligna.ca | | |
Royal Alberta Museum Orcas: Our Shared Future May 16 – October 19, 2025, Meet the rulers of the waterverse! Immersive and interactive, featuring life-size orca replicas, fossils, films, objects from popular culture, and original artwork from the Indigenous peoples of the North American west coast.
Bent Arrow (Edmonton) has a number of programs - many have waitlists so don't delay registering and check back regularly for new program options. View the Early Child Development Program and the Ages 6-12 Programs offering Lego league, star chef and the Ages 13-17 Youth Programs offering group guitar lessons, ribbon skirt/shirt classes, teen night, medicine wheel bracelets, and more!
Edmonton Public Library (EPL): Elders in Residence Program is an integral part of the Edmonton Public Library, promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous perspectives, cultures, and values. Elders provide support and encouragement to library patrons and offer a cultural connection through various programs and activities. Elders can help with connecting you to culture and ceremony. They are integral community members that can guide you in your cultural learning and connect you to the larger community.
Trellis Society: The Iiyika’kimaat Program (Calgary) Provides Indigenous youth, aged 12-21 years, an opportunity to reach their full potential through culturally-relevant and leadership-specific components and activities.
Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary: Youth & Family Drumming (Calgary) On the third Wednesday of every month, from 5:30 – 7:00 PM, youth aged 6-17 years 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 Programs and Services Check out the Drum and Dance drop-in night. Bring your family for a weekly Drum and Dance drop-in night. Learn or brush-up on your skills in Pow Wow dance styles, drumming, and Indigenous culture. Their program Drum Keepers, Elder, and male and female dance instructors will keep the sessions engaging and fun for participants of all ages and levels.
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Calgary Public Library Indigenous Artist in Residence: Art of the Mask for Ages 9-12 Join the Library’s Indigenous Artist in Residence, Morgan Black, for a hands-on workshop where you will create masks or mask-inspired art pieces guided by traditional Indigenous designs and teachings. Your artwork can be part of Morgan's final exhibit at Central Library in June. Come explore your creativity through culture and community. Meet with Elders from different Nations. In the Children's Lodge, individuals, small groups, and students can meet with Elders to explore topics relating to culture, history, and reconciliation. You can request a specific time to meet with the Elders, or drop-in to their open office hours.
Closer to Home: Youth Drumming and Culture Program allows participants to drum and sing, connect with Indigenous Culture, and create beautiful crafts! This program is for youth aged 10 to 17.
Miskanawah: Youth Programs (Calgary) Oskâpêwis (oska-pe-wis) Cree for “Elder’s helper, helper at ceremonies.”
Oskapewis supports Indigenous youth in taking part in Indigenous youth to take part in land-based activities and traditional learning environments, that connect youth with Indigenous culture and ceremony. Diamond Willow Youth Lodge Designed by young people, for young people, the lodge is a hub where Indigenous youth connect with peers, and participate in their own sense of healing and well-being while accessing a variety of programs and supports.
Nipisis (neep-sis) Cree for “young willow.” Nipisis is a Specialized Indigenous Foster Care program designed to meet the individualized needs of Indigenous youth in a variety of family-based homes. The program is designed to support youth who have experienced multiple placements to develop healthy relationships with families who are culturally competent and dedicated to maintaining long-term relationships with the youth.
Regional After-Hours Youth Support (RAYS) Children, youth and families can experience crises at any time. RAYS helps clients in crisis during evening and weekend hours. The Child Intervention Intake and Response Team deploys our workers as needed to provide intervention, one-to-one support, and crisis services.
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