Culturally Committed

This week, we're honored to feature a powerful piece by Katy Carson, who courageously opens up about her journey of reconnecting with her culture and the deep complexities of “pretendianism” within Indigenous communities. Katy’s experiences offer insight into the challenges of reclaiming one’s heritage and the resilience required to navigate questions of authenticity and belonging. "For many of us who grew up outside community, reconnecting with our Indigeneity can be a journey filled with questions about authenticity and belonging. Colonialism fractured generations of Indigenous identity, severing ties to our communities, languages, and traditions, leaving many with a deep sense of loss. I’ve wrestled (and sometimes still do) with questions like, Am I Indigenous enough? Do I have the right to reclaim what was taken?" Katy’s story highlights how reclaiming Indigenous identity is an act of respect, responsibility, and healing, far from the distortions created by pretendianism. Her words remind us of the strength in honoring ancestral resilience and reconnecting to community values. ✨ Dive deeper into Katy’s reflections on cultural integrity and identity in this week's #Teachings Tuesday. Join our mailing list to read the full story and become part of these vital conversations. https://buff.ly/3YPgZd5

“Jenn’s storytelling deepened my understanding of colonialism’s effects and strengthened my commitment to Reconciliation.” – Pauline Karch, Indigenous Support Worker, Island Health Join Jenn Smith of Tlowitsis First Nation in her powerful course, Truth, Resilience, and Reconciliation. Through personal stories and lived experiences, this self-paced series offers a heartfelt journey toward understanding and healing. Enroll today and take your own step on the path to reconciliation. https://buff.ly/4hqTTk6 #IndigenousTeachings #TruthAndReconciliation #CulturalSafety #HealingJourney #IndigenousEducation

Yesterday, after nearly two years of hard work, our team at the Centre for Indigenous Policy and Research here at Indigenous Youth Roots - IYR (Formerly CRE) launched the Indigenous Youth Reconciliation Barometer 2024: Building Connected Futures. Throughout this project, IYR engaged with 1,125 Indigenous youth from coast-to-coast-to-coast. The report concentrates on how youth see their futures through the themes of personal and community empowerment, culture and wellness, education and meaningful work, and solidarity and reconciliation and is intended to enable support for their needs and aspirations. Youth were not only participants to the project, they also guided the direction and format of the research. Yesterday, we gathered with a full room of young people, and folks from across sectors who we believe are committed to creating space for Indigenous youth leadership. I left feeling empowered, and filled with hope that this work can, and will contribute to impactful change. Without the trust of the 1,125 Indigenous young people who took the time to share their voices, this would not have been possible, so nia:wen again for sharing your stories- we cannot wait to continue to amplify this important work. I am so lucky to get to work alongside such wonderful colleagues, including Kimberley Wakeford and Tija Hauta who were pivotal in bringing this work to life alongside so many others within our team, and the broader IYR community. ✨ 📣 Nia:wen to EleV Indigenous / Mastercard Foundation for supporting this important project 📑

This past month, our Mentor team took the time to reflect, reconnect, and reaffirm the intentions that guide our work. As George often says, "Strategize on the shore before your paddles hit the water." With clear direction, we can move forward with purpose and intention. 🌊 Our new Culturally Committed vision is rooted in this guiding principle. We are committed to building safe spaces where learning and authentic, reciprocal relationships between Indigenous peoples and settlers can flourish. Together, with deep respect and shared responsibility, we walk the path toward reconciliation, honoring every voice along the way. Let’s continue this journey, side by side. 🤝 #CulturallyCommitted #Reconciliation #Reciprocity #IndigenousWisdom #Community

This week’s #TeachingsTuesday features Kyle Pearce (he/him/his), one of our founding members, who’s speaking to what it means to be a true ally! 🌱 From unlearning old biases to building a better understanding of equity, Kyle shares his thoughts on transforming our mindset and systems for a brighter future. Thank you, Kyle, for your willingness to share your words with our readers. We value your contributions to this work very much. . 📬 Don’t miss it! Join our mailing list to receive full access ever week! https://buff.ly/4dVBRDV

At Merch with Heart, we believe that every purchase carries the power to uplift and inspire. Our store is not just a place to shop—it's a community built on compassion and kindness, supporting the work of Culturally Committed and the important causes we stand for. Our Traditional Logo Collection brings comfort and meaning together, with cozy hoodies and tees featuring our logo, designed by Quw'utsun artist Stuart Paguduan. This symbol of welcome and honour is a visual reassurance to Indigenous clients accessing services that cultural safety is a priority. 💖 Show your solidarity with the Pride Edition, where $25 from each sale supports the 2 Spirit Collective. 🌈 And our Orange Tee makes a bold statement of support for survivors of Indian Residential Schools. $25 from each tee is donated directly to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, helping to provide healing and hope. 🧡 To everyone who’s been part of this journey—HUY CH Q'U (thank you). And to all those ready to join, welcome to a world where every purchase fuels meaningful support. Shop now and wear your heart on your sleeve. Store linked in bio. #MerchWithHeart #CulturalSafety #SupportReconciliation #IndigenousVoices #2SLGBTQSupport #IRSSS #CulturallyCommitted

📅 Save the Date: November 20, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM PDT 🌿 Indigenous Trauma & Equity Informed Practice Join us for a powerful two-part workshop (November & December) designed to fostering culturally safe and equity-focused services for Indigenous clients, colleagues, partners, and communities. Led by Len Pierre, this session goes beyond standard ‘trauma-informed’ workshops to address often-missing contexts through Indigenous perspectives. Learn how to create meaningful change and embed equity-oriented practices into your life and workplace. #culturallycommitted #monthlyworkshops #CulturalSafety #EquityInPractice #TraumaInformed #IndigenousLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #EquityAndInclusion

🌱 The Journey of Learning Never Ends 🌱 October's Workshop with Emily White was a powerful reminder that we ALL have more to learn. As we navigate complex topics like reconciliation, it's vital to approach them with open hearts and a willingness to grow. I think my biggest takeaway is, I have a lot more learning to do. And that’s okay. Education doesn’t stop—it evolves with us. Every conversation is an opportunity to deepen our understanding and strengthen our relationships, especially in the realm of reconciliation. Each step forward brings us closer to understanding and positive change. Let’s continue to seek knowledge, support one another, and use our voices to uplift those who may not always be heard. Together, we can create meaningful relationships and make a difference in our communities. 💪🧡 In learning, Kim at Culturally Committed ✨ To share your own thoughts or learnings please email info@culturallycommitted.com✨ #KeepLearning #ReconciliationJourney #BuildingConnections #SupportIndigenousVoices #PositiveChange #CommunityStrength

🌿 Empowering the Next Generation of Land Guardians 🌿 Launched this summer, the Guardians and Stewardship Training Initiative (GSTI) has already allocated $2.8M to 21 First Nations and Indigenous Organizations across British Columbia. This initiative strengthens stewardship programs by providing grants for training, capacity building, and education. By investing in future generations of Land Guardians, GSTI supports the management, protection, and restoration of ancestral lands, waters, and wildlife, while honouring Indigenous laws and traditions.