Overview
Alberta is taking meaningful steps toward stronger relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
Reconciliation is a journey of education and action to improve relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. It is ongoing and active, and it starts with acknowledging the truth about Canada’s residential school system and colonial origins.
Alberta’s government is committed to collaborating with Indigenous communities and walking the path toward reconciliation together. This work has already begun, and it will continue to be a priority for our province.
Highlights
These are some notable actions we’ve taken recently.
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Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative
The Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative provides grants to support cultural and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities in Alberta.
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Residential school monument
We worked with Indigenous people to develop a monument and reconciliation garden on the Alberta Legislature grounds for the victims and survivors of Canada’s residential school system.
Government action
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Calls to Action set a path toward reconciliation by providing meaningful targets for governments, organizations and individuals.
We have made progress on more than 20 of the calls to action that relate to the province. This includes some of the initiatives listed below in the areas of education, justice, child welfare, health and more.
We are also pursuing reconciliation in many other ways aside from the calls to action. By listening to Indigenous Peoples and finding Indigenous-led solutions, we are helping affect meaningful change that will lead to a better future for all.
Justice
We are helping Indigenous people navigate the court system, addressing barriers to support and providing services that are culturally appropriate.
Health
We are working with Indigenous groups on shared health priorities and providing funding for Indigenous health programs that are culturally informed.
Education
We are working to revitalize and expand opportunities to educate youth across Alberta about Indigenous history, culture and perspectives.
Economy
We are collaborating with Indigenous communities to create new economic opportunities and ensure we are partners in prosperity.
Children and families
We are improving the programs and services available to Indigenous families and making the child intervention system more culturally appropriate and transparent.
Culture and languages
We are preserving and celebrating Indigenous art, languages and traditions to help support healing and greater recognition of Indigenous cultures and communities.
Legacy of residential schools
We acknowledge the harmful effect of residential schools on generations of Indigenous people and are working together to get to a place of healing.
Indigenous women
We are supporting the social, economic and physical well-being of Indigenous women and ensuring their voices are heard.
Other related actions
We understand there are many paths that lead toward reconciliation, and we are taking this journey through a number of other initiatives.
Looking for supports?
- Indian Residential Schools Hotline: 1-800-721-0066
- Supports for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls
- 24-hour Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642
- Access to other services: 211
- Indigenous organizations and services directory