A Year of Progress
Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
Early in the year, ALIGN adopted its formal Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and Statement of Allyship, signaling our dedication to walking alongside Indigenous communities in healing and collaboration. These foundational documents guide our initiatives and ensure Indigenous perspectives remain central to our work.
Empowering Indigenous Voices
In September, we hosted Empowering Futures: A Gathering for Indigenous Child Welfare Sovereignty, bringing together over 60 participants from Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations to discuss culturally relevant practices and self-determination in child welfare. The day featured a smudging ceremony, an Elder-led tree planting, and breakout sessions on governance, leadership, and cultural revitalization. One attendee described the event as “the best organized gathering I have been to,” while others shared how it inspired them to envision new, community-led approaches.
ALIGN also had the honor of presenting at the Our Children Our Way Conference, which focused on amplifying the voices of Indigenous leaders and sharing practical strategies for implementing culturally grounded child welfare practices. This conference brought together professionals and community members dedicated to improving outcomes for Indigenous children and families. Our presentation highlighted ALIGN’s Well-Being Toolkit and role in supporting communities to reclaim governance and leadership through culturally respectful collaborations, reinforcing our commitment to Reconciliation.
These gatherings exemplify ALIGN’s dedication to creating spaces where Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants can come together to share knowledge, address systemic challenges, and envision a future where all children and families thrive. Through events like these, ALIGN continues to empower Indigenous voices and foster meaningful conversations that drive actionable change.
Educational Resources and Outreach
This year, ALIGN expanded its reach and impact through a series of educational initiatives, particularly our Reconciliation Talks blog series, which provided a platform to amplify Indigenous voices and share key insights on advancing Reconciliation.
- Honoring National Indigenous Heritage Month: In this blog, we reflected on the importance of National Indigenous Heritage Month and explored how collaborative approaches can strengthen child welfare systems. The piece emphasized the role of culturally grounded practices and community-led initiatives in fostering positive outcomes for Indigenous children and families.
- Understanding Bill C-92: A pivotal blog in the series focused on demystifying Bill C-92, which empowers Indigenous communities to reclaim jurisdiction over child and family services. By providing a comprehensive overview of the legislation’s implications and practical insights for implementation, ALIGN supported members and stakeholders in navigating this transformative shift.
- Tribute to Senator Murray Sinclair: ALIGN honored the legacy of Senator Murray Sinclair, a champion for Truth and Reconciliation. The blog celebrated his unwavering commitment to justice and the healing of Indigenous communities while highlighting his call to action for all Canadians to engage meaningfully in Reconciliation efforts.
Through these blogs, ALIGN has contributed to meaningful dialogue and deeper understanding, ensuring that the stories, legislation, and leadership shaping Reconciliation remain at the forefront of our collective journey.
Strengthening Partnerships
ALIGN continues to strengthen its partnerships with Indigenous organizations and leaders, deepening relationships built on collaboration, mutual respect, and shared goals.
These connections reflect ALIGN’s commitment to supporting Indigenous communities in advancing their priorities, fostering trust, and working together toward meaningful and actionable change. Through these efforts, ALIGN continues to uphold its dedication to Truth and Reconciliation, ensuring our work aligns with the values and aspirations of the communities we serve.
Building Awareness Through Events
This year, ALIGN prioritized active participation in cultural and community events across Alberta and beyond, reinforcing our commitment to fostering relationships and advancing Reconciliation.
Our team engaged in meaningful gatherings hosted by organizations such as the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, Homeward Trust, and the Creating Hope Society. Each of these events was dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities and addressing systemic challenges through culturally informed approaches.
The year began with our Walking the Children Home Together summit, held in Calgary on May 29, 2024. This one-day event created space for collaborative discussions between Nations and agency providers in Alberta, addressing the transition to the Federal Act (Bill C-92) and its impact on child and family services. The summit featured powerful keynote presentations by Mary Teegee-Gray, Executive Director of Child and Family Services of Carrier Sekani Family Services, and Nicole Cook, Associate CEO of Chief Red Bear Children’s Lodge, Cowessess First Nation. Their insights highlighted critical issues in child welfare and shared strategies for supporting positive transitions and fostering self-determination for Indigenous families and communities.
Through these keynotes and participant dialogue, the event explored ways to build stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The summit reinforced ALIGN’s commitment to walking alongside communities in the spirit of collaboration and shared learning.
The following day, on May 30, 2024, ALIGN partnered with Miskanawah for the Day on the Land event. This gathering offered a day of teachings from various Knowledge Keepers and Elders, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the land as a vital part of cultural understanding and healing. Attendees spent the day outdoors, learning together and engaging in meaningful conversations about Indigenous knowledge and its role in fostering community well-being. The collaboration with Miskanawah exemplified ALIGN’s belief in the power of partnerships to create transformative learning experiences.
Later in the year, ALIGN participated in the Our Children Our Way Conference, held outside Alberta. This conference was an opportunity to build awareness on a broader scale, bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals to share knowledge and strategies for implementing culturally grounded child welfare practices. Sessions led by Alberta Métis and First Nations speakers highlighted the value of cross-regional learning and the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices in child and family services. The event demonstrated ALIGN’s dedication to fostering a national dialogue about Reconciliation and collaboration.
These events provided invaluable opportunities to connect with Indigenous leaders, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members, allowing us to listen, learn, and better understand the unique needs and strengths of the communities we serve. By being present at these gatherings, ALIGN reaffirmed its dedication to Reconciliation, not just as a commitment in principle, but as an ongoing practice rooted in collaboration and mutual respect.
ALIGN believes that Reconciliation requires collective effort—Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities must work together to build systems that are inclusive, equitable, and respectful of diverse cultures and histories. By participating in these events, we contributed to a larger dialogue about shared responsibility and the power of collaboration in creating meaningful change.
These engagements not only strengthened ALIGN’s relationships with Indigenous communities but also inspired our ongoing work to bridge gaps, share resources, and foster a future where Indigenous children and families are supported in thriving environments. As we move forward, ALIGN remains steadfast in its mission to work in partnership with communities, embodying the spirit of Reconciliation in all that we do.
Looking Ahead to 2025
ALIGN remains committed in its mission to support Indigenous children, families, and communities through culturally relevant resources, partnerships, and advocacy. As we continue our journey, we’re excited to host Empowering Futures: A Gathering for Indigenous Child Welfare Sovereignty once again.
📅 Save the Date: February 27th, 2025 📍 Grey Eagle Resort and Casino Calgary, Alberta
This gathering will bring together leaders, service providers, and community members to continue the important work of reimagining child welfare through an Indigenous lens. Registration is now open, and we warmly invite you to register here to join us in this meaningful dialogue.
Join Us on This Journey
2024 has been a transformative year for ALIGN—a year of learning, growth, and collective action in advancing Truth and Reconciliation.
Every step of the journey has been shaped by the invaluable contributions of individuals and communities who have partnered with us, generously sharing their wisdom, stories, and cultural teachings. These partnerships have not only guided our work but have also deepened our understanding of how to better serve Indigenous children, families, and communities.
As we look ahead to 2025, ALIGN is committed to continuing this path with humility, respect, and a renewed dedication to collaboration. Reconciliation is not a single milestone but a shared and evolving journey. It requires all of us—Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike—to come together, listen deeply, and work in partnership to create lasting change.
We invite new members to join us as we embrace the challenges and opportunities of this work. Whether you’re an individual, a service provider, or a community leader, your voice and actions can help drive meaningful progress. Together, we can build systems rooted in equity and compassion, where the diverse cultural and familial needs of all children are celebrated and supported.