True North Aid is one of several Canadian charities and organizations committed to serving northern Indigenous communities in Canada.
The challenges facing Indigenous communities in Canada are complex and the result of many things that have transpired over the past 150 years. True North Aid believes that the right to self-governance and self-determination are key to closing the poverty gap as young people are inspired and empowered to pursue their dreams and build their communities. We provide practical humanitarian assistance through initiatives to support self-determination and cultivate relationships. These initiatives are in partnership with individuals and organizations committed to making a difference.
First Nations, Metis & Inuit communities across Canada deserve the right to self-determination and self-governance, better education for their children, improved drinking water, and an overall improvement in their standard of living.
Reducing inequities in northern communities is a collective effort and cannot be addressed overnight. As Canadians, we should seek to understand and celebrate our differences while acknowledging the unique challenges and socio-economic barriers faced by many Indigenous communities.
So, where do we begin?
Donate
True North Aid is one of few charities working directly with northern and remote communities in Canada. Consider supporting our work and the work of others through financial partnership. A large sum of our expenses goes toward transporting supplies via air, trucking and sealift to northern communities. Through our donation portal, you can contribute to our programs.
Listen
Listen to Indigenous Peoples and educate yourself on their culture and history. Many different cultures and traditions are represented amongst First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities with various perspectives. There is so much to learn through listening. We share some great ways to learn about Indigenous culture and history below.
Volunteer
True North Aid can use your help. Volunteering with charities and organizations like ours will help offset costs that can be better used for our programming. Message us at info@truenorthaid.ca to learn about volunteer opportunities. Fundraisers and suggestions are always welcome!
Read Indigenous Literature
There is a great list of Indigenous authors. Reading Indigenous authors will provide you with a different perspective and books written by non-Indigenous authors. We heartily recommend that every Canadian reader of any seriousness take the time to read Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese, Kiss of the Fur Queen by Thomson Highway and The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King or 21 Things You May Not Have Known About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph.
Other great authors are Lee Maracle, Eden Robinson, Thomas King, Tanya Talaga, and so many others.
Love reading? Here are some starting points:
- Goodreads’ list: Best_Canadian_Aboriginal_Literature
- 14 Aboriginal women writers you should read
- Amazon.ca’s Best Sellers in Native Canadian Literature
Purchase Indigenous Artwork and Designs
Purchasing Indigenous artwork and jewelry isn’t appropriation, but appreciation, as long as you know that it comes from an Indigenous artisan. There are lots of Indigenous artists who sell their work to be appreciated. Check out https://indigenousartscollective.org/ to find some vendors.
Watch and Learn from Indigenous Film and Television
Established in 1992, APTN airs and produces programs made by and for, Indigenous peoples in Canada and the United States. You can watch the news, and find out what makes news in their communities, from their perspective. Watch shows like Cashing In, to see their stories on screen. APTN’s First Contact reality show is also a great way to learn about the beautiful and diverse culture and teachings of Indigenous through the experiences of the participants on the show. Watch these episodes on demand at https://aptn.ca/firstcontact/video/season-1/
CBC also has some great series on their CBC GEM website that tells Indigenous stories and features many documentaries about life in northern communities. Check those out HERE.
In recent years, many great films have been released depicting life in northern Canada and the residential school system. Watch “Indian Horse” on Crave, or catch a community screening or purchase “The Grizzlies” on DVD/Blu-Ray.
Attend a First Nations traditional event like a Pow-wow
Pow wows include traditional costumes, drumming, singing, and a dance competition and there are many held across Canada, like the Six Nations Champion of Champions Pow Wow in Brantford, with over 400 participants annually and attended by more than 20,000 people. There is also the largest pow-wow in Canada the, Manito Ahbee Festival in Winnipeg.
Attending pow-wows and traditional Indigenous events are practical ways to meet with and talk to Indigenous Canadians, make friends and learn about their culture, way of life and concerns. Connect with a local college/university and search for local native associations in your area. Check out CBC’s Maggie Moose’s tips for attending a pow-wow.
Attend a Kairos Blanket Exercise
The KAIROS Blanket Exercise program is a unique, participatory history lesson – developed in collaboration with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers and educators – that fosters truth, understanding, respect and reconciliation among Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. Our Indigenous Medical Alliance Team hosted this event in 2018 in Kingston and it was well received.
Check out KAIROS’ website and the great work that they do, including their blanket exercises at www.kairosblanketexercise.org
Listen to Indigenous Music
Live music is the best; if you have ever heard a First Nations drum circle, it is astonishingly unique. If you see it in person (at a pow-wow, for example) you will see how it is created, the arrangements of the singers and how the voices unite, rising and falling and rising again, as they drum together.
Aside from that, there is a wealth of recorded Indigenous music in all styles, from the folk of Susan Aglukark and Tanya Tagaq, to rock like Hawk and Eagle or hip hop like A Tribe Called Red. There is something for everyone and if you find the right music, it will deepen the connection you will feel with our Indigenous people. Check out the Indigenous Music Awards to find out what’s current.
