Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour and remember the children taken from their families, those who never returned home, and the individuals, families, and communities who continue to live with the lasting impacts and trauma caused by the residential school system in Canada. It is also a day to reflect on the ongoing journey of reconciliation we have embarked upon, not only as a country but also as individuals.
Over the past year, Ever Active has been exploring the 94 Calls to Action to better understand how our work can help facilitate meaningful change. As we reviewed the Calls to Action, one personally stood out:
62. We call upon the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada to maintain an annual commitment to Aboriginal education issues, including:
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- Developing and implementing Kindergarten to Grade Twelve curriculum and learning resources on Aboriginal peoples in Canadian history, and the history and legacy of residential schools.
- Sharing information and best practices on teaching curriculum related to residential schools and Aboriginal history.
- Building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.
- Identifying teacher-training needs relating to the above.
Building intercultural understanding, empathy and mutual respect should not just be for students and school systems, but for everyone! As an employee of Ever Active, it has been a privilege to learn, listen, and work alongside Indigenous team members and to visit Indigenous communities across Treaties 6, 7, and 8. Through the following experiences, there have been opportunities to connect, share, and listen with Indigenous staff, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and, most importantly, youth. These opportunities to learn and share have deepened my own personal empathy and understanding of Indigenous experiences and perspectives.
Here are some of the most impactful programs for building understanding of 2026 . . .
The Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program (IYMP)
IYMP is a communal, relationship-based, after-school healthy living program. High school youth take on a mentor role to guide elementary school youth in good practices for healthy living. IYMP is rooted in the teachings of the 4 R’s and the Circle of Courage, education models developed by Indigenous scholars to guide culturally relevant programming. High school mentors lead fun activities and offer health snacks for elementary school mentors, all while practicing sound principles in holistic health.
This year marked significant growth for IYMP. Four Program Leader Trainings were hosted, reaching 74 leaders, delivered one mentor training for 54 high school students, and supported 12 communities in reaching readiness to run the program—an exciting increase from last year. Leadership development remained a cornerstone of IYMP this year. Two Mentor Leader Training Camps were held in October at Tim Hortons Children’s Ranch in Kananaskis and in December at Camp Warwa in Darwell. These camps brought together high school students from across the region. Youth explored the foundations of IYMP, reflected on their leadership styles, learned about nutrition, participated in creative games, and began planning how the program would take shape in their schools. More than 145 high school mentors were trained through these camps, gaining confidence while stepping outside their comfort zones and building lasting connections.
Still We Rise
The idea for Still We Rise initially came to be in December 2020, when an insightful Ever Active team member recognized the need for Indigenous youth to receive messages of hope, perseverance, and resilience during a time of uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
After a several-year hiatus, Still We Rise returned in 2026 as a two-part series. On a frigid February day, communities, youth, and leaders gathered virtually to hear from five incredible Indigenous speakers who shared their experiences and perspectives on topics including health, wellness, safety, healing, and culture. The event reached 400 students across the province.
The second part of the series was Still We Rise: In Person, a three-day camp experience at Gull Lake. Nearly 100 youth from 14 different schools across Alberta participated. The Still We Rise events included Coming of Age Circle conversations, inspirational speakers, sessions on financial literacy and vaping, cross-country skiing, and Inclusive Leadership Training certification.
Annual Healing Together Traditional Powwow
This year, the annual event took place July 21–22, 2026, at Onespot Crossing Campground. This passion project of our IYMP National Director Dr. Teena Starlight is always an Ever Active staff favourite as our team is grateful for the invitation to participate.
Our staff participated in two days of intercultural learning, experiencing Powwow traditions and culture alongside community members. Powwow culture has also been incorporated into other Ever Active events, including our annual Shaping the Future Conference, through Grand Entry, drumming, and dancing.
Youth Forward Training Consultations
Indigenous team members were engaged throughout the development of the Youth Forward Trainings, providing guidance and feedback on language, activities, perspectives, and overall approach. The content was also reviewed by our Youth Advisory Council, which includes Indigenous youth, to ensure youth perspectives were reflected. Following delivery, feedback and reflections from Indigenous youth were reviewed to support ongoing learning and improvement of the training.
Educational Resources
Understanding that in-person connection and sharing are not always possible, Ever Active has collaborated on resources that help build knowledge and understanding, bringing Call to Action 62(3) into your community and classroom through fun, interactive ways to learn, connect, and experience.
As Big as the Sky, as Tall as the Trees
Alphabet Animoves: Indigenous Editions
Move and Play Through Traditional Games
Indigenous Ways of Knowing in the PE&W Curriculum
Embedding Indigenous Teachings in Physical Education
Key Takeaways
Call to Action #62-3 does not necessarily require grand gestures or systemic change. It calls on us to take the time to fully engage, participate, listen, and empathize with our Indigenous community members of stories both past and present.
If you want to learn more about IYMP or Ever Active Programs, please click on the links above. Here you will see the great sponsors, partners, speakers, and community connections that we had the privilege and pleasure of working with this past year.
written by Leith Monaghan
