Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: **Digital Resources

  • CM: Our Aging Indigenous Population: A Conversation with Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society

    Written by Susanne Urbina, Capacity Support Assistant (ESPC)

    Note: This is an excerpt from our March 2025 Community Matters newsletter. You can read the full publication here.

    One in six people in the world will be aged 60 years or over by 2030 (Statistics Canada, 2023). The growing interest in aging often excludes our Indigenous seniors’ voices and experiences from perspectives and comprehension on aging. We broaden our understanding of the diversity in successful aging by including older Indigenous adults in discussions.

    Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society is a non-profit organization that supports Edmonton’s Indigenous community. Shauna May and Brad Seneca started the Society in 1994 offering services like the Pathways program for youth who wanted to return to school, enter training or find work and later, the province’s child and family services department requested they open a group home. The success of the group home led the organization to develop other programs, resources and services for early childhood, adolescents, adult/parents, and seniors/grandparents. The organization continues to serve our Indigenous population with supports and programs including referrals, family wellness and health programs, soup and Bannock lunches, youth employment programs, family services, housing and financial services (Narine, 2016).

    We interviewed Sophie Laboucan, the Seniors Wellness Coordinator at Bent Arrow, to get a perspective on Indigenous aging.  

    How have Indigenous seniors been supported over Bent Arrow’s 30-year history? 

    We have given support by listening to their needs, offering compassion and making them feel part of the community. Our Indigenous seniors share their life experiences, teachings, and teach us how to have a good life throughout each transition.

    Historical and structural factors have influenced the health outcomes of Indigenous seniors such as the impacts  of colonization, the loss of language and  culture and the ongoing trauma they’ve  experienced. These determinants have  contributed to negative health effects.  What are other factors affecting  Indigenous older adults because of  generational trauma? 

    Exploitation of Indigenous seniors is one of the factors of generational trauma. When seniors are taken advantage of because of ignorance of their rights, this adds to systemic abuse. A lack of trust in the healthcare system causes isolation and detrimental health outcomes for Indigenous seniors. There is also a lack of culturally relevant services and programs in healthcare, which make it difficult for Indigenous older adults to navigate the healthcare system.  

    Safe housing is often a concern for Indigenous seniors. If they indeed find housing, they may be exploited by being overcharged for rent or they may not receive much needed improvements to their living space.  

    Another factor to consider is when living on one’s own is no longer an option. Indigenous seniors are reluctant to move into long-term care facilities as this may retraumatize those who are residential schools’ survivors.

    Many of the Indigenous seniors today  were involved in the Sixties Scoop and in  the Residential Schools. How might their  experience of aging be different from  others who have not experienced such  complex trauma at an early age?

    Physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, inadequate nutritious meals and inadequate health care and loss of their culture and family ties negatively impacted life expectancy and quality of life for many, with that trauma being carried into senior hood. It has created issues with mental health, housing, food and financial insecurity, and lower literacy levels. By contrast, seniors who escaped or found a way out of the trauma are very capable today. They have been successful in raising their families having learned domestic skills, and other life skills.

    “Those who can look forward and reach out, have done better and attained a good life.” 

    Aging was often thought of as a period of  decline and dependency. In the 1980’s,  a “successful aging” concept was  designed with the measurement of low   probability of disease and disability, high  physical and cognitive functional capacity, and active engagement with  life. Is there anything that Indigenous  seniors do to ensure “successful aging”  under this model? 

    Kana’wayh’ito’win (kana-wah-KOH-toh-win) translates to “Taking care of each other’s spirits.” In our community e.g.; social senior programs, having a sense of belonging, and a good support system, are the pillars we strive to support the seniors attending the Wahkomatowin senior programs.

    My first position here was as a facilitator/outreach worker, offering programs to adults aged fifty-five plus, which subsequently produced the Wahkomatowin Seniors Wellness Program. My title now is Team Lead with a full time Senior outreach worker and a part-time facilitator working with me. This program launched in 2016, is free of charge and embodies Cree natural law, Wahkomatowin. This refers to the interconnectedness and kinship between people, communities, and nature. Their programs are based on the Medicine Wheel, which helps balance health and well-being for seniors by taking the emotional self, the spiritual self and lastly, the mental self into account. Ceremony, healthy meals, community and positive family connections are our predominant model used for aging well. Every effort is made to look at each person wholistically to address their specific needs.

    Our seniors’ programs help improve and maintain physical health, and in turn, improve cognitive function. Active engagement is achieved through participation in our social groups to foster relationships. This is critical for seniors to avoid isolation, which can lead to disease and a decline in life expectancy. We schedule Kohkom’s (Grandmother’s) TeaTime offering tea, conversation, storytelling, and skill building; Mosum’s (Grandfather’s) Beer Den providing projects to encourage working with their hands and making connections; and Social Hub, a co-ed program with organized outings to places of interest in Edmonton. Crow’s Nest offers informational programing for seniors seeking resources through presentations and discussion to help make better, more informed choices, complete with healthy snacks and a bus ticket home if needed.

    Elders contribute to their community  and culture by passing down knowledge and skills, as well as mentor leaders in traditional ceremonies and ways of life. How does this contribute to the health of Indigenous seniors? 

    Our Elders are often seniors, but not all Indigenous seniors are Elders, and not all Elders are elderly. They have roles as teachers, counsellors, healers, and conflict resolvers in addition to having the responsibilities of passing down our Indigenous teachings, ceremonies, and culture. They support seniors to reconnect to culture and heal through land-based teaching by connecting with nature. The Medicine Wheel and the Seven Sacred Teachings are founding values in our culture. Also known as Grandfather Teachings these guidelines of LOVE, RESPECT, BRAVERY, HONESTY, HUMILITY, TRUTH, and WISDOM focus on the relationships with all of creation, and each other (Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia [ARPDC], 2024).

    “Successful aging” is often associated with economic or material acquisition, but those who find themselves in less favorable circumstances often experience blame or neglect. How does this mentality affect Indigenous seniors? 

    Indigenous seniors frequently face discrimination which causes social isolation in seniors often being ignored and being discriminated against or overlooked in both their communities and society at large. This marginalization has a significant impact on their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, as it leads to the neglect of their basic needs. When these seniors are disregarded, their access to essential resources—such as adequate housing, nutritious food, and a reliable income—becomes compromised. These basic needs are crucial for successful aging, as they provide the foundation for health, stability, and dignity in later years. Without these necessities, Indigenous seniors face heightened vulnerability and diminished quality of life. Indigenous seniors are considered at an elevated risk of experiencing social isolation due to factors such as racism, marginalized language, culture, poverty, and historic negative experiences.

    Statistics show that Canadian Indigenous groups have a lower life expectancy. What critical work about successful aging needs to be done for Indigenous older people to increase life expectancy? 

    Providing supportive, culturally safe health care services, more Indigenous representation via health care navigators, supports for grandparents raising their grandchildren, collaboration with knowledge keepers to provide wholistic and culturally safe spaces for ceremony; example a smudge room. Indigenous speaking interpreters in hospitals, healthy family connections and good community supports such as supportive and welcoming senior programs, safe affordable housing, financial supports, mental health supports, transportation, and food for seniors would help increase life expectancy for seniors.  

    What are the different challenges to Indigenous seniors who reside on reserve or in rural or remote areas? 

    Residents on the reserve often do not have the same access to services as urban seniors. There is little or no access to computers or the internet, which can be an added challenge to senior resource services. Seniors are often unaware that certain services even exist, more needs to be done to disseminate information. Remote residents also face a lack of transportation services. However, I am pleased to share that some reserves in this area now have senior services and programs which offer transportation and lodging for medical appointments out-of-town.

    Although these are some of the challenges that Indigenous seniors face living on the reserve or in rural and remote areas, living on traditional land, with access to traditional food and connection to culture can impact aging in a positive way.

    In some cases, healthcare personnel are not adequately informed about Indigenous culture. What support can be given to this system and other programs to increase the health and longevity of Indigenous seniors? 

    The Medicine Wheel encompasses spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Knowledge of this holistic worldview would also help healthcare workers take better care of our seniors. Many of the staff at Bent Arrow speak and understand Cree, which builds good relationships. Staff who speak in Indigenous languages would improve communication and one’s ability to heal. Being trauma informed, having cultural awareness, Indigenous navigators in hospitals to help assist the Indigenous seniors would be of significant help to bring a sense of understanding and ease to foster culturally safe health care. Visit Bent Arrow, we have cultural teachings available.  

    What non-medical models of aging can the non-Indigenous community foster to increase the longevity of Indigenous seniors? 

    As a result of how Indigenous people have been treated in Canada, our Indigenous seniors have shared, lived experiences of racism and prejudice. I suggest, building relationships to foster trust, increasing your knowledge of Indigenous culture, understanding Indigenous identity and our way of life, attending a powwow, or ceremony or sitting with elders to listen to their stories. It is important also to foster culturally safe health care and safe space as well as provide appropriate supports needed for the Indigenous senior.

    What provisions of services in  culturally appropriate manners would  assist in the challenges of Indigenous seniors?  

    Culturally providing safety for Indigenous seniors in health care, and society where they are free from prejudices, discrimination, systemic racism. This is essential for Indigenous seniors, providing traditional and holistic care. These draw on their strengths from their identity, their culture and community.  

    What service agencies are available  for Indigenous seniors in Edmonton?

    Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, The Aboriginal Seniors, Indigenous Health Centre at Anderson Hall, Red Road healing society, Sage, Ben Calf robe, Metis Nation, and others.  

    Resources

    World Health Organization. (2023). Mental health of older adults https://www.who.int/news-room/factsheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults

    Narine, S. (2016, August). School named in honor co-founder of Bent Arrow society. Windspeaker.com. https://windspeaker.com/news/schoolnamed-in-honour-co-founder-of-bentarrow-society

    Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia {ARPDC}. (2024). Empowering the Spirit: Seven Sacred Teachings. https://empoweringthespirit.ca/cultures-ofbelonging/seven-grandfathers-teachings/

  • Community Matters (March 2025) — Seniors, Aging, and Older Adults

    Community Matters (March 2025) — Seniors, Aging, and Older Adults

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    Welcome to the Spring Edition of Community Matters.

    The goal of Community Matters is to keep our community informed about the issues that impact those who live here. This publication provides readers with the knowledge to connect the dots between social issues, research, and policy. We feature contributions from local agencies, ESPC staff, and volunteer writers or professionals who lend their expertise and voices to inform our readers.

    Each edition highlights a specific social issue or topic, exploring its intersectional nature and its impact on equality. Articles are written by individuals with specialized knowledge, research skills, or lived experience, using evidence to provide clear insights into the issues affecting individuals and families.

    For our March 2025 issue, we are focusing on the various aspects of aging, particularly the experiences of seniors and older adults. Topics include aging in an Indigenous context, seniors’ income benefits, mental health care for seniors, transit accessibility, elder abuse, intergenerational connection and learning, long-term care alternatives, and issues in continuing care. While we define seniors as individuals aged 65 and older, the information shared here is also relevant to older adults, family members, and anyone interested in issues and information related to aging and our senior community members.

    The articles in this issue reflect the expertise of our organization’s staff, as well as contributions from other organizations and volunteers who have generously dedicated their time and knowledge to research and communicate these important topics. Our goal is for you, the reader, to walk away with a clearer understanding of the issues at hand and the steps you can take toward becoming more informed.

    We hope this edition provides valuable insights and contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding seniors and aging in our community.

    Janell Uden,
    Research Services and Capacity Building Coordinator
    Edmonton Social Planning Council

       

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  • fACT Sheet: 2025 Alberta Provincial Budget.

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    Introduction 

    The 2025-26 Alberta budget, titled Meeting the Challenge, covers finances from April 1, 2025 until March 31, 2026. This is the seventh budget of the governing United Conservative Party (UCP) as they reach the midway point of their second term in government.

    This budget is being released during a time of economic uncertainty and revenue volatility due to significant shifts in U.S. trade policy, fluctuating oil prices, and a growing population. The budget seeks to continue to build the province and support Albertans during a challenging time period.

    In a bid to address the rising cost of living, Budget 2025 boasts that it will implement a new 8% personal income tax bracket for the first $60,000 of income, effective January 1, 2025. This is a decrease from the current rate of 10%. This new tax bracket is expected to save Albertans up to $750 in 2025.

    As with previous budgets, Budget 2025 boasts low taxation, which limits important investments in public services that support Albertans. If Alberta had the same tax structure as the next lowest taxed province (British Columbia), the government would generate an additional $20.1 billion in revenue (2025-26).

    This fACT Sheet will focus on developments related to social programming that impact those living in low-income and poverty. Investments that positively impact marginalized populations result in long-term savings in other public services, such as health care and the criminal justice system, and increase the overall well-being of our communities.   

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  • Blog post: The Realities of Human Trafficking

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||3px|||” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/COLOUR-BLOCKS_spaced-300×51.png” title_text=”COLOUR BLOCKS_spaced” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” max_height=”75px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”10px|0px|20px|0px|false|false” global_module=”96648″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”30px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#2b303a” custom_padding=”||32px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ text_text_color=”#2b303a” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008ac1″ header_2_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Written by Lurit Loro

    What comes to mind when you hear about human trafficking? Do you think of distant locations with strange figures and unknown processes? The reality is that human trafficking is not a foreign problem, conversely it is a problem that is of great concern to Canadians that we need to confront. Approximately 17,000 people are living in human trafficking which its components are often described as modern slavery in Canada (Ally Global Foundation, n.d.). These numbers and incidents are not isolated, but are linked to various socioeconomic factors that affect all Canadians such as income, family and social support, and education. The interplay of these factors lay the foundation to make certain individuals more susceptible to harm and exploitation.

    Annually on February 22, Canada observes Human Trafficking Awareness Day to raise awareness of the severity of modern-day slavery in Canada and abroad. Human trafficking is defined as the profit or exploitation of another human being through “force, manipulation, or coercion” (Ally Global Foundation, n.d.). The control of another person’s movements is a key indicator of trafficking. Human trafficking is composed of two elements. The first is sexual exploitation which comprises 70% of human trafficking in Canada and 50% of human trafficking worldwide (Ally Global Foundation, n.d.). This form of trafficking involves recruiting, moving, or holding victims for sexual exploitation purposes. Recognizing the groups most affected by sexual exploitation allows for those groups to get the help needed. Ninety percent of identified sex trafficking victims are Canadian citizens (Ally Global Foundation, n.d.). Sex traffickers may coerce victims by force or through mental and emotional abuse. It is vital to recognize that sex trafficking is a gendered crime, and it disproportionately affects women and girls. Statistics Canada (The Daily, 2024) reported that 93% of victims of police-reported human trafficking were women and girls. Given the severity of this exploitation and the violence inflicted on these women, it is imperative that we invest in and find solutions to prevention for human trafficking against women and girls.

    The second element is forced labour or labour trafficking which is the use of coercion to force people to work beyond their will. This is the control and exploitation of a person for their labour or service, usually through force, threats, and/or deception. Migrant workers are most affected by forced labour (Ally Global Foundation, n.d.). Exploitation occurs most in the service industry such as restaurants and hotels, as well as construction sites. Workers are treated like expendable items that can be discarded and easily replaced. Labour trafficking occurs in two steps: first is recruitment which is the false promise of good jobs, education, or travel opportunities in exchange for work in Canada. However, these promises fall short, and these labourers are forced to work in unsafe and unacceptable working conditions for long hours for little to no pay (The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline, n.d.). In most cases, migrant workers are not educated about their rights in Canada, this creates a cycle of exploitation.

    Second is control and exploitation. Through physical and psychological control, traffickers exert their dominance via abuse, threats, debt bondage, document, and money confiscations. Labourers are further isolated and exploited due to language barriers and a lack of awareness of their rights in Canada. Recognising and understanding these forms of manipulation places us in a better position to protect our communities from those that are eager to exploit them.

    Human trafficking is a sensitive, but important topic to discuss and raise awareness about. The Canadian Government reports that these crimes target the most vulnerable and marginalized in our communities including Indigenous women and girls; migrants; 2SLGBTQI+ persons; and youth in the child welfare system (Public Safety Canada, 2025). The moral fortitude of a society is based on the treatment of its most vulnerable members. Thus, the measure of Edmontonians is based on how we treat those most susceptible to these heinous crimes. It is our responsibility as a community to ensure that all members of our society are safe, protected, and cared for. These vulnerable and marginalized groups deserve to feel safe in the communities they live in and be in control of their lives. Recognising human rights violations and emergency services once human trafficking takes place and is uncovered is not enough. Actions and preventive measures must take place for change to occur. We all must do our part to recognise human trafficking and advocate for change to do our part to end this exploitation.

     

    References

    Human Trafficking in Canada.
    https://ally.org/human-trafficking-in-canada/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAqrG9BhAVEiwAaPu5ziGSqaktVhOD2lvY89Ey8QMYFDCer4F1YltHAnY6cMh6-_x3KXl_BRoCzlAQAvD_BwE

    Public Safety Canada. About Human Trafficking. (2025).
    https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/hmn-trffckng/abt-hmn-trffckng-en.aspx

    Statistics Canada. The Daily: Trafficking in persons in Canada, 2023. (2024).
    https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/241101/dq241101a-eng.htm  

    What is labour trafficking?
    https://www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca/what-is-labour-trafficking/

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    1. Blog post: World Day of Social Justice: What Does It Mean?

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      Written by Jennifer Scherer

      The World Day of Social Justice is recognized every year on February 20th.  The theme for 2025 is “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice.” Social justice is a term that evokes ideas and feelings about fairness, equality, and hope for a better future. It also raises the question of how much progress still needs to be made. Keeping this in mind, it is important to consider what does social justice actually means and to take a look at what people can do to make a difference for social justice.

      One definition of social justice from the International Labor Organization (2023) states, “Social justice means fair and equal treatment for everyone. This includes equal access to opportunities, human rights, and the benefits of growth regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, race, disability, or socioeconomic position” (para.1). World Vision Youth define social justice as “fairness in societies, grounded in the idea that every human being deserves the full spectrum of political, economic, and social rights and opportunities” (para.7).

      The International Labor Organization (2023) describes four dimensions to social justice: Universal human rights, equal access to opportunities, fair distribution, and just transitions.

      • Universal human rights were encoded into the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982, and the Alberta Human Rights Act in 1972.
      • Equal access to opportunities refers to accessing “employment and productive activity that enable people to pursue their material well-being in conditions of economic security” (International Labor Organization, 2023, p.7). This means that people should be able to earn a living wage and be able to pay for food, shelter, and basic necessities.
      • Fair distribution refers to the way economic growth is shared between those who participate in paid work, those who contribute with unpaid labor (such as childcare and elder care), and those who cannot work (such as children, seniors, and people with disabilities) (International Labor Organization, 2023, p.8). Fair distribution means making sure that everyone in society benefits from the economic wealth of that society.
      • Just transitions considers the impact that large scale changes has on people, such as climate change, globalization, and political or technology changes (International Labor Organization, 2023, p.8).

      The social justice definitions of fairness, equality, and opportunity are values that many Canadians hold and are central to our beliefs about social justice. When people experience, witness, or hear stories of injustice that go against their core values, it can activate emotional responses such as anger, guilt, preoccupation, sadness, disappointment, helplessness, indignation, or frustration (Bondu et al., 2022). These responses help us recognize injustice when we see it and helps to motivate us to examine what actions we can take to promote social justice, either across the world or in our own communities.

      How can a person who wields no formal power in decision making circles promote social justice? Rather than feeling overwhelmed at the extent of the problems we see, instead we can consider what small actions we can personally pursue that can make a difference. These actions may include educating ourselves, making connections in our communities, discovering actions we can take to effect change in our sphere of influence, and advocating to decision makers for causes we care about.

      One way to take action is to learn about the social justice issue that concerns us. Many resources exist to inform us about many social justice issues, such as books, podcasts, documentaries, and blogs. A visit to the Edmonton Public Library can guide you to reliable information sources, such as books, reputable news sources, memoirs, and published research (Harvard College Writing Program, 2025). Sources may focus on personal stories on how individuals are affected by the social justice issue, others focus on the history and causes for the injustice you see, and others focus on finding solutions. Educating oneself helps us see the world from a variety of perspectives, gives us a better understanding of the issues, and helps identify how one person might make a difference.

      One way to build community connections and make a difference is through volunteering. There are many organizations working towards change in every area of social justice. Volunteerism makes change all over the world, with over one billion people volunteering annually (UN Volunteers, 2016). Volunteering builds community connections and works towards change in a multitude of ways. When deciding the type of volunteer work you want to do, consider which causes you are passionate about, what skills you can leverage, and your belief in how you can best make a difference. Volunteering creates connections for people in need, helps organizations succeed, raises funds and awareness for important causes, and offers practical assistance to others (UN Volunteers, 2016).

      Learning about social justice issues may help us find ways to make a difference in our own sphere of influence with small, everyday choices. If everyone made a slight change, it would add up to a huge difference. Or maybe you have influence within an organization to make a policy change that has an impact on people within the organization. Perhaps you can find a way to use your social media presence to spread awareness about an issue. Even if the action seems insignificant, it can make a big difference for one person or contribute to a larger movement.

      Sometimes the issue that concerns us is outside our own sphere of influence. Advocacy is when someone “publicly supports the interests of an individual, group, or cause” (Soken-Huberty, n.d.). This can involve making phone calls on behalf of someone else, writing letters to policy makers and decision makers, leveraging social media, attending a rally or protest, or contacting elected officials about an issue. Some strategies for effective advocacy include having sufficient knowledge of the topic, working alongside others, and having a clear ask of what change you are looking to make (Soken-Huberty, n.d.). Advocacy takes time, persistence, and collaboration with others- but over time each small moment of advocacy can add up to meaningful change.

      Initially, understanding what social justice is seems staggering. However, by thinking about the values of fairness, equality, and opportunity, we can see the work that needs to be done to achieve social justice and the possibilities that social justice work strives for. Social justice can also feel overwhelming when we see injustices around us and aren’t sure how to work towards change. Creating connections empowers us to engage in social justice work- learning, volunteering, making small changes, and advocacy are all tools that everyone can use to make an impact. The World Day of Social Justice is a prompt to help us consider how we can each do our small part to make a better and more just world to live in.

       

      References

      Alberta Human Rights Act. https://albertahumanrights.ab.ca/media/1utjxb3e/alberta-human-rights-act.pdf

      Bondü, R., Holl, A. K., Trommler, D., & Schmitt, M. J. (2022). Responses Toward Injustice Shaped by Justice Sensitivity – Evidence From Germany. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 858291–858291. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.858291

      Edmonton Public Library. (2025). EPL. https://www.epl.ca/

      Government of Canada. (1982). The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/rfc-dlc/ccrf-ccdl/

      Harvard College Writing Program. (2025). Harvard Guide to Using Sources. https://usingsources.fas.harvard.edu/evaluating-sources-0

      International Labor Organization. (2023). Advancing Social Justice. https://www.ilo.org/resource/conference-paper/ilc/111/advancing-social-justice

      Soken-Huberty, E. (n.d.). Advocacy 101: Types, Examples, and Principles. Human Rights Careers. https://www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/advocacy-types-examples-principles/

      UN Volunteers. (2016, September 5). The Power of Volunteerism. https://www.unv.org/power-volunteerism

      United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. https://www.ohchr.org/en/universal-declaration-of-human-rights

      United Nations. (n.d.). World Day of Social Justice. https://www.un.org/en/observances/social-justice-day

      World Vision Youth. (2021). The Beginner’s Guide to Social Justice. https://www.worldvision.ca/youth/blog/social-justice-guide

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      1. Blog post: Black History Month – Rosa Parks: The Spark That Ignited a Movement

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        Written by Susanne Urbina

        Each February, Canadians celebrate Black History Month in recognition of the achievements, contributions and struggles of Black people in Canada and their communities.

        This year’s theme is “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations”. Throughout this month, we acknowledge the diversity of Black Canadians, Black leadership importance and the legacy being established for future Black generations. For over 400 years, Black Canadians have a been a part of our nation’s narrative.

        In 1604, Mathieu Da Costa was the first person of African heritage to arrive with French explorers to what is now Canada. He spoke 5 languages and was instrumental in communicating with the Mik’maq people encountered by the Europeans.

        During the mid-to-late 1700’s, most Africans brought to Canada’s east coast were enslaved by English or American settlers, although there were some free Black persons living in the area.

        Throughout the 1800’s, many Black communities were established across Canada because of war. Approximately 30,000Black people entered Canada by means of the Underground Railroad. This secret network of routes and hidden shelters allowed enslaved Africans to escape. Nova Scotia’s Black communities were also reinvigorated during and after the War of 1812.

        Slavery was abolished in most British colonies and Canada, in 1833 through the “Act on the Abolition of Slavery in the British Empire.”

        In 1879, many Black farming communities in the American mid-west who were experiencing inequality and fearing the rise in Ku Klux Klan lynchings, migrated to Alberta.

        After Confederation and moving into the 1900’s, more Black communities were founded as immigration policies were reformed. Our civil rights movement was initiated after Viola Desmond, a Halifax businesswoman, reacted to racism, like Rosa Parks’ story. Viola refused to move from her seat in a Roseland theatre, in a “whites-only” section.

        Further into the mid-century, the color barrier was broken in the National Hockey League (NHL) when Willie O’Ree from New Brunswick, was drafted to the Boston Bruins, the first Black player to play in the NHL. Our federal government saw the first Black Member of Parliament in the House of Commons, Lincoln Alexander, who was elected in 1968.

        Within the last couple of decades, we have seen Black activism and more intersectional identities emerge for racial justice and celebrations of Black history, Black resilience and Black presence in Canada. Serving as the Governor General of Canada from 2005 to 2010, Michaelle Jean’s appointment was historic, as the first Black person to hold this position in Canada. Honorable Greg Fergus was elected as the 38th speaker of the House of Commons, in 2023. These 21st century events are proof of the movement to acknowledge, preserve, and celebrate the diverse contributions of Black Canadians.

        The following article retells the Rosa Parks story. As we celebrate Black History Month, one can become more aware and understanding of this rich heritage through stories and events.

         

        Reference

        Government of Canada, (2025-01-31).
        https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html

        Rosa Parks: The Spark That Ignited a Movement

        Written by Shahina Hanif, ESPC volunteer

        What can a single woman do to change history? While there are few instances of revolutions being credited to women of color, Rosa Parks stands out as a pivotal figure. Her courageous act of refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man in segregated Montgomery, Alabama, in the mid-1950s, became a defining moment in the American civil rights movement, paving the way for the African American community (Badertscher, 2005).

        Her name resonates with the ideals of equality, justice, and freedom. On December 1st, 1955, Rosa Parks, refused to give her seat in the “colored” section of a city bus, at a white man’s command, when the seats in the “white only” section was filled up at (Badertscher, 2005). The bus driver had Parks arrested for “disorderly conduct” (Badertscher, 2005), which sent the African American community into a state of indignation.

        This act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a fundamental event that lasted over a year and led to a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional (Badertscher, 2005). Rosa Parks’ bravery and the subsequent boycott galvanized the civil rights movement, inspiring countless individuals to stand up against racial injustice.

        Rosa Parks’ legacy is a testament to the power of individual action in the face of systemic oppression. Her story reminds us that one person’s courage can ignite a movement and bring about profound change. Today, her name continues to inspire those who fight for equality and justice, proving that the actions of a single person, regardless of their background, can indeed change the course of history.

        Upon reflection on Rosa Parks’ legacy, one is reminded of the power of individual courage, and the impact one person can have on the world. Her story inspires us to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. At a time when segregation laws were strictly enforced and racial discrimination was rampant, Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat was not just an act of defiance but a bold statement against an unjust system.

        Rosa Parks once said, “I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free, so other people would be also free” (Marie Claire, n.d.). Her words continue to resonate with those who fight for justice and equality. As we honor Rosa Parks’ legacy, let us also commit to standing up against injustice in our own communities.

        Rosa Park’s Day is celebrated in several states on February 4th, her birthday. Other states celebrate her on December 1st, which is the day she was arrested for her activism. Her story sets the tone for the month of February as we recognize “Black History” month.

        Rosa Parks’ legacy can inspire people in our city, Edmonton, to address and combat various forms of inequality. Here are some specific ways her story can resonate and motivate action within our community:

        • Rosa Parks’ defiance can inspire Edmontonians to address income inequality by advocating for fair wages, supporting marginalized businesses, and pushing for equitable economic policies (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).
        • Her courage reminds us to stand up for Indigenous rights by promoting culture, advocating for better access to services, and addressing systemic issues like over-policing (CBC News, 2021).
        • Parks’ legacy highlights the need to challenge racial discrimination through anti-racism training, supporting inclusive policies, and speaking out against microaggressions (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).
        • Inspired by Parks, Edmontonians can volunteer, join advocacy groups, and engage with local government to address inequality (CBC News, 2021).
        • Her story encourages education on inequality, reading works by Black and Indigenous authors, and promoting awareness through community events (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).

         

        By drawing inspiration from Rosa Parks’ bravery and commitment to justice, individuals in Edmonton can take meaningful actions to address and reduce inequality in their own community. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that even small acts of courage can lead to significant change.

        Rosa Parks, seated on the bus where her act of defiance became a symbol of resistance and change. Image from, “Rosa Parks” by Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosa-Parks

        Rosa Parks, seated on the bus where her act of defiance became a symbol of resistance and change. Image from, “Rosa Parks” by Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosa-Parks

        References

        Badertscher, E. (2005). Rosa Parks. Great Neck Publishing.

        Britannica. (n.d.). Rosa Parks. In Britannica. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from
        https://www.britannica.com/event/Montgomery-bus-boycott

        CBC News. (2021, April 7). Edmonton city council votes to reallocate police funding to community safety programs. CBC News. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from
        https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/city-council-policing-1.5971499

        Edmonton Social Planning Council. (2020, June 5). Statement on the impact of systemic racism on income inequality and low-income households in Edmonton. Edmonton Social Planning Council. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from
        https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/2020/06/05/statement-on-the-impact-of-systemic-racism-on-income-inequality-and-low-income-households-in-edmonton/

        Marie Claire. (n.d.). Remembering Rosa Parks: 8 Of Her Most Inspiring Quotes. Marie Claire. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/remembering-rosa-parks-her-most-inspiring-quotes-29143

         

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