At FNMI Group Care, we believe that the wisdom of our Elders is essential for nurturing the spiritual, emotional, and cultural well-being of our youth. As a culturally sensitive group home in Edmonton, we support First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) children and youth.
Our Elder Support program is built on deep respect for the knowledge and guidance of our Elders, pipe carriers, ceremonialists, and land-based teachers. Through their visits, teachings, and ceremonies, we help young people reconnect with their heritage and identity.
Elders hold a sacred role in Indigenous communities. They are the keepers of knowledge, history, and tradition. Their teachings provide guidance, healing, and a sense of belonging. For many of our youth, being in care can create feelings of disconnection from their roots. Elder support bridges that gap, offering a sense of identity, pride, and cultural grounding.
With the guidance of Elders, we provide:
Lessons on traditions, stories, and values passed down through generations.
Sweat lodge ceremonies, smudging, and feasts that promote spiritual wellness.
Counselling support and mentorship to help youth navigate life’s challenges.
Opportunities to participate in land-based teachings and traditional practices.
FNMI Group Care has established a network of respected Elders from Treaty 6, 7, and 8, as well as Métis communities across Alberta. Each Elder brings unique knowledge and experiences. It enriches our program with diverse perspectives and teachings.
Our network includes:
Spiritual leaders who carry sacred pipes and conduct traditional ceremonies.
Knowledge keepers who guide rites of passage, feasts, and sweat lodges.
Experts in traditional survival skills, medicine teachings, and cultural practices.
These Elders generously share their time and wisdom. It ensures that our youth receive authentic, meaningful guidance.
Elders regularly visit our group home to spend time with the youth. These visits create a safe space for open conversations, storytelling, and learning. Elders offer comfort, guidance, and reassurance. It helps children and teens build trust and confidence in their identity.
During these visits, Elders:
Many of the youth in our care have experienced trauma, loss, or displacement. Elders provide gentle, understanding support that helps them process emotions and heal.
Elder counselling includes:
Through these approaches, youth develop coping strategies, self-awareness, and a stronger sense of identity.
Nature is a powerful teacher. Through land-based education, youth learn traditional ways of living, survival skills, and the deep spiritual connection Indigenous people have with the land.
Our land-based teachings include:
These teachings empower youth with a sense of resilience, respect for the land, and a connection to their ancestors.
Food is a vital part of Indigenous culture. Our monthly feasts bring the community together. It creates an opportunity for youth to engage with Elders in a meaningful way.
At these gatherings, we:
These feasts remind youth that they are part of something larger – a rich, thriving culture filled with love and support.
Sweat lodges are a powerful healing practice that cleanse the body, mind, and spirit. Our Elder-led sweat lodge ceremonies allow youth to reconnect with their inner strength and find spiritual balance.
Benefits of participating in a sweat lodge include:
These ceremonies reinforce traditional healing methods and offer youth a sacred way to cope with life’s challenges.
The presence of Elders in our program has a profound and lasting impact on the children and teens we support. With Elder guidance, they experience:
A deeper understanding of who they are and where they come from.
A sense of pride in their heritage and abilities.
A pathway to overcoming trauma and finding inner peace.
Relationships with mentors who continue to inspire and guide them.
At FNMI Group Care, we see firsthand how Elder support transforms lives. It is more than just a program. It is a bridge between generations, a source of healing, and a foundation for a brighter future.
At FNMI Group Care, we ensure that every child and youth in our care benefits from -
We follow a structured yet flexible approach that fosters connection, trust, and spiritual growth.
Through this process, FNMI youth receive the wisdom, support, and guidance they need.
Our Elder Support program connects FNMI youth in care with respected Elders. Elders provide guidance, emotional healing, and a sense of identity through -
Our Elders offer a range of support services, including:
Yes. Youth who need personal guidance can request one-on-one meetings with an Elder. These sessions provide a safe and confidential space for them to express their feelings, seek advice, and receive emotional support.
Many FNMI youth in care have experienced disconnection from their cultural roots. Elder support provides them with:
Elders visit our group home regularly to spend time with youth, provide teachings, and offer emotional support. Additionally, we organize special events such as monthly sweat lodges and land-based learning experiences.
Our program creates a nurturing environment where youth can:
Through ongoing support, youth find a renewed sense of belonging and purpose.
Our Elder Support program is a reflection of our commitment to the well-being of FNMI youth. We ensure that our children grow up with the strength, wisdom, and cultural pride they deserve.
If you want to learn more about our Elder Support program or how you can contribute, we welcome you to connect with us. Contact us to schedule a consultation and receive reliable elderly support in Edmonton.
