Honouring Our Roots, Embracing Resilience

Bimaadzwin Team • June 19, 2025

National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we pause to honour the deep, enduring

spirit of the First Peoples of this land—those whose cultures, languages, and

stories have shaped what we now call Canada. From coast to coast to coast, the

richness of Indigenous heritage is intricately woven into the very fabric of our

country, carrying wisdom, resilience, and teachings that continue to guide us

through the complexities of our modern world.


Yet today is more than a celebration—it is also a reflective moment to acknowledge

ongoing challenges.


Across Mother Earth, Indigenous peoples, particularly here in Canada, are

experiencing the profound impacts of climate change with great urgency.


Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, melting permafrost, and

devastating wildfires are not distant threats but current realities.


These environmental changes have led to the displacement of families, disruption

of traditional food systems, and strain on community infrastructure, highlighting

once again the deep interconnectedness between our peoples and the land we

cherish.


The recent wildfires in Canada have displaced Indigenous families from their

homes and territories, reminding us starkly that climate change disproportionately

affects those who have historically contributed least to its causes.


Yet in these challenging moments, the resilience of our people emerges powerfully.

Our communities continue to respond with strength and unity, drawing upon

traditional practices and values that have always emphasized supporting one

another, respecting the land, and living in harmony with Mother Earth.


Indigenous peoples worldwide have always known that the health of the land

directly reflects the health of the community. Our ancestral knowledge and

traditional ecological understanding other invaluable perspectives and sustainable

solutions to global climate challenges. As the planet faces unprecedented

environmental crises, these traditional ways of knowing are not just valuable—they

are essential.


This reality underscores the importance of true Treaty partnerships. Treaties were

sacred agreements founded upon peace, respect, and shared stewardship

principles. To respond effectively to climate change and its consequences, Canada

must fully honour these Treaties—not merely through words but meaningful

action. Genuine collaboration with Indigenous nations as equal partners can help

ensure that the resilience of Indigenous communities and ecosystems is

strengthened rather than undermined.


Moreover, sincere land acknowledgements serve as powerful reminders that our

shared future rests on mutual respect and understanding. When offered genuinely,

they ground us in our shared history and collective responsibility to care for this

land. They open pathways to deeper relationships and meaningful reconciliation.


At Bimaadzwin, we approach these relationships and responsibilities with intention

and humility. We recognize Indigenous communities not as problems to solve but as

critical partners in shaping a sustainable future. As we mark National Indigenous

Peoples Day, let us honour the strength and wisdom of Indigenous peoples and

commit together to confronting modern challenges with traditional knowledge,

collective resilience, and profound respect.


Let us walk gently on Mother Earth, united in purpose, guided by ancestral

teachings, and ever mindful of the future generations we must safeguard.


Miigwetch




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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Every Child Matters 2025

By Bimaadzwin Team • September 4, 2025
A moment of remembrance, a call to healing: September 30, 2025 This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, invites all Canadians to pause, remember, learn, and act in solidarity with Indigenous survivors, families, and communities affected by the residential school system. It is a day of solemn commemoration and a powerful reminder that Every Child Matters. Why this day matters Established in 2013 through a survivor’s heart-wrenching story, Orange Shirt Day symbolizes not only the tangible losses of identity, culture, language, and dignity, but also the enduring resilience of Indigenous peoples. In 2021, this movement became Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a federal statutory holiday born out of Call to Action 80, reflecting the nation’s commitment to facing an uncomfortable past and working toward repair. Looking ahead: September 30, 2025 As we approach the 5th statutory observance of this deeply significant day and the 13th Orange Shirt Day, it’s an opportunity to engage in collective truth-telling and healing. Across the country, communities, educational institutions, organizations, and individuals will come together—raising the Survivors’ Flag, honouring stories, hosting walks, sharing teachings, and wearing orange in unity. Bimaadzwin’s reflection and commitment At Bimaadzwin, we stand with Indigenous families in their pursuit of justice, healing, and equity. As we observe this day, we remind ourselves that commemoration must be interwoven with lasting action—through supporting survivors, empowering communities, and advancing systemic transformation. Isadore Day, CEO, Bimaadzwin shares: “We stand with First Nations families and communities in seeking justice and healing for the harms caused by discriminatory systems. This day is an opportunity to honour the resilience of our children and their futures—because every child truly matters.” This sentiment echoes Bimaadzwin’s broader work—advocating for the rights of children and families and supporting claims under the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle settlement, which offers a concrete pathway toward healing. How you can honour Every Child Matters Wear orange to show unwavering support and remembrance. Attend or host community commemorations —from walks and ceremonies to flag raisings. Engage in learning —understand the legacy of residential schools, the 94 Calls to Action, and how reconciliation can be enacted. Support grassroots and Indigenous-led initiatives , including the Orange Shirt Society’s vital education and advocacy work. On September 30, 2025, as we honour the children who never returned home and, with them, the enduring strength of survivors and their communities, let us also affirm our responsibility—to uphold that Every Child Matters not just in name, but in lasting, equitable action and care. Together, may we continue walking the path of truth, healing, and reconciliation—one step, one story, one child at a time.

Honouring Indigenous Women on International Women’s Day

By Bimaadzwin Team • March 4, 2025
Every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) provides a time for reflection, celebration, and action. It is a day to recognize the achievements of women worldwide while also acknowledging the continued struggles for equality, justice, and empowerment.  For Indigenous women and girls in Canada, this day holds particular significance, as it sheds light on their resilience, leadership, and the urgent need to address the challenges they face. Honouring Strength and Leadership Indigenous women have always been at the heart of their communities, serving as leaders, caregivers, knowledge keepers, and warriors for justice. Across Turtle Island, Indigenous women have upheld traditions, protected the land, and nurtured the spirits of future generations. Their strength is evident in their roles as Elders, educators, artists, and advocates who continue to push for positive change. Today, Indigenous women are leading movements for environmental protection, human rights, and cultural revitalization. Indigenous women are leaders who are key to reclaiming traditional governance systems, advancing language preservation, and strengthening Indigenous economies. Their voices and leadership are crucial to building a future that respects Indigenous knowledge and self-determination. Recognizing the Challenges While International Women’s Day is a time of celebration, it is also a day to acknowledge the systemic barriers Indigenous women continue to face. In Canada, Indigenous women and girls experience higher rates of violence, poverty, and discrimination compared to non-Indigenous women. The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) continues as an urgent issue, highlighting the ongoing impacts of colonialism and the need for meaningful action. The National Inquiry into MMIWG (2019) called for immediate responses to address the root causes of this violence, including systemic racism, gender-based violence, and economic marginalization. Yet, years later, many of these Calls for Justice remain unmet. On IWD, it is essential to amplify Indigenous women’s voices and demand concrete steps toward justice, safety, and healing. Celebrating Indigenous Women’s Contributions Despite all of these challenges, Indigenous women continue to inspire change. They are creating new opportunities for future generations. Their contributions to literature, film, politics, business, and activism are shaping a more just and inclusive society. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to support and uplift Indigenous women’s work. Whether it’s purchasing from Indigenous women-owned businesses, engaging with Indigenous-led initiatives, or educating oneself on Indigenous histories and perspectives , every action contributes to reconciliation and empowerment. Moving Forward with Respect and Action As we celebrate International Women’s Day , let us recognize the unique experiences and contributions of Indigenous women and girls. Their resilience and leadership are essential to creating a more just world—one where Indigenous women are safe, respected, and valued. To truly honour this day, we must commit to listening, learning, and acting in support of Indigenous women. That means advocating for policies that protect Indigenous women’s rights, addressing gender-based violence, and ensuring Indigenous women have the space and resources to thrive . This March 8th let us together not just celebrate women—let’s stand with Indigenous women, acknowledge their voices, and work toward a future of equality, respect, and justice for all.