Photo of Grandparents who are part of the Circle of Grandparents
Indigenous children make up 53.8 kids in the foster care system in Canada and according to the 2021 Canadian census.
Because of how many children are in foster care and how many lose connection with their Indigenous culture.
The Alberta First Nation of Siksika launched a new program to help keep children connected to their culture by having grandparents connect with them and their foster families.
The Circle of Grandparents is a new program launched by Siksika Family Services that aims to pair qualified grandparents with kids who’ve been either removed or do not have any family who will teach them about their culture.
Windspeaker Media spoke with Siksika Family Services’ Children’s Services Placement Resource Office Team Lead Trina Sleigh about the qualification of the grandparents.
The Grandparents are a mix of Elders and Knowledge Keepers in the Siksika community who all have experience with the child welfare system in Alberta.
Joanne and Duane Red Old Man both teach traditional art practices such as, beading, drum making and regalia for Powwows. Both Joanne and Duane shared with Windspeaker Media about why the joined the program.
Photo of Joanne Red Old Man
Photo of Duane Red Old Man
To find out more information about Siksika Family Services and a list of their programing visit their website.
If you’d like to learn more about Circle of Grandparents program and how you can be connected to a grandparent contact the closest Sikska Family Services office near you.
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