The Kakichihiwewin Project

Fostering intergenerational healing for those impacted by colonial systems of forced removal, assimilation, and displacement.

Rooted in a deep understanding of the oppressive, colonial structures that were designed to dismantle entire nations of people, The Kakichihiwewin Project (TKP) fosters intergenerational healing for individuals, families, and communities affected by residential and boarding school systems, the “Sixties Scoop”, foster care, and the policies of forced removal and assimilation.

The Kakichihiwewin Project recognizes the systemic nature of these harms, which have culminated in a cultural genocide, spanning generations. This legacy of suppressed language, spiritual, and cultural practices, has spawned a lineage of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who are detached, despondent, and disconnected. The weight of this historical trauma cannot be carried alone–breaking this cycle is infinitely more possible in community.

Challenge

There's an ongoing genocide that Indigenous folks face every day. The loss of Native language, culture and family due to forced assimilation efforts. Many of the generations that experienced these traumas pass it along to their children and grandchildren, leaving a lengthy line of people feeling alone, and unworthy of community and / or culture.

Solution

The Kakichihiwewin Project wants to remind our community members that they are seen, that they are valid and that they are loved - but above all else - they are worthy. By creating online healing circles (*in person adhering to COVID-19 precautions), sending out care kits, offering interactive and informative talking circles and a stepping stone fund along with storytelling we hope this effort will help bring folks solace in a tangible way, helping them reclaim what was so brutally stolen.

Long-Term Impact

The more Indigenous communities hold each other and validate our traumas through community, culture building and healing, there's a better chance that our future generations will not have to relive the past. We want to create a future - that creates a common understanding of where we came from, where we are, and where we CAN go, all through offering love and hope via these community outreach initiatives.