Indigenous Rights
Iconic symbols of Métis culture
June 27, 2025
Métis culture is immediately recognizable through its vibrant artistic expression. Some of the most iconic symbols include: The Métis Sash The colourful woven sash (or ceinture fléchée) is more than just a piece of clothing. Traditionally used as a belt, rope, first…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
Resistance and the Red River rebellions
June 25, 2025
One of the most significant figures in Métis history is Louis Riel, a political leader, spiritual visionary and fierce defender of Métis rights. In 1869, when Canada attempted to take over the Red River territory without consulting its people, Riel…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
The origins of the Métis Nation
June 23, 2025
When we speak about Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island, it’s essential to understand that Indigenous identity is diverse and multifaceted. Among the First Nations, Inuit and Métis, each has their own cultures, histories and experiences. This week, as part of…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit: Inuit ways of knowing the world
June 20, 2025
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) refers to the rich body of traditional Inuit knowledge developed over thousands of years of life in the Arctic. It includes philosophy, environmental knowledge, values and social structures—everything needed to live in harmony with the land and…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
Echoes of the Arctic: The power of Inuit throat singing
June 18, 2025
Inuit throat singing—known as katajjaq—is more than music. It’s a living expression of Inuit history, land and kinship. Traditionally performed by women in pairs, katajjaq uses deep, rhythmic vocal sounds that mimic the Arctic: wind, water, birds and even animals…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
The impact of climate change on Inuit homelands
June 16, 2025
This Indigenous Peoples Month, we honour the strength and leadership of Inuit communities—especially as they confront the frontlines of climate change with resilience, knowledge and vision. Inuit communities live in some of the most climate-impacted regions on Earth. The Arctic is…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
First Nations governance: Resurgence of sovereignty
June 13, 2025
For thousands of years, First Nations peoples governed themselves through diverse systems of law, leadership and diplomacy — systems rooted in land, kinship and responsibility. These were not primitive structures. They were sophisticated, relational and resilient. Then colonization imposed foreign systems: the…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
First Nations languages: voices of land, culture and spirit
June 11, 2025
Language is more than words, It’s how we express love, teach values, share stories, pass down Knowledge and connect to the spirit of our ancestors. For First Nations peoples, language is deeply tied to the land, the natural world, ceremony and…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
We are all treaty people: honouring First Nations nationhood and responsibilities
June 9, 2025
June is Indigenous History Month — a time to honour the rich cultures, diverse Nations and lived realities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. This week, we centre our attention on First Nations peoples, their sovereignty and the Treaties…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
Five ways to honour Indigenous History Month
June 7, 2025
June is Indigenous History Month — a time to recognize, learn from, and uplift the voices, truths, and brilliance of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Turtle Island.Here are five meaningful ways to honour this month (and beyond):Learn the…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
What Does Allyship Look Like?
June 6, 2025
Allyship isn’t a title — it’s a verb. A responsibility. A lifelong practice.During Indigenous History Month, and every month, true allyship means showing up — with humility, with action, and with heart.Here’s what real allyship looks like:Listening more than speaking.Uplifting…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
Indigenous Peoples have always been changemakers
June 4, 2025
From resistance to resurgence, our communities are filled with leaders, healers, artists, Knowledge Keepers, land protectors, and visionaries shaping a better future — not just for Indigenous peoples, but for all. Indigenous changemakers are reclaiming languages, reviving ceremonies, leading climate…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
Lessons From the Serviceberry
June 3, 2025
“All Flourishing Is Mutual”Over three weeks, a vibrant and diverse group from across Canada and beyond gathered virtually each Tuesday to explore The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This book study was held in tandem…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
June 1st marks 10 years since the release of TRC’s Final Report
June 2, 2025
This report documented the horrific truths of Canada’s residential school system — stories shared by over 6,000 Survivors, families, and communities. It gave voice to the pain, the strength, and the truths that Indigenous peoples have carried for generations.The Truth…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People
May 1, 2025
May 5 marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), a day set aside to honour the lives that have been lost, the families left in pain, and the strength of…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
This Christmas, we invite you to be part of the change we all long for – a world of hope, justice, and dignity.
December 10, 2024
Hope, again, is not naive optimism or despairing pessimism: it is an active, nonviolent and shared struggle for justice and peace.-Zoughbi Zoughbi, Director at KAIROS partner organization Wi’am: The Palestinian Conflict Transformation Center. At KAIROS, we are Indigenous Peoples, settlers, and…
Post filed in: Ecological Justice, Gender Justice, Human Rights, Indigenous Rights
Justice for MMIWG2S! No more excuses!
December 7, 2024
The following content may be triggering.To reach the national support line,dial 1–844-413‑6649 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Indigenous women, girls and 2-Spirit people are traditionally sacred as life and care givers. However, they are continuously devalued and…
Post filed in: Gender Justice, Human Rights, Indigenous Rights
KAIROS urges Canada to halt free trade negotiations with Ecuador
November 27, 2024
On November 25, KAIROS sent a letter to the Prime Minister urging Canada to halt the proposed free trade agreement with Ecuador, which is currently being fast-tracked. The expectation is that negotiations will wrap up at the end of 2024. In…
Post filed in: Ecological Justice, Global South, Human Rights, Indigenous Rights
In gratitude – remembering the Honourable Murray Sinclair
November 5, 2024
With sorrow and utmost respect, KAIROS acknowledges the passing of the Honorable Murray Sinclair. We send our deepest condolences to his family members. Murray Sinclair was a man of vision, dignity and kindness. Justice and wisdom shone through his leadership as…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights, Statements
No mas! The assassination of Father Marcelo in Chiapas requires an urgent response from the Mexican government
November 5, 2024
The call for attention to the increasing violence experienced in Chiapas, Mexico “We have to redouble our efforts to build, from hope, against all hope, paths of peace and justice, from resistance – resilience, from creative non-violence.” – Anonymous advocate. KAIROS decries…
Post filed in: Global South, Human Rights, Indigenous Rights
National Day of Action for MMIWG2S
October 4, 2024
We understand that this subject matter is difficult for many people in our community. If you require immediate support, please contact the national, independent toll free 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak to a counsellor. The service is available…
Post filed in: Human Rights, Indigenous Rights
Orange stands for resilience. Honouring the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
September 30, 2024
Contents written below may be triggering for some. If you are experiencing distress, please contact the support numbers below.Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419Hope for Wellness Help Line (For Indigenous peoples): 1-855-242-3310 Crisis services Canada: 1.833.456.4566 OR text: 45645 In 1973, school…
Post filed in: Human Rights, Indigenous Rights, Social Justice
KAIROS mourns the passing of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick
September 24, 2024
KAIROS joins countless others in mourning the loss of Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Cathy Merrick who died suddenly after collapsing outside Winnipeg court on September 6.In 2022, Merrick was appointed as the first female Grand Chief of…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights, Statements
Supreme Court decisions have “significant implications” on UNDRIP in Canadian law
August 21, 2024
Earlier this year, in two separate decisions, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on the significance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for Canadian law and policy. Recently, the Coalition for the Human Rights of Indigenous…
Post filed in: Human Rights, Indigenous Rights, UNDRIP Blog Updates
Enriching gathering in Mi’kma’ki feeds the work of KAIROS Indigenous Rights Circle and Partners
June 5, 2024
In April, KAIROS Indigenous Rights Circle (KIRC) held enriching meetings and site visits at Millbrook First Nation in Mi’kma’ki.The three-day gathering was held at the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre which houses several displays of Mi’kmaw history and culture. It…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
A Miracle Story of Repatriation
June 5, 2024
On our first day of the KAIROS Indigenous Rights Circle meeting on Millbrook First Nation in Truro, Nova Scotia, April 3, we listened in awe to the story of Heather Stevens, Manager of the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre, recounting the…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights
A season of connection, a season of change – Indigenous Peoples Month Reflection
June 5, 2024
Summer solstice quickly approaches. This is a time of great meaning for Indigenous Peoples. The day isn’t simply a day to mark the longest day of the year, the beginning of summer and the time for barbeques and beaches. Like…
Post filed in: Indigenous Rights, Spirited Reflections
KAIROS reviews Budget 2024
April 23, 2024
While the federal government offered some good news in Budget 2024, which it announced on April 16, it also presented disappointments for KAIROS’ program areas. We are told that Budget 2024 is an attempted balancing act of spending increases while…
Post filed in: Ecological Justice, Gender Justice, Gender Justice/Women of Courage, Indigenous Rights, Migrant Justice
