Reclaiming Roots: Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre’s Healing Journey
Akwesasne, Ontario, May 2, 2025
As a 2024 funded recipient, the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre (SEFC) continues to be a vital source of healing, resilience, and reconnection for Sixties Scoop Survivors and their communities in Hay River, Northwest Territories.
Supported through the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, SEFC’s Reclaiming Roots programming has delivered a culturally rich and community-driven approach to healing— honouring Survivors’ stories while restoring traditional practices and strengthening intergenerational relationships.
Supported through the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, SEFC’s Reclaiming Roots programming has delivered a culturally rich and community-driven approach to healing— honouring Survivors’ stories while restoring traditional practices and strengthening intergenerational relationships.
A Trusted Hub for Healing and Cultural Connection
SEFC is a non-profit, multipurpose community hub that serves youth, Elders, families, and single parents across all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities across the region. The Centre plays a unique role in bridging Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, offering culturally relevant programming and essential services, including income security support, educational programs , and navigation assistance with all levels of government.
Reclaiming Roots: Programs That Nurture Healing
With support from the Foundation, SEFC’s Reclaiming Roots initiative has invested directly in the emotional, spiritual, and cultural healing of Sixties Scoop Survivors. Their offerings have created meaningful spaces for connection, learning, and empowerment:
Weekly Sharing Circles Safe, consistent gatherings led by a RHSP worker, where Survivors and community members share stories, foster emotional support, and build lasting community bonds.
With support from the Foundation, SEFC’s Reclaiming Roots initiative has invested directly in the emotional, spiritual, and cultural healing of Sixties Scoop Survivors. Their offerings have created meaningful spaces for connection, learning, and empowerment:
Weekly Sharing Circles Safe, consistent gatherings led by a RHSP worker, where Survivors and community members share stories, foster emotional support, and build lasting community bonds.
Moccasin Workshops
People gathered weekly to create moccasins, while also weaving together stories, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose and belonging.
Intergenerational Mural Collaboration
Elders and youth joined forces to create a community mural—a visual tribute to cultural resilience, storytelling, and healing across generations.
Story Time with Elders
Wisdom and teachings were passed down in two dedicated story-time sessions that deepened respect for traditional knowledge and nurtured new relationships.
Seniors’ Coffee and Music
Weekly music gatherings uplifted the community through dancing, laughter, and joyful reconnection—reminders of the healing power of shared experience.
Seasonal Sewing & Crafts
Weekly sessions supported cultural expression and connection, including festive Christmas crafts that brought even more warmth and joy to the Centre.
Traditional Dance Program
Launching in February and led by community facilitator Bev, this program welcomed all ages to reconnect with their cultural roots through dance and movement.
Community Arts & Wellness Program Facilitated by Debra Buggins and supported by Community Counselling, this program introduced art therapy tools to explore stress, healing, and emotional expression in a safe and creative way.
A Foundation for the Future The Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre remains a cornerstone of healing and wellness in the South Slave Region. Thanks to the support of the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada’s annual funding program, SEFC had deepened its impact offering Sixties Scoop Survivors and community members meaningful pathways to cultural reconnection, emotional wellbeing, and collective strength.
For more information about the Foundation and our ongoing initiatives, please visit our website. https://www.sixtiesscoophealingfoundation.ca/