How a social work student helped expand land-based healing in rural Alberta

For Curtis White, pursuing a social work degree was never about leaving home; it was about finding new ways to serve it. As a proud member of Bigstone Cree Nation on Treaty 8 territory in northern Alberta, which is comprised of three communities — Calling Lake, Chipewyan Lake and Wabasca — he hopes to use those skills to continue creating positive change in community. 

Working with Bigstone Cree Nation Child and Family Services, the same organization where he completed his University of Calgary Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) practicum, White supports young adults through its Post-Majority Support Services (PMSS) program, which provides voluntary support to those who have transitioned from government care, helping them build the skills and stability needed for successful independent living. White has committed to help grow one of the program's initiatives, the land-based Hunting for Healing, which works with people aged 18 to 26.

Hunting for Healing reconnects Indigenous youth referred through PMSS with culture, identity and community through traditional harvesting and time on the land. While hunting is one part of the experience, participants also learn practical skills, including firearm safety, outdoor survival, navigation, food preparation and meat processing. They also gain a deeper understanding of respect, responsibility and the stewardship of the land. 

The harvested food is shared with families, Elders and community members, reinforcing the traditional values of generosity and caring for one another. The program spans five days of hunting, with two days for travel and setup and takedown of the camp site. 

"The land is a teacher," says White. "Programs like this help young people strengthen their identity and connect with who they are." 

White recently helped support a successful $97,878 grant application to expand the program's impact. Funding for this project, in part, has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF).  

For White, the real impact goes far beyond the equipment. It's measured in stronger cultural connections, healthier relationships and a renewed sense of identity and belonging that will continue creating opportunities for Indigenous youth for years to come. 

"I was excited thinking about all the opportunities we'd have because of the grant," says White. "It was a victory for our program and everything we are trying to do." 

Learning through community 

For White, the grant represents an investment in Indigenous youth and the future of the community. It will help expand opportunities for cultural teachings, mentorship and healing while removing barriers that have prevented some young people and Elders from participating. 

One way the funding will support that work is through the purchase of ATVs, allowing more Elders to travel to traditional harvesting areas that can be difficult to access on foot. The additional equipment will also help organizers continue growing and refining the program as they prepare for its second year.

PMSS provides voluntary support to young adults who have transitioned from government care, helping them build the skills and stability needed for successful independent living. PMSS provides individualized support in areas including housing, education and training, employment, life skills, financial literacy, mental health and wellness, cultural connection, transportation, advocacy, and referrals to community resources. PMSS works alongside each young adult to develop goals, strengthen resilience, reconnect with culture and identity where desired, and create a foundation for long-term independence and well-being.

Healing through connection 

White says UCalgary's online BSW through the Faculty of Social Work allowed him to connect his lived experience with the education he was receiving. Completing his practicum in his own community meant he could immediately apply what he learned in the classroom while strengthening his skills.  

“Education is most powerful when it is grounded in community, culture and real-world practice,” says White.  

White credits his supervisor, Ken Alook, and the team at Bigstone Cree Nation Child and Family Services for creating an environment where programs like Hunting for Healing can grow. 

“Their mentorship and commitment to Indigenous youth made the work possible” says White.  

Following a successful inaugural year, the program will welcome participants again in late September or early October.  

Starting something close to home 

For White, creating change starts with showing up, staying connected and taking the first step. 

"Relationships create momentum," he says. "Identify a need and pursue it. Stay connected with the community. Build yourself and bring it back." 

As Hunting for Healing prepares for its second cohort this fall, organizers hope to continue growing the program and expanding its impact for years to come.