More than 300 local families are facing a gap in cultural and community support as Edmonton’s Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society prepares to wind down two major programs this winter.
The Indigenous non-profit announced on social media that both its Kahkiyaw and Sacred Circle initiatives will draw to a close as their current provincial contracts expire.
As a result, gatherings—such as the organization’s Round Dance, Great Pumpkin Event, and Community Christmas Party—have all been placed on hold.
100 staff positions will also be affected.
“This is a reality all non-profits face when they apply for funding,” the society shared online, explaining that its bid during a recent provincial Request for Proposals was unsuccessful. “Our non-profit sector is filled with great organizations doing impactful work, and not all of them will receive the funding they apply for.”
While provincial officials maintain that family supports will simply transition to other regional providers without a reduction in total funding, the sudden shift marks a significant moment of disruption for those accustomed to Bent Arrow’s care.
Bent Arrow plans to open its doors this Wednesday for a community open house to answer questions and support families through the transition.
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