Spirit, identity and caring for Indigenous youth
“When our children return to school, our hearts go with them.” It’s a quote that rests on the back of a t-shirt from Surrounded by Cedar. In this episode of the Vital Victoria Podcast, Jennifer Chuckry, Executive Director of Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services, joins host Lucky Budd. They talk about Surrounded by Cedar’s work as a delegated agency and their mission, to provide child and family services strongly rooted in Indigenous cultural values. Jennifer shares a personal story on the importance of treating people with kindness and compassion and the impact it had on her work with families. They dive into the importance of community raising children and youth, and that the health and well-being of Indigenous people rely heavily on connection to spirit and identity.
Services are available for anyone who may need support:
- Hope for Wellness Help Line (24 hours a day) – 1-855-242-3310
- Indian Residential School Crisis Line – 1-866-925-4419
- Kuu-Us Crisis Line Society – 1-800-588-8717
- Métis Crisis Line – 1-833-638-4722
Vital Signs Issue Area
In the 2021 Vital Signs Report, survey participants gave ‘Getting Started’ a letter grade of ‘D+’. Getting Started is defined as “Helping children, youth and newcomers to get a good start in life, work, adulthood, and our community makes a lasting difference.” This issue is connected to Sustainable Development Goal 8 and 16: ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth’ and ‘Peace and Justice.’
Episode 6 Guest
Jennifer Chuckry is the Executive Director of Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services. Her career with Surrounded by Cedar began in 2004 when she was the first social worker hired by the agency. At that time, the organization working towards becoming a delegated agency. Today, Surrounded by Cedar is a delegated agency that provides child and family services strongly rooted in Indigenous cultural values and world views while ensuring urban Indigenous children and youth grow up connected to family, community and culture.