Bent Arrow
We have chosen to make Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society of Edmonton the beneficiary of our donations. This is who they are:
Bent Arrow was created in 1994 when Brad and Shauna Seneca identified the need for programming for Aboriginal children and families that would be based in traditional Indigenous teachings. The couple had received funding from a federal program called Pathways a year earlier to provide a program for Aboriginal youth between the ages of 15 and 24 who wanted to return to school, enter training programs, or find employment. The program was so successful that a year later Brad and Shauna established the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society with the support of Elders, funders, and the community.
When they were trying to find a name for the society, Brad and Shauna recalled a traditional story about a warrior and hunter who designed his bow and arrows with near perfect straightness. Bent arrows would not find their mark and families would go hungry for days. Like the bent arrows, some people have simply veered off of their path. They are not broken. And they have the potential, with some guidance and support, to walk a straighter path and hit their target. Nobody is broken, but sometimes, like the arrow, we’re a little bent. Hence, the name Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society.
Their mission:
The Society is committed to building upon the strengths of Aboriginal Children, youth and families to enable them to grow spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally so that they can walk proudly in both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
You can learn more about them at bentarrow.ca.
