National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30th, we honor the legacy and resilience of the survivors of the residential school system, their families, and their communities. We also remember those who were lost. This day has been marked as part of Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action No. 80 to "honour survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

We acknowledge this tragic and painful chapter in Canadian history, and the continued harmful impact of colonization on Indigenous communities around the country as we build towards reconciliation.

The effects of colonization and the legacy of residential schools are a significant part of the social determinants of Indigenous health that frame the dementia experience for these communities. When health is viewed through a holistic lens, we understand how the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual work together to achieve optimal wellness and balance. The disruption of this balance from the effects of the historical -and continued- impact of colonialism has become a growing concern in these communities, as they experience higher rates of dementia and get diagnosed at younger ages. This phenomenon is expected to increase. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada's Landmark Study (2024), an estimated 10,800 Indigenous people were living with dementia in 2020. By 2050, this number is projected to increase by 273%, reaching approximately 40,300 people.

As Canada works towards reconciliation for the effects of the residential school system and colonization, we also honor the resistance and strength of Indigenous communities, and we stand by them in their pursuit of self-determination in Indigenous-led forms of healthy living and healthy aging.

The Alzheimer Society of Ontario recognizes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a time for reflection and for learning. We encourage you to listen to our Dementia Dialogue podcast episodes featuring members from the Native Women's Association of Canada and the Mnjikaning First Nation, where we discuss understandings of dementia and the caregiving role from an Indigenous perspective.

Please take time to learn more about, as well as support, the important work Indigenous people are doing in the dementia and brain health space. Find some of these resources below:

Alzheimer Society of Canada

Dementia Information for Indigenous Peoples: First Nations, Métis and Inuit: Includes Indigenous dementia-care tools, resources, research, and community perspectives.
A Conversation on Indigenous Peoples and Dementia: Dementia Talks! Canada panel discussion featuring Indigenous perspectives on dementia and dementia care.
The Many Faces of Dementia in Canada: Landmark Study – Report #2: It provides more context and information about dementia projection in Indigenous communities.

Anishinaabek Dementia Care

Anishinaabek Dementia Care: Website providing local and culturally relevant dementia information for Anishinaabek communities.

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN)

How to Be an Effective Ally to Indigenous Communities – Guidelines for Allyship: Guidance on effective and respectful allyship with Indigenous communities.

Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health

10 Helpful Resources to Support Indigenous Peoples with Dementia: Infographic compiling dementia-related resources for Indigenous Peoples living with dementia.

Indigenous Cognition and Aging Awareness Research Exchange (I-CAARE)

Dementia Factsheets: Collection of culturally relevant dementia resources developed with Indigenous people living with memory loss and their caregivers.
I-CAARE Resources: Additional resources related to Indigenous cognition, aging and dementia.

National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH)

Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Indigenous Populations in Canada: Prevalence and Risk Factors: Reviews available evidence on dementia prevalence, diagnosis, and risk factors among Indigenous populations in Canada.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Indigenous Populations: Knowledge, Needs, and Gaps in dementia care.
Overcoming Barriers to Culturally Safe and Appropriate Dementia Care Services and Supports for Indigenous Peoples in Canada: Paper that discusses access to culturally safe and appropriate dementia care services and supports.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Indigenous Populations: Webinar on dementia in Indigenous communities.

Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC)

NWAC's website: Find resources related to aging and dementia.
Addressing Dementia Related Stigma with Indigenous Specific Strategies: Culturally specific toolkit addressing dementia-related stigma, informed by engagement with Elders and Indigenous caregivers.
A Sacred Journey: The Long Goodbye: Storybook illustrating experiences of Indigenous people living with dementia and raising awareness of barriers and culturally safe care.
Supporting a Circle of Care: A Culturally-Informed Support Group and Toolkit for Indigenous Caregivers of People Living with Dementia

Ontario Health

First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous Health Framework: Framework focused on partnerships, culturally safe care, capacity and education, evaluation, and coordination of health services.