Alberta Mentoring Partnership

A braid is more than just hair—it carries deep meaning and teachings. For many Indigenous peoples, the three strands represent the balance of Mind, Body, and Spirit. In some First Nations traditions, they can also symbolize values such as Love, Kindness, and Honesty.

Thank you to ALIGN for sharing this teaching through their Connections Piece newsletter. 🧡

As we wrap up our exploration of the 9 Principles of Indigenous Mentoring, we celebrate the power of mentoring to strengthen cultural identity, foster belonging, and empower young people. By supporting youth, we help build stronger, more connected communities for generations to come.

Mark your calendars! 🗓️ AMP and Mentor Canada invite you to a webinar on July 8 to dive into Mentor Canada’s new Foundations of Mentoring training.

Whether you’re an existing user of our previous Mentor Training, looking to start your mentoring journey, or want to resource mentors with skills to better support young people, this session will give you the practical tools you need to make a real impact.

✨ How to join: Register today through the link in our bio or head to bit.ly/foundationsofmentoring

Strong Indigenous mentoring programs are built on Indigenous knowledge, values, and worldviews. When Indigenous voices guide program design, mentoring becomes more meaningful, relevant, and impactful.

Read more about the Nine Principles of Indigenous Mentoring here: https://hub.albertamentors.ca/knowledge-hub/nine-principles-of-indigenous-mentoring/

Indigenous mentoring recognizes the lasting impacts of colonization and residential schools. By addressing barriers and supporting the whole person, mentoring creates safe spaces for healing, connection, and growth.

Read more about the Nine Principles of Indigenous Mentoring through this here: https://hub.albertamentors.ca/knowledge-hub/nine-principles-of-indigenous-mentoring/

The Braves Wear Braids (BWB) Documentary explores the meaning of braids through the voices of Indigenous men, youth, and Elders.

Featuring interviews with Ethan Bear and others, the film shares personal stories about identity, resilience, and the challenges Indigenous youth face in maintaining this important cultural practice.

Watch the documentary to learn more about the spiritual significance of braids and the strength they carry on ALIGN’s CONNECTIONS May Edition linked in our bio.

Founded by Michael Linklater, is a movement that addresses bullying while promoting cultural pride among First Nations boys and men who wear long hair. It also helps educate others on the spiritual significance of braids, which can represent strength, identity, and connection to ancestors.

For many, braids are sacred, symbolizing connection to the Creator and Mother Earth, and reflecting deep cultural identity and teachings passed through generations.

This feature comes from ALIGN’s CONNECTIONS May Edition, linked in our bio!

Join AMP for an upcoming webinar with Dr. Teena Starlight exploring the 4R’s: Respect, Relevance, Reciprocity, and Responsibility.

This session will invite participants to reflect on how the 4R’s can guide meaningful relationship-building, mentoring, and community connection when working alongside Indigenous youth and communities.
We look forward to learning together in a space grounded in reflection, respect, and shared understanding.

Register here: https://lnkd.in/ggmEYSjS