Healing Regalia

Reclaiming Identity Through Healing

The Healing Regalia project was born from conversations with Residential School Survivors and a simple but profound question: "What do you need to support your healing?" Their answers became the foundation of a journey rooted in respect, culture, and community.

Working alongside Survivors, their families, and the wider community, the project supports the reclamation of Indigenous identity, language, and traditions that the Residential School system sought to erase. Through the weaving and creation of traditional regalia, families honour the dignity, strength, and spirit of the Survivors in their lives while helping restore cultural knowledge across generations.

The project also creates opportunities for private healing at the former St. Augustine Indian Residential School site, the restoration of shashishalhem names where appropriate, and cultural ceremonies that celebrate identity, belonging, and resilience.

The journey culminates in a community healing ceremony at the shíshálh Longhouse, where Survivors are honoured in their regalia, ancestral names are shared, and cedar brushing ceremonies celebrate healing and renewal. The raising of the Reconciliation Totem Pole serves as a lasting tribute to the Survivors of more than 53 Nations whose children attended St. Augustine Indian Residential School. Together, these acts reaffirm our collective commitment to truth, justice, healing, and reconciliation, while ensuring that the legacy of the Residential School system is remembered and that every child is honoured with dignity and respect.

This project is made possible through the generous support of the First Peoples' Cultural Council, shíshálh Nation, Walking Together – The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, and the Sunshine Coast Credit Union. We raise our hands in gratitude to our partners for helping make this important work possible.

Watch Lifting Hearts, Gifting Healing Regalia

Experience the heart of the Healing Regalia Project as Survivors, families, and weavers come together through culture, connection, and healing.

Film by Tamar Kozlov © 2026 syiyaya Reconciliation Movement