8th Fire Vision and Mission Statement:

At 8th Fire, we are dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between non-Indigenous individuals and organizations and the richness of Indigenous culture. Through authentic engagement, education, and dialogue, we aim to support truth and reconciliation, cultivating understanding and respect in a way that honors traditional teachings and builds bridges for a united future.

Our vision for 8th Fire is to cultivate education, foster awareness, and build a network of allies within the community, paving the way for a harmonious and unified future.

Supporting the Indigenous Community with 8th Fire

At 8th Fire, we support the Indigenous community by providing a safe, welcoming space where individuals can reconnect with their culture, heritage, and traditional teachings. Our initiatives honor and celebrate the rich histories and wisdom of Indigenous peoples, fostering opportunities for healing, cultural expression, and the sharing of knowledge. Through meaningful collaborations and community-focused programming, we aim to nurture a sense of belonging and pride, empowering individuals to explore and strengthen their cultural roots while creating bridges of understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Supporting the Settler Community with 8th Fire

We are committed to fostering meaningful connections and understanding between Indigenous and settler communities. We provide education and resources to individuals and organizations within the settler community who wish to learn about Indigenous culture, knowledge, and ways of being. Our goal is to ensure this knowledge is used in a good way—respectfully, thoughtfully, and with the intent to build bridges of reconciliation. Through workshops, training sessions, cultural exchanges, and access to authentic resources, we help settlers deepen their awareness of Indigenous histories, traditions, and current realities.

By nurturing these relationships and encouraging allyship, we strive to grow a community of informed individuals who are actively contributing to a peaceful and united future grounded in truth and reconciliation.

Services

Two Row Learning is a vibrant youth group under the 8th Fire initiative, dedicated to fostering education and understanding of the 7 Sacred Teachings. Through monthly gatherings and immersive summer camps, youth engage in meaningful activities that promote respect, truth, courage, humility, honesty, wisdom, and love. Two Row Learning offers a safe and inspiring environment for participants to explore Indigenous culture, deepen their connection to the land, and build a foundation for unity and reconciliation.

8th Fire’s Spirit Horses is a transformative curriculum that weaves together the wisdom of the 7 teachings and the innate connection between humans and horses. Using horses as our guides, this program fosters deep respect, humility, and interconnectedness with all living beings. The ultimate vision is to create a space for learning and healing while contributing to the care and preservation of the critically endangered Ojibwe Spirit Horse—a sacred breed integral to Indigenous culture and heritage.

Events Overview

8th Fire hosts a variety of events aimed at fostering education, community connection, and meaningful engagement with Indigenous culture and traditions. Our events include:

Indigenous Supper Fundraiser: A celebration of Indigenous cuisine and culture, this event raises funds to support 8th Fire initiatives while bringing the community together to enjoy traditional dishes and learn from Indigenous chefs and storytellers.

Full Moon Smudges: Held under the light of the full moon, these gatherings create a sacred space for reflection, healing, and connection. Participants are guided through smudging ceremonies and teachings rooted in Indigenous spirituality.

Blanket Exercises: An interactive and powerful workshop that explores the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, fostering awareness, empathy, and understanding of the impacts of colonization.

Truth and Reconciliation March: A community-wide event that invites participants to walk together in solidarity, reflecting on the truth of Canada’s history and committing to reconciliation.

Indigenous-Led Workshops: From beading and traditional medicine to storytelling and teachings of the 7 Sacred Teachings, these workshops provide hands-on learning opportunities guided by Indigenous knowledge keepers.

These events, along with others like youth-focused programs and summer camps, embody 8th Fire’s mission to grow education, awareness, and allies within the community, paving the way for a peaceful and united future.