The Healing Forest Foundation

Empowering Indigenous Excellence through
Wellness, Culture, and Sustainability —
Your Support Fuels Our Mission.

Advancing Education and Research for Indigenous Health and Wellbeing

“You can’t take a sick tree out of a sick forest, nurse it back to health, and then return it to the same forest and expect it to stay well. The whole forest must heal for the tree to remain healthy.

In our communities, individual healing only lasts when the entire community, the ‘forest’, comes together to heal. That’s the spirit of the Healing Forest: we heal together, not alone.”

- Inspired by Wellbriety teachings

A woman with long curly hair stands with hands on their head, overlooking a scenic view of a lush green forest and misty mountains under a blue sky. The foreground is dotted with autumn foliage and a fallen tree.

Our Mandate

Nisla Kiidaay – The Healing Forest Foundation advances education by researching innovative and excellent approaches to health care delivery in Canada and sharing those research findings with the public. Our work is rooted in partnership with Indigenous communities and guided by their knowledge, needs, and aspirations.

A person is climbing a tree, surrounded by a lush forest.

Advancing Education and Research for Indigenous Health and Well-being

Our Mission

We add to Indigenous communities' preexisting strength by supporting research and education that foster long-term health, resilience, and independence. Through evidence-based inquiry and knowledge sharing, we help build wellness pathways that honour innovation and tradition.

A young man is kneeling in a field, wearing a camouflage jacket and holding a long gun, surrounded by tall grass and trees in a wooded area.

Our Approach

Research and Education
We investigate culturally relevant, community-led approaches to health care and deliver educational programs based on our findings. Our work includes workshops, training, and public dissemination of research outcomes.
Community-Based Research Spaces
We develop and renovate wellness hubs and existing buildings as research and education spaces. These hubs are sites for studying how community-driven initiatives, cultural practices, and resilience-building activities contribute to improved health outcomes.
Community Consultation
All research projects are designed closely with Indigenous communities, ensuring that our education and research activities reflect community priorities and voices.

A majestic stag with large antlers stands in a misty field at sunrise. The silhouette of trees is visible in the background, and the light casts a warm glow on the scene.

Energy Sovereignty and Community Health

Energy sovereignty - the ability of communities to control, produce, and manage their own energy systems using sustainable and renewable resources - is an emerging area of research with significant health implications for Indigenous communities.

Our Work

At Nisla Kiidaay – The Healing Forest Foundation, we conduct and disseminate research on the intersection of energy sovereignty and health, with a focus on:

Researching the Health Impacts of Energy Initiatives

We study how access to clean, reliable, and community-managed energy sources affects Indigenous peoples' physical and mental health. This includes examining improvements in household air quality, reductions in respiratory illness, and increased community well-being.

Exploring Connections to Food Security and Wellness

Our research investigates how reliable local energy enables better food storage, preparation, and preservation of traditional foods; directly supporting food sovereignty and healthier diets.

Documenting Community Experiences and Best Practices

We collaborate with communities that have adopted renewable energy projects—such as solar, wind, biomass, or micro-hydro systems - to document their experiences, challenges, and successes. We then share this knowledge through workshops, publications, and educational forums.

Assessing Socioeconomic Benefits

Research shows that energy sovereignty initiatives can contribute to community resilience by creating local employment, reducing energy costs, and supporting other wellness infrastructure (such as clinics, schools, and wellness hubs).

Education and Capacity Building

We develop and deliver educational programs that raise awareness about the health, environmental, and economic benefits of local energy projects. These programs support community members, leaders, and youth in understanding and leading future initiatives.

Key Benefits Identified in Our Research

Improved community health outcomes through reduced reliance on polluting fuels utilizing pre-existing systems.
Enhanced ability to store and prepare healthy foods, supporting nutrition and chronic disease prevention.
Increased community resilience and independence, contributing to self-determination and long-term well-being.
Strengthened intergenerational knowledge transfer, as youth and elders work together on energy and environmental projects.

Our Commitment

Through rigorous, community-guided research and public education, Nisla Kiidaay – The Healing Forest Foundation aims to:

Generate evidence that informs policy and practice regarding Indigenous-led energy projects.

Help communities make informed decisions about energy investments that serve their health and cultural priorities.

Share success stories and challenges to inspire and inform other Indigenous nations across Canada.

Food Sovereignty and Health Research

Food sovereignty—the right of communities to define their own food systems, prioritize traditional foods, and control how food is produced and shared—is foundational to Indigenous well-being.

Our Research Focus

At Nisla Kiidaay – The Healing Forest Foundation, we prioritize research and education on the critical links between food sovereignty, nutrition, and community health. Our work includes:

Studying Traditional Diets and Chronic Disease Prevention

We research how reclaiming and revitalizing traditional Indigenous diets can help prevent and manage chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Compared to processed and store-bought foods, our studies examine the health impacts of traditional foods, including wild game, fish, berries, and harvested plants.

Investigating Community-Led Food Initiatives

We document and evaluate the outcomes of Indigenous-led programs such as community gardens, traditional harvesting camps, food preservation workshops, and school-based food education. Our research explores how these initiatives support physical health, cultural continuity, and intergenerational learning.

Assessing Barriers and Opportunities

Our research identifies barriers to food sovereignty, including land access, climate change, and policy constraints, while highlighting community-driven solutions and best practices that promote food security and health equity.

Sharing Knowledge and Building Capacity

We develop educational materials, host workshops, and create opportunities for communities to share research findings, success stories, and lessons learned around food sovereignty and health. This knowledge exchange supports other Indigenous nations and informs policy-makers, educators, and health leaders.

Key Findings and Benefits

Diabetes Prevention and Management

Research shows that access to traditional foods and food systems is linked to lower rates of diabetes and better overall metabolic health. Traditional foods are often lower in sugar and unhealthy fats, and higher in essential nutrients.

Holistic Health and Well-being

Food sovereignty initiatives benefit not only physical health, but also mental, emotional, and cultural well-being. Preparing and sharing traditional foods strengthens cultural identity, supports healing from intergenerational trauma, and fosters community connection.

Community Resilience and Self-Determination

By controlling their food systems, communities build resilience to external shocks (such as supply chain disruptions or climate events) and assert greater independence over their health and wellness.

Our Commitment

Through evidence-based research and culturally relevant education, Nisla Kiidaay – The Healing Forest Foundation is committed to:

Documenting and sharing the health benefits of traditional diets and food sovereignty.

Supporting communities to design, implement, and evaluate food sovereignty initiatives.

Working alongside Elders, youth, knowledge keepers, and healthcare professionals to ensure research is respectful, collaborative, and impactful.

Informing policy and practice so all Indigenous communities can access healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food.

Focus on Food Sovereignty & Diabetes Research

Traditional food systems are central to Indigenous health and cultural resilience. Our research and education activities include:

Studying the health impacts of eating more traditional diets, including their role in preventing and managing diabetes and other chronic illnesses.
Evaluating how food sovereignty, community control over food systems, enhances physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Supporting community-led educational programs on traditional harvesting, gardening, and preparation of Indigenous foods.
Collaborating with healthcare professionals and knowledge keepers to share research findings widely, promoting evidence-based policy and practice that benefit Indigenous communities.

Key Benefits Identified in Our Research:

Increased access to traditional foods lowers rates of diabetes and other chronic illnesses.
Food sovereignty initiatives build community resilience and independence.
Traditional diets support cultural revitalization, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and holistic wellness.

Our Core Programs

1. Community Wellness & Support Research

We conduct research to understand Indigenous individuals' and families' physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being. Our work focuses on:

Investigating Community-Led Wellness Models:
Studying the effectiveness of culturally grounded approaches such as Wellbriety Circles, traditional healing ceremonies, land-based activities, and peer support groups.
Addressing Intergenerational Wellness:
Researching the unique needs of youth, elders, and families, and how community support structures contribute to healing from trauma and fostering resilience.
Disseminating Knowledge:
Sharing research findings through workshops, educational materials, and public forums to support the adoption of effective wellness models in other communities.

2. Research & Education Initiatives

Our foundation designs education and training programs rooted in research and evidence, aimed at Indigenous communities and broader public audiences. We focus on:

Healthcare Innovation and Excellence:
Researching best practices and emerging models in Indigenous health care, including integrating traditional knowledge with Western medicine.
Workshops and Professional Training:
Offering educational workshops and resources for healthcare professionals, community leaders, and youth, covering topics such as trauma-informed care, mental health, and the impact of land stewardship on well-being.
Knowledge Mobilization:
Publishing reports, guides, and multimedia resources ensures research findings reach decision-makers, practitioners, and the public.

3. Cultural Knowledge Transmission & Mentorship

We recognize that cultural continuity and intergenerational learning are vital for health and resilience. Our programs support:

Mentorship Programs:
Pairing youth with Elders and knowledge keepers to facilitate the transfer of language, traditional practices, and cultural values.
Research on Cultural Revitalization:
Studying how cultural workshops, arts and crafts, storytelling, and language revitalization efforts impact individual and community health.
Educational Events:
Organizing and evaluating the impact of seasonal ceremonies, cultural camps, and arts initiatives as part of our broader research and public education mandate.

4. Sustainable Development & Infrastructure Research

We investigate how built environments and access to infrastructure affect health outcomes and community resilience. Our work includes:

Wellness Hub Research & Renovation Projects:
Collaborating with communities to develop, renovate, and study multi-purpose wellness hubs as sites for research, education, and health promotion.
Community-Led Trades Training:
Researching the impact of trades and apprenticeship programs on economic empowerment, skill development, and local capacity.
Sustainable Design and Energy Systems:
Studying how traditional design principles and renewable energy systems contribute to healthier, more sustainable communities.

5. Food Sovereignty & Health Research

We conduct research on the relationships between food systems, traditional diets, and chronic disease prevention, with a focus on:

Studying Traditional Diets and Chronic Disease:
Investigating the health benefits of traditional foods and food sovereignty initiatives, particularly their impact on diabetes and other chronic illnesses.
Community-Led Food Initiatives:
Evaluating the outcomes of Indigenous gardening, harvesting, and food education projects.
Knowledge Sharing:
Producing educational materials and hosting workshops to disseminate research findings and support policy development for healthier, more resilient food systems.

6. Energy Sovereignty & Community Health Research

We explore how access to local, renewable energy systems affects health, resilience, and independence. Our work encompasses:

Community Energy Projects:
Researching the health, environmental, and socioeconomic impacts of solar, wind, biomass, and other renewable energy initiatives.
Capacity Building & Education:
Providing education and training on energy literacy, project management, and the connections between energy sovereignty and wellness.
Sharing Best Practices:
Documenting and sharing community experiences to inform other Indigenous nations and support policy change.

All programs are designed and delivered in partnership with Indigenous communities, ensuring that research priorities and educational activities reflect community needs, traditions, and aspirations. Our commitment is to generate knowledge, build capacity, and advance public understanding in ways that support long-term wellness and cultural revitalization.

Our Impact

Nisla Kiidaay – The Healing Forest Foundation is committed to building a strong and lasting impact through research, education, and community partnership. Our vision for the future includes:

Establishing Community Research and Education Hubs

We aim to develop and renovate welcoming spaces across Indigenous communities where research can be conducted, educational programs can be delivered, and knowledge can be shared.

Advancing Knowledge in Indigenous Health and Wellness

By conducting and disseminating food sovereignty, energy sovereignty, and culturally relevant health care research, we strive to contribute to the growing body of knowledge that benefits Indigenous peoples and the wider public.

Supporting Community-Led Innovation

We aim to work alongside communities to design, implement, and study initiatives that foster resilience, independence, and holistic well-being, guided by traditional knowledge and evidence-based practices.

Promoting Diabetes Prevention and Chronic Disease Management

Through our research on traditional diets and food systems, we hope to identify effective strategies for reducing rates of diabetes and other chronic illnesses in Indigenous communities.

Documenting and Sharing Best Practices

We plan to publish research findings, create accessible educational resources, and host workshops and forums to ensure our learnings are shared widely and support positive change across Canada and internationally.

Building Capacity for Sustainable Development

By researching and supporting sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy projects, we aim to empower communities with new knowledge, skills, and opportunities for self-determination.

Fostering Cultural Revitalization

We are committed to supporting the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages, traditions, and cultural practices as essential elements of health and healing.

With each step, our foundation will measure, share, and celebrate the progress made, helping to inspire new partnerships and further innovation in Indigenous health and wellness across Canada and internationally.

Our Leadership

Cristina Armstrong – President (Sc'ianew Nation)
Tejas Collison – Vice-President (Haida Nation)
Rogi Young – Secretary (Wetʼsuwetʼen Nation)
Ida James – Youth Engagement Officer (Penelakut Nation)

Join Us

Support our research and education initiatives that advance innovation, resilience, and excellence in Indigenous health. Your involvement helps us build stronger, healthier communities rooted in tradition and knowledge.

Donate

Thank you for your support!

Every dollar makes a difference.

All donations are eligible for 100% tax credit as a charitable gift.

Thank you for supporting Indigenous wellness, cultural preservation, and sustainability. Your generosity changes lives.

Together, We Are Growing a Healing Forest.

For other donation inquiries please contact:

[email protected]

Contact Us

Nisla Kiidaay – The Healing Forest Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 250-889-7280

The Healing Forest Foundation

Our Mandate

Our Mission

Our Approach

Energy Sovereignty and Community Health

Food Sovereignty and Health Research

Focus on Food Sovereignty & Diabetes Research

Our Core Programs

1. Community Wellness & Support Research

2. Research & Education Initiatives

3. Cultural Knowledge Transmission & Mentorship

4. Sustainable Development & Infrastructure Research

5. Food Sovereignty & Health Research

6. Energy Sovereignty & Community Health Research

Our Impact

Our Leadership

Join Us

Thank you for your support!

Contact Us

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