An Indigenous organization that offers youth and family resources has announced it will shut down two of its programs and upcoming community events in December due to funding cuts. A statement from Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society on social media earlier this week said the non-profit was entering a “difficult period of change,” as contracts for its Kahkiyaw and Sacred Circle programs end in 2026. “We want to be clear on this: we submitted a proposal during a request for proposal process and we were not successful,” the post said. “This is a reality all non-profits face when they apply for funding. Our non-profit sector is filled with great organizations doing impactful work, and not all of them will receive the funding they apply for.” The cuts are expected to impact more than 330 families who were accessing Bent Arrow services. Some community events, including The Great Pumpkin Event, Community Christmas Party, and Round Dance are also paused. “We know these events have become something our community looks forward to and pausing them is not a decision we make lightly.” The Alberta government told CTV News Edmonton that changes to Bent Arrow’s funding are “connected to a competitive procurement process that launched in April 2026, which provided service proponents with an opportunity to bid on services in the Edmonton area.” “While some services may be delivered by different providers, overall funding for family intervention services, and the level of Indigenous-led service remain unchanged. Families can expect the same high-quality supports that promote safety, well-being, and positive outcomes,” Samuel Basden, the press secretary for the province’s children and family services, said. Bent Arrow was unavailable for interview or comment on the service cuts beyond its statement, but will host an open house Wednesday for affected families.
