Canadian culture is more than hockey, maple syrup, toonies, and phrases like ‘eh’. We’re a country with a cultural mosaic—a mix of ethnic groups, languages, and cultures that coexist. In the 2001 Census, Canadians listed more than 200 ethnic groups in answering the question on ethnic ancestry. Ranch Ehrlo Society acknowledges and honours cultural diversity among its staff and clients. Activities are designed and implemented to educate and celebrate our cultural differences and similarities. Our staff are provided with Aboriginal Awareness training, intended to encourage participants to explore Canada’s rich Aboriginal history. Aboriginal cultural resources are also provided, giving staff a tool to use for planning and implementing cultural components into their programming. In 2013/14, 57 per cent of our discharged residents were First Nation from across Canada, and so we try to achieve a balance of incorporating traditional Aboriginal values and teachings with the contemporary policies and procedures of the Ranch. Our residents also explore other cultural teachings and practices through activities, academics, and programming. Childhood is when we first become aware of our differences and start to form opinions about these differences. Awareness, world view, and cultural understanding can impact a youth’s wellbeing, learning, and relationships throughout life. At the Ranch, we expose our youth to different cultures because their ideas about differences – about diversity, are influenced by what they see and hear. Our respect for culture is spelled out in our Resident Handbook:

“You are encouraged to keep the customs, beliefs, and practices that make up your culture. The Ranch celebrates the culture of all residents of all races, creed, colour, gender or sexual orientation. This includes religious and spiritual beliefs.”

The youth at Ranch Ehrlo are able to participate in church or spiritual communities (with parental permission) and staff provide supervision and transportation to and from the church, reserve, or place of worship. Youth have the option to join or participate in talking circles, Cree language instruction, sweat ceremonies, pipe ceremonies, sweet grass ceremonies, or Aboriginal arts and crafts. Youth come to Ranch Ehrlo for treatment; they come to discover who they are and celebrate what makes them different and what makes them unique.