Aboriginal peoples in Canada have been subjected to policies (both colonial and Canadian) designed to physically remove them from their traditional territories and cognitively alter their perceptions of their own cultures, languages, and traditions. Much of this cognitive policy was carried out in Canada under the auspices of residential schools where Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their homes and placed in schools that were jointly operated by the government and various churches. Over the course of their childhood, students at these schools, lost their identity as Aboriginal peoples and were not able to wholly function as adults upon leaving these schools.

Residential schools and their impacts have been well documented in academia and in the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples released in 1999. Out of RCAP came the Statement of Reconciliation on the part of the Canadian government and the establishment of the Aboriginal Healing Fund, to deal with the multigenerational legacy of these schools. While serving an important need, the AHF did not reach all Aboriginal peoples who suffered as a result of residential schools and Canadian Indian Policy. Nor did the funds benefit all the children and grandchildren of people who were placed in residential schools. Lastly, since AHF was a temporary measure it has already run out and many programs and services that were benefiting from AHF have had to look elsewhere for funding or close altogether from a lack of financial support. This is especially the case since the replacement foundation; Legacy of Hope has not been implemented.

As a result of Canadian Indian Policy, many Aboriginal peoples remain cognitively colonized without full benefit of a cultural identity to guide their lives. Cultural identity is important for the development of self esteem and self worth. Without self worth, Aboriginal peoples, particularly youths, are more susceptible to alcoholism and substance abuse, violence, gangs, some of which can lead to incorporation in the criminal justice system and incarceration. Lack of self worth can also lead to self inflicted harm and ultimately to suicide.

Substantial research has shown that the solution too many of these issues is the restoration of Aboriginal languages, cultures, and traditions. The Maori for instance, in New Zealand, have implemented full restoration of language, culture, and traditions through a variety of mechanisms that include language nests beginning at birth, curriculum taught in Maori language in all schools, and the establishment of cultural centres that provide programs and services to Maori people.

The cultural heritage centre to be built for members of Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and off-reserve Aboriginal peoples will follow the Maori model by providing programs and services that work to restore cultural identity to Algonquin people through the use of Anishinaabe (Algonquin) language and cultural traditions that were stripped away from the community and regional off-reserve Algonquin people through Canadian Indian policy. Language, culture, and traditions will be integrated into all appropriate programs and services that will be offered at the community centre. Through this process, Ardoch Algonquin community members and off-reserve Aboriginal peoples will regain cultural identity which will foster positive self esteem and ultimately lead to the development of strong leadership skills that will benefit Aboriginal communities and Canada at large.

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