HEALING AND RECONCILIATION FOR COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES
From Grandmothers to Daughters, Aunties to Nieces, Mentors to Youth
There is an urgent need to create safe and sacred spaces where young Indigenous women and girls can reconnect with their cultural identity, spiritual practices, and traditional roles.
As the most vulnerable individuals in an already high-risk ethno-group, many of these youth have become disconnected from their communities.
The lasting impacts of colonization, residential schools, and systemic disconnection from land and ceremony, have led to ostracization, isolation and ongoing threats of violence for this group.
To ensure Indigenous women and girls have access to Elders and Knowledge Keepers, the non-profit Wapna’kikewi’skwaq, Women of First Light, is developing the Young Indigenous Women’s Spiritual Gathering. Through sharing circles, group meals, storytelling, and ceremony, the program will provide access to teachings on traditional medicines, language, moon cycles, and women’s roles within Indigenous communities. This year-long intergenerational program will consist of four seasonal gatherings rooted in traditional knowledge. Taking place within the Indigenous communities in Millbrook, Nova Scotia and Esgenoopetitj, New Brunswick, the gatherings will ensure participants understand that Indigenous strength comes from relationships across generations, from grandmothers to daughters, aunties to nieces, mentors to youth.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is contributing funding for two of the four seasonal gatherings. The initial gathering will test the waters and take place online during the winter months to ensure accessibility and safety. The second gathering will be held in-person in the spring. By investing in spiritual and cultural mentorship for young Indigenous women and girls, the IRF is supporting healing, cultural revitalization, and the long-term wellbeing of Indigenous Nations for generations to come.
Diocese of Saint John
