HEALING AND RECONCILIATION FOR COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES
A Calm Oasis
Indigenous women have always played the vital cultural role as caregivers, leaders, knowledge keepers, and supports for their families and communities.
But these traditional roles have become warped by colonialist viewpoints and intergenerational trauma.
Many Indigenous women have become disconnected from their culture, leaving them unsupported, with limited opportunities to focus on their own healing.
To help Indigenous women return to their roots, an Indigenous-led healing site is being created to serve as a foundation for wellness. This culturally grounded retreat is being designed to honour the role of Indigenous women and highlight its beauty, importance and vitality in Indigenous culture. Away from the pressures of daily life, participants will journey to a safe, calm environment to participate in sharing circles, cultural activities, ceremony, and join land-based wellness experiences. The retreat will serve women who are navigating difficult life circumstances, for whom healing and connection at this moment would be especially valuable. This program will support reconciliation through the principle of Two-Eyed Seeing, which bridges Indigenous and western perspectives.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is proud to contribute funding to help remove barriers for Indigenous women. The IRF’s support will ensure travel expenses, childcare, per diems, and essential personal items are all covered for those seeking to attend the retreat. Indigenous women should only focus on their wellbeing and not feel constricted by financial barriers. With this funding, they can fully participate in a culturally safe healing experience while bringing renewed knowledge and resilience back to their families and communities.
Archdiocese of Vancouver
