Dialogues for Promoting Indigenous Spirituality and Culture
Our Matriarchs
As the women’s empowerment movement continues to sweep the world, the negative effects of colonialist views of women brought by settlers to North America can still be felt by Indigenous women today. Many were stripped of their important cultural roles and left adrift and unsure of their place in the community.
Today, many continue to feel displaced and lack opportunities to learn about their cultural teachings, histories, and strengths, while simultaneously battling unique gender-based challenges such as violence and abuse. There is a need for education on what it means to be a young Indigenous woman through an Indigenous worldview as a pathway to healing, self-reflection, and empowerment.
The Stardale Project in Calgary supports Indigenous women as they navigate life between two worlds. They are an all-female organization with one clear purpose: fighting for gender equality and highlighting the traditional roles of Indigenous women and the roles they should play today. The project empowers them to share lived experiences, helping to build their resilience and foster reconciliation between genders and Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Through weekly talking circles guided by traditional stories and teachings, participants examine issues affecting Indigenous women and consider how they can create positive change within their communities. Circles conclude with public presentations from participants on what they have learned about themselves and the power of being an Indigenous woman.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is providing funding to help the project continue to reach vulnerable Indigenous women. Stardale has been transforming lives and challenging stereotypes of Indigenous women for nearly three decades. The IRF is proud to help ensure this organization can continue to fill an important gap in services by creating safe spaces where young women can reclaim their voices, strengthen their cultural identity, and become leaders in their families and communities.
Diocese of Calgary
