Part Two of the MMIWG report focuses on Confronting Oppression. Chapter 5, the first of four in this section, looks at Right to Culture. Culture is defined as the sum total of material and spiritual activities which distinguish a given social group, including their ways of life, language, history, literature, belief systems, ceremonies, environments, and … Continue reading “MMIWG ~ Chap 5: Right to Culture”
Section 1, pages 89 to 320, of Volume 1a is named Establishing a New Framework. Introductory reflections and summaries of the compelling first four chapters are posted in June and July blogs. They are: Centring Relationships to End Violence, Indigenous Recognitions of Power and Place, Emphasizing Accountability through Human Rights Tools, and Colonization as Gendered … Continue reading “Back to MMIWG Report – Encountering Oppression”
The above photo was taken by Quan Diep of Calgary and posted on the Red Dress Photography page October 20, 2019. Used with permission. Thank you. The election is finally over, for better or worse, and sexual exploitation remains an important non-partisan issue. I applaud the recent decision of Edmonton City Council to consider a … Continue reading “Be CLEAR – Body-rubs lead to increased exploitation”
On Thanksgiving weekend, I was honored to take part in a photo shoot sponsored by Shawna Serniak with Every Woman Empowered and photographer Heather Fryer with Visions of Heaphen. Also participating were April Eve Medicinespiritdancer with Stolen Sisters & Brothers Awareness Movement, Nana Lizotte, Shelley Houle, Orlean Chalifoux Lizotte, and many other supporters. Makeup by … Continue reading “Visions of Heaphen ~ Project Change”
Once again I joined many families to remember and honor our loved ones who are missing and murdered. The hall was full and posters adorned the wall. Several family members spoke, others drummed and sang and danced. October 4 was declared Sisters in Spirit Day in Alberta. Various politicians urged government to take concerns seriously, … Continue reading “Sisters in Spirit Remembered”
After a pleasant week of travel and visiting, I am grateful to be home and ready to settle into autumn activities. I am delighted that my website has a new look, thanks to Lynda my talented designer. The mountain roads of British Columbia and Alberta are magnificent although frightening at times. It is truly … Continue reading “September ~ Coming Home”
Hello again dear friends and readers, It’s been almost two months since I’ve taken time to post and I apologize for the delay. Where has the summer gone? A couple weeks July-August were spent visiting with family – a 50th wedding anniversary and a cousins’ reunion. I marvel at the solidarity and resilience of … Continue reading “September Musings ~ August in Review”
Decades ago (1975) A Course in Miracles was published by the Foundation for Inner Peace. It consists of 669 pages followed by a workbook of 360 lessons, the last being “Let all the world be blessed with peace through us.” I purchased the book at some time during my life journey and although never completing it, I … Continue reading “MMIWG Chap 4 ~ Colonization as Gendered Oppression”
Sorry for my delay in posting. Chapter 3 was a relatively easy read. It starts with a reminder that Indigenous stories lay out principles of respect, reciprocity and interconnectedness. These themes keep repeating for good measure, lest we forget. Human rights abuses are manifest in the lack of services and lack of protections afforded Indigenous … Continue reading “MMIWG ~ Chap 3: Emphasizing Accountability through Human Rights Tools”
My reflections continue with Chapter 2. I was struck by the idea that the value of our women is demonstrated by the profound impact of their absence. Women are the hearts of our communities and their gifts are crucial to community wellness. We who have lost loved ones carry their voices forward so that … Continue reading “MMIWG Report ~ Chap 2: Indigenous Recognition of Power & Place”
