As the Corner Brook Status of Women’s Council celebrate their 50^th anniversary this week, we’d like to sincerely thank them and celebrate the incredible impact of their organization, and the many other organizations in our community that work to support those in need.

Women’s organizations play an essential role in addressing issues faced by Indigenous and non-Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people. These organizations are often underfunded and driven by volunteers. They focus on advocating and elevating women and contribute to the over-all health of our communities.  Their tireless efforts have led to significant advancements in healthcare, education, economic empowerment, and social justice. This support helps us work toward ending gender-based violence and ending cycles of intergenerational trauma.

Statistically, Indigenous women experience disproportionately high rates of violence and exploitation because of systemic inequalities caused by colonialism. During times of crisis, women’s organizations are often among the first to respond, providing much-needed support and resources. Whether offering shelter to those in need, delivering essential services, or providing emotional support, these organizations demonstrate unwavering dedication and help people navigate challenges with empathy and compassion.

Organizations like the Native Women’s Association of Canada, the Assembly of First Nations Women’s Council, the Newfoundland Native Women’s Association, Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities, our Friendship Centers and other grassroots groups across our province work with government agencies to seek opportunities that elevate the lives of Indigenous people. Their work is vital in advocating for the safety and rights of Indigenous women, helping to bridge gaps in services, and fostering resilience within communities.

Our team at Qalipu First Nation is also proud to offer a variety of services through non-insured health benefits including medical supplies and equipment, vision care, dental, pharmacy, medical transportation and mental health services as well as assistance through various housing programs. To date, we have invested over $20 million to members across Canada for health care services, offsetting the cost of provincial health care while offering much needed support to our members.  Approximately $3 million has been delivered to our local band offices for medical transportation and mental health supports and approximately $1.6 million in housing support. QFN is committed to working with our community partners to expand on ways to reach those in need and collectively work toward safer stronger communities.

I encourage all of us to support and collaborate with these vital organizations. Their work not only benefits women but strengthens our entire community. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please consider contacting us or one of the community partners in your area. Together, we can continue to foster an environment where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.

Resources:

Qalipu First Nation:
Non-Insured Health Benefits Navigator – 709-679-5743
Mental Wellness Navigator – 709-679-2238

Native Women’s Association of Canada: https://nwac.ca/
Assembly of First Nations Women’s Council: https://afn.ca/about-us/councils/womens-council/
Newfoundland Native Women’s Association: www.nnwa.ca
Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network: https://www.nawn-nf.com/
Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities: https://www.facebook.com/eiwfsc.community

Friendship Centres:
Labrador Friendship Centre –  www.lfchvgb.ca
First Light – https://firstlightnl.ca/

Today marks the first day of the powwow trail here in our province, Ktaqmkuk, ‘land across the water’.

Powwow is not something most of our generations are able to remember as a Mi’kmaq tradition here on the island. As the first point of European contact, most of our language and traditions were lost before many other nations across the country lost theirs. It is regrettable that these traditions were broken, but we are truly fortunate to have rich oral history, and the kindness of other nations that have generously shared knowledge that is allowing us to revitalize our cultural practices.

Ceremonies and celebrations are an integral part of any culture, and mark wonderful opportunities to gather with our friends and families. We have visitors from other nations, drummers, dancers, and vendors who are all ready to celebrate and share. These times inspire talented artists and crafters, offer healing through ceremony, and are truly a celebration of the vibrancy and identity of Indigenous people.

Not all Indigenous people take part in ceremonies or cultural practices. This does not make them less Indigenous. Some of us had the good fortune of hearing our grandparents speak in their native language, and others received passed-down knowledge of the land, following traditional paths and trails, knowing which plants are medicine, and understanding how to take cues from our animals when bad weather is coming our way. Each of us can embrace our culture and practices in a way that is authentic to our experience and speaks to what we are comfortable with as individuals.

Our traditions are varied, and our teachings must be held close to our hearts and minds. Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are welcome to attend the many celebrations throughout the year. Sharing these experiences allows us a unique and beautiful opportunity to learn from one another and support the continued path toward reconciliation.

The subject of identity can be a very difficult one. As a result of colonization, many Indigenous people struggle with loss of language, ceremony and connection to their community.

We do our best to raise our youth with values rooted in respect; respect for ourselves and others. But as Indigenous people, many of have been victims of intergenerational trauma. Trauma caused by colonization, forced assimilation, and systemic discrimination has had a devastating effect on many Indigenous people, leading to extremely high rates of mental health issues, family violence and addictions.

The word resilient is used often in relation to Indigenous people. The Cambridge dictionary defines resilience as “the ability to be happy, successful, etc. again after something difficult or bad has happened”.  It is difficult to accept inherited trauma; to not become stuck in a state of frustration and hurt over things that we did not ask for or have no control over.

We can only control how we live our own lives. Time is so precious, we should do our best to make a positive impact, to leave behind something that we can be proud of.  If we decide to only look back, we will never go forward. There must be a healthy balance between the past and present. Learning from our history paves a way for a better future.

Social media continues to be a place of information sharing which is valuable, but it can also foster conversations that breed hate and disrespect. Ultimately, we have a choice: we can engage and tear one another down, or we can break the cycle by scrolling past things that seek to hurt others. There is so much power in rising above. We can exercise empathy, knowing that hurt people will often hurt other people and when we feed these negative conversations, we are holding each other back from healing, because quite often, hate has more to do with things we cannot see.  We can be strong knowing that we can control our reactions to the actions of others. The best way to silence hate is not to feed it.

We can be described using a variety of words: resilient is one, but there are so many other beautiful words to describe who we are. Indigenous people are more than our trauma, more than our biggest mistakes, more than the effects of colonialism. Being kind to ourselves and to others requires far less energy than hate and it results in progress.  There is room for hurt and pain as we are human, and life comes with struggles and hardship but if we support one another; we can break cycles of trauma and restore pride in who we are. There is no harm to be done by smiling, you may even make someone’s day brighter.

If you or someone you know is suffering from mental health issues, please remember there are resources available to you including:

If in Danger: Call 911
Emergency line 24/7 referral service: Call 211
Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Line 24/7: Call 811
Mental Health & Addictions Triage: Call 1-844-353-3330
Mental Heal & Addictions System Navigator: Call 1-877-999-7589
Doorways/Bridge The Gap ages 12 & up: Call 709-752-4903 or online @ bridgethegapp.ca
Provincial Lifewise Warmline 10am-12am 7 days/week: Call 1-855-753-2560
Crisis Text Line for Youth: Text “ Talk” or “wellness” to 686868
Crisis Text Line for Adults: Text “Talk” or Wellness” to 741741
Sexual Assault Crisis Line: Call 1-800-726-2743
Talk Suicide Canada 24/7: Call 1-833-456-4566
NNADP National Native Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program: Call 902-742-4337
First Nations & Inuit Hope For Wellness: Call 1-855-242-3310
2SLGBTQIA + Warmline Mon-Fri 1pm-6pm & 6pm-12am. Sat-Sun 6pm-12am: Call or text: 1-866-230-8041
Mental Wellness Navigator Qalipu First Nation: Call 709-679-2238

Today marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, now recognized as National Indigenous Peoples Day. In 1996, Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, proclaimed June 21 as National Aboriginal Day. This designation was the result of extensive consultations and support from various Indigenous groups. On June 21, 2017, the Prime Minister announced the intention to rename this day to National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Designated days like NIPD serve to remind us of our history and to celebrate our present. For many, this day will be observed differently. Some may participate in ceremonies or community events, while others may take a moment to reflect on its significance. The goal is to raise awareness and encourage education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people; the more we know about our past, the brighter our futures can be. By learning from each other’s diverse backgrounds and experiences, we become better neighbors and more compassionate individuals.

This month, members of council and staff have been engaged with community groups and youth to share and participate in learning opportunities.  It is wonderful to see how excited and eager our young people are to learn, and we are so grateful to our educators and knowledge keepers for supporting them.

We are surrounded with writers, artists and entrepreneurs, folks that are telling our stories and creating economic growth.  We have so much to celebrate and be proud of.

To celebrate NIPD, numerous events will take place all around us, starting with sunrise ceremonies and continuing with food, local crafts, and family gatherings throughout the day. May you be inspired and curious; take time to have conversations with each other.  When we respectfully listen and share, we grow stronger for brighter tomorrow.