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Activities and conferences

In the past, I have given conferences and I figured it would be better if I started walking across the country because there are major centers along the way where I could expose the situations that I had seen and experienced first-hand.

This is a Canadian concern, not just an Inuit one. I have met with some First Nations Members and some women who tell me similar stories. This being 2016 and Prime Minister Trudeau's wanting to work Nation-to-Nation, it is no doubt the work of all Canadians to reach out and do a little decolonizing.

On June 25th, 2017, after entering Manitoba, I had covered 4095 kilometers.


No Child Should Take the Long Way Home is an action to give a VOICE to the Inuit children who are so far away and isolated that they are not entitled to speak out their needs.

Petition to empower the mothers and to reduce placements of the children

Like all that matters, we have to make the connections with what we can all do to help. This petition I carry with me is to be given to PM Justin Trudeau in the hopes of restoring dignity to the Inuit mothers but also to ensure the rights of the children to stable families and harmonious communities. Policies and practices that reflect longstanding and deeply embedded mother-blaming culture and father invisibility ideologies which shape child protection systems have to be updated.



It is clear that we can no longer wait for the government and its institutions to solve problems related to the overrepresented Indigenous children who are wards of DYP. There is also a lot of invisible homelessness: mostly women who leave an abusive partner with their children. Its most vulnerable members still lack access to the level of security that many of us take for granted.

The communication plan

One of the most important aspects of a project is the communication plan. Although a plan can be changed, it is important to develop different scenarios for a successful mix of resources and strategies to keep the project on track. Such a project requires the input of many people. So I try to convey the 'shape' of the project to the people I meet, I also try to identify the values it will need to produce results as well as evaluate the constraints, dependencies, and risks.

Conferences

Amnesty Int’l is an organization that works for the defense of human rights worldwide. The group 102 of Amnesty International invited me at their May 20th, 2015 meeting at St Francis Church in St Lambert for a conference on the reality of Inuit women. They have also extended an invitation for me to participate in any activity that has to do with MMIW each year. I have said I will be back for October 4th of every year even while on the 8000-kilometer trek.

With regard to their commitment towards women who have been murdered or have disappeared, my conference was titled “Being a woman in Nunavik, a story of endurance” and offered a portrait of their living conditions and therefore, their vulnerability. Lack of housing and economic insecurity exposes women and children to violence contributing to exclusion and the preconditions of victimization. Invisible victims make a compelling case for society to provide a basic level of security for this population.

To stop the violence against women, there must be strategies that take into account the reality of the Nunavik-the isolation, the poverty, the discrimination and racism toward the Inuit people. Their choice of self-governing must be a part of their solutions. They must, as a people, address those questions relative to the violence that is afflicting women and children in their communities.

Following the conference in the group 102 of Amnesty International coordinated by Gilles Rivet, the group accepted to support me with their logo on my blog.

CSSS-Valcourt

The conference took place in the locals used by the women who knit. The group is called The Bécassines. Thirteen women and one man who does not knit listened intently to my rendition of the Inuit reality. Questions fused. At the end of the meeting, a participant proposed a project to raise funds. The knitters will knit scarves and mitts for the project. I’m thrilled.

L’Ondatra Road

It was an informal meeting, a conference more to talk about the realization of the project with people who are community leaders. The seven participants offered a variety of suggestions to pursue the project. My passion for my subject is tempered by the more pragmatic and practical aspects of the project. It is a good exercise to prepare for the questions media will ask me in the near future.

2017

March 8th 2017-Conference at the Women Centre of Saint-Laurent on Women's Day.


April 16th, 2017-Presentation to an assembly at Dodge Cove, BC at a community picnic.


April 26th, 2017- Presentation to a spontaneous audience at Stony Plain Library.


May 10th, 2017-Meeting with Nadette Agecoutay and with individuals of the Red Deer Friendship Centre.


May 27th, 2017-Conference at an assembly of Franco-Albertan Women's Club. 


May 27th, 2017- Presentation at an assembly of women for the elaboration of cooked meals.

June 2nd, 2017-Participation at Round Dance of Blackfoot people in Lethbridge. Their contribution is foodstuff galore.

June 8th, 2017Presentation to a group of 4 persons and walk with them for the project No Child Should Take the Long Way Home.

June 9th, 2017-Presentation to a group of volunteers of Prairie Gleaners in Medicine Hat. A half-day meeting with director and doing some voluntering with the Gleaners and Monika G.


June 10th, 2017- Thanks to Jeannette Hansen and her staff at Miywasin Friendship Center, I am offered the opportunity to do a presentation to many individuals at an Indigenous musical event taking place at Eagle's Nest Ranch, Medicine Hat (at event The Hills are Alive) to invite people to sign the petition addressed to Prime Minister Trudeau.


June 12th, 2017-Presentation to a spontaneous audience at Swift Current Library-7 women are present. 


June 14th, 2017- Presentation in a family setting in Shawnavon, Saskatchewan.

June 16th, 2017- Consultation with Mrs. Betty MacDougall on the subject of Dorie's House in Swift Current.


June 21st, 2017-Conference at the Assembly of First Nations' Day to invite people to sign the petition addressed to Prime Minister Trudeau. 


July 9th, 2017- As part of a fundraiser for the Villa Pierrot in Magog, I took part in a 3h sailing trip with other volunteers and participants on the majestic Lake Memphremagog from  Lestage beach. 


2016

Mayors are on the forefront of everything that happens in their communities. With the new message sent by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the opportunities to work in collaboration with Indigenous First Nations has risen to an all-time high. Power resides in communities but also in shared experiences.

In January 2016, I've assured the support of the Saturviit organization.

In February 2016, plans are made to evaluate one population's needs and existing resources. Funding is the major issue. Aura Freedom International and I are working on this aspect.

In March 2016, a conference at the Centre des femmes de Saint-Laurent leads to a press release and participation in an activity on Woman's Day.

In April 2016, the conference at Café Rico signals my departure by car toward Prince Rupert where I will start my 8000-kilometer walk.

In April 2016, it is the beginning of my cross-country trek across Canada. The walk starts here on April 9th. April 12th, 2016, the employees of the Prince Rupert Library sign the petition addressed to Prime Minister Trudeau.

April 14th, 2016, I meet Jeannie Leighton of the Friendship Center Society.

April 18th, 2016, a family of Vanderhoof invites me for an informal information session about my project. I also visit Fort Fraser and Prince George.

On April 22nd, 2016, meeting at the Friendship Society Center of Williams Lake for the team to sign the petition. I leave a petition at the Denisiqi Services Society.

An article in written and published in the Williams Lake Tribune by reporter Monica Lamb-Yorski.

In April 2016, I explore the reserve and the cultural center Lil'Wat in Whistler. The hereditary Chief, Ian Campbell of the Squamish Nations assures that the goal is to preserve and revitalize the traditions of his culture. I compare how the native and non-native live in Squamish.

April 23rd, 2016 I celebrate Earthday at the Lilloett Friendship Center Society. I share my project and the reason for it, 81 persons sign the petition I carry with me. The next day at mass, at an Anglican service, 27 other people sign the petition.

April 29th, 2016, I am in Victoria for my official launching for the 8000-kilometer walk. Friends from Courtenay and Port Alberni signal my departure after I have met with Mayor Lisa Helps and after meeting Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, a strong BC advocate for the children.

On April 30th, 2016, I meet several persons I knew when I lived in Chemainus. It is an occasion to tell everyone about my project. There is ample support.

May 2016, it is my orientation on the Island of Vancouver. I'm also learning what works to get to talk to people.

June 2016, I am invited to share a meal and a meeting with the tribes at Ts'i'ts'uwatul' Lelum Elders' House to tell the participants at an arts' activity about the reality of Inuit women.

June 25th, 2016-Participation in an Aboriginal Women's Forum as a guest speaker...on Racism and Justice and Reconciliation...

June 28th, 2016- Meeting with Grant and Candace of Canmore. They will be driving behind me in a caravan as soon as I get to Alberta. Grant volunteered as long as he could bring his wife and a shepherd dog.

July 21, 2016-Conversation with Bishop Logan McManamie in regard to the plight of mothers in Inuit land. He forwarded the names of church dioceses I should contact.

August 3rd, 2016-Interview with Marie Villeneuve- follow-up on Phare Ouest on the subject of my 8000 kilometer-trek. Have done 1377 km. at that point.

August 3rd, 2016-Meeting with Kystie Singh at SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGE in Surrey. Nice to see it at work.

August 4th, 2016-Meeting with executive director Linda Day of Aboriginal Women Center Society. Very nice spacey and most useful work.

August 6th,2016- Friendship Center Society. Meeting Mrs. Susan Tatoosh is a most welcomed event.

August 8th, 2016-Meeting Andrea Reimer at City Hall. Andrea Reimer of Gregor Robertson's team is responsible for Reconciliation with Aboriginal Peoples: This important initiative engages citizens of all backgrounds in meaningful dialogue to address past injustice to Aboriginal Peoples and pathways to a future which supports the rights and aspirations of Aboriginal Peoples living in Vancouver – the unceded traditional territory of the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil Waututh Nations.

August 10th, 2016-Meeting with MLA of BC, Melanie Mark (Melanie Mark is a Canadian politician, the first First Nation woman elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia; she is a British Columbia New Democratic Party MLA representative for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant). Her acknowledgment that the work with children is a Canadian issue is important for my project No Child Should Take the Long Way Home.

August 10th, 2016-Meeting with Mark Gifford of Foundation Vancouver (Fostering Change: Shared Leadership Required For Youth From Foster Care)

August 13th, 2016-Assembly around a painting project at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology.

August 15th, 2016-Meeting with Mayor Sharon Gaetz of Chilliwack. She makes meetings possible with First Nations on this territory.

August 23rd, 2016-Meeting with a number of residents at Ruth and Naomi's Mission in Chilliwack.

September 8th, 2016-Met with Mayor Henry Braun for a conversation about collaboration between his town council and the Nations occupying the Abbottsford territory. His angle is on reducing homelessness and promoting goodwill.

September 26th, 2016-A meeting with stand-in mayor of Kamloops, Tina Lange, brings the portion of BC walk to its logical end. Our discussion is around alternative ways to serve laws. 

Octobre 16th, 2016-Annual family picnic (Notre Dame du Nord) to talk about reconciliation.

Novembre 16th, 2016-Dinner organized by friends to talk about the situation of Inuit mothers.

November 28th, 2016-Invitation to the Reading Club at the Memphremagog Library to talk about my journey and the issues I am walking for.


Meeting the mayors along the route

Summer is an excellent time for vacation. I'm all for it. Part of my project is to let people know about it. One way to get the wheels moving on this project is to let the mayors of many localities know about it so they can help me with visibility.

In June, 2015 I met with the mayor of my town, Magog: Vicki May Hamm, who gave me practical advice and was very encouraging with my project. She continues to post encouragement on my personal Facebook page.

In early July, 2015, Jacques Demers, mayor of Ste Catherine of Hatley, offered me a meeting room for conferences and wall space for a photos exhibit depicting the Inuit in their reality. My friend Chantal Lemay has volunteered her talents to frame the pictures that will be on for viewing.

My next two mayors, Dan Marchisella in Elliot Lake and Brian Bigger in Sudbury met with me on July 29th, 2015.  My first meeting early in the day was with Mayor Dan Marchisella. It was a meeting full of empathy about the experience I related. He was an excellent listener and graciously offered to promote the project, and he wanted to be informed about my progress as the project evolved.

My afternoon meeting with the mayor of Sudbury, Brian Bigger, started with a tour of the city which he generously offered. Tourism Sudbury was most gracious with their time and knowledge regarding the city. After, I met with the mayor and his dynamic staff as the mayor demonstrates a great openness to Aboriginal realities. Pictures were taken and the communications and media relation advisor tweeted some of the information I had given. I was left with a sense of accomplishment and work well done.

The North Bay Mayor Al MacDonald offers me an appointment on August 13, 2015.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson gives me an appointment on August 17th, 2015 informing me that 3300 Inuit live in Ottawa.

My book club, in the person of Véronique Richer, is informed of my plan to walk 8000 kilometers.

My close friends follow me on my blog. They recognize that behind the statistics there are people.

On September 28, 2015, the mayor of Earlton, Robert Ethier, invites me to his home toI talk
about my project. He shares information on initiatives linking Quebec to Ontario for projects to help indigenous in Abitibi-Temiskaming.

On October 16, 2015, the mayor of Rivière-du-Loup, Gaetan Gamache, receives me in his office and shares information on his knowledge of the reality of the people of the Far North.

On October 20th, 2015, the deputy of Orford, Pierre Reid, contributes 250 envelopes and stamps for my project.

On October 20th, 2015, the Women's Center of Magog supports my request to the effect that the active members of the Centre will follow me through their Facebook page. Plus, Director Ms. Pouliot gives me the opportunity to do a conference on violence against women on November 30th, 2015.

On October 30, 2015, I meet with the president of Saturviit, Caroline Hervé and an affiliate member, Annie Baron, of the Association of Inuit women, Saturviit, to submit my project. They are very encouraging and promise me support.

On November 11th, 2015, the mayor of Granby, Pascal Bonin, promises me an article in the Voix de l'Est during my passage on foot through his city.

On November 24th, 2015, the mayor of Magog and I are taken in a picture together as she continues to give encouragement and support.

On November 24th, a friend welcomes me in her home as I share my project and its new possibilities with 10 new persons.

On November 30, 2015, as part of measures to address violence against women, 10 women I meet enable me to tell what I saw with my eyes but understood with my heart. During my walk, they will follow me on my blog.


On December 8th, 2015, on a search to find sponsors, I meet with Aura Freedom International director, Marissa Kokkoros who will do her best to help in any financial capacity she can. This small organization is convinced we will accomplish something together.


WALK TO TALK

The aim is to bring awareness of the reality of the women and children in Nunavik still, but it helps to tie in the conditions of life of most Indigenous communities.

My experience among the Inuit was life changing. Since my return, this project has been taking shape and is pushing me forward. When I first started planning this project which includes an 8000-kilometer trek across Canada, I focused on what would prompt people to give to such a cause and realized that I had enough first-hand knowledge to share my experience about the Inuit. Also, I have learned a lot of the Inuit legends that speak of their beliefs and values. Working in the communities also gave me a first-hand look into their living conditions.

Having a strong commitment to principles of social justice issues for Inuit communities, I’m actively promoting the idea that children’s protection is all Canadians’ responsibility. My activism in the form of an 8000-kilometer trek is grounded in the strategy of building networks and geared toward solidarity within a social context.


No Child Should Take the Long Way Home is a grassroots initiative to help children in need of loving care, of a protective and stable environment to meet their basic needs in a safe house in their own community. Children, mothers, and communities are the objects of this project No Child Should Take the Long Way Home.  After all, every child is born with the right to have a better chance at a life free from abuse and violence.

3 comments:

  1. Wow, what an undertaking. Thank you, so many of us have no idea what it's like for people, let alone indigenous people, living in romote areas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If I can inform as many Canadians as possible, we will STAND STRONG. Thank you and may I ask that you act as a driving belt letting others know.

      Delete
  2. If I can inform as many Canadians as possible, we will STAND STRONG. Thank you and may I ask that you act as a driving belt letting others know.

    ReplyDelete