Indigenous Women's Sharing Society
#202 576 England Ave. Courtenay, BC, Canada

FULL MOON CEREMONY - MAY 7 AT 9:29 PM CST. A Call to the Women to Lift the Water and offer ceremony in your own homes. Normally Full Moon Ceremonies are conduct...ed at the Turtle Lodge in the Sagkeeng First Nation in southeastern Manitoba. However, given a directive from our Grandmothers during this time, we are being called upon to stay home and make our offerings at home. MESSAGE FROM GRANDMOTHER FLORENCE PAYNTER (ANISHINAABE NATION): "Women are being called upon to lift the water, give thanks and offer their prayers in their own homes in unison on MAY 7 at 9:29 pm CST, when the Grandmother Moon rises. You can sing the Water Song if you wish. You can also have a small feast, and offer a few berries if you have some. If you have the facility to do so, you can make a sacred fire to make your offerings. Whatever works for you and your family will be good. It will be good to pray collectively in each of our homes with our families as we self-isolate. The important part is we acknowledge our Grandmother and ask her for good health, especially during this time. We understand that some single parents live in fear that their children are going to get sick. We encourage everyone to offer their prayers not only during the Full Moon, but every day." ANISHINAABE GRANDMOTHER MARY MAYTWAYASHING has shared this Nibi Water Song which came to her in a dream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3yHiJqZXFc Please feel free to sing and share this song. More information at: http://www.turtlelodge.org/?post_type=dd_events&p=3864

NEW: People aged 40+ and Indigenous peoples 18+ can register following this schedule. Once you’re registered you'll get an email or text as soon as it’s your tu...rn to book your appointment. The fastest way to register is online at https://gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated People aged 55 to 65 can also book at pharmacies in all health authorities: https://gov.bc.ca/pharmacy-vaccine See more

Please send in nominations if you have them, we have had so many people in our community working to save lives! We honour them all. <3

Hey Everyone! We're announcing some upcoming virtual Peer Workshops with Sirreal! Mark your calendars for our 1st one... "LAYERS" April 23rd, 6-8pm, you don't w...ant to miss it!! Door prizes for youth! Please message us for the link!

The IWSS AGM is scheduled for September 27th, Sunday at 11am to 1pm at Simms Park at the Pavillion. New members welcome! COVID-19 precautions will be in place, please bring a mask or one will be provided. Please RSVP :) Please feel free to being a drum if you have one :) The annual membership fee is $5.00

A memorial pole has been raised near Terrace, B.C., in memory of Indigenous women who have been murdered or gone missing along Hwy 16, also known as the Highway... of Tears. Created by Nisgaa and Tsimshian carver Mike Dangeli, the totem pole had the blessing of the Kitsumkalum chiefs, a key group in raising the pole in their traditional territory. Carvings of a matriarch, childrens faces and woman with a red dress are highlighted in the pole. Read more here: https://www.aptnnews.ca/?p=138088

/ with matching red floral beaded earrings ... #beadedmask #beadworkmask #beadwork #beading #floralbeadwork #nativebeadwork #indigenous #indigenousart #indigenousartist #indigiqueer #nativeart #winnipegart See more

#BeAConnectR and Learn Cree. The University of Regina is offering Cree: Language of the Plains through open source resources. Learn at your own pace through workbooks and downloadable videos http://ow.ly/tkzU50Bjpf5

The very first cradleboard was made for Changing Woman after she was found. Talking God had thought long and hard about what she should be placed inside. As he ...sat outside, he looked around and started walking. As he walked, he was amazed by the world around him, so he reached out and grabbed pieces here and there. Bringing them back home, he sat outside and began to construct the first cradleboard. He wanted what was best for Changing Woman, so he took his time, thinking about each piece as he named each piece of his work to have them represent and protect the child. Its used both as a home and protection for a baby. The baby is placed into the cradleboard until after the umbilical cord dries and falls of completely. It was usually made and brought to the baby until that has happened by the father or a male relative of the father as a gift to both the child and mother. The mother or a relative of hers usually provided the cushion to place under the child, and a sheet to wrap the child in. The idea of wrapping and placing the child inside the cradleboard is to allow the child to grow mentally, physically and spiritually. It also allows the child to grow fast and upright tall. Mothers often tied them up to help comfort and sooth them, they also carried them on their backs if they were traveling. Sometimes leaning them upright against a wall or wood while they tended to their home duties such as weaving, cooking, or other chores, they would also sing lullabys or just about any song to help sooth them. On the back of the cradleboard are located two short boards that hold the two longer V-shaped boards together. The top board represents Long Life, while the lower board represents the Pathway of Harmony. Located on top of the cradle is a bent wood that represents the Rainbow. The child is placed under the protection of the Rainbow. This is also used as protection in case the child falls over, protecting its head from damage against the wall or floor. The right side of the cradle represents the Mother Earth. The left board of the cradle represents the Father Sky. On the top side of the cradle is tied a string. This string is then strung to the side strings of the board to secure the child safely to prevent them from sliding out. This long piece of string is represented as Female Lightning. The small pieces hanging from the sides are represented as the Male Lighting. Together they both protect the child from any danger lurking around whether its dangerous minds or evil words. It secures the childs thoughts and prayers. Located at the top of both boards are holes that are made into the wood. These holes represent the cradleboards pierced ears. Placing a stone signifies it having an earring. The cradle board hears everything around it and can be absorbed into the childs growth development. At the base of the board, where the feet are located, there is a board that helps with securing the childs feet from sliding out when placed upward. The base board represents the short rainbow to help the child walk correctly without trouble upright. It is connected to both Mother Earth and Father Sky with roots. At the bottom of the base board, there is a loop string. This loop string is used when all side strings are strung up. It is then safely tied to bring it all together. The loop string was made from a ray of Sunbeam as Talking God reached up and grabbed a piece of it. Located on top of the rainbow is located the intellectual thinking of the child. This is where the process of self-identity, self-awareness, love and balance comes from. In some cradleboards, a stone is sometimes placed there to represent the childs thinking. If the child is a boy, a turquoise stone is used. If the child is a girl, a white shell is used. The stone is placed there to protect the childs growing mentality. During some ceremonies, a male uses a turquoise to protect him and a female uses a shell to protect herself. Some people add other various stones, silver or bells as decorations. On the side of the rainbow, it is tied down and connected to the both V-shaped boards (Mother Earth and Father Sky) by leather, or buckskin. This piece of string represents the Valuable Material Goods, meaning precious stones. The cloth in which the child is wrapped inside of represents dark clouds, which will allow the child to grow up strong minded and determined. The covering placed over the cradleboard is represented at white clouds which will help the child grow up to be knowledgeable and strong will, to show emotions. The covering also helps the child from the outside dangers, whenever danger comes lurking around, it wont be able to see the child. It also helps from protecting the flies or bugs as well as the sunlight being too bright in the childs eyes. Once the child outgrows the cradleboard, it was to be taken apart, placing them somewhere safe all together. The strings were washed with yucca, sun dried in the open to let them breathe, then rubbed with red bitter powder. The cradleboard can be used again but for another sibling if the parents decide to have another child. Not to be shared by relatives or friends because the childs clan becomes the cradleboards clans and identity as well, out of respect for the child, its kept within the family home. Please, continue to love your child everywhere possible. Show them what it means to be loved and comforted. Continue wrapping and placing your child in their cradleboards whether theyre Navajo, Hopi, Cree, Apache, etc. Keep your tradition and culture alive. Sing and talk to them when theyre placed inside, they listen just as well as the cradleboard. Dont be ashamed to use them in the outside world.

Anti-Racism Workshop coming up!

Teachings on Grief. (From ~ Kihci Tpakohp Iskotw Iskww (Emily Jane Henry) "I would like to tell you a story about when my father went to the spirit world. M...y mother was 16 and my father 17 when they married. They were young enough to make life absolute fun. In many ways, we all grew up together. Love was always a vibrant energy flowing throughout our household. Our parents managed to feed us by gardening, gathering wild roots, vegetables, hunting, fishing, and trapping. One day, tragically, my father accidentally died while out hunting; and just like that, my mother became a widow at the age of 24. She was a single young mother in charge of raising 4 children. My mothers best friend Eva arrived the night my father died and did not leave my mothers side for three months. She was so often at our home that we naturally called her Auntie. She was one of the kindest women that I have ever known. We loved her and there was no doubt in our minds that she absolutely loved and adored us as well. During the first weeks after our fathers death, it was Auntie Eva who comforted us. It was Auntie Eva who fed us, cleaned, and dressed us. It was her that kept our home warm as the pain of grief griped its cold hands around our house. It was Auntie Eva who helped us to mend our broken hearts. In the first days after my father passed, every memory of my father caused my poor mother excruciating pain. One day, she opened a cupboard and absently reached out for a cup and pulled out my father favourite cup. She looked at his cup and the sight of it caused her to sink to her knees. She let out a violent scream. It was clearly visible, that her emotional pain turned into debilitating physical pain. Consumed by grief, all she could do was rock. Her scream turned into desperate, pitiful and heart-wrenching cries. I felt as though someone took a knife and violently lashed out at me. I felt a sharp pierce of emotional pain, cut all the way down to my bones. I too missed my father with every fibre of my being and my pain joined hers. Witnessing my mother suffering; made me feel as if my father died all over again. In a desperate attempt to escape her minds cruelty, my mother took to her bed and stayed there for nearly two full weeks. She completely stopped functioning. It was as if she had simply made a choice to check out of life. During those days, my Auntie Eva nursed my mother with gentleness and care as one would do with a highly respected Elder. At the same time, Auntie Eva she cared for us, as if we were her own. The day before the second week of my mothers bed rest, she instructed us to join her in my mothers room. She gently requested that we stay still to pay attention, sit quietly, as she was to share a teaching on grief. Her teaching helped me to view grief in a completely different light. As Auntie Eva motioned us into my mothers bedroom, I noticed that sitting on the floor sat a buffalo robe. On top of the robe, sat fresh pail of well-water, a basin of water, a clean face cloth, towel and a small tin cup. I smelled the healing smell of sweetgrass which was burning in a small cast iron pan, which was also on the robe. I strained to see the top of the bed and I could see my mothers face. She was staring vacantly upward, as a steady stream of tears flowed downward. I could tell that she did not even notice our presence. Even at that young age, I had no doubt in my mind that my mother had forever changed. I was truly frightened for the first time in my life. I wondered what would happen to us. At that moment, Auntie Eva looked towards us with compassion and love. We responded with quiet curiosity. She reached out and took my mothers hand in hers and tenderly squeezed it. My Auntie Eva began speaking softly, she told us how her cpn (kokum/great-grandmother) talked about how our Ancestors handled grief before the coming of the settlers. She shared, that long ago that when someone died, like today, their relatives experience intensely painful emotions. However, our Ancestors also possessed wonderful knowledge and wisdom about life. They knew that all of us arrived on Mother Earth from the spirit world with our spirit intact. She told us, that means that every person alive has a spiritual being dwelling within our bodies. Our spirit can be felt through our emotions. We demonstrate our feelings in our ability to love and capacity to receive love. Our spirit expresses itself through our self-talk. We are most aware of it when we pay attention to our intuition. She explained, you know when you feel good because you listened to the little voice telling you to do the right thing that is our intuition. Our spirit also comes alive in laughter, joy; and yes darlings, even pain. Our spirit is eternal; it lives forever. This what I mean when I say that we are born into this world, our spirit comes along with us and never ever leaves us. This means that we remain a spiritual being. Our physical body is a vessel that carries a soul within it. We were born into the world to make a positive difference. To leave the world a better place. However, like any other journey that we take, we eventually reach our destination. Auntie Eva told us that one day, when we have done our jobs of making a positive difference in this world, we return to the spirit world. My own sweet mother told me that when we were born, Creator whispered a special secret into our heart. Although we dont know where or how our journey will end; the secret helps us to choose how we live our journey with the time given us. Still, when the journey ends, it feels abrupt and it causes pain for those left behind. Auntie Eva shared that when someone dies so young, not one person on Mother Earth can explain why. She believed that it was because we all feel that they left when they had so much more to teach. I recall her saying, I admit that every time I cry, I question why ones life is cut so short. I call out, Creator, why? Why would you take someone so young? With healing and time, I can see the difference that this young person made in the lives of others. Sometimes the teachings include an awakening. Their short life shows us just how brief life is. Sometimes their passing helps people band together for a common purpose to create positive change. It was as if the young person wakes sleeping giants. Auntie Eva continued, my dearest ones, I can tell you that I never saw someone love his physical journey more than your father did. I witnessed his love of life. He lived every moment to the fullest. I remember when your mother said she was marrying him and saying to her, but youre only 16, are you sure? When she looked into my eyes, I could see that there was no doubt. I knew then, your father was the love of her life. She made the right choice. When you all came into the world, oh, my dear sweet children, how your father rejoiced. But I need not tell you how much he loved you; he showed it to each and every one of you. I remember seeing that as Auntie Eva spoke, every now and then she would squeeze my mothers hand and with her other hand, she wiped away tears with a facecloth that now freely flowed from her face. With every touch of her hand, I witnessed loves touch. Afterward, she dried my mothers face with a towel, and then she had her drink cold water from the cup. She continued her story, my cpn told us how our Ancestors mark the passing of loved one. In the old days, those closest to the deceased would cut their hair. Hair is important to our people; it represents a part of our spiritual strength. However, when we cut it when our loved one dies, it doesnt mean we lose our strength. Instead, it just means that we are sacrificing part of ourselves in honour of our loved one. We are letting them know that their presence in our life was part of what made us strong. As our hair grows again, we rebuild our lives. Meaning as our hair grows back with each passing day; we find a way to redefine our new normal. Grief completely changes our life. My cpn also said that our Ancestors believed that in the entire first year after a person went the spirit world, those left behind grieve in such a way that it can seem like they have gone mad. That means that whenever you feel like crying, need time to be alone, have intense emotions, even anger, you dont have to feel bad about it. When people know about this teaching, they give you the space to mourn and grieve. They respect the fact that you are openly demonstrating love for the one who went to the spirit world. Just as my Auntie Eva finished this statement, I could see that the vacant look in my mothers eyes being replaced with a thoughtful one. I could feel my fathers presence as Auntie Eva spoke her next sentence, the most beautiful thing about our ceremonies is that our Ancestors are always present. They let us know that there is but a tiny thin vapour of mist between the spirit and physical world and that love travels freely from one side to the next. After my Auntie wiped my mothers tears, she moved to the front room and with a clean cloth, towel and cup for each of us, she went through the ceremony with us. Afterwards, I recall feeling as if I could breathe again. The very next day, my mother left her room. I could see that her once long flowing hair was cut to just above her shoulders. Out of nowhere, a red robin gently floated to sit on the window sill. It remained there as if observing the activities of our home. My mother noticed the robin and it was the first time she smiled since my fathers passing. She whispered to me that her kokum (grandmother) told her that the robin is comforter. It arrives to help people in the grieving time. It holds the spirit of the person who passed on, it is a message to let us know that they are at peace. Her words were like a huge hug that wrapped my heart in love. My Auntie Evas words were true, in that first year; our family mourned. We cried, we were angry, we spent time alone, sometimes we just sat together, and sometimes, we huddled on the floor crying while holding one another. We spent a lot of time in the sweat lodge that year and it was there as I lay down with my head upon Mother Earth, I could feel my fathers love surround me as he embraced me from the spirit world. Afterwards, I notice a robin sitting quietly observing us. Their message of love embraced us all. When Auntie Evas husband made his way to the spirit world, it was my mother turn to sit with her as she cut her hair. It was her turn to care for her best friend. When my mother died, Auntie Eva retold us the teaching of grief as we mourned. She held our hands as we cut our hair. The deep and abiding love of friendship. Fifty-eight years after my father died, my Auntie Eva went to the spirit world and we grieved her through ceremony. Once again a robin came to sit with us and we knew its presence was meant to reassurance and comfort us. My Auntie Evas words following my mothers death, now helped me grieve her death, she said, my girl, out of the deepest grief, the most profound love blossoms and healing grows. I believe that with all my heart and soul. Kkithaw niwkomkanak (All My Relations)". ~ Kihci Tpakohp Iskotw Iskww (Emily Jane Henry) Original Home Territory: Ochapowace Cree Nation Art by talented Pam Cailloux.

The original jingle dress dance is said, by the Ojibwa, to have originated in Ontario. A medicine mans daughter was very sick and through prayer and meditation, he was given a powerful vision about a sacred healing dress from the Creator.

Mark your calendars! The first UBCLC session is September 22nd (Tuesday) at 9:30am! Tune in and listen to Phyllis Webstad talk about "The Orange Shirt Story" and how it brings communities together for future generations! Sign up here: http://bit.ly/UBCLC

Found this and thought it was fitting for the indigenous women of today.

Nez Perce women with their children (ca.1900) Enhanced & colorized by Dibaajimowin (09/09/2020)

It was an honor to participate in this years Comox Valley Overdose Awareness event this past Monday, August 31st, 2020. This year accidental poisonings have greatly impacted our communities due to the increased isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased toxic illicit drug supply. Our harm reduction program, Unbroken Chain continues to provide outreach and support to our community and provided many with Naloxone kits, training and support and harm reduction education at the event. Thank you to all the community agencies, speakers, and performers who shared teachings and their words to bring awareness, peace, and comfort on this day and every day to those who have lost loved ones and those who are struggling and need our support.

MMIWG Pole Raising on unceded Kitsumkalum territory

Rhythm is embedded into who we are, so it makes sense that drumming does wonderful things for the body and mind. Heres a look at "your brain on drumming" courtesy of Pamela Lynn-Seraphine M.S.

The Worlds Largest Teepee in Medicine Hat, AB is lit in purple for the next 5 nights. #overdoseawareness @overdoseawarenessday

Buffy Sainte-Marie recently curated a playlist for Spotify Canada of Canadian Indigenous artists youve got to hear, check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWYrH4yMJbkL8

The First Nations House of Learning and UBC Learning Circle are honoured and pleased to present Phyllis Webstad, who will share her personal story that inspired... the creation of Orange Shirt Day, held every September 30th. This day is dedicated to keeping the discussion on all aspects of Indian Residential Schools happening annually and to bring Canadians together in the spirit of reconciliation. Please join us for this webinar on Sept 22nd by registering today. Learn more: https://learningcircle.ubc.ca//phyllis-webstad-the-orange/

Free to register!

Struggling with COVID-19 and school? Join us for a Zoom meeting with Dr. Charmaine Enns, the North Island Medical Health Officer. Happening on Tuesday, August 2...5th from 6:30-8:30. Review our Districts health & safety document and come with your questions. https://portal.sd71.bc.ca//COVID19%20School%20Reoccupancy% See more

Stay safe everyone, if you, a family member, or a friend is in need of support, we are here!

Grand Rising! Warrior up on this week like the youth do : Children of the Setting Sun Productions, Inc. Drawing upon long family traditions, Children... of the Setting Sun Productions, is a multi-media, film, and theater arts production company specializing in Coast Salish storytelling. The Children of the Setting Sun follows the Lummi Family tradition of Native Storytelling. By utilizing both traditional and modern art mediums, Setting Sun embraces the instructions left by the great grandfather to keep the family culture alive. Find out more at https://settingsunproductions.org/ Source: @ndninspired #IndigenousYouth #Indigenous #NativeYouth #Native #LandBack #CoastSalish #TheatreArts #IndigenousArts #FirstNations See more

Covering your face can be a triggering experience for survivors. As of today bylaws are now being enforced in both Brantford and Brant County that require face coverings in all public indoor spaces. This resource has been adapted from content by the Survivor Trust UK.

https://www.facebook.com/285611712352645/posts/610790989834714/