wapna'kikewi'skwaq
Women of First Light is
a non-profit group led by Indigenous women from Wabanaki Territory.
Women of the First Light brings the Wanabaki people together to understand the universe deeper.
Each language holds a piece, and bringing them together broadens the understanding of the cosmos and our relationships with it. Our purpose is to heal our communities, families and society by remembering and returning to the traditional ways of our ancestors.
We work to bring back the balance and restore the role of Clan Mothers.
Teaching's
Videos
Wabanaki Knowledge Keepers
February 2022
Journey to Forgiveness
Our Story
Although many of us have worked informally together for 14 years, we came together in the spring of 2016 at the invitation of the Catherine Donnelly Foundation. The Foundation wondered if we wanted to form an eastern hub of Righting Relations. The 35 women gathered gave a loud yes. And Apji-wla'Matulinej (Righting Relations) was born.
We agreed we wanted to change the story of Indigenous women from one of being a victim to one of resilience, power, hope and love. After brainstorming on all the things we could do for our communities, we realized we needed to heal and strengthen ourselves first. We needed to build trust among ourselves and we needed to re-learn and remember how Creator intended us to be.
What we do
Bringing light and hope Wapna'kikewi'skwaq - Women of First Light recognizes that our world is out of balance.
We are matricultural societies. The western imposed system has turned our world upside down and caused much harm to men, women, and children.
We work to heal and empower women and men based on our traditional ways.
Ta'n Teli L'nuwulti'k
A Leadership Program
Based on Traditional
Teachings
Wapna’kikewi’skwaq
WOFL Feminine
Leadership
Retreat 2020
Language And Culture Project Summary Report -
Traditional Moose Hide
Tanning Session 2019
The Peaked Hat Project
OUR Peaked Cap Workshops
* Millbrook, Halifax, Membertou, We'Koqma'q *
We gathered family members of MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) to learn how to make Peaked Hats to honour their loved ones...
Peaked Cap
Workshop
* Whith Tayla Paul *
In memory of my granddaughter Michelle Ginnish, Lentuk ji’j Kesalul T’us. Little Deer. Rose Marie Francis
In loving memory of
Cassidy Jean Bernard, taken too soon!
Gina Poulette, Mi’kmawi’skw, We’koqma’q
The Tia'm (moose) is my clan. The waving line is for water as, without it, there is no life. The Flower is for my Spirit name Mimajuaqan na wasuek – Centre Life of the flower By Marian Nicolas
Honouring all our sisters and brothers who were murdered or missing. Marilyn Francis, Mi’kmawi’skw, Acadia
Honouring my grandmother, Mary Kate (Herney) Michael, and her unborn child, who was murdered in 1936. Janey Michael, We’koqma’q
Msit Mijua’ji’j Kesite’tasit – EVERY CHILD IS CHERISHED . Margaret Pelletier for Annie Gould, We’koqma’q
This Peaked Cap is dedicated to the late Madeline Nora Bernard, who won the largest class-action suit in Canadian history for her Shubenacadie Indian Residential School Survivors. By her daughter Natalie MacLeod-Gloade
You will be in our hearts forever,
Cassidy, Mona Bernard, We’koqma’q
Coloring Book
From the place of teachings, from where the sun rises, from the people of the dawn Wapna’kikewi’skwaq – Women of the First Light grew out of Righting Relations/Apajiwla’matulinej, a national network of adult educators and grassroots organizers working for social change.
Our purpose is to heal and empower Indigenous communities. As women are the strength of our communities, we start thereby working to change the story of Indigenous women from one of being a victim to one of resilience, power, hope and love.
From our hearts, we say Wela’liek to the family members who have shared this journey with us. Wela’liek to our supporters
Wela’liek to the NS Archives for permission to use their old photos Artists retain all copyrights to original art pieces and designs. Pieces cannot be reproduced beyond this publication or educational purposes without written permission
from the publisher and respective artist.
All our Relations
Get in touch with Wapna'kikewi'skwaq - Women of First Light to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.
Email: womenoffirstlight@gmail.com
