Indigenous Women's Leadership
Traditional leadership is critical for our survival. We work to heal our people as we know Creator gave each of us a gift to share. Colonialism with Residential schools, 60's scoop has caused much damage. We work to restore the Clan Mother system so that our communities are healthy and vibrant. We work to bring back Rites of Passage and other Ceremonies so that all people know they are wanted and belong.
Peaked Caps:
Honouring MMIW
We gathered family members of MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) to learn how to make Peaked Caps to honour their loved ones. From these, we are creating a colouring book. In five communities, we will be co-creating commemorative pieces designed by the families. We also created an hour-long video with elders on the meaning and teachings of the Peaked Hats. We are honoured to be a part of this healing journey.
We support two community gardens in Wagmatcook and Esgenoôpetitj with seeds, supplies and greenhouses. In Wagmatcook families can have their own raised beds. Students and families are learning the skills of gardening again. We also held workshops on herbal plants and how to butcher and can moose meat and veggies. Food is given out to elders and families.
Community Gardens
Food Sovereignty
Land-based Learning - Newegati
In Esgenoôpetitj, we have created a land-based learning space and have held a number of events with youth and elders. Learning with the land creates a sense of belonging. Our dream is to have a year-round land-based centre, where our teachings are considered on par with University credits.
Land-based Learning - Newegati
In Esgenoôpetitj, we have created a land-based learning space and have held a number of events with youth and elders. Learning with the land creates a sense of belonging. Our dream is to have a year-round land-based centre, where our teachings are considered on par with University credits.
Language Learning
​Language is the window to our ancestors worldview. It describes our kindship – our relationship with all life. Many of the subtilities of the languages are getting lost as people are thinking in English. Women of First Light feels it is critical to leave a clear path for future generations. Part of this is recording Wabanaki language speakers. In this list you can hear at least one video from each Wabanaki Nation.
Land-based Learning - Newegati
In Esgenoôpetitj, we have created a land-based learning space and have held a number of events with youth and elders. Learning with the land creates a sense of belonging. Our dream is to have a year-round land-based centre, where our teachings are considered on par with University credits.
Other Projects
We have held many gatherings, including a 7-day moose hide tanning/smoking session. We have held language workshops that included basket-making and language connected to fishing and hunting. We held a weekend wampum belt-making session. We hold online talking circles for women and men. We held a number of check-in sessions around the finding of unmarked graves. We are working on co-creating a book on Indigenous Women Trailblazers from Wabanaki.
