Indigenous Women's Traditional Roles
Traditionally, women played a pivotal role within the Indigenous family, within the way they governed and in spiritual ceremonies. Both men and women were autonomous and they both carried roles that were essential to the survival of Indigenous communities. Colonization destroyed Indigenous communities with the imposition of new values and cultural standards and those changes were especially destructive on the role of Indigenous women. The damage to the Indigenous culture and values contributed to family breakdown.
Today, Indigenous people gain strength from their traditional teachings and culture that comes from centuries old oral tradition and teachings, which emphasized the equality of man and woman and the balanced roles they each served. Young Indigenous people are turning to their Indigenous traditions and culture today in search of answers to the problems they are facing today and it is important that they learn those same values when it comes to balance. http://www.ajic.mb.ca/volumel/chapter13.html
Indigenous women are leading the way in the area of healing the wounds of colonization and residential schools through teachings, through small gatherings and through large conferences, women are taking on the issues that Indigenous people face. This healing and wellness gathering will bring to focus the solutions of what the people struggle with, in regards to the impact of colonization: racism, residential schools, missing and murdered women, abuse and violence, and addictions. Colonization also directly contributes to the high rates of HIV through these issues within the Indigenous communities of Saskatchewan. It is time to connect all of these issues and look for solutions that will bring life to the many Nations.
Sylvia McAdam: Sylvia McAdam (Saysewahum) is from the Treaty 6 lands in what is now called "Canada". Sylvia has Juris Doctorate from the University of Saskatchewan and Human Justice Degree from the University of Regina. She is co-founder of a global grassroots movement called "Idle No More".
Jerry Saddleback: Jerry Saddleback is the Dean of Cultural Programs and Elder-in-Residence for Maskwacîs Cultural College in Maskwacîs. He also teaches Cree and Protocol classes in Enoch on Tuesdays and Cultural Social Work for First Nations University. Jerry was born and raised in Samson Cree Nation by his Father who was a prominent Elder in the community. Through his Father, Jerry Saddleback was exposed to many Elders throughout his early childhood and was taught the Cree language, stories and ceremonies. He attended university and achieved a Bachelor of Education. He taught various grades throughout his teaching career, breaking ground by introducing Cultural and Cree language curricula, catering specifically to Aboriginal children and teens. He used his education and Cree language skills to also do ground breaking field research for Confederacy of Treaty Six interviewing numerous Elders on language, Culture, ceremonies, songs and our Story of Creation. He is one of a handful of people who knows the Origins of Cree Syllabics and was the key speaker/lecturer for the Conference on Syllabics in June 2013. Jerry’s knowledge was used extensively as a Spiritual Advisor for the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. Today Jerry Saddleback continues the legacy of our Old People and travels wherever he is invited, to share the stories, language, Culture, ceremonies, songs and Story of Creation to all members of the Plains Cree family and other nation
The banquet is included with your registration. The doors will open at 6:00 pm and supper will be served at 6:30 pm. The Master of Ceremonies will be Jessica Gordon, the evening will consist of a presentation and entertainment by Eekwol.
This year the presentations will include the honoring of 4 beautiful women in Saskatchewan, “The Life givers of Turtle Island – Igniting the Way Forward”. We honor these women for the successes and strides they have made in their lives. These women make a profound and positive impact on themselves, each other, their families, their workplace and their communities. These ladies are an inspiration to others as they continue to create change through their voices, their courage and their strength.
Eekwol (Lindsay Knight) is an award-winning hip hop performing artist living in Saskatoon, originally from Muskoday First Nation, Saskatchewan. She has successfully completed her Master’s Degree at University of Saskatchewan, which she has taken along with her many years of dedication to hip hop and created something unique and astounding to give back to the community.
For 2016, Eekwol is promoting her 5th full-length album titled, Good Kill. Eekwol uses her music and words to spread messages of resistance, revolution and keeping the language, land and culture alive for the next generations. Through her original sound she displays her activist roots by living and creating as a supporter of both Hip Hop and Indigenous culture and rights.
Please note there are no student, single day or group fees due to the registration fee being charged for this conference.
Scholarships will be available for this conference. Saskatchewan applicants that are living positive will be considered priority. All information collected will be kept private and confidential. Successful applicants will be automatically registered for the conference by ANHN staff.
Scholarship Form - deadline January 31, 2017