Inside the circle, women shared stories of abuse, loved ones lost, and mistreatment by officials who were supposed to protect them. The women held each others' hands and passed one another tissues.
They also laughed.
Marie Speakman, a family support worker at the Native Women's Assoication of the NWT, speaks at the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girrls in Yellowknife in January.
Jan. 22, 2018
SA国际影视传媒淲e're a big family, and as Dene people we like to share and laugh with each other,SA国际影视传媒� Marie Speakman, a family support worker at the Native Women's Assoication of the NWT, said as she tidied up after the session.
About a dozen women and one man sat in a circle inside a cozy, carpeted room at the Native Women's Association of NWT on May 15 to share their hardships and triumphs. They talked about the devastating impacts colonialism and residential schools, and told the group how they stand up for themselves and other Indigenous women, and how they practice Dene teachings.
When the inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls visited Yellowknife in January, survivors and families were promised aftercare. Last week's the sharing circle SA国际影视传媒� at which photos could not be taken SA国际影视传媒� was meant to be a part of that.
But Speakman has been hosting sharing circles for more than a year SA国际影视传媒� months before the commissioners came to town last winter.
SA国际影视传媒淧eople need to know they're not alone,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
In the circle, people have a space to be sad, be mad, speak out and support each other.
The sharing circle allowed Noeline Villebrun to speak her truth, SA国际影视传媒渨hether anyone in that circle agreed with me or not,SA国际影视传媒� she said in on Thursday.
People of all genders are welcome to attend, and share or just listen.
SA国际影视传媒淵ou went through trials and tribulations but (you are not) a victim of those events, it's not who you are,SA国际影视传媒� said Speakman.
SA国际影视传媒淎s a Dene person, you have a heritage, you have a strong tradition, you have a strong sense of knowing who you are and where you come from and at the end of the day, you're a person who is still able to reach out and help and keep moving forward.SA国际影视传媒�
Speakman said there has been a need for follow-up care since the inquiry left Yellowknife.
SA国际影视传媒淥ne of the ways that I help is to do sharing circles,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
Despite being busy with the day-to-day activities of the Native Women's Association, Speakman tries to hold sharing circles as often as possible.
After the stories, there is food and mingling.
SA国际影视传媒淲e're a big family,SA国际影视传媒漵aid Speakman.
SA国际影视传媒淲e've gone through many hardships and we still strive to do good in a community.SA国际影视传媒�
