SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
A SUPPLEMENT TO THE
for TRUTH and RECONCILIATION #NDTR #EveryChildMatters NATIONAL DAY
View online at winnipegfreepress.com/lifestyles
INQUIRIES: 204-697-7390 | AMY.ANDERS@FREEPRESS.MB.CA
2 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
To create a better future, we need to heal the past —this takes a village
Additional statistics facing trafficked and exploited women and 2SLGBTQQA+:
M any do not make it safely out of the clutches of trauma. This is something that the Clan Mothers understands well. Decades of personal experience and years of showing those who have suffered the effects of abuse have given the Elders and organization’s leaders the ability to lift up those who need their wisdom and guidance. The Clan Mothers Healing Village & Knowledge Centre (CMHV & KC) is integral to this restorative plan. CMHV & KC is a holistic centre designed to care for women who have been victims of sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking. Based upon traditional Indigenous matriarchal healing, CMHV & KC is rooted in the Clan Mothers’ successful model of traditional care. Why is action needed immediately? According to a 2020 Stats Canada report, Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ experience much higher rates of violence. An Amnesty Canada report reveals that Indigenous women are seven times more likely to be murdered. Close to home, in Winnipeg, the numbers are not better. Of the 400 children and youth trafficked and exploited on the streets each year, 70-80 per cent of them are Indigenous.
Age 13 62.7% 74% 48.9% 19.3%
was the average age of first exploitation.
had been physically and sexually abused.
had been in the care of Child and Family Services.
had been homeless.
had family members involved in a gang.
56% 83% 81% Grade 7
were associated with a gang.
received drugs or alcohol from their exploiter as a method of control.
had family in residential schools.
was the highest grade level completed.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 3
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
Clan Mothers Healing Village & Knowledge Centre is a holistic centre designed to care for women who have been victims of sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking.
Combined Generational Effect of Trauma Many times, we are asked “why are we talking about the past, when we are developing healing solutions for today’s women?” The reason is, that in dealing with today’s issues, it is important to understand the horrendous impact that generational trauma has had on Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA individuals. While the Indigenous community has felt this impact for hundreds of years, we have attempted to show a small example of how the lives of parents from two generations ago can directly affect outcomes for women in today’s society. Moving forward, our focus is not to place blame on the parents but to understand what has occurred over the years. Treating these generational issues are the key to healing these souls. UNDERSTANDING GENERATIONAL TRAUMA
OUTCOMES • Self-medicating the pain • Oppression/Depression • Shame and loss of identity • Anger/neglect/grieving sets in
TRAUMA • Trauma from residential school • Lost Indigenous way of life and culture • Abandoned, abused and isolated
Grandparents Generation
OUTCOMES • Mistrust “institutional systems”
TRAUMA • No school, no encouragement • Indigenous teachings are lost • Family is broken or lost
Parents Generation
• Anger/Depression leads to domestic abuse • Vulnerability, violence, addictions and family disfunction leads to sexual exploitation • Leave reserve to escape violence
OUTCOMES • Leave reserves seeking safety
TRAUMA • Internalize “something is wrong with me” • Survival over education; no focus on school • “Acting their pain” • Value of relationships is lost
Current Generation
• Exploited in city streets • Trauma is normalized
• Street people and gangs become family • Accept behaviors in order to “belong” • Gang affiliations become Family/Security • Poverty/Homelessness/No Family
CLAN MOTHERS HEALING VILLAGE Recognizes the effect that generational trauma has on today’s women, and provides a matrilineal, Indigenous-based approach to helping them heal.
SUPPLIED BY CLAN MOTHERS HEALING VILLAGE & KNOWLEDGE CENTRE
>> CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
4 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
It is clear that action is needed. The unique CMHV & KC matriarchal structured organization is based upon a historical Indigenous governance model of Grandmother Councils and Clan Mother Systems. The goal of the organization is to return to original roots as leaders who will tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our community. From environmental issues to human trafficking and sex slavery, Indigenous women are reclaiming their strength through an inherent original design in a modern world by revisiting and further developing holistic solutions. The concept of Clan Mothers Healing Village was born 18 years ago from the co-founders of CMHV & KC. They embrace Indigenous land-based healing gatherings for women, organized in rural Manitoba by Grandmothers Turtle Lodge. Clan Mothers has learned that in order to understand individual trauma, it is important to acknowledge the context in which the trauma occurred: family, culture, community. There is a need to see individuals within a historical context that continues to live in the present “soul wound.” This soul wound has become the legacy of our intergenerational trauma. Clan Mothers believes that healing is only possible when we return to our Indigenous models and methodologies of healing. The long-term business and development plan for CMHV & KC includes living quarters, meeting and healing spaces, and social enterprise facilities. But the focus is to get the women on the land as soon as possible — so that the healing can start immediately. The CMHV & KC leaders have over 30 years of experience working with women and girls (alongside the government), making systemic changes. Their experience began with Grandmother Moon Lodge, which ran successfully for 18 years. This group of leaders is ready to expand its proven healing programming to serve a larger community.
Clan Mothers Healing Village Artist’s Rendition
D
E
Knowledge Centre
A
Central Courtyard
B
C
A
C
Outdoor Kitchen and Garden
Lodge Keeper
D
B
E
Housing
F
Year-round Yurts
F
G
Healing Rooms
H
Small Ceremony Circle
G
H
During the many years that Clan Mothers offered
land-based Indigenous teachings. It became evident that living within a supportive community enhances opportunities for sexually exploited women to learn from those who have recovered.
Back row (left to right): Unci Beverly Little Thunder, Elder Levina Brown, Elder Mary Bryan; Elder Billie Schibler Front row (left to right): Elder Belinda Vandenbroeck; Elder Mae Louise Campbell
The concept of community and relationship holds significant meaning in the Indigenous way of life, and when it comes to healing, the importance of a community identity needs to be recognized. During the many years that Clan Mothers offered land-based Indigenous teachings, it became evident that living within a supportive community enhances opportunities for sexually exploited women to learn from those who have recovered. The interaction provides positive role models and inspires both hope and healing. As women in recovery experience nurturing in the community, they begin to participate in daily tasks and operations. They develop a sense of positive self-worth, recognizing their intrinsic value through active participation and contributing with meaning and purpose. Transitioning from the Village into independence will be supported with relationships, made smoother with training and skill development, and monitored by Clan Mothers’ programs in the city. Clan Mothers will be working alongside other successful agencies to envelop the women with a community of support.
SUSTAINABILITY IS KEY TO CLAN MOTHERS HEALING VILLAGE The site is comprised of a mix of wooded lands, native grasses and natural water sites. It’s ideal to host outdoors activities and programming elements. Extracting Indigenous medicines from this organic site will be essential to the sustainable plan. Clan Mothers will develop the site with sustainablity in mind. Getting back to land-based traditions, growing and sourcing local foods is a priority to reteach traditional practices. The kitchen garden will be a key aspect of respecting keeping in tune with the land. The outdoor elements of nature are integral to the site’s primary function. That is where the healing happens.” Jamie Goulet, — Co-Founder of Clan Mothers Healing Village
>> CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
SUPPLIED PHOTOS
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 5
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
Remember the children.
Honour the survivors.
Change the future.
Threads of Change Indigenous perspectives are now better reflected at the University of Manitoba’s convocation ceremony. UM engaged Indigenous artists to update the Chancellor’s and President’s robes, changing a long-standing tradition to visually demonstrate our commitment to Reconciliation. Adorned with Ojibwe floral motifs, the robes represent Manitoba and the four symbolic nations of the medicine wheel. This collaborative effort brought together Ojibwe artist Jackie Traverse [BFA/09] , Shannon Denney-Edwards , an artist of Métis, French and Islandic descent and robe designer Beverli Barnes . “It shows the willingness to learn, make changes and to be open to dialogue and creating changes for everybody,” Jackie says.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation remembers the children who never returned from residential schools, and honours the survivors, their families and communities. Learning and understanding the truth about the painful history of residential schools – the impacts, and the trauma faced by generations of Indigenous Peoples, families, and communities – is an important part of reconciliation. As we continue our learning journey, we meaningfully reflect on this difficult and painful history, and work towards deepening our understanding of the stories and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis, survivors, families, and communities, as we walk together in a better way forward. acu.ca
umanitoba.ca/indigenous
WHAT INSPIRES YOU CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING.
OVPI-NDTR2023 KC AB Winnipeg Free Press
5.708" x 10.357" 4c/p N/A
Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and recognizing the work we must continue to do. We are all part of the healing process.
6 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
THE INDIGENOUS WOMEN’S CARPENTRY TRAINING PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO INCLUDE: 1. Indigenous Teachings and Ceremony Orientation 2. Job Readiness 3. Design and Build 4. Safety Training 5. First Aid Certification
To their knowledge, this is the first in Canada. Seven very committed and enthusiastic women, two-spirit and transgender folks have completed the 10-month program. This project is unique because the curriculum emphasizes matrilineal Indigenous teachings and skill building in the trade. One day of each week is dedicated to Elder teachings, sharing circle and ceremony. Four days are reserved for carpentry skill-building, math and English. Participants graduate with Grade 12 equivalent and certificate in designated carpentry skill areas. Clan Mothers has partnered with the Manitoba Carpentry Sector Council, delivering this project together.
All the participants in this program have experienced many barriers that they have worked hard to overcome. It is hard to find the words to describe their strength, courage and vast range of skills. Within four months, our team has witnessed a significant transformation in these brave individuals. The team’s hearts burst, watching them discover their gifts and begin to value themselves and believe in themselves. They are creating a sisterhood that will have a “forever” impact on their lives. Naturally, all great programs have those who help build them. Parkwest Projects played a huge role in mentoring carpentry skills and teaching interior office skills related to construction. This pilot project intends to create a carpentry team of women, two-spirit and trans folks who will transition into career opportunities with Mother Earth Construction. This company will be Clan Mothers’ first social enterprise initiative.
6. Framing 7. Finishing 8. Women in Trades Conference 9. Practicum
The University of Manitoba’s Access Program acknowledges the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We proudly wear our Orange Shirts in recognition of all residential school Survivors and encourage everyone to learn and reflect on the significance of this day.
umextended.ca/access
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 7
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
Reflections on reconciliation
Every Indigenous person has a connection to residential schools, including me, having personal stories of my mom, my dad and other relatives that attended these schools.” Dennis Meeches,
— president of the Tribal Council Investment Group of Manitoba
Dennis Meeches, president of the Tribal Council Investment Group of Manitoba. PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
not so much as patients but also involved in the economic side of owning pharmacies and providing medical distribution of health-care products.” In addition to his work with TCIG, Meeches focused on reconciliation through his service to Long Plain. In 1981, the First Nation acquired 45 acres of Crown land adjacent to Portage la Prairie, which includes the site of a former residential school, as part of an outstanding treaty land settlement. A knowledge keeper recommended the creation of a residential school museum to preserve history, encourage education and improve awareness. The area was declared a provincial heritage site in 2005 and a national historic site in 2020. Today, Meeches serves as chair of the National Indigenous Residential School Museum. “Every Indigenous person has a connection to residential schools, including me, having personal stories of my mom, my dad and other relatives that attended these schools,” Meeches says. “For me, this is always a difficult time of year. At the same time, Orange Shirt Day has brought
a lot of attention to reconciliation.” The National Indigenous Residential School Museum hosts a gathering each year on Sept. 30. This year, the event will focus on healing through dance. It’s open for anyone to attend at Keeshkeemaquah in Portage la Prairie. “It’s a very important day of reflection and reconciliation. For Indigenous people, it’s a sacred day to remember thousands of children that attended these schools. It’s a long journey to healing. That journey could take generations,” he says. “We still have a lot of work to do for reconciliation because of the history of this country and how Indigenous people have been left on the fringes of society. I’m really hopeful that things will change for the better for all of us.” With a sense of optimism for the future, Meeches says he’s witnessed opportunities for positive change. “There’s a promise of tomorrow for our children to live in a country that’s come to understand the injustices and is truly and sincerely working towards reconciliation in all forms. Poverty is still deep-rooted in Indigenous
communities and also in cities such as Winnipeg. There’s still a challenge of providing good clean drinking water for Indigenous communities, as well as jobs, education and training,” he says. “As a member of Long Plain and Treaty 1, I do see a lot of positive work that’s being done for economic reconciliation. I think we’re going to see a lot of great things here in southern Manitoba with the development of urban reserves.” The positive impact of First Nations’ economic development brings benefits to the entire region, he adds. “For us, it’s really about creating generational wealth through our economy and making life better for young Indigenous people, who are the fastest growing segment of the population here in Manitoba, if not the country,” Meeches says. “It changes the narrative about how people were faced with insurmountable challenges, such as federal and provincial legislation and policies that were set out to take away from the social fabric of Indigenous people and communities. There’s a lot of work to do, but I think when we come together on important days such as Sept. 30, it shines the light on reconciliation.”
By Jennifer McFee T he path towards reconciliation and reflection needs to include economics in the equation. Dennis Meeches, president of the Tribal Council Investment Group of Manitoba (TCIG), highlights the importance of economic reconciliation. Originally from Long Plain First Nation, Treaty 1 territory, Meeches served in public office for 26 years — six years as a Long Plain council member followed by 20 years as chief. After he retired in April 2022, he accepted an offer to remain as president of TCIG, which launched in 1990 by Manitoba’s seven tribal councils. Owned and operated entirely by First Nations, TCIG includes affiliated companies in various industries, such as health care. “It’s quite a journey for this company to move into health care and we still have a lot of work to do. Economic reconciliation is on the table, and it has been for a number of years,” Meeches says. “We hope this can be a new era for how we ingrain ourselves in the health industry,
8 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
Southern Chiefs’ Organization HOPEFUL FOR HEALING ON THE HORIZON
By Kristin Marand T he Southern Organization (SCO) is making strides toward healing intergenerational trauma, with several initiatives underway. Colonization, Chiefs’ economic apartheid and systems such as residential schools, day schools, the ‘60s Scoop and the child welfare system, along with the national emergency of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people (MMIWG2S+), have all contributed to this intergenerational trauma. By engaging youth, driving community-focused economic development and supporting Survivors and their families, new opportunities to look forward with hope are springing up all over Manitoba. >> CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Taking time today to remember relatives who never made it home. Grateful for the gift survivors give us through their stories so we can build understanding and meaningful relationships.
#EveryChildMatters
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 9
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
I started the run to honour my Kunshi and Unkan, Survivors of the Birtle Residential School, because they often shared with me that when they attended the school, they wanted nothing more than to run away and go home.” Tréchelle Bunn — SCO Youth Chief
>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
RECONCILIATION RUN Sept. 30 will mark the second annual Reconciliation Run, Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation half-marathon. SCO Youth Chief Tréchelle Bunn founded the run, which begins at the ruins of the former residential school in Birtle and concludes on Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation. “I started the run to honour my Kunshi and Unkan, Survivors of the Birtle Residential School, because they often shared with me that when they attended the school, they wanted nothing more than to run away and go home,” Bunn explains, referring to her grandmother and grandfather in her Dakota language. “SCO commends Youth Chief Bunn for her initiative in honouring both the children who attended residential schools in the past and the children and youth living in Birdtail Sioux today. We also commend her for helping to raise awareness about the truths of residential schools through the Reconciliation Run. Her actions show what a significant impact one person can have on the well-being of a community,” says Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. Earlier this year, Bunn arranged a partnership with Under Armour Canada, which donated a new pair of shoes for every youth in Birdtail Sioux. Over 200 pairs of shoes were distributed to the community at the Birdtail Sioux Healing Garden. To learn more, visit: reconciliationrun.ca >> CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
We honour the survivors, their families and the children who never made it home
Remembering The Children Honouring The Survivors The Truth Matters
Through education, we learn from the past and take action towards reconciliation.
NIKI ASHTON Member of Parliament Churchill—Keewatinook Aski Niki.Ashton@parl.gc.ca 1-866-785-0522
LEAH GAZAN Member of Parliament Winnipeg Centre Leah.Gazan@parl.gc.ca 204-984-1675
DANIEL BLAIKIE Member of Parliament Elmwood—Transcona Daniel.Blaikie@parl.gc.ca 204-984-2499
KAHKIINAH ABINOOJIUK KICHIIEHNEHNDAHGOHZIIAHK SICECA OWAS TEUNHINDAPI
scoinc.mb.ca
10 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
HBC BUILDING BECOMING WEHWEHNEH BAHGAHKINAHGOHN >> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
PATHWAYS TO HEALING PROGRAM
The Pathways to Healing Program provides support, information, advocacy and systems navigation to families and Survivors of residential and day schools, the ‘60s Scoop and child welfare system, and the national emergency of MMIWG2S+. Program liaisons assist and advocate for Survivors and families interacting with various systems by providing information to connect participants with the best- suited services, programs and supports. “The Pathways to Healing Program is an important resource, as SCO works to provide a comprehensive continuum of care to help respond to the devastating effects of colonial practices that targeted First Nations,” says Lake Manitoba Chief Cornell McLean. The Pathways to Healing Fund also provides grants to SCO member nations to host events, gatherings and ceremonies or to develop a monument or memorial to honour Survivors and their families. Communities are eligible for a one- time grant of up to $20,000. For more information on Pathways to Healing, visit scoinc.mb.ca/pathways-healing-program. SCO is proud to deliver healing programs and to provide hope for SCO citizens. The First Nation organization encourages all Manitoba residents to stand in solidarity with them on Sept. 30 and in the weeks, months and years ahead as efforts continue on this journey of healing and reconciliation. holistic approach to economic development — an approach in which the primary value of development is in providing a means to reinvest in the community for the benefit of all.” Jerry Daniels — SCO Grand Chief Many of our leaders and communities embrace a
When the SCO took ownership of the former Hudson’s Bay Company flagship store in downtown Winnipeg, it was the first step on a journey of reclamation. In 2023, SCO proposed a path for the project’s next steps, now named Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn: “It is visible.” The revitalization of the building will be an economic boon, creating significant long- term employment with over a million working hours during the construction phase, and a paragon of sustainability. Plans to redevelop the space include more than 300 affordable housing units for families and post-secondary students and culturally safe assisted living units for First Nation Elders. There will also be space for high-quality, licensed child care built on the language nest model — an immersion- based approach to language revitalization in early childhood education. The main floor of the building will become a public space and a place of reflection to honour residential and day school Survivors and commemorate the children who did not make it home. The plans also include space for a museum and gallery, two restaurants — a café with a fresh take on First Nations’ cuisine and a rebooted Paddlewheel Restaurant — a health and healing centre that embraces both Western and traditional practices and a rooftop garden. The space will also become the future home of Governance House for the chiefs of the southern First Nations, the voice for 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 85,500 First Nation citizens, one of Canada’s largest First Nation aggregates. Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn was chosen as Best World-Changing Idea, North America, in Fast Company Magazine’ s annual World Changing Ideas Awards. The awards honour sustainable designs, innovative products, bold social initiatives and other creative projects changing how we work, live and interact with the world. “Many of our leaders and communities embrace a holistic approach to economic development — an approach in which the primary value of development is in providing a means to reinvest in the community for the benefit of all,” Grand Chief Jerry Daniels says.
STRENGTH
IN TRUTH CINUP has been developed over decades of consultation with Indigenous businesses and communities to provide benefits that align with their traditional and modern needs. It is our culture to treat each other and our clients with respect and in collaboration so together, we meet the needs of organizations, plan members and communities. COMMUNITY IN
CINUP proudly partners with over 350 First Nations and Inuit communities and organizations across Canada to provide health, dental, and mental health benefits. sustainable action plan that supports the TRC- calls to action through inclusion & employment, education, community responsibility, youth empowerment, and business partnerships. The plan is proudly administered by Johnston Group, which is committed to providing a culturally safe work environment. The CINUP team has developed a Truth & Reconciliation - Calls to Action committee to develop a RECONCILIATION
Strengthening relationships Recognizing the diversity of Manitobans’
backgrounds and lived experiences, we are committed to respecting and supporting Indigenous peoples in all aspects of our business.
Listening is the first step on the road to reconciliation
Available in accessible formats upon request.
On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the Survivors of residential schools and remember the children who never made it home.
Proud supporter of Indigenous voices.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 11
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
Recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Special thank you to our Indigenous Advisory Circle Kevin Lamoureux, Tara Letwiniuk, Albert McLeod and Danielle Morrison.
CPA MANITOBA LEADING THE CHARGE ON DIVERSITY
We would also like to thank Elders Barbara Bruce and Charlotte Nolin for their wisdom, guidance, support and inspiration.
AND ACCESSIBILITY IN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
PHOTO BY BRADY CORPS FEATURING SHANLEY SPENCE AT THE RWB STUDENT LIVING CENTRE
CANADA’S ROYAL WINNIPEG BALLET 380 GRAHAM AVE. | WINNIPEG, MB | R3C 4K2 T 204.956.0183 E CUSTOMERSERVICE@RWB.ORG W RWB.ORG @RWBALLET
as part of the Indigenous Learners Initiative. Business students learn by dealing with real-life scenarios, often through case studies. The textbook teaches business concepts with Indigenous-based learning samples and situations that learners might encounter or be familiar with. Contextualizing business cases with relatable examples makes the material more relevant and effective. “The other thing that we learned is the difference at the core of the values we teach,” says Tucker. “Traditionally, we teach an accounting program that’s very profit-driven. But in Indigenous culture, profit is not necessarily the No. 1 thing. So that’s something that was a mind shift for us, recognizing that accounting is but a tool. It does not have to be profit- focused. Accounting can contribute to the good of a community and improve the well-being of a community through improved information.” Tucker explains that a CPA Manitoba labour market study from the fall of 2022 showed that there will be a shortage of 200 CPAs in the next five years. Finding more Indigenous people to study accounting will not only address the need for the profession generally but will also be beneficial for the hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Indigenous-led economic projects taking shape in the province, including the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc. transformation of downtown Winnipeg’s former Hudson’s Bay building, the Naawi-Oodena urban reserve at the former Kapyong Barracks and the many resource-intensive projects in the North. “As we embark on this journey, it was really important that our staff, board and members also have access to training about Indigenous culture and history,” says Tucker. “We spent a whole year just doing that at the beginning because we needed to increase our knowledge first. So it was first truth, then reconciliation. As you progress on the journey, it gets more and more difficult; you just have to do more, commit to learning more, and keep trying to move forward, not shy away when it gets hard.”
By Kristin Marand G
eeta Tucker, FCPA, FCMA, is the president and chief executive officer of Chartered Professional Accountants
(CPA) of Manitoba and executive sponsor of equity, diversity and inclusion for the CPA profession in Canada. Tucker has always been interested in promoting the profession, from volunteering and being involved in the activities of local chapters to speaking to students and sitting on the board of directors. In her current role, she is championing how the profession evolves in the spirit of truth and reconciliation. In May 2022, a research project commissioned by CPA Canada and produced by the Athabasca University Faculty of Business identified 23 barriers Indigenous learners face. These barriers range from financial and technological questions of access to more complicated issues, such as the development of numeracy skills or family dynamics that may impact an individual’s ability to focus on education. The report “Hearing Indigenous Voices — Mitigating the Challenges and Barriers to the Accounting Profession faced by Indigenous People” led to 44 recommendations and the launch of a pilot project called the Indigenous Learners Initiative. Some recommendations, such as providing financial or technological support, are more straightforward to address than others. Certain recommendations are more nuanced and complex, like addressing attitudes and confidence. “One of the key things we’ve done is create an Indigenous-only cohort of learners in the pilot program. The development of the confidence in these students has just been amazing,” explains Tucker. “The instructors and mentors were all Indigenous as well. That was important because the way we communicate and the expressions, language and cultural references we use go a long way towards making students feel comfortable in their learning environment.” The first Indigenous accounting textbook in Canada was developed
Artwork by: Jordan Stranger
We are walking together with community toward the shared goals of Truth and Reconciliation and will continue to be guided by the 94 Calls to Action . Learning about impacts of the past, teaches us how to honour survivors as we build a better world for future generations.
For more information on CPA Manitoba’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, visit their website at CPAmb.ca/indigenousunderstanding or scan the QR code.
12 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
fpdinc.ca
Forging forward as a woman in trades
By Jennifer McFee A local tradeswoman has found ways to plumb the depths of her life’s experiences to soar towards success. Arleen Kehler embarked on a path towards becoming a plumber, serving as an inspiration for other girls and women interested in the trades. The journey hasn’t always been easy, yet she continues to persevere towards her goal, overcoming hurdles that run generations-deep. Her grandmother and aunt, from Peguis First Nation, are survivors of residential school. The long-lasting effects of that experience continue to be felt by the family today. “My kookum married young and didn’t know how to take care of a family. She went for a pack of cigarettes and never came back, leaving behind seven children,” Kehler says. “My dad was seven at the time and one of my uncles was just born. That really affected my family a great deal, not having their mother come home.” The ripple effect has impacted the generations that followed, yet Kehler believes it’s possible to change the trajectory. “It really affected my father, and then I was hurt that he was reserved with his emotions. I ended up having addictions and mental health issues, which affects my children too. But I’m very stubborn, which I got from my dad. If there’s an issue with me, I’ll be the first to admit it and I’ll go get help — which I have,” she says. “It’s bittersweet — there’s all the bad of the past, but there’s also the success of pushing through it to be a good role model for my children.” Kehler initially found a spark of interest in the trades while she was with her children’s father, who was a plumbing apprentice at the time. “Being a tomboy growing up, I absolutely loved it. I thought maybe one day I would become a plumber too,” she says. “We separated, but I still always had that desire to become a plumber.” She heard about a pre-employment plumbing program offered to Indigenous participants through First Peoples Development Inc. (FPDI) in partnership with Piping Industry Technical College of Manitoba. She interviewed for the opportunity and was selected. “I was so excited that I was going to be a plumber. That being said, it was a struggle. I’m a single mother and my children are three, five and seven,” she says. “Living in Portage la Prairie, I would drive to and from Winnipeg every day, Monday to Friday, to take my class. It was very difficult, but I’m very determined — and I get that from my father as well.” After completing the 10-month program, Kehler joined Local 254 and has been working for about a year and a half with ServcoCanada. She looks forward to completing her second level of apprenticeship training, but it’s been a challenge to find childcare to help her reach that goal. “I am so grateful for FPDI. They really changed my life and now I can provide for my children. They treat me so well,” Kehler says with emotion. “My union sent me to B.C. for a conference and they want me to promote women in the trades. It’s all just been a dream come true. It’s overwhelming sometimes but I couldn’t be more happy and excited. Being a woman in the trades has opened up so many doors and is giving my family so many opportunities.” Reflecting on her own experience, Kehler encourages others to seek ways to heal and to get help if they need it. “It’s unfortunate that my elders, my people, never got to experience a life they should have and it’s unfortunate that our culture was not properly passed down to the next generation,” she says. “But through my healing of addiction and trauma, I have been teaching my children the way of the land, the beauty of the culture. Along with much therapy, counselling and programs, my family can begin to heal and help others see there is a possibility for success and happiness after what our people have been through.” Every culture has its story, she adds, and there’s no need to feel shame for accessing resources to try to improve your life. “It saddens me that my family never got to experience a proper loving happy home. It saddens me that this has all affected the generations of my family negatively,” she says. “On the other hand, I’m happy to have had FPDI be a part of my healing process. And on Sept. 30, we can begin to heal so that our next generations have a chance at a successful, healthy, happy life.”
Arleen Kehler. PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
Funded by the Government of Canada's Apprenticeship Service
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12Powered by FlippingBook