"We matter. We have a story to tell. We have some ideas how to remedy some of the wrongs that were done."
– Tagaaq Evaluardjuk-Palmer
In a shift away from the matriarchal ways of Indigenous knowing, residential schools and the patriarchal systems that enabled them left many female Survivors questioning the validity of their experiences. The Survivors Circle has created a supportive environment where Survivors can reflect on their experiences, share and find comfort and support in one another. For women in the
Survivors Circle, the support from other women and the inclusion and respect for Two-Spirit individuals has empowered them to form connections and feel understood. Several of the Survivors expressed that before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) ignited a national conversation, women
residential school in family or private settings than their male counterparts and speculated that perhaps they fared better because of that connection. It is widely accepted that women are often better able to deal with issues that strain their mental health because it has been more accepted for them to express their emotions and find reassurance, often in community with other women.
tended to be more open about their experiences in
Celebrating International Women’s Day
Niki Ashton , MP Churchill—Keewatinook Aski Niki.Ashton@parl.gc.ca 1-866-785-0522
Leah Gazan , MP Winnipeg Centre Leah.Gazan@parl.gc.ca 204-984-1675
Leila Dance , MP Elmwood—Transcona Leila.Dance@parl.gc.ca 204-984-2499
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 5
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