International Women’s Day
At ISN Maskwa we acknowledge and celebrate women for their social, economic, cultural and political achievements on International Women’s Day.
A special shoutout to all of the women who work at and with ISN Maskwa. Since our inception, the strength and resiliency shown by them is apparent. We believe it is because they work by following their hearts and they want to do what is best to assist First Nations dealing with crises. It is not a surprise to us at ISN Maskwa that women are resilient and strong.
Indigenous women are known to be leaders within their communities. They are the mothers, wives, grandmothers, sisters and aunties. They show compassion, forgiveness, awareness, empathy and strength among other traits.
They are the teachers who share skills such as fishing, hunting and gathering. They are the ones who instill the core values to the children and pass along traditions such as language. Traditionally it was the women who gathered the sacred medicine. They are the keepers of the water and share a sacred connection to water through their role as givers of life.
Our Elder women are the important knowledge keepers who serve as teachers, healers, advisors and counsellors. They served as the guardians of tradition and all things sacred to Indigenous communities.
Women continue to remain pillars of strengths and support for their communities. We see this every time we watch our female CSPs interact with the community members we host. We see them as they sit and listen to those who reach out to them. They are willing to go above and beyond what is expected of them with the end goal of providing support; be it a cup of coffee or providing needed supplies.
ISN Maskwa would also like to acknowledge our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls on this day. Part of International Women’s Day is to focus not only on gender equality and reproductive rights, but also the violence and abuse towards women.
Our women should be celebrated everyday for their contributions to our company, their communities and the whole of Turtle Island. Miigwetch to our women, Happy International Women’s Day!
Author Bio
Written by ISN Maskwa Staff:
Ernie Louttit, Planning and Community Engagement Co-Ordinator
Jane Martynuck, Media Coordinator, Trainer and Investigator
