EQUAY-WUK (WOMEN’S GROUP)
Organization Overview
• Equay-wuk (plural for “Woman” in the Ojibway and Oji-Cree languages)
• Provincially Incorporated in 1989
• Independent from other women’s group
• Non-Profit Charitable Organization
• Elected Board of Directors – 2 year term
• Catchment area is made up of 31 First Nation communities in remote Northwestern Ontario
Demographics of the Area Served
by Equay-wuk (Women’s Group)
• Vast remote area that covers ½ the province of Ontario
• Inhabited by over 15,000 Cree and Ojibway people
• Most communities are accessible only by air
• High cost of living
• Limited employment opportunities
Early Years 1988-1992
• Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) was formed in March 1988 to stage a conference for Aboriginal Women in the western portion of the province of Ontario.
• The theme for the conferences was
– ME-NO-BE-MA-DE-SEE-WIN -- Good Way of Life
Early Years Conferences/Workshops
• August 88 in Sioux Lookout
• Title -- Northern Women’s Conference
• Five Regional Workshops
• Agenda for each community workshop was set by local women
• These workshops increased community awareness of problems that women deal with
• Open to members of the host community and surrounding communities
• March 1990 in Sioux Lookout
• December 1991 in Webequie
• August 1992 in Sioux Lookout
• Title -- Developing Partnerships Between Women and Political Leadership
Bringing Aboriginal Women Together
• The conferences/workshops brought Aboriginal women together to:
– Strengthen their networks of communication
– Share common issues and concerns
– Develop strategies to meet these concerns
– Implement these strategies
– Recognize and develop their strengths
– Support one another
Outcomes of Early Conferences
• Developed partnerships between women and the political leaders in the communities
• Increased community awareness of the problems that women deal with
• Involved women in planning and conducting their own workshops
• Provided insight into the crucial need for more education and public awareness about family violence
Recommendations
from Early Conferences
• Topics for future education and discussion
– Family Violence
– Youth Suicide
– Alcohol and Substance Abuse
– Parenting
– Skills Training
– Sex Education
1st Programs at Equay-wuk
• Funded by the Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board (SLAAMB) - 1992
– Interpreter/Translator Training
– Short Order Cook Training
• Sponsored by Wawatay Native Communications Society
– A Television Program called “Equay-wuk Speaks”
Quote from 1989-1990
• “Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) has a mandate to provide opportunities for Aboriginal women to educate themselves about family violence so they will initiate activities that focus on providing solution to these problems.”
(1989-1990– ME-NO-BE-MA-DE-SEE-WIN)
Quote from 1992 Conference
• “It is hoped that the Chiefs and council members will now support initiatives begun by women, and send a message that violence against women will no longer be tolerated.” (August 1992 – conference Developing Partnerships Between Women and Political Leadership)
Today 2010
Organizational Objectives/Current Programs
• To coordinate and facilitate the delivery of the Community Wellness Program
• To provide culturally appropriate resources which promote wellness, education and self-development
• To identify community wellness needs, issues and concerns
– Programs at Equay-wuk (Women’s Group)
• Community Wellness Program (STARTED 1995)
• Nishnawbe Women’s Wellness (NEW PROGRAM)
• To maintain and operate employment training programs
– Program’s at Equay-wuk (Women’s Group)
• Job Readiness Skills Training Program
• (Started in 1993 a 23 week training program)
• Employment Ready Skills Training Program
• (Started in 1994 a 12 week training program)
• Early Childhood Education Diploma Program by Distance Education
• (Started in 1993 delivered through St. Lawrence College)
• To empower women to determine their future
• To provide forums for women to become more independent and more assertive about their own needs within their community
– Program at Equay-wuk (Women’s Group)
• Building Aboriginal Women’s Leadership Program
* Originally called ‘Women in Self-Government’
Today 2010
Organizational Objective/Activities
• To network and share information
– Activities at Equay-wuk (Women’s Group)
• Host conferences
• Facilitate Community Workshops
• Develop Manuals and Training Kits
• Maintain a Web Site
• Train-the-Trainer workshops for First Nations to facilitate focus groups in their own community on parenting and family violence prevention
Twenty Years Later…
• Following the vision of our founders Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) continues to provide information and education on the topic of family violence.
• Through the “Healthy Families Healthy Nations” Family Violence Prevention Program we have:
– produced training manuals, activity workbooks, individual booklets, community kits
– trained service providers and professional on the prevention of Family Violence
Future
• Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) is committed to empowering women, youth and families who reside within Northwestern Ontario First Nations communities.
• We continue to apply for funding to facilitate positive change to reflect the aspirations and self-determination of the First Nation people we serve.