R Liesje introduced Emily MacDonald, Office Administrator for the Anishnaabe Kwewag Gamig Inc., Regional Women's Shelter. Serving Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Women and Families.
Emily is from Brighton, and Pam Vanderburg was one of Emily's teachers at ENSS. Emily got a human resources degree from Carlton, then Social Work from George Brown. She has had several roles before becoming the Administrative officer at the Women's shelter in 2020.
The Anishnaabe Kwewag Gamig Inc., Regional Women's Shelter opened in 1996. It is part of a regional organization with seven First Nation Communities. Since opening, they have served 896 women and 613 children. Approximately 36 women per year.
Their mandate is:
Anishnaabe Kwewag Gamig Inc., provides services and a safe, temporary residence to women and their dependents to increase safety and support healing.
They provide these services to both indigenous and non-indigenous women.
They provide On-site services including:
- providing a safe place for women & children
- 24-hour support
- Holistic counseling approach
- Weekly programming
- House meetings
- Housing support
- Advocacy and referrals
- Children and youth services
They provide a crisis support line, advocacy and rights information provided, safety planning, referrals and resources.
They have various staff for Family Violence Prevention Worker, Councillors, youth and child councilors.
They use holistic methods and healing and personal development techniques. Counselling is client centered, strength based and follow indigenous teachings as well as conventional methods.
The 7 Grandfather Teachings include:
Bravery - we often need bravery and courage to accomplish things in the most difficult times.
Honesty- Treat others in a good way, as you would wish to be treated. Making honest decisions will make your heart feel good.
Respect - To honour all of Creation is to have respect.
Wisdon - To cherish knowledge is to know wisdom.
Humility - Self-worth is important but it is important to remember we are all equal.
Truth - Be true in all you do. Be true to your brothers, sisters and yourself. Always speak the truth.
Love - Love your brothers and sisters, share with them. Show kindness and be friendly. Do not judge.
The Medicine Wheel - Spiritual, Mental, Emotional and Physical.
Four sacred medicines - Sage, Sweetgrass, Cedar and Tobacco.
Smudging for cleansing.
We can support by volunteering, time and driving, providing skills and financial donations.
Women are water keepers. Water is Life.