Kanawayhitowin launching in Fort Frances

“Stop the abuse, we all have a responsibility to end woman abuse, enough is enough.”
Those are the beginning words on a Kanawayhitowin: Taking Care of Each Others Spirit video calling for an end to violence against Aboriginal women. The video is available at www.kanawayhitowin.ca.
The Kanawayhitowin program, which has already been launched by the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centers in Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie, is scheduled to launch Feb. 10 in the Fort Frances area.
Developed by the OFIFC to address the issue of violence against Aboriginal women, the program reflects a traditional and cultural approach to community healing and wellness.
“The Kanawayhitowin logo reminds us of the sacredness of women according to the teachings of our 13 grandmother moons and as caretakers of the Earth we have a responsibility to take care of each others spirit,” said Pauline Shirt, Elder on the panel that guided the development of the program.
The program is designed to help address the issue by raising awareness of the high risks and warning signs of violence and the resources available to combat violence against Aboriginal women.
The OFIFC is stressing the Kanawayhitowin message to end the isolation abused women feel; promote a variety of educational and awareness raising activities and materials; provide information about warning signs and safety planning; emphasize the empowerment of Aboriginal men to take responsibility and make change; and provide guidelines on how to implement the program in local communities.