Indigenous (her)oes and their healing work: ending violence against Indigenous women and girls

Abstract

This thesis explores strategies thirteen community leaders are implementing to prevent violence and educate the public on historical and current violence, and to empower Indigenous women and girls. These strategies that the researcher explores are from programs and events in London and Sudbury, Ontario. Through qualitative interviews, the researcher brings together the voices of 13 participants, 11 Indigenous leaders (Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee), one settler ally, and two Elders, who implement nine initiatives. Using the framework of the Jingle Dress, the researcher ensures that the data is inclusive of culture and Indigenous perspective. The collective strategies were found to have eight main themes: Culture; Education; Oshkabewis: Taking care of Spirit Through Commemoration; Partnerships; Looking Towards the Future; Families; Art as a Medium for Healing; and Funding. The target audience of the initiatives were both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. This research will help other organizations, grassroots or government, incorporate Indigenous Peoples’ voices and culture within programming and events, and can inform allies on how to decolonize their relations to help improve the well-being of all Indigenous Peoples, as well as improve Indigenous and non-Indigenous relations.