Indigenous Sovereignty Week

Winnipeg's Second Indigenous Sovereignty Week 2010: resistance and revival 

 

November 20 to 27

The purpose of this week is to build local relationships between groups and individuals, disseminate ideas of Indigenism, and generally, contribute to building a cross-Canada movement for Indigenous rights, self-determination, and justice that is led by Indigenous communities but with a broad base of informed support.

Many fantastic events took place during this week in Winnipeg and across the country. 

Thursday, November 25:  International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

I began a new Men's Banner at the University of Manitoba. This was an event for both Indigenous Sovereignty Week and Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. 

My husband Yuri was the first to place his hand on the banner. He spent the day helping me encourage other men to commit to non-violence and place their hand print on the banner.

 

After five hours in the University Center we had successfully collected 17 hand prints and signatures. For me it was a positive and productive day.  Doing this by myself for the last four years I consider the conversations I have with each man about being non-violent more important than filling the banner as fast as possible. Dialogue takes time and the interactions I have with strangers has a longer lasting impact.

 

Yuri encouraged two men to keep the paint on their hands during their class. This resulted in the two men being asked why their hands were blue and red. It created more awareness across campus and  these two men brought back friends during the day to lend a hand and make the commitment.