U Talk Features: Indigenous Organizations

June 21, the summer solstice, was National Indigenous Peoples Day. For centuries, Indigenous peoples have celebrated the summer solstice.

Today we celebrate with them, recognizing the unique heritage and diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Although June has come and gone, it's essential to understand Indigenous folks' challenges and celebrate their triumphs. If we actively listen and communicate as a broader community, we can all work together to create solutions to improve all Canadians' conditions. Since 2016, a women-led group has kept the North Point Douglas community safe through community service, activism, and engagement. Mama Bear Clan's women have done much to support their community, donating time and energy to make a difference.

The group patrols three times a week, pulling wagons with about 100 meals to those who need it each time. Additionally, the group picks up sharps [any device or object used to puncture or lacerate the skin], walks people home, check-ins on homeless camps, provides wellness checks, and attends events and sigils. Mama Bear can thank its creation to the Women's Warrior Circle (WWC), a drum group out of the North Point Douglas Women's Centre. The empowerment group is dedicated to creating positive change and promoting healing in the community through matriarchal leadership and service.

The group is rooted in reclaiming traditional Indigenous teachings and practices through drumming, a sharing circle, and local elders and knowledge keepers.

WCC continues to support Mama Bear Clan through fundraising and offering support at local events.

The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) represents Indigenous women, girls, and the gender diverse, including First Nations, Inuit and Metis.

For many years, there's been a lot of pain within the Indigenous community, murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit, unclean drinking water, and the fight to protect Indigenous land.

More recently, the news of children's graves found at residential schools. Created in 1974, NWAC is a political voice for these groups, fighting for wellbeing through advocacy, education, research, and policy. Founded with the collective goal to enhance, promote, and foster the social, economic, cultural, and political well-being of Indigenous women, girls, and the gender diverse within their respective communities and Canadian societies.

For 47 years, NWAC has been dedicated to representing and improving the lives of these communities. Lorraine Whitman, "Grandmother White Sea Turtle," is the president of NWAC.

One of 14 siblings of the late Chief Joseph Peters and Elder Doris (Brooks) Peters and granddaughter of the late Chief Louis Peters of Bear River, Whitman has always believed in speaking for the truth and equality, driven against racism and discrimination she saw when she was younger, a hatred still lurks within society today.

Witman and many other leaders at NWAC remain vigilant to ensure Indigenous voices are heard.