http://www.stoptheviolencencn.org/home.html
A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground. Then it is done, no matter how brave its warriors or how strong its weapons - Cheyenne proverb
As Nuu-Chah-Nulth women and men we are regenerating our responsibility to uphold our Sacred Laws. It is with this strength of spirit and out of love for our communities, the land, justice, and freedom that we demand the immediate stop of violence, be it physical, sexual, emotional or spiritual abuse in the homes and communities of our women and children. We are demanding the restoration of respect for the role women have, for their ability to bring life into this world.
As Nuu-Chah-Nulth peoples we have resisted 200 years plus of violence at the hands of the colonizers and their guns, canons and diseases. All Indigenous peoples experience colonialism through the racist policies and legislation of the department of children and family services, which dictate to us whether we are fit to raise our own children. The travesty we face today is this rage and frustration turned inward; a perpetuation of colonialism and violence within our own communities.
It is not acceptable to allow our women and children to be constant victims of violent abuse. It is against Nuu-Chah-Nulth values, principles and laws. This can only be addressed if we stand together and prepare to address this issue in a meaningful way.
Join us in a walk to stop the violence from May 5-14, 2006. We will travel through each of the NCN territories, ending up in Tla-o-qui-aht for mothers day. Families are welcome, including women, men, elders and youth. Join us in our struggle for freedom from violence and oppression!
If youd like to learn more about this movement or about how you can help with a donation of your money or your time, Contact Us with any questions you may have.
Why Are We Marching to End Violence?
Here are some words from organizers and supporters of the 2006 March to Stop the Violence in Nuu-chah-nulth Communities:
Chiinuuks, Cheklesaht/Tla-o-qui-aht
"In 2004 the Women of Tla-o-quiaht stood strong in light of the ongoing abuses that occur within their communities. They took it upon themselves to let our people know that these abuses need to be dealt with in a determined fashion. The march against violence is a continuation of this courageuos first step taken by community people."
Ha'wiih'thlup, Huu-ay-aht |
"We are all responsible for the words that come out of our mouths, the actions that our hands take, and the care that we give our children and partners. I think it's imperative that young people today are absolutely clear that we do not accept violence, in all of it's direct and indirect forms; violence builds on, and feeds off of previous violence. We need to acknowledge that what is taking place in our communities today is a product of history, but we must also remember that we can change history, because people do it every day. Violence is the last resort of those that feel powerless and it will not stop until we say so, and our actions follow."
Muunaqwina, Hesquiaht |
"The Indigenous women of this land will continue to march to attain what has been suppressed, what has been denied, what has been taken with their lives and liberty. The Indigenous women of this land will again stand where once they have fallen; to feel inside our souls the heartbeat of our ancestors. It is they who fell yesterday, that we base our collective value today. That together, the ancestors will walk along side future generations, guiding the fight for all Indigenous people of this land. Empowering the Indigenous women empowers the Indigenous family. This walk will be a tangible means that those participating can offer towards the collective end. That all Indigenous women may have the power to provide a sustainable future for the Indigenous family."
Gloria Larocque, Cree |
"The overwhelming presence of violence within our communities has become commonplace and it has reached epidemic proportions. Turning a blind eye is no longer an option and with no viable solutions offered by the maamulthnii systems it is time a solution is found by our people for our people. This walk offers not only the opportunity for me as a Nuu-chah-nulth man to say that I will not tolerate violence against my community in any form, but it also offers the potential for traditional and community based solutions to this byproduct of colonization."
Hiish-miik, Ahousaht/Tla-o-qui-aht |
"The 'STOP THE VIOLENCE" issue is important to me because each time I hear of a man, women or child that is or has been physically, sexually, mentally, spiritually, or emotionally abused I feel as though I am getting beaten or abused all over again. I want our people to learn and teach about respect to our young children to be raised to respect one another. Not to beat on one another as if we were worth nothing. Our peoples lives are worth more than those who have brought harm upon us as native people. I know we can't change history but we can redirect our future and take back our old ways of teachings. Let's get out of this victim stage and move forward away from all the destruction to ourselves and our relatives. Violence is not our way!"
Annie George |
"A lot of the people involved in this initiative were involved with the now-defunct West Coast Warrior Society. For a variety or reasons, the WCWS was disbanded but each and everyone of us remain committed to our families and home communities. After a lot of reflection and discussions with elders, aunts, uncles, parents and grandparents, it became readily apparent that our place was at home. As defenders of our communities and way of life, our first priority is to ensure a safe home from all threats outside and from within. This march is an expression of our intent not only as warriors, but as men and women to say, 'enough. The violence we inflict upon ourselves, our families and children must stop.' This march is about the creation of safe spaces for our people to tell the truth about their experiences, begin to heal and our vigilance to ensure that we will hold each other accountable for our actions and restore balance and respect to all our lives."
Na'cha'uaht |
The March
[schedule revised for Saturday and Sunday the 13th and 14th]
A growing group of young Nuu-chah-nulth people and supporters are organizing a march/walk throughout all the Nuu-chah-nulth territories, beginning May 5th in the Pacheedaht community of Port Renfrew. The purpose of this march is to raise awareness and to announce our collective intent to stop the violence in our communities. We will visit all 15 of the Nuu-chah-nulth communities on Vancouver Island. The march was inspired by the initial efforts of the Tla-o-qui-aht women in 2004 and it is there that we plan to finish the walk on May 14th, Mothers Day.
We are observing traditional protocols by seeking the permission of our hereditary leaders when possible and appropriate. We wish to acknowledge the elected leadership and staff as members of our communities who are committed to healthy Nuu-chah-nulth Nations. In addition to encouraging safe, open discussion, accountability and a healthy adherence of Nuu-chah-nulth laws and values we wish to leave a gift in each community.
Renowned fashion designer, Denise Williams (Tla-o-qui-aht) has sewn 15 shawls, representing each of our nations. We will present a shawl to a young woman in each community; an important recognition of all the women in our communities.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for the stop the violence organizers, or youd like to request more information, please use the Feedback Form or contact us directly at:
Chiinuuks (Ruth Ogilvie)
phone: 250.386.0760
e-mail: rogilvie@shaw.ca
Ha'wiih'thlup (David Dennis)
phone: 604.868.4283
e-mail: dave@unns.bc.ca
Na'cha'uaht (Cliff Atleo, Jr.)
phone: 250.720.7203
e-mail: cliffatleojr@gmail.com |