First Nation Women of Canada: 2nd Annual Celebration

FNFN Chief Sharleen Wildeman with David Suzuki and FNFN Lands Office Manager Lana Lowe at a speaking engagement for the Green Party Rally last week in Victoria. Chief Wildeman and Dr. Suzuki spoke to a crowd of more than 1,000 people about the need for more scientific studies when making decisions about major resource development projects.

by Kathy Smith
Northern Rockies Aboriginal Womens Society (NRAWS) Executive Director Vina Behn began coordinating the ‘First Nation Women of Canada’ celebration with a group of women while living on Vancouver Island in 1997.  The event honouring First Nation women stemmed from International Women’s Day.  When she began working in the FNFN area, she was inspired to do the same here.
This year it was decided the occasion would be less about giving awards, and more about sharing experiences and treating women to a relaxing evening. “I didn’t want any of the women to be cooking or cleaning up because they would miss out.  It wasn’t about that.  It was about celebrating, sitting down, and enjoying each other’s company – to me that’s what a celebration is all about – it’s about socialising and empowering women to bring the best out in themselves and each other; empowering women of all walks of life.  That’s why we invited the Cadets, a youth speaker, a mother, and an elder, to make it really balanced.  To me, that’s about who we are as First Nations women,” says Behn.
She feels it was fitting to put a program together that was appealing to all generations.  “I know the youth were all inspired – when you go above and beyond and go the extra mile, people see that and they want to be a part of that.  The first goal I had was to get as many First Nations women out as possible.  The second goal I had was to make sure people walked away with a good feeling; a good energy, that something positive happened.” From three elders coming in the door together, to youth attendees, entertainers of all ages, and everyone in between, Behn knows that some women have never attended a gala before, and recognises that this was a very rewarding experience for them.  “It allows some of the younger people to say, you know what – I’m looking forward to coming again next year.  I want to build up the people, so they think it is possible – I can become a speaker!”
The event was a success on many levels, from the support of over 30 community contributors, to the local First Nation’s women who told their stories and inspired others.
“We don’t have to pay people to come in – we have the answers right here in our community,” Behn said.

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