What International Women's Day means to me
- EFN Staff | March 08, 2017
Today, women all around the world celebrate International Women’s Day. It’s a global day where women are celebrated and honoured through their social, economic, cultural and political achievements. International Women's Day first started on 1913 and every March 8th remains the global date to mark this significant day. Eagle Feather News asked a variety of Indigenous women what this day means to them.
Dakota-Ray Hebert from Meadow Lake/English River First Nation:
“International Women's Day means a lot of things to me. It means celebrating all women of the past, present, and future. Celebrating our successes, our ideas, our growth, our strength, and realizing just how important we are. And while many of us do this on the daily, it's good to have a recognized day so those who maybe don't pay too much attention to us, have to.”
Tatyana Chartel from Kahkewistahaw First Nation:
“Today is my birthday so I share my birthday with all women which I don't mind at all. It's a chance to celebrate ourselves. International women's day makes me think that today is a day women remember and reflect on the choices we've made to get where we are and continue to move forward. To be thankful and work together which is important because as an Indigenous woman I struggle to feel equal to anyone.”
Viola Kay from Kawacatoose First Nation:
“To me, its really about being fearless. We juggle everyday life with many tasks. We are all equal in workplace and in the kitchen at home. We have always been that womb that keeps this world ours safe and secure.”
Kaitlyn Froehlich from Big Beaver, SK:
“To me, International Women’s Day is a time to reflect and remember and give respect for the generations of women who came before us who had to sacrifice and fight to get us where we are today as women such as equal rights. It’s a day to remember that and to sacrifice and to inspire yourself to continue doing that for further generations of women.”
Rhonda Donais from Ocean Man First Nation:
“International women's day as an Aboriginal woman is a celebration of women's rights to me. This is a day where Aboriginal women unite to take action to support positive changes. This is a day where all women work together to make this world a better place for us all. It makes me proud to say I love being a woman, I love being an Aboriginal woman!”
Chasity Delorme from Cowessess First Nation:
“Everyday is a day to celebrate being ‘iskwew’. Specifically, today means giving a special acknowledgment to who I am as a Cree Woman. Today means I can use my personal healing journey to encourage and motivate other women young and old to be proud of who they are. Today, we acknowledge the strength and resilience of all Indigenous women.”
Lindell Haywahe from Carry The Kettle:
“As an Indigenous woman, International Women’s Day means that Indigenous women are that much closer to breaking down the walls that colonialism built. Equality, distribution of power, like our children and their children, the women are the backbone for all societies because of their ability to give life. Raising awareness against domestic violence, the Murdered and Missing, and workplace equality are all indications of the journey to balance.”
Heather O’Watch from Okanese First Nation:
“International Women's Day is dedicated to the women of this world. As an Indigenous woman, my understanding of our world, our land, our rights, and our respect is often overlooked and or not honoured. As women, as life givers-like mother earth, we are vital to the survival of this world, yet we are the most oppressed. Let this day be a reflection on all the resistance including our mother earth has, as we continue to give life and love to others. All women from around the world are sacred, and until we can stand equally without suffer and resistance will a day like today's celebration become an everyday celebration. A celebration of life.”