IKWEWAG NOOJIMO'IWEWIN — WOMEN'S HEALING CIRCLE

By Li Boyd, Mille Lacs Band member

Sometimes there's a certain stigma surrounding the idea of "groups," especially support groups. We might view them as obligations, burdens, places that cause us to spend energy we don't feel we have. We might even feel vulnerable in shared spaces. But human beings, and Anishinaabe in particular, were never meant to live in isolation. Our culture is based on community, and when we experience disconnection from one another, we are reliving the traumas our people have suffered since the onset of colonization. This can be seen in the structure of our language, which often places priority on others rather than the self. We are traditionally a social people, meant to share and care for one another.

Like the Men's Support Group which was featured in last month's Inaajimowin, the Women's Healing Circle is entirely member-driven and began due to a need for support and connection. While the group was founded by Asiniikwe Sam after a personal tragedy and functioned initially as grief support, it has since then grown to be a group of women who celebrate their victories together, share their hardships, and make sure that its members know that they are not alone.

Combating loneliness may be the most important part of the group, not only in our community but nationwide. Just this past May, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy raised the alarm about the national epidemic of loneliness and isolation in a Surgeon General's Advisory. The 82-page document, available on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website, talks about the devastating physical and mental health consequences of a society disconnected from itself. Most importantly, it suggests that creating strong social connections can be an essential step in preventing further harm and treating the damage already caused by the isolation that seems more and more pervasive in our modern society.

To that end, the Women's Healing Circle meets Tuesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. at the old District I Community Center to have a talking circle. Meetings begin with a potluck dinner. Everyone smudges before the eagle feather is passed around for each member to speak if they wish. The goal is not to fix each other, because no one is broken. Advice is only given if asked for. The real goal is to create a safe, calming space for members to decompress. "The group helps us slow down, today," Gilda Burr says.

That being said, the group is for adult women. Due to the sometimes sensitive subjects being shared, members feel it's better for children not to attend. This also helps to create the space that mother's may need. It's a break for mom to be on her own, to breathe and share, just for a little while. Attendance is flexible and members may come to meetings as needed. Core members emphasize that while they are proud when attendees feel healed enough not to need to come to the group anymore, everyone is always welcome to come back.

Carol Ishkodekwe Hernandez points out that, "I don't think there's a single person out there who isn't healing." Everyone experiences grief differently and for different reasons. "For me, it's been a place to not dwell in grief, but to hold each other in our grief in order to heal," says Mary Sam. "We can carry each other as women, as sisters."

Creating these bonds and inclusiveness between women has become the heart of the Healing Circle. Mary also pointed out that in other environments, women may experience lateral violence by being gossiped about or judged. That doesn't happen in Ikwewag Noojimo'iwewin. It's understood that the group is a safe space, and what is shared among members remains confidential. There have been discussions about how members see themselves as women and how they treat each other in the community. For some, it has made it easier for them to speak out and stand up for themselves when they see or experience hurtful behaviors, such as sexism and harassment.

By strengthening each other in these ways, the group also focuses on community engagement. Members have participated in events like the Sobriety Powwows, Every Child Matters, Smudge Walks, and the Red Dress event in support of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. "Women have a right to be bold and brave," says Mary Sam. The group tries to be courageous about lifting up and naming issues in the community that many others won't tackle. Asiniikwe says, "I wish more women would be brave enough to stop in, check it out. We could do so much more in the community."

For themselves, the Women's Healing Circle also does enriching activities outside the talking circle. They have done many craft projects such as ribbon skirts, medicine bags, baby moccasins, quill work, beaded earrings, and lanyards. They uplift one another by sharing culture and traditions and passing along tips, tricks, and craft secrets. Meetings are not always at the community center. Some days, the group might choose to go for a walk in Kathio State Park, take a kayaking trip, or go on a picnic. The friendships they build carry on outside that one day a week to include movie nights, dinners, and even events like the Traveling Art Pub.

Each member of the group extends a heartfelt welcome to new participants. Women are invited to come be a part of something, try new things, experience camaraderie and healing laughter, and find their spirituality and culture in the ways that work best for them. Create bonds, learn new skills, have fun, and, above all, heal together. Women, you are not alone. Ikwewag Noojimo'iwewin is here for you.

Ikwewag Noojimo'iwewin members participate in fun bonding activities outside of regular Healing Circle meeting times.