FNHA Team Honored by Invitation to Connect From the
Women of Haida Gwaii
Through invitation from Shauna Smith, Haida Health Centre’s Community Health Nurse , myself (Jennifer Roy) and Fiona MacLeod (Nursing Practice Consultants with FNHA) attended a women’s night in Massett, Haida Gwaii on December 8, 2014. We didn’t know what to expect or who we’d meet. As soon as we stepped into the Massett Legion Hall from a storm of wind, rain and cold we were welcomed with light, laughter and inclusion by the organizers Sandra Dan (Haida Health Centre), Debra Coutoreille (Old Massett Village Council Social Development) and Rachel Lavrisa (Haida Gwaii Society for Community Peace), as well as 40- 50 other women from the community. It didn’t matter that we were off-islanders. What mattered was we were women looking to connect, laugh, learn, and share time with other women.
The purpose of the ‘My Walk to Healing Women’s Group’ is to enhance connections and build peer supports within the community. The group started in November 2013 after it was identified through discussions at the Haida Health Hub that women needed a space and a safety network to address the trauma many had lived through or were currently experiencing, and to share life lessons about topics such as boundaries, communication, and relationships. The group members are primarily, but not exclusively of First Nations ancestry, and participants rely on trust and support to permit the sharing and reflection of a woman’s experience in the context of living on Haida Gwaii. Guest presenters enrich the many topics of importance addressed at the group meetings, and have included a female RCMP officer, a traditional teacher, and leaders of cultural expression through art (crafts, moccasins). The group meets regularly every Wednesday and continues to build upon the successes they’ve made in role modeling, leadership, and healthy living.
Fiona and I happened to be there on a Monday when a special Women’s Night was taking place for the group. The event was partially funded by a FNHA Winter Wellness Grant and it provided relaxation, gaiety, and camaraderie. Stations were organized around the room with therapeutic treatments such as massage, healing touch and reflexology set up in quieter sections that promoted a meditative atmosphere and supported the women’s’ relaxation. Other stations included a craft of locally-acquired shells and coral strung with beads, as well as haircutting, foot massages and body/face painting. The craft and painting fostered connection and lively discussion amongst participants, and so too did the food and beverages. Gift bags and door prizes were plentiful and appreciated by every woman who received one. The passion of the organizers and the positive energy from everyone present was palpable. It was a joy to be invited; it was an honour to be included.