Whitehorse Aboriginal Women's Circle

Published purpose

This 30-month project will support a feminist response and recovery to address the current impacts of COVID-19, through systemic change. Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle will achieve this by developing a virtual resource centre (VRC) that will incorporate wisdom from Elders, youth and knowledge holders; increasing collaboration and relationship building between health, social, justice, educational and economic services organizations; and enhancing Indigenous women’s leadership, influence and decision-making through peer support and mentorship programs. At the end of the project, the organization will have contributed to addressing systemic barriers by advancing inclusive policies and practices, encouraging more equitable and effective sharing of resources, increasing networks and collaboration to accelerate systemic change, by supporting positive distribution of authority, voices, and decision-making power and addressing persistent harmful gender norms and attitudes to support women’s equality. This project will result in an Indigenous women and family-centered VRC that will make local Indigenous knowledge and key teachings accessible to intersectional community partners agencies and integrate regular programs such as art and cultural circles, peer support and mentorship to increase access for women. Partnerships with the Alberta based Indigenous Primary Health Care and Policy Research network will be vital to the success of the project.