The Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre will be hosting two Strawberry Talking Circles this week, with the topic of both being sexual violence experienced by Indigenous women in northern Manitoba.

 

The circles are being hosted by Dr. Marlyn Bennett from the University of Manitoba. Ka Ni Kanichihk, which is based in Winnipeg, hired Dr Bennett to undertake this community outreach initiative to meet with Indigenous women who have experienced sexual violence as well as organizations who provide supports.

 

The first circle is taking place Thursday (April 26th) and is for Indigenous women here in the north who have experienced sexualized violence in Manitoba. All are welcome to attend, as organizers say that having an experience with sexual violence is not necessary to participate and give feedback.

 

The second circle will take place on Friday (April 27th) and is for those who support or provide services to Indigenous women who experience sexual violence. The organizers are  looking to hear what providers need to know in order to help Indigenous women feel safe when disclosing or reporting sexual violence, as well as what works and what doesn’t work with the current system so it can be improved.

 

Both the Thursday and Friday talking circles are scheduled from 10:00am until 2:30pm at the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre and include a lunch.

 

If you'd like more information on the events or would like to register, you can contact either Dr. Bennett or Cynthia Lathlin.

 

Cynthia Lathlin

Phone: 204-677-1776

Email: clathlin2@nrha.ca

 

Dr. Marlyn Bennett

Phone: 204-294-9167

Email: marlyn.bennett@umanitoba.ca