About 50 people attended a two-day Women’s Wellness event in Val-d’Or March 14-15 to address violence, trauma and healing through workshops and shared experiences.
According to Tina Mark Ottereyes, President of the Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association (CWEIA), the event centred on raising awareness about violence and creating space where women could “support one another and build stronger and safer communities.”
The initiative featured workshops, keynote speakers and cultural activities with the topics on intergenerational trauma, abuse awareness and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Ottereyes said the gathering began with a workshop on history, including the legacy of colonization and its lasting impact on Indigenous communities. “It was just about us, knowing the history of where we came to be,” she said. “To understand where the trauma has come from in our lives.”
Participants also engaged in hands-on activities, such as drum-making, traditional medicines and making a MMIWG blanket.
“It was for women who were in violent situations and want to see a path forward,” Ottereyes explained. “Just planting the seed will hopefully inspire them to see that there’s hope. Planting a seed of hope also represents growth and change.”
On the second day, women told personal stories, offering both reflection and strength.
“It was space for women to share their lived experience and to see how they overcame situations of violence or addictions,” Ottereyes said. “They shared their journeys and it was very powerful.”
Discussions highlighted practical approaches to healing and safety in trauma-informed care, women’s shelters and education on abuse signals. Cultural practices play a key role, “helping us maintain our connection and our identity,” she said.
Ottereyes hopes that the impact will continue beyond the event, empowering women and strengthening communities.
“Women deserve to be well, and live in a safe place, safe homes, safe families, safe communities,” she concluded.
Christine Chewanish, a participant from Chisasibi, took part in the blanket-making workshop connected to the memory of MMIWG. The activity was not only creative, but deeply emotional and collective, tied to remembrance and healing, she said.
“About nine of us decided to make our blanket,” Chewanish explained. “In the samples we put a picture of one of the women who got abused and murdered, and this makes you think about a murdered woman. Even though you don’t know the person, it still hurts you.”
Her granddaughter nearly lost her life in an abusive relationship last year, Chewanish noted, adding that the experience underscored the urgency to create space for connection and support.
Mary Jane Cooper, from Ouje-Bougoumou, described the gathering as eye-opening and therapeutic. “I’m so glad I went,” she said. “I learned a lot, and gathering with all the ladies was very good therapy.”
One of the impactful aspects for Cooper was learning about traditional medicine. “Take for example, a bee,” she said. “I never knew once it stings you, that’s healing.”
She also learned the importance of respecting nature by not throwing away bones after meals but returning them to the land.
“Once you eat your food, don’t throw the bones in the garbage. You just put them away, like burying them, it’s respect.”
According to CWEIA Executive Director Trudy Longchap, the event opened the door for the women to confront deeply personal experiences.
“It was really beneficial for the Cree women to have healing and to be able to talk about the issues of missing and murdered Indigenous women and domestic violence,” Longchap said. “It brought up things that some people hold, where maybe there’s healing that they still need.”
Longchap said that the goal is not only to speak out, but to educate women. “The intent was to help and empower them and give them the tools they need to move forward.”
Organizers say future gatherings will build on the same foundation of support, awareness and community-driven change.