WIIKWEMKOONG—A steady drumbeat resonated through the halls of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, calling men and women together for two days of powerful storytelling, transformative healing and a shared commitment to ending family violence. Nookimisnang’s Men’s Wellness Conference offered a safe space for men to confront their trauma, reclaim their roles as caregivers and protectors, and recognize that healing is not just a personal journey—it’s a communal responsibility.
The conference tackled a deeply rooted issue with honesty and courage: men’s mental wellness as a cornerstone for eliminating intimate partner violence. It acknowledged the unspoken truth that men, too, can be victims of violence, while highlighting the role of healing in breaking cycles of harm. Through personal stories, traditional teachings, and meaningful discussions, the conference sought to empower men to rebuild themselves and their families.
Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell: a legacy of equity and healing
Fifty winters have passed since a young Anishinaabe woman from Wiikwemkoong stood before the winds of injustice, refusing to bow. Her name, Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, would become a song of resilience, a fire that lit the way for generations of Indigenous women seeking justice, equity and dignity.
It began with love—a union that crossed cultural boundaries, a marriage to a non-Indigenous man. But in 1970, love came with a price. Section 12 of the Indian Act, a colonial relic designed to erase, decreed that by marrying outside her community, she would lose her Indigenous status. Her identity, her connection to her people, her rights as an Anishinaabe woman—gone with the stroke of a pen.
But Jeannette was no stranger to the strength of her ancestors. She carried their stories in her blood, their resilience in her heart. In 1973, she stood before the Supreme Court of Canada, her voice unwavering, challenging the injustice of a law that discriminated against women simply for choosing love. Though the court’s decision upheld the status quo, her fight was far from over. She had sown the seeds of change, and those seeds would take root.
Twelve years later, the echoes of her battle reached Parliament, and Section 12 was overturned. What was once thought immovable had been reshaped by the unyielding will of one woman and the countless others who followed her path.
Jeannette’s journey did not stop there. Her voice carried across borders, to the halls of the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the American Commission on Human Rights. She spoke for Indigenous women silenced by systems designed to erase them. Her words, forged in the fire of her own struggle, resonated on a global scale, demanding equity and justice for her sisters.
Her legacy is enshrined not only in the laws she helped change but also in the hearts of those she inspired. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg tells her story, a testament to her courage and the lives transformed by her unwavering stand.
Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell’s life is a drumbeat, steady and strong—a call to remember, to resist, and to reclaim. She reminds us that justice is not a gift but a right, and that even the smallest voices can stir the winds of change. Fifty years have passed, but her song continues, a melody of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of truth.
Robert Antone: the drum as a lifeline
Robert Antone of the Oneida Nation stood as a living testament to the transformative power of healing. A survivor of the Sixties Scoop and a victim of human trafficking, Antone shared his deeply personal story of pain, resilience and renewal.
“My journey was one of survival,” Antone said. “I carried the weight of trauma and addiction for years. But when I found the drum, everything changed.”
For Antone, the drum became more than an instrument; it was a lifeline, a teacher, and a symbol of responsibility. Through drumming, he found sobriety and rediscovered his identity. He spoke of the drum as a sacred gift from women to men, a tool for creating safe spaces and fostering healing.
“Our responsibility as men is to protect the drum and what it represents. That starts with us—how we treat ourselves, our families, and our communities. When we heal ourselves, we break the cycle of violence.”
Antone’s story resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom shared similar struggles and triumphs. His message was clear: healing is not a solitary act but a commitment to those we love.
Recognizing men as victims of violence
One of the most impactful discussions at the conference was the acknowledgment that men, too, can be victims of intimate partner violence and abuse. By creating a safe space for men to share their experiences, the conference sought to break down the stigma that often silences male survivors.
“When we talk about family violence, we need to include men in the conversation,” said one speaker. “Men who are victims often feel isolated and ashamed. We need to let them know they’re not alone, that healing is possible, and that their voices matter.”
This recognition was a vital step in shifting the narrative around family violence, emphasizing that healing requires compassion and inclusivity.
Kerry Lynn Peltier: Empowering Men Through Holistic Healing
Holistic health advocate Kerry Lynn Peltier brought her expertise to the conference, sharing her journey of helping individuals reconnect with their mind-body connection. Peltier highlighted the importance of addressing physical and emotional health as an integrated process.
“When men understand their own bodies and emotions, they become more present, more compassionate, and more empowered,” Ms. Peltier explained. “This is how we break cycles of violence—by giving men the tools to heal and thrive.”
Her stories of working with men to address trauma and rebuild their sense of self were inspiring. She spoke about her young son, Maximus Migizi, as a daily reminder of the importance of modeling healthy behaviours for the next generation.
“My five-year-old son, Maximus Migizi, reminds me every day that our true superpower is love, mindfulness, and connection. He meditates, he lives the teachings and even gave me his Snoopy for strength when I came here. His name means ‘great love,’ and through him, I see the full circle of why I’m here—to help men embrace their own superpowers and become heroes in their families and communities.”
Constable Darrel Rivers: rebuilding trust and community
Constable Darrel Rivers, the Indigenous Liaison Officer for the Greater Sudbury Police Service, shared insights into how law enforcement can play a role in supporting men’s mental wellness and fostering trust with Indigenous communities. He described initiatives like the “Bundle of Knowledge” series and trauma-informed practices designed to address the root causes of harm.
“Our goal is to create understanding and empathy,” Constable Rivers said. “When men heal, they can rebuild trust—not just within their families, but within their communities.”
Constable Rivers emphasized the importance of self-awareness and cultural humility in creating safer spaces for healing, both within law enforcement and the broader community.
As the conference drew to a close, the air was thick with a sense of shared purpose. The stories told were not easy to hear—tales of pain, loss, and struggle. But they were also stories of hope, transformation, and the unyielding strength of the human spirit.
The drumbeat that closed the event was more than a sound; it was a promise. A promise to heal, to protect, and to create a future free from violence.
Healing men heals families. Healing families heals communities. This truth was the heartbeat of Nookimisnang’s Men’s Wellness Conference, a reminder that healing begins within and radiates outward, transforming not just individuals but entire nations.
Through courage, accountability, and connection, the men of Wiikwemkoong are charting a path toward safety, unity, and resilience—one heartbeat at a time.
