by Sharon Jackson
KAGAWONG—The definition of a feminist, according to the Oxford dictionary, is “a supporter of women’s claims to be given rights, opportunities and treatment equal to those of men.”

Manitoulin Family Resources and Seeds of Joy partnered to sponsor the annual event held in Kagawong recently. Approximately 40 women of different backgrounds and ages came together to recognize International Women’s Day.

Seeds of Joy founder Ciann Strickland was unable to attend as she was out of town, however facilitator (and Seeds of Joy member) Linda Willson spoke on her behalf, acknowledging their “wonderful group” and sharing that she was excited the day would give an “opportunity to get together to celebrate.” 

Hosts Tammy Albers and Kerri Lattimer, billed as 2 Wacky Womyn, provided an afternoon of laughter, creativity, singing and dancing.

The day included door prizes, a silent auction, sharing stories to celebrate sisterhood, as well as chanting, dancing and drumming.

Singer/songwriter Leslie Neshkiwe, formerly of Wikwemikong who now makes her home in Little Current with daughter Sharla, kicked off the afternoon by performing an original song ‘The Sun Won’t Last Forever.’

“Music,” shared Ms. Neshwike, “helped me through some hard times,” adding that “it is good to have other women to surround yourself with when you need support.”

Manitoulin Family Resources (MFR) is the other half of the team sponsoring the event that due to unforeseen circumstances was not held last year. Due to colder than normal temperatures, the water lines froze at the Park Centre cancelling all events and activities typically held in the building.

Ms. Willson thanked the group for their continued partnership, which includes covering advertising costs and refreshments, by saying “we are happy for their support.”

Ms. Albers and Ms. Lattimer shared the role of Master of Ceremonies and started off with ‘definitions of the day,’ some of which included trigger warning, patriarchy, misogyny, consent and feminist.

‘Trigger warning’ is an emotional response such as anger, rage, shame or empathy. Ms. Lattimer shared that “it brings one back to the trauma; you may not have memory of it but have a mental trigger.”

Patriarchy is a social system in which power is held by men through cultural norms and customs that favour men and withhold opportunity from women. The female equivalent is a matriarchy.

“Misogyny,” stated Ms. Lattimer, “is a hatred or dislike of women.”

Ms. Albers stated that some people are afraid to define themselves as feminists. If you don’t agree that men and women are equal, you’re not a feminist. “If you do,” she shared, “then you are.”

International Women’s Day was first celebrated in New York City in 1909 following the garment worker’s strike. Some felt it should be recognized as a statutory holiday.

Some of the dates that are recognized for reasons created from violence, hatred and ignorance are vigils held in several cities on December 6 for the 14 female engineering students who lost their lives at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal back in 1989.

February 14 is recognized in remembrance of the more than 2,000 murdered and missing Indigenous women.

Ms. Albers recognized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for being the first in this elected position to acknowledge these women.

Guest speaker Michelle Hrynyk spoke on the topic of ‘Women’s Connection to Each Other.’ Ms. Hrynyk asked everyone to move their chairs so they could sit in a circle so they could all see one another.

“Violence against women,” shared Ms. Hrynyk, “is in every culture. We just may not be aware of it; many times it happens in isolation. If we don’t look at it, we don’t have to change it,” she stated.

Ms. Hrynyk asked the women in attendance to name experiences that bring women together. Some brought forward were motherhood, tragedy, and loneliness.

A table at the front of the room held several items, one of which was a small clay figure with physical characteristics of a woman. Each person in the circle was asked to hold the figure in their hand and share the name of a strong woman. Nine shared a memory of their mother, seven of a best friend or special friend, four each mentioned a sister or those in their community who had shown support, three daughters were mentioned, two grandmothers, and a teacher, author and aunt were named by others. One person stated that the strong woman in her life was herself: “me.”

Following a short break, Ms. Willson led everyone in a chant, ‘How Can Anyone,’ by joining hands and winding their way throughout the room. The verse is ‘How can anyone ever tell you you are anything less than beautiful. How can anyone ever tell you you are less than whole. How can anyone fail to notice that your healing is a miracle. How deeply you’re connected to my soul.’

Ms. Lattimer wrapped up the day by saying “thank you so much for coming today; there are so many things going on in our lives.”

Two door prizes were given out: a wall hanging called ‘Stepping Out’ and a gift basket donated by Our Garden.