The cycle of violence for aboriginal women must be seen through cultural and historical eyes. In a study sponsored by the Ontario Native Women's Association in 1990, results indicated that eight (8) out of ten (10) Native women have been abused or assaulted. 84% identified their male partner as the abuser. In 82% of the cases studied, the women left and forfeited their homes ("Breaking Free- A Proposal for Change to Aboriginal Family Violence).
Family violence is not consistent with the cultural traditions and values of aboriginal peoples... values, which uphold reverence for the natural world and for others. Traditionally, women were honoured and respected for their roles as teachers and creators of life....not diminished by disapproval, neglect or abuse. Thus, family violence is not condoned within Native communities and is often a symptom of other issues. Oppression, discrimination and cultural loss have been the experiences of the aboriginal peoples since the days white settlers claimed ownership of this land, referred to as "Turtle Island" in native tradition. The settlers brought with them ideas of separateness and inequality between men and women, children and adults, and various races and classes. Residential schools were created that separated Native children from their families, suggesting that Native ways and languages needed to be eliminated. Abuse and violence were learned and internalized as the white culture systematically eroded Native values and traditions.
"Aboriginal People in Ontario define family violence as a consequence of colonization, forced assimilation, and cultural genocide; the learned negative, cumulative, mutli-general actions, values, beliefs, attitudes and behavioural patterns practiced by one or more people that weaken and destroy the harmony and well-being of an aboriginal individual, family, extended family, community or nation". (Vis-à-Vis, Spring 1993)
Aboriginal women who are experiencing abuse, may encounter barriers. If the abuse becomes intolerable, a woman may have to leave her community and enter into a support network where cultural values and expressions may not be understood or encouraged. Her own natural ways of coping with the abuse may be in conflict with non-aboriginal support systems. Leaving the relationship and punishing the abuser are not consistent with aboriginal ways. Change and healing are encouraged by:
- Seeking the wisdom of an elder
- Supporting all family members to pursue healing
- Learning, understanding and reclaiming traditional Native ways.
- Respecting personal responsibility for choices, building healthy relationships
- Healing, reclaiming, obtaining the support of the collective Native community
- Acquiring the assistance of culturally-appropriate services such as
Niijkiwendidaa Anishhaabe-Kwewag Services Circle 1-800-663-2696
Anduhyaun Residence (Native Women's Shelter) Toronto 1-416-920-1492
Anishnawabe Health Centre, 225 Queen St. East, Toronto 1-416-360-0486
For aboriginal women, healing from abuse is a holistic endeavor involving physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. The cultural teachings must be respected as she turns to the medicine wheel, sacred medicines and traditions for her answers and her healing from abuse. |
