Local conference celebrates women’s skills, achievements

“Strengthen and Inspire the Anishinaabekwe” was the theme of a two-day conference 30 women attended at East End Hall here last week, which also marked a local celebration of International Women’s Week.
Held March 9-10, the conference was hosted and organized by the women enrolled in the Seven Generations Education Institute’s “Azhemiinagoziwin” program, which focuses on academic upgrading and employability skills.

“The conference put into practice all the skills [students] have been learning,” explained Lisa Mik-Onini, the program’s co-ordinator and instructor.
“It gives them a chance to showcase what they’re doing to their peers.
“It [also] lets them be proud of what they’re doing,” Mik-Onini noted, adding she hopes another one can be organized for next year, as well.
Each woman enrolled in the program was able to invite two friends or family members—especially other women they felt also could possibly benefit from the program.
Mik-Onini said the first day of the conference focused more on professional development, featuring an interactive seminar about leadership, effective communication skills, and assertiveness presented by Jan Mahood of SkillPath Seminars.
The second day saw attendees work alongside family, friends, and elders on activities such as sewing traditional dresses and beading tobacco and medicine pouches.
Displayed throughout the hall were the various projects the students had worked on over the year, including a Photovoice project on the theme of “honouring women,” their “dress for success” project, and more.
Also featured was a student-created slide show on the program’s history and what it has meant for those enrolled in it.
“I really love the program because I get to experience being creative, learn new things, and visit with people every day,” was one of the students’ comments included in the presentation.
“I like it because I’m learning a lot more than before” was another, and “I love it because it’s a positive learning environment to come to.”
Many of the students said they will be looking to continue their education and enroll in other programs after they complete this one.
“The whole point of the program is just to give these young women a chance to be proud of themselves for what they do,” stressed Mik-Onini, noting the name of the program (“Azhemiinagoziwin”) means “regaining strength and giving back to others.”
Each year, the program accepts 10 students.
It began as an idea by Seven Generations back in 2006, when the Ontario Women’s Directorate sent out a call for proposals for projects that would provide employment training and supports for women who had experienced and/or were at-risk for domestic violence.
When first planning the program, Seven Generations identified the issues which local First Nations’ women are faced with, including multi-generational cycles of family violence, lower socio-economic status, and limited educational attainment.
Since starting four years ago, the program has provided opportunity in areas including academic upgrading, introduction to microcomputers, workplace heath and safety, personal career development, life skills, job retention and placement strategies, personal counselling, wellness and culture, and business skills development training.
Based on feedback from past and present students, the program continues to grow, having expanded to include topics such as personal life skills, nutrition and healthy meal planning, parenting/family planning, health career exploration, mentorships, and education planning/preparation.
Those interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to contact Mik-Onini through Seven Generations at 274-8761.