A Bii-Wasaya Project ‘Men’s Wellness’ Part 1

Lac Seul First Nation, under Prevention Services, created a Gender-Based Violence Project Bii-Wasaya: The Coming of the Dawn to support the formation of a community of recovery from Gender-Based Violence. This project is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

The root causes of gender-based violence are complex, however, it is believed that patriarchy and a loss of Indigenous men’s traditional roles due to oppression and colonization are a couple of the main reasons. The high rates of violence and victimization of Indigenous peoples is rooted in the traumatic and destructive history of colonization that impacted and continues to impact Indigenous families, communities and Canadian society overall (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada 2015). Education, both formal and informal, at the community-level geared to men and boys is needed for change. The goal is to shift attitudes, promote healthy relationships, understand Lac Seul’s history and the intergenerational impacts of colonization, challenge dysfunctional norms (normalized violence), and prevent gender-based violence through education, training and awareness. If we can build capacity among our front-line workers and individuals across sectors interested providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed training to men and boys perpetuating or at risk of committing gender-based violence, we will increase access to court-mandated GBV training and training that addresses the root causes of GBV.

During childhood, GBV may start in the home, creating a continuum during the life cycle where harmful gender norms and unequal power dynamics play a significant role in continuing GBV. It is essential to provide education around the history of Lac Seul First Nation and address the normalization of violence in the home and in community in order to prevent men and boys from continuing the GBV cycle.

This podcast is part of a Communications Strategy to create awareness of and de-stigmatize men’s wellness, in particular mental health.