Helping Women and Children Triumph Against Family Violence Since 1988
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CIET RESEA RCH STUDY -
Community -led Reduction of Domestic Violence in
Aboriginal Communities: Rebuilding from Resilience. The
society is currently conducting a study in partnership with CIET Canada.
The purpose of the study is to understand how personal and community resilience
can help reduce domestic violence in Aboriginal communities. Resilience is
a person's ability, in using their skills and strengths, to cope and recover
from problems or challenges that are facing them. We would like to thank
everyone that has participated so far: Aitcheltiz First Nation,
Tzeachten First Nation, Chehalis First Nation, Skwah First
Nation, Soowahlie First Nation, Cheam First Nation, Chawathil
First Nation, Yeakwioose First Nation, Skowkale First Nation,
Skwahlook First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, Katzie First
Nation, Scowlitz First Nation, Leq'a:mel First Nation, Squiala
First Nation, Shxwha:y Village, Fraser Health, Coqualeetza Elders, Sto:lo Youth
Coucil, Sto:lo Nation ( Eagle Vision, Qwí:qwelstóm Stó:lo Nation Justice
Program),Stehiyaq Healing and Wellness Village
As of November 25, 2010 our researchers, Rhonda; Lacey; Darcy and Antonia have completed over one-half of the survey target number of 1,000 surveys. The response from our First Nations communities has been excellent, thank you so much for all those who have completed the survey and a big thank you to the First Nation Leaders and Community Resource workers who have been so welcoming to allow us to come into each territory with our questionnaires. It is expected that data entry will begin mid-January 2011 and eventually we will post the findings on our website and present the findings to our First Nation Communities. We expect to meet our target number by mid-December, but irregardless, the survey will end by December 31, 2010 or the first week of January 2011 at the very latest.
CELEBRATING WOMENS ACHEIVEMENTS
NEW HAIR SALON OPEN IN CHILLIWACK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 604-845-4801 CONGRATULATIONS SARAH ON THE NEW SALON! FROM ALL OF US AT THE XOLHEMET SOCIETY
November
2010.
Xolhemet
mourns the loss of one of their residents.
Her traditional name is Makle’et, her borrowed name is “Margaret Saul”.
Makle’et came to Xolhemet Second Stage almost 3 years ago.
She came to us with two of her great-grandchildren.
When her great-grandchildren left her care, Makle’et stayed on with us to
continue her healing from the Residential School experience she endured.
She brought warmth, caring and love to share with all she encountered in
this life. She drummed and sang for
the special events at Second Stage such as birthdays, graduations, Christmas,
etc. She was an integral part of
the circle of women beginning their
healing journey here at our Second Stage facility.
She held healing circles for anyone who requested it.
She not only taught the women within these circles, but she also held
circles, on request, for the youth within the facility.
Makle’et
was an extremely strong woman wanting, praying, hoping and working towards the
end of family violence within our First Nation communities and she especially
wanted to see the end of the abuse of our children.
She believed in the rights for children to live without the fear of abuse
and neglect and she brought that message to every place she went and didn’t
really worry about the “politics” that may have been evident, she wanted to
speak for the whole world to hear.
She was
strong and resilient in her will to defeat the cancer growing within her.
I shall always remember her wonderful smile and great sense of humour.
She loved being an elder and sharing her culture and songs with others.
She shared her kindness, caring and love with those of us that were
fortunate to walk beside her.
Makle’et
was born on Valentine’s Day in 1943 and she went to her Creator July 24, 2010.
It has taken me many months to be able to complete this tribute to a dear
and loving friend. She loved
celebrations, especially those for the children and would join in when Santa
came to visit. I shall miss her and
I shall remember this:
Our Creator saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped his arms around you,
and whispered, “Come to me”.
You didn’t deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest.
Our Creator’s garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best
And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.
With love, for always, All my
relations,
Susanne Point, E.D. Xolhemet Society
The
Xolhemet Society Supports and Appreciates Sisters in Spirit
Resources
VictimLINK 1 800 563 0808
Crisis Line 1 877 820 7444
Kids Help Phone 1 800 668 6868
Chilliwack Resources 604 702 9595 9
(free income tax preparation)
RCMP 911
Chilliwack Community Services 604 792 4267 (Specialized Victim Services)
Ann Davis 604 792 2760
Yale Family Therapy Group 604 796 9552
Information Services through the Red Book online ( contact numbers for a wide variety of social service agencies)
Xolhemet Society - 1-888-558-0468
"Someone Who Cares"
