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A look at the experience and perspectives of mental health and the complicated feelings from this time of year for Indigenous people, and the advice and perspectives from ONWA on Indigenous approaches to healing. ....
From popped wild rice to fried bannock, the virtual sharing of food on Friday brought people together for an open discussion on mental health. The Ontario Native Women’s Association celebrated an open discussion about mental health with Feeding Our Spirits – Indigenous Traditional Food and Open Fire Cooking with Audrey DeRoy. As an ONWA land-based coordinator, DeRoy led an afternoon of cooking over an open fire, discussing food, vitamins, and practices of nibwaakaawin (wisdom). DeRoy emphasized the practice of nibwaakaawin and how it carries through cherishing knowledge and is given by Creator to be used for the good of the people. ....
Ontario Native Women’s Association is using its platform to share and connect.Ontario Native Women’s Association COVID-19 has brought on many challenges that have forced us to adapt. One of the challenges is facing mental health without the distractions the world gave us before it all began. On Thursday, the Ontario Native Women’s Association hosted a virtual COVID-19 Experience Montage that allowed anyone to share their struggles and what they’ve learned over the past year. Niemi Himes and Audrey DeRoy hosted the montage and gave beautiful welcoming statements and then opened the (virtual) floor for anyone to share how they’ve been feeling and coping. ....
Monday was the start of events for the Ontario Native Women’s Association Mental Health Week, and participants were welcomed with open arms. “Todays opening prayer and welcoming circle was truly an amazing experience. With over 960 views and participants from across Ontario it was a positive kick-off to ONWA s Mental Health Week campaign,” says Niemi Himes, mental health worker and the events lead liaison. Audrey DeRoy guided the introductory circle hosted via Zoom and Facebook live and opened the circle up for sharing, leading to vulnerable honesty and conversation from participants. “I would like to thank Al Hunter and Audrey DeRoy for opening and guiding our sharing circle, if it was not for their knowledge, wisdom, healing teachings and songs today s circle would not have been possible,” says Himes. ....