2. Women's Perspectives - Christian Aboriginal Infrastructure ...

Despite the problems, Aboriginal women are providing leadership and facilitating
change. Nancy van Heest described the role of Urban Images, an organization serving
First Nations people in the urban setting:
Initially, Urban Images worked to help women literally get off the streets, out of a life of
prostitution or substance abuse, and to assist persons who wanted to get off social
assistance….In the eight years the program ran, there were approximately 500-plus
Aboriginal women in attendance with 376 graduating. In 1993, after selfevaluation…Urban
Images changed its program focus to the Aboriginal family and now
we have men in our classroom. The rationale for this shift of focus is that family systems
is a more effective method. Previously the program was aimed at helping only the
individual prepare for employment. There was no recognition of the importance of
working with the whole family….We know that it is a waste of money to simply use a
narrow pre-employment program….Unless the students empower themselves to
successfully address their personal issues and future problems, these same problems will
return and destroy them.
Nancy van Heest
Urban Images for First Nations
Vancouver, British Columbia, 2 June 1993
In our chapter on health and healing (Volume 3, Chapter 3), we cited testimony and
research showing that Aboriginal people suffer disproportionately from social and
emotional ill health. Reduced life expectancy and poor physical health are two major
consequences, but another less tangible consequence is the undermining of collective
self-esteem. In testimony and consultation, Aboriginal people shared insights about
directions for change and progress toward wellness and well-being. In some places, they
are already putting those insights into practice. For instance, we heard that in many
communities Aboriginal women are providing leadership in facilitating healing processes
and other initiatives:
As far as I am concerned, they are the strength of our communities. They always have
been. As men, we may deny that because our egos get in the way. But, the fact is that in
my tribe, the women were the voice of our community a hundred years ago.
Phil Hall
Alderman, District of Chilliwack
Victoria, British Columbia, 22 May 1992
Our roles and responsibilities have been altered. Women have had to take more
responsibility, not only for the family but for the community, with very little support by
leaders, by people who make decisions; and many times, as women we are left out of the
decision-making processes.
Lillian Sanderson
La Ronge Native Women's Council
La Ronge, Saskatchewan, 28 May 1992
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