Part Two: Where Are We Now? Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, and the Walls We Can’t Break Down
By Jody HarbourSecond of a Three-Part Series (Originally published by Metroland) I want to say we’ve made progress. I want to
By Jody Harbour
I have walked the path of anger. I have stood in circles of grief. I have carried the weight of injustice alongside mothers and grandmothers who have lost more than I can imagine. And yet, every day, I choose to walk another path, too—the path of healing. At Grandmothers Voice, we believe both are necessary. There can be no healing without justice, and there can be no justice without action. We have called out the violence. We have stood in protest. Now, we stand in ceremony, listening to the wisdom of those who came before us, asking: What can we do today?
We are still living in the aftermath of a genocide. Not just in the distant past, but right now. We still lose our women. Our children still go missing. And yet, despite everything that has been stolen from us, our communities continue to rise. That is what the Grandmothers teach us: to rise.
I think of White Buffalo Calf Woman and her teachings. She came to our Ancestors in a time of great need, bringing the sacred pipe and the teachings of balance and respect. She reminded the people of their responsibilities to one another and to the earth. She promised that if we followed her teachings, we would thrive. And if we forgot them, we would suffer. In many ways, Canada has forgotten. But we remember. And through remembrance, we heal.
The healing begins with the work we do together, as community. Grandmothers Voice was born from the courage of women who said, “No more.” Women who stood beside families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, who organized vigils, who walked in red dresses, who partnered with groups like Women Halton Action Movement (WHAM) to amplify women’s voices. WHAM is a feminist advocacy organization in Halton Region that has long fought for women’s rights and systemic change. Together, we walked the Spirit Walks, raised red dresses in remembrance, and made sure that the voices of our women and girls were heard throughout Halton. We chose to stand up—not just for the women lost to this violence, but for those still here. The children growing up today who deserve a different world.
And we are not alone. Across this country, Indigenous women and Two-Spirit leaders are reclaiming ceremony, language, and land. They are organizing Red Dress campaigns, leading Spirit Walks, offering trauma-informed supports to families, and demanding that we centre Indigenous women in every conversation about justice and reconciliation.
At our gatherings, we listen to the Grandmothers. They remind us of the power of stories. They teach us how to sit in circle, to share without judgment, and to listen deeply. And they remind us that healing isn’t a quick fix. It is a lifelong commitment. Healing is an action. It is in how we raise our children, how we treat our relatives, how we stand up for what is right. It is in how we honour our women—not just in death, but in life.
There is hope. But hope alone is not enough. We need action. We need Canada to implement the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into MMIWG. We need accountability from police forces, from governments, from institutions that have failed us again and again. We need real resources for our communities—not just empty promises.
And for those who are not Indigenous, there is a role for you, too. Listen to our stories. Attend the vigils. Stand beside us, not in front of us. Support Indigenous-led initiatives and organizations. Learn about our history, and then ask yourself how you can be part of our future.
At Grandmothers Voice, we know that healing happens in community. We have witnessed it. We have seen women reclaim their power. We have seen families find strength in ceremony. We have seen allies step forward in genuine solidarity. And we have seen young people rise up, carrying the teachings of their Ancestors with pride.
White Buffalo Calf Woman’s message was simple: Walk in a good way. Live in balance. Respect all life. We can return to those teachings. We can rebuild the web that Spider Woman once wove. We can call upon Thunderbird to bring the storm that clears the way for new life.
This work is not easy. But it is sacred.
Before healing, there is remembering. Before justice, there is truth.
The first step is to say their names.
They were daughters. Sisters. Mothers. Lovers. Friends.
They were sacred.
And they are missed.
Say their names. Carry them with you. Speak them aloud so they are never forgotten.
Tina Fontaine (15)
Morgan Harris (39)
Marcedes Myran (26)
Rebecca Contois (24)
Maisy Odjick (16)
Shannon Alexander (17)
Loretta Saunders (26)
Cindy Gladue (36)
Patricia Carpenter (14)
Delaine Copenace (16)
These are only ten names. Ten of thousands.
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls documented that more than 1,200 Indigenous women and girls were officially reported missing or murdered between 1980 and 2012. Community advocates and family members insist the real number is much higher—closer to 4,000 and growing.
We must remember.
We must say their names.
We must act.
Until they are found… Or until they rest… We will keep walking.
By Jody HarbourSecond of a Three-Part Series (Originally published by Metroland) I want to say we’ve made progress. I want to
By Jody HarbourFirst of a Three-Part Series (Originally published by Metroland) When you walk with Grandmothers Voice, you are walking
Grandmother’s Voice: Creating opportunities for Indigenous community members to share their teachings, healing practices and traditional handicraft creation with the broader community.
Elevating Indigenous Knowledge and Culture across Halton Region has been the foundation of our organization. Collectively, we continue to serve as a beacon for building awareness and fostering connectedness. Rooted in our Nation’s origins, we are dedicated to enhancing capacity and illuminating the landscape of Indigenous social services and determinants of health. Join us on this transformative journey as we strive to strengthen bonds, raise awareness, and contribute to the well-being of our communities.
Grandmother’s Voice International Business #799454954RC0001
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Presented by Samantha Doxtater
Presented by GRANDMA RENEE
In a world seeking direction, Indigenous teachings offer clear and enduring policies for how to live in harmony with one another and the Earth. This workshop invites participants to explore the profound lessons of the Two Row Wampum Belt and other wampum belts as frameworks for mutual respect, environmental care, and collective well-being. These belts, created long before colonization, embody ancestral agreements that guide humanity on how to coexist with honor, dignity, and reciprocity.
Led by Grandmother Renee, this session emphasizes the importance of relearning and honoring the policies established by our ancestors, rather than creating new paths disconnected from this wisdom. Through the teachings of the belts, participants will uncover the principles of self-care, stewardship of the land, and respect for all beings. This is not about inventing something new—it is about rediscovering the instructions that were always there and committing to uphold them.
Key Takeaways:
Through this workshop, participants will be reminded that the wisdom of the belts is not only a guide for Indigenous communities but a path for all of humanity to walk together in respect and care for one another and the Earth.
Presented by Grandma Gail and Angela DeMontigny
Ceremony is more than tradition—it is a deliberate practice rooted in wisdom, responsibility, and foresight. This workshop explores the “science of ceremony” as a guide to living with intention and accountability for the next seven generations. Our ancestors used ceremony to prepare for the future, ensuring that their actions would benefit not only their own time but also those yet to come. Now, it is our responsibility to carry that practice forward.
Led by Grandmother Gail, this session will examine what has been lost and the actions we must take to restore, respect, and reclaim the ceremonial practices that ensure the well-being of future generations. Participants will be encouraged to reconnect with ceremony as a means of healing, reflection, and renewal, building a foundation of responsibility to guide us in restoring balance and harmony.
Key Takeaways:
Through this workshop, participants will rediscover the transformative power of ceremony as a pathway to healing, accountability, and preparation for a sustainable and harmonious future. Together, we will reaffirm our responsibility to the generations to come.
Presented by Asha Frost
Join Asha Frost, an Indigenous healer, teacher, and bestselling author, for a transformative workshop rooted in traditional teachings and the power of self-discovery. Asha’s work often centers on reconnecting with ancestral wisdom, embracing one’s authentic self, and creating pathways for healing and empowerment. Drawing from her Anishinaabe roots, she weaves stories, teachings, and practical tools to inspire participants to reclaim their power and align with their purpose.
Through her signature blend of traditional healing practices and modern insights, Asha guides participants in understanding how to honor their own journey, navigate challenges with resilience, and embrace the interconnectedness of all beings. This workshop is an invitation to explore the sacred within and around us, fostering personal growth and collective transformation.
Key Takeaways:
Whether you are seeking personal healing, professional inspiration, or a deeper connection to traditional wisdom, this session with Asha Frost promises to be a profound and enriching experience.
Presented by Allen Sutherland
The Seven Fires prophecy, as shared by seven prophets across different time periods, offers profound guidance for humanity’s path forward. According to Anishinaabe oral tradition, these teachings speak to the choices we face when the world has been polluted, and the waters turned bitter by disrespect. The prophecy teaches that humanity must choose between materialism and spirituality—one path leading to survival and the other to destruction.
In this workshop, Mishoomis Allen will guide participants through the teachings of the Seven Fires prophecy, exploring its relevance in today’s world and its call for spiritual renewal. Additionally, he will share his Canadian Indigenous Historical Timeline, providing a broader context for understanding the cultural, social, and spiritual significance of these teachings.
Key Takeaways:
This workshop offers an opportunity to reflect deeply on humanity’s collective responsibility and the transformative power of choosing a spiritual path for the survival of future generations.
Presented by Thohahoken Michael Doxtater
In this session, Thohahoken Michael Doxtater explores the ongoing impact of Canada’s colonial policies on Indigenous communities and the historical journey toward Truth and Reconciliation. He examines the systemic attempts to erase Indigenous identity, from residential schools to the suppression of cultural practices, and highlights Indigenous resilience and legal resistance. The presentation also delves into the concept of the “Canada Rafter,” a historical agreement acknowledging Canada’s adoption into the Indigenous Longhouse, raising the question: Has Canada truly upheld its responsibilities in this relationship?