By S.A. Lawrence-Welch | kakichihiwewin project Director
Tan'si / Hello Friends!
S.A. here, kakichihiwewin project director, I want to start off by honouring and thanking every single person who donated over the last four and a half months to the kakichihiwewin project. With the support you have given, our community healing efforts have made some pretty lasting impressions on those who have been on the recieving end of your generosity. This is a 99% community funded efffort, none of this could have been done without your support!
the kakichihiwewin project offers info sessions like "Storytelling" where we give space to those who are working towards generational healing. These stories are shared through our platform to inspire and push forward others to see that one person can make a difference in the legacy of healing assimilation efforts. We've had some really wonderful guests and look forward to hosting more in 2021.
We will also begin a panel info-series in February as a way to educate non-Natives as to the history of assimiliation efforts - and what they can do to support or act on in solidarity and kinship with Native peoples.
kakichihiwewin has sent and given out dozens of Legacy Care Kits as a way of culture sharing and gifting to remind community members that they are needed, seen, loved and above all else - valid. Each kit contains traditional medicines, teas, snacks that have all had personal meaning to me throughout my life - as well as a note handwritten by another community member - making each kit one of a kind.
The project is also working with Seeding Sovereignty's Communications Assistant, Kourtney Rakell (they / them) on creating a zine where information, stories and movements can be shared both digitally and through limited pressing. Sometimes tangible, visual things are the greatest catalyst for change.
In January kakichihiwewin launched "mamawapowuk" which means "gathering" in michif. This is a twelve week program where ten participants meet up through an online platform to create strong bonds and understand that they are not alone in their journey to healing. For ten out of the twelve weeks the group hears from a guest speaker who shares stories of culture and their experience in healing trauma and participats in an activity - ie: painting, beading, etc. This program will be offered three times a year!
kakichihiwewin is also presently working on creating once a month meet-up groups for people to have space together onilne while it is still unsafe to do so in person. We will be sending out care packages to participants and inviting guests help lead with dialogue and activities.
This project will always be about healing. Especially the wounds from battles we did not consent to - or had to fight for survival.
Everyone has a story, and the kakichihiwewin project will be there to help heal through words.
We may not be able to see healing, because it isn't linear - but we can feel it.
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