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Empowering Women: Equay-wuk Women’s Group Overview and Impact

Founded in 1989, Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women and families within 31 First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario. As an independent group, it addresses local wellness needs through programs focusing on family violence prevention, youth suicide, and substance abuse. Equay-wuk offers training programs for job readiness and leadership, facilitating workshops and resources for self-development. Committed to cultural relevance, the organization strives to promote wellness and self-determination among the Oji-Cree and Ojibway peoples.

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Empowering Women: Equay-wuk Women’s Group Overview and Impact

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  1. Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) 1989 - Present

  2. Organization OverviewEquay-wuk (Women’s Group) • Equay-wuk (plural for “Woman” in the Ojibway and Oji-Cree languages) • Provincially Incorporated in 1989 • Independent from other women’s groups • Non-Profit Charitable Organization • Governed by an Elected Board of Directors who serve a two year term • Catchment area is made up of 31 First Nation communities in remote Northwestern Ontario

  3. Catchment Area Map

  4. Demographics of the Area Servedby Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) • Vast remote area that covers ½ the province of Ontario • Inhabited by over 18,000 Oji-Cree and Ojibway people • Most communities are accessible only by air • High cost of living • Limited employment opportunities

  5. Recommendations from Early Conferences • Topics for future education and discussion • Family Violence • Youth Suicide • Alcohol and Substance Abuse • Parenting • Skills Training • Sex Education

  6. 1st Programs at Equay-wuk • Funded by the Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board (SLAAMB) - 1992 • Interpreter/Translator Training • Short Order Cook Training • Sponsored by Wawatay Native Communications Society • A Television Program called “Equay-wuk Speaks”

  7. Organizational Objectives/Current Programs • To coordinate and facilitate the delivery of the Community Wellness Program • To provide culturally appropriate resources which promote wellness, education and self-development • To identify community wellness needs, issues and concerns • Current Programs at Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) • Community Wellness Program (Started in June 1995) • Nishnawbe Women’s Wellness (Ended March 2011) • Building Aboriginal Women’s Leadership

  8. Organizational Objectives/Current Programs • To maintain and operate employment training programs • Programs at Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) • Job Readiness Skills Training Program • (Started in 1993 a 22 week training program) • Employment Ready Skills Training Program • (Started in 1996 a 12 week training program)

  9. Organizational Objectives/Current Programs • To empower women to determine their future • To provide forums for women to become more independent and more assertive about their own needs within their community • Program at Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) • Building Aboriginal Women’s Leadership Program • Originally called ‘Women in Self Government’

  10. Organizational Objectives/Activities • To network and share information • Activities at Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) • Host conferences • Facilitate Community Workshops • Develop Manuals and Training Kits • Maintain a Web Site • Train-the-Trainer workshops for First Nations to facilitate focus groups in their own community on parenting and family violence prevention

  11. To provide and maintain a resource library of culturally appropriate materials

  12. Educational Kits Produced Home Based Business 2009 A Guide for Nishnawbe Women - Kit includes a Manual and CD A Positive Parenting Program Kit

  13. Educational Kits Produced Healthy Families Healthy Nations - A Training Kit for Professionals and Service Providers. Healthy Families Healthy Nations - A Family Violence Prevention Kit

  14. Manuals Better Care Giving – Cultural Sensitivity: A Facilitator’s Manual and Guide For Professional Care Giving Building Aboriginal Women’s Leadership - A Workshop Manual, Participant Handbook, CD

  15. Closing • Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) is committed to empowering women, youth and families who reside within Northwestern Ontario First Nations communities. • We continue to apply for funding to facilitate positive change to reflect the aspirations and self-determination of the First Nation people we serve.

  16. Meegwetch! Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) P. O. Box 1781 Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1C4 Tel: (807) 737-2214 or toll free (800) 261-8294 Fax: (807) 737-2699 Email: equaywuk@bellnet.ca Website: www.equaywuk.ca

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