—–Original Message—–
From: “McLeod-Shabogesic, Laurie”
Date: Thursday, Aug 9, 2007 3:45 pm
Subject: Invitation
Please consider this your formal invitation to:
Join the W.A.V.E. (Warriors Against Violence Everywhere)
Starting August 11th, at the Serpent River First Nation Pow-wow we invite you to join the W.A.V.E. A special walk is being organized by Rob Essex (Serpent River First Nation), Rick Dokis (Dokis First Nation), Gerald Chum (North Bay Indian Friendship Centre), Laurie
McLeod-Shabogesic (Union of Ontario Indians) and Perry McLeod-Shabogesic (Nipissing First Nation).
The walk is designed to bring awareness to the epidemic of violence that plagues our communities. It will begin at Serpent River First Nation at
9:00 am on Saturday August 11th and end with a presentation and
reception at the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre Thursday evening August 16th. The 265 Km journey along Highway 17 will include youth, women, men, children, elders and anyone who wants to eliminate violence in their communities.
“We want to acknowledge that our teachings have never supported violence against women. We need to return to our teachings,” said Rick Dokis, one of the organizers.
Special presentations will be made along the way at Serpent River First Nation, Sagamok Anishinawbek, Whitefish Lake First Nation, N’Swakamok Friendship Centre (in Sudbury), Nipissing First Nation and at the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre.
The purpose of the presentations are to engage youth and men to speak out against violence toward aboriginal women. Traditionally, aboriginal women were respected for being a sacred part of creation as life-givers and nurturers. Today, society has changed this for aboriginal women and they have become targets of violence.
Below is a copy of schedule for our upcoming journey. We hope that you will be able to join us in our walk (for any length of time).
Together – let’s say no to violence – in our homes – in our communities and in our nations.
Come walk with us & help to create a better world for those you love.
Chi-miigwetch!
Laurie McLeod-Shabogesic
I learned about what W.A.V.E is doing on APTN this morning, and it made me cry. I just think it is so beautiful that men are initiating this. I haven’t before heard of a group of men who have stood up for this issue. Violence against women is a huge problem worldwide, and these Warriors are definately heroes to me. I am so thankful and filled with love for everyone involved in this. I don’t imagine these men will have any problems finding a date in the future. Women love kind men, especially men who show such respect for them. Much respect in return! Thank You!!!!