A month for Women’s Day

In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, Tsi Ronterihwanónhnha ne Kanien’kéha Language and Cultural Center is dedicating the entire month of events to celebrating and uplifting women.

International Women’s Day has been celebrated since 1911 and recognizes the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, according to the International Women’s Day website.

“We are trying to highlight many different things that we think would inspire females,” said Miranda Gabriel, an employee at the centre.

Gabriel explained the centre is focusing on workshops and events this month that align with the traditional and cultural female aspect, while also appreciating women in the community.

One initiative is a daily recognition post on the centre’s social media. Community members can nominate their moms, sisters, co-workers, friends, and send in a photo along with a message about how they are loved and inspirational.

“That way we can show our love to all the females in the community,” said Gabriel.

So far, the centre’s social media has posted appreciation for Warisose Gabriel, Rosalie Morris, Linda Katsitsénhawe Cree, and Tsoieon Gabriel.

“We want to show the love,” said Gabriel.

On March 7, the centre will be hosting a Women’s Roles and Responsibilities workshop with Wendy Hill of the Cayuga Nation. Hill will talk about the traditional aspects of women’s roles in the community.

“She’s very culturally knowledgeable,” said Kevin Nelson, another employee at the centre.

“It’s important to understand the distinct differences between men and women, and in our culture, the roles and responsibilities that women have,” said Nelson. He explained the importance of understanding the responsibilities and impact women carry, such as creating life, since time and immemorial.

“It helps give a clearer picture of the role women have in our lives and the impact that they have on all of our families,” Nelson added when asked why men should celebrate and participate in International Women’s Day.

Although nothing is planned specifically for March 8, the following weeks are full of events such as beading night with Kawisaienhne Albany, seed songs with Iakorihwatoken Hemlock, and Gardens of Hope with Karyn Murray.

There will also be a workshop with Patricia Gabriel and Taionthahine Nicholas, birth keepers at the Tekontateriéntare Multigenerational Center for Women’s Wellness. And a We Are Creation workshop with Beverly Cook, who will speak about the creation story.

“She mixes science along with it, so it’s a really interesting interpretation,” said Gabriel, who has attended Cook’s workshops before.

Gabriel said one of the lessons from Cook’s workshops that resonated deeply with her is how connected women are to their female ancestors.

“When your grandmother gives birth to your mother, your mother already has those eggs inside of her,” said Gabriel. “So, in fact, your grandmother has already made you, and the love that your grandmother shows to your mother, and then your mother shows to you, really does affect you.”

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Fern Marmont, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter