kʷəné ŋətəl iʔ iʔsaət
The Indigenous Response Network
“Helping each other get well.”
kʷəné ŋətəl iʔ iʔsaət brings together local Nations, Elders, Indigenous partners, organizations, community and urban voices to develop and support community-led initiatives for survivors of gender-based violence. We gather monthly as a group to share knowledge, learn from invited guests and each other and to have space for culturally relevant forms of support and healing.
What we do
The network Elders and members have guided our work to:
- prioritize youth and Two-Spirit youth voices,
- respond to sexual violence training, and
- provide outreach to our unhoused community members.
Pronunciation Guide: kʷəné ŋətəl iʔ iʔsaət
kʷəné ŋətəl iʔ iʔsaət
Kwun ang it
Kwun ang it tul
eet
ee-sawh-it
kwung-ang-it-tel eet-ee-sawh-it
“Helping each other get well”
– Joe Seward
Dispatches from the network
kʷənéŋətəl iʔ iʔsaət: the Indigenous Response Network, update
How to pronounce the name of the Indigenous Response Network, kʷəné ŋətəl iʔ iʔsaət
Responding to sexual violence in Indigenous communities training
Youth council
The Network is excited and honored to be collaborating with the Surrounded by Cedar Youth Council.
There are approximately 15 youth who alternate attending monthly Network meetings to offer their insights,experience, knowledge, teachings or skills, and in addressing gender based violence.
The Youth Council have expressed interest in leading projects in support of the Network, one of which will be to create audio visual resources alongside local knowledge holders and community leaders.
Outreach work
The Network teamed up with the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre Outreach Coordinator as a way to engage unhoused communities and support other service providers in Victoria. In collaboration with Community Fridge and VSAC outreach co-ordinater supplies were gathered and delivered including self-care bags,full of food and wellness supplies.
Presentation on cultural safety
Watch: Two Spirit and Indigiqueer cultural safety: Considerations for relational practice and policy
Dr. James Makokis: Medical Director, Shkaabe Makwa Centre for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Wellness, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH, Ontario)
Dr. Karina Walters: Associate Dean for Research, the Katherine Hall Chambers Scholar, and the Co-Director and Principal Investigator of the Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, University of Washington State
Dr. Billie Allan: Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, University of Victoria, Chair, Thunderbird Circle – Indigenous Social Work Educators’ Network (TC-ISWEN)