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Annual Womens' Wellness Day a hit

Story and photo by Nikki Jo Mattinas, Special to BayToday.ca. In order for a family to be well the Mother needs to be well that is why the North Bay Indian Friendship Center held the 2nd Women Wellness Day in May.
Kate Adams

Story and photo by Nikki Jo Mattinas, Special to BayToday.ca.

In order for a family to be well the Mother needs to be well that is why the North Bay Indian Friendship Center held the 2nd Women Wellness Day in May. Programs including the Aboriginal Family Support, Community Support and Aboriginal Pre-natal Support contributed to the special day.

The all-day program kicked off with an opening prayer from Lorraine Whiteduck-Liberty followed by guest speakers Donna Forget and Rick Dokis who spoke to the women about life experiences.

Joanna Simpson from Temiskaming First Nation gave lessons in Nabila belly dancing and Twinkle Lemieux, owner of Ritzy Ragz, held a fashion show to show the women that they can look good on a shoestring budget, and the day ended with makeovers from Modern Hairstyling School.

Annett Manuel, pre-natal support worker stated, “ This is an event which is to inspire women to celebrate who they are and their gifts.”

“The program grows every year and it seems that the First Nation women in the community are looking for ways to help themselves to build self-esteem and confidence. I would like to see more teachings and stories from the Grandmothers, so the young women will understand their role as a First Nation woman,” adds Lorraine Whiteduck-Liberty, NBIFC community Grandmother.

“The program has expanded from here and it will only get bigger and better for next years. It’s important to bring the First Nation and non-native women together because they are the women of the Earth,” says Shelly Sawyer, Community Support Worker.

“Women need to be cared for and pampered because they are the caretakers of the family and bare the children.”

Many organizations set up agency booths in support of Women’s Wellness Day and officials anticipate that next year’s event will expand with different activities for women in the First Nation community.

The NBIFC will be holding the Aboriginal Family Support Yard sale this Saturday May 31st at 9:00am with proceeds raised going towards the Family Support Summer Trip.