According to Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, their communities experience unemployment rates 4 to 5 times higher than those who are not Native American. “This is the only funding here in Maine that’s from this network that is going to an Indigenous effort,” Sockabasin said. “So this entire effort is about hearing those voices, hearing those voices of people that are often not reflected in those data sets, which is problematic for so many reasons. The hub is a way to help Indigenous women to feel the power of their collective knowledge, “As well as make sure that we no longer remain invisible,” she said. Sockabasin said state data do not reflect Indigenous people, so the women’s talking circle is also starting to collect their own data. Like any other community, Sockabasin said some Indigenous people are also facing issues like substance use disorders, lack of childcare, food insecurity, to name a few. The circle will continue to help Indigenous women raise those concerns and help find solutions. Genevieve Doughty pushed for the creation of the hub. She said the main reason this Wabanaki women’s talking circle was created was to share stories and “be able to share what’s on our mind and what’s on our hearts, and maybe something that needs to be said that you would say it anywhere else.” “To feel the power of our collective knowledge as well as making sure that we no longer remain invisible,” added Sockabasin. Through the women’s talking circles, Wabanaki women have been identifying needs that will form the basis of new programs. “To teach our children, teach, our nieces, our nephews, those who we take care of, there is lots of responsibility in that knowledge that we hold,” said Esther Sappier, another woman who participates in the circles. The group of Indigenous women meets at least once a month. Read full article
