THUNDER BAY — In a continued effort to help those affected by residential schools, the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) is releasing videos on a wide array of subjects.
From various forms of meditations to learning how to build a drum, as well as understanding and diffusing high-tension situations.
Matthew Richer, sexual violence training coordinator at ONWA, spoke about the importance of the videos for those affected by residential schools.
"These videos will focus on five main themes: healing from grief and loss, family connection, restoring safety, healthy coping, and ongoing mental health strategies.
"While the video series recognizes the legacy of the residential school system and the impact on Indigenous women and their families, it provides an opportunity for cultural reclamation and the celebration of the resiliency of residential school survivors as well as the intergenerational survivors."
The videos were partially funded by the Indian Residential School Engagement Fund through the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs.
One video a day is being released between March 25 and April 5 through ONWA's YouTube page.
ONWA also offers viewers the chance to win a wellness bundle that includes hand drumming, rattle making, healing turtle, and smudge kits, as well as items like the Legend of the Four Winds dice game and mental health resources.
To enter to win a wellness bundle, please visit ONWA’s social media platforms.