On Friday, June 7, 2024, Ann Maje Raider and Dr. Catherine Richardson Kineweskwêw gave a talk on Honouring Dignity and Resistance. The talk took place in a hybrid format at Concordia University’s 4th Space in Montreal.

The talk/panel discussion was about the value and pertinence of a response-based practice when working with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who have been harmed by systemic and interpersonal violence. The response-based practice is informed by issues around social justice and human rights. Dealing with the long-term effects of continued colonialism, racism, state oppression, etc. The approach involves analyzing social context as well as a person’s internal state and recognizes humans as active agents responding to their social context.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are currently going through a spiritual crisis in Canada. Indigenous communities in particular are affected by rampant alcoholism and drug use on and off reserve, especially those who have had experience with the residential school system.

According to research regarding residential schools and substance use, self-reported experiences of sexual and physical abuse during childhood increased the likelihood of alcohol and drug use problems. A study conducted by the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi interviewing 358 Indigenous participants found that 28.5% attended residential schools, 35.2% reported having experienced child sexual abuse, and 34% reported having experienced childhood physical abuse.

Ann Maje Raider, the executive director of the Liard Aboriginal Women’s Society and the former Chief of the Liard First Nation, was there to share insights on her community-focused work. While discussing her work, she emphasized healing, wellness, and community development.