Tunngasugit • Kuei • Pjila’si • Welcome

Dedicated to inspiring mental health and well-being

Our Story

Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring mental health and well-being through culturally based programs and services. We are committed to providing support and increasing opportunities for Indigenous women to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. We aim to create a supportive environment to help Indigenous women find their voice, build resilience, and bring a brighter future.

The Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities (EIWFSC) project was initiated in 2018 and is a provincial collaboration between a number of Indigenous organizations represented in the province.

Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities originally began as a Status of Women Canada call for proposals for projects that would empower Indigenous women to engage with their communities to address issues affecting them or hindering their advancement in all aspects of life. The project proposed to engage women and a range of community partners in working together to identify community issues affecting Indigenous women, expand community understanding of these issues, and take action to address the issues within their communities. And so was born Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities (EIWFSC) and Dragonfly Moons, a non-profit organization of Indigenous women based in Newfoundland and Labrador with the mission to financially, culturally, and emotionally empower Indigenous women in the province.

Timeline

  • EIWFSC is working with Indigenous women in 15 communities across the province to train them to be able to deliver culturally based programming in their communities.

    The project was administered by First Light, and The Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network (NAWN) assisted with managing and delivering the project.

  • The project is complete; however, participants see the importance of continuing as per the directives given at the final gathering.

    NAWN continues to support EIWFSC to apply for funds to continue the project with NAWN as the sponsoring agency.

  • The project has taken on a new direction, and incorporated as a non-profit organization, created a Social Enterprise, Dragonfly Moons, and embarked on engaging Indigenous men to further support healing in community.

  • 2024 brought much transition and growth to the organization as we brought on new board members and elders, while others moved on. We were successful in receiving $400,000 in new funding to continue to build capacity and support our communities.

Our Team

Staff

Nancy Buckle (She/her), Executive Director

Nancy Buckle, Executive Director

Madison Farrell (She/her), Communications Officer

Madison Farrell s a recent graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in English Literature with a focus on Feminist Film Studies and Folklore, and has worked with Memorial University and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador with the department of Industry, Energy, and Technology (IET) throughout her degree. With a background in policy and research and a passion for sharing culture and awareness through literature and art, Madison is dedicated to connecting with people to understand their story and give them the space to feel seen, heard, and empowered to better themselves and their communities. Originally from Port aux Basques, Madison now lives in Corner Brook and spends her free time crocheting, reading, and writing both creatively and academically.

Madison Farrell, Communications Officer

Nancy Gear (She/her), Project Manager

Nancy, a proud Labrador Inuk woman, brings a wealth of expertise from her professional background in mental health, education, and restorative justice. Throughout her life, she has been a passionate advocate and volunteer for numerous causes close to her heart, working to assist in voices being heard. Her primary focus is on identifying and supporting services that benefit Indigenous communities in our province. In her free time, Nancy enjoys outdoor walks, creative writing, and painting.

Nancy Gear, Project Manager

Amanda Budgell (She/her), Project Manager

Amanda is a proud Indigenous woman from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador. With a dedicated career in supporting Indigenous organizations, Amanda has made significant contributions through her work and advocacy. She is deeply committed to her community, actively volunteering with Special Olympics and the Libra House.

Amanda's professional background in Business and Digital Marketing complements her passion for community service, allowing her to bring valuable skills and insights to her roles. Beyond her professional and volunteer work, Amanda is a devoted wife and mother to four beautiful children. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time near the water, embracing the tranquility it brings.

Amanda Budgell, Project Manager

Board of Directors

Emily Bland

Emily Bland is a sustainable superhero, traveller, entrepreneur, and dog mom from Newfoundland. Currently residing in St. John’s, Emily is a social entrepreneur with an agricultural heart. She is a third generation farmer and the current CEO of SucSeed; a hydroponic social enterprise that is on a mission to help the world grow. In 2017, SucSeed became a for-profit social enterprise that exists to improve food security and promote environmental sustainability across Canada. Emily is the first entrepreneur in Newfoundland to be funded through SheEO, she was named HSBC’s Women Leader of Tomorrow for Atlantic Canada, and was named Next 36’s Top Entrepreneur. She was also awarded NLOWE’s Young Enterprise of the Year Award. While Emily and SucSeed are making big changes globally, Emily also plays a large part within her local Indigenous community. She is a talented beader and participates in local markets selling her creations.

Emily Bland, Treasurer

Michelle Skinner

Hailing from St. George’s, NL, and currently living in Kippens, Michelle Skinner is a registered member of Qalipu First Nations. She has been involved with her Mi’kmaq community since 2015, and she has learnt many things since then. She is dedicated to integrating Mi'kmaq teachings and practices into her daily life and community. Michelle is a strong advocate for mental health. She incorporates Indigenous teachings into mental health to help with addiction prevention, intervention, and aftercare. Michelle has played many different roles as a member of our board of directors since the organization's conception. Michelle is a member of the Eastern Door Feather Carriers: Leadership for Life Promotion whose mission involves drawing on Indigenous concepts of leadership to better protect and promote the health and well-being of Indigenous communities in Newfoundland. Always aiming to support those around her, Michelle is a registered Social Worker and a helper in her community. She enjoys being in the company of and learning from our Elder advisors, and using this knowledge to guide her through her life.

Michelle Skinner, Board Member

Niki Greeley

Niki Greeley is from the quiet little town of Lodge Bay on the South Coast of Labrador. She is a personal care assistant at Harbourview Manor in Mary's Harbour, as well as a board member of NLITA (the Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association). Niki came to Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities to help break the silence & stigmatism around mental health & gender-based violence. Her love for culture and learning traditional crafts has kept her very busy, from beading, to making traditional slippers, cossacks, and much more. Niki has been a peer facilitator with EIWFSC since its inception and has moved forward to become a board member to help inspire positive mental health and end gender-based violence. Her passion is helping her community in any capacity that she can, to do her part in building capacity and creating sustainability for our Indigenous communities.

Niki Greeley, Secretary

Agathe Aster

Agathe Aster is an Innu woman from Sheshatshiu, Labrador. A woman of many hats, Agathe is a mother, a wilderness guide, and an artist. She worked as a wilderness guide for four years. As the only female guide in her camp, Agathe shared her knowledge of the land and skies with the men she worked with. Her connection to the land is not limited to her outdoors experience, but also contributes to her artistic talent. Agathe has loved art all of her life and started drawing at a young age. Eight years ago, she started painting with the support of an artist in her community who told her, “if you can draw anything, you can paint everything.” Her parents pushed her to pursue her passion for art, ensuring her that her talent will always be appreciated and seen by many people. Her inspiration comes from her culture and traditions, painting what she has seen on the land and stories she’s heard from her grandmother, her guiding light and source of strength and inspiration. Agathe has sold multiple works of art and painted two murals in her community. She wants people to know that every painting she completes has a story behind it. Previously, Agathe has worked with Innu Nation, and is now a member of the board of directors for EIWFSC. She is looking forward to the future of the organization and appreciates all the friends and connections she has made.

Agathe Aster, Board Member

Emily Williams-Ford

Emily Williams-Ford is an Inuk student and advocate from Labrador. Emily spent the summer of 2022 and 2023 as the programs assistant with the Mokami Status of Women Council where she assisted with community and resident programming. This experience opened her eyes to her love for community work. She has remained involved with the Labrador Friendship Centre for the past three years in many different positions. Additionally, she has been on the Sexual Health Information Exchange Labrador District (SHIELD) Advisory committee as one of the youth representatives since 2022. For the past three years, she has planned REDress day at her school, as well as planning Orange Shirt day for the past two years. This past year, as a grade 12 student, Emily planned an assembly talking about the history of inter generational trauma for Indigenous people. She is now attending university and continuing her advocacy for Indigenous women and youth as youth advisor for EIWFSC. Emily truly loves to be involved in her community and growing through learning about her culture and gaining knowledge for the future!

Emily Williams-Ford, Board Member

Jillian Elson

Jillian Elson (Jill) is an Inuk woman from Happy Valley Goose Bay, Labrador. Jill is an open minded person who gives back to her community however she can and believes in the rights of Indigenous Peoples. She has an education in mental health, community based programming, and health related issues. Jill is passionate about issues that concern Indigenous Women and Girls, and is a voice for her people to help them navigate services that they need.

Jill Elson, Board Member

Dorothy Pye Johnson

Dorothy joined the NunatuKavut Community Council as its CEO in 2009, and moved into the Director of Employment and Skills Development Role in 2023. She has spent her career working in Indigenous communities in the areas of economic and social development, employment counselling and finance. Throughout her career, Dorothy has recognized the importance of traditional knowledge transfer and communities having decision-making power over their own affairs and future. Dorothy received her designation as a Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator from the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada. She also studied employment counselling at the University of Ottawa. Of Miqmaw ancestry, and raised in the Southern Inuit community of Lodge Bay in NunatuKavut, Dorothy is deeply connected to her roots and loves being on the land. She is also a hobby crafter and enjoys reading, singing and playing guitar. Dorothy has a spouse, Brian, two daughters, and 5 grandchildren.

Dorothy Pye Johnson, Board Member

Nina Pye

Nina has resided in Mary’s Harbour, Labrador her entire life with the exception of time in St John’s completing a Political Science/English Degree at Memorial University. Nina has been an active Nunatukavut (NCC) member for nearly 30 years, spending half that time on the Governing Council. She currently serves as an Employment, Skills and Development (ESD) Policy Committee member for student funding as well as recently appointed one of the three Board members of the newly formed Nunatukavut Citizenship Committee.

Since retiring from Canada Post, she has been working as a Licensed Substitute Teacher at Bayside Academy, St Lewis Academy and St Mary’s All Grade. Among her notable volunteer work is Town Mayor, Harbourview Manor Co-Chair, Labrador Regional Appeals Board Member (For Municipal Disputes), and Youth Justice Forum. She is also a trained peer facilitator with Empowering Indigenous Women (EIW) and a PHASE instructor with the Canadian Junior Rangers. Her current passion is in helping Indigenous people make connections to communities through genealogy.

Nina just recently signed a contract with Engen Books to publish three of her creative non-fiction novels documenting her family historical legacies within the Residential School System.

Nina Pye, Board Member

Kayla Stride

Kayla Stride is a multifaceted individual who balances her career as a Mi’kmaq ceramic artist, teacher, drummer and singer as a member of the award-winning group Eastern Owl. She teaches at Setanewey School in her home community, where she shares her passion for art and culture with her students. Kayla is from Miawpukek First Nation (Conne River, NL) and currently resides in Newfoundland. She feels a deep connection to her community and culture, which signicantly inuences her artistic and advocacy work. Kayla holds a Visual Arts Diploma from the College of the North Atlantic, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Ceramics) from NSCAD University, and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN). She has worked as a ceramic technician, apprentice, and exhibiting artist, showcasing her work professionally, including at The Rooms in St. John's, NL. Her contributions to Indigenous art led to her nomination for Indigenous Artist of the Year (2024) by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). As a teacher at Setanewey School, she plays a crucial role in educating and inspiring the next generation. Kayla believes in bridging the past and present, tradition and innovation through her work. She is committed to ensuring that Mi’kmaq art remains vibrant and relevant, and she continues to engage audiences in conversations about Indigenous identity through ceramics and music. Her dedication to teaching and her involvement with Eastern Owl further highlight her commitment to her community and culture.

Kayla Stride, Board Member

Elder Advisors

Sarah Ponniuk

Originally from Goose Bay, Labrador, Sarah is a beautiful, gentle, soft spoken traditional Elder. She is everything that you would expect an Elder to be: Sweet, kind, gentle, wise and genuine. Her stories of her people are inspiring as she uses her wisdom and life experience to teach others how it is possible to overcome many hardships through connecting to one’s self. Her greatest gift is her ability to listen intently. She often tells us that you have two ears and one mouth for a reason. She believes it to be very important that you set your boundaries and take care of yourself before you can help others.

Sarah is a leader and voice for her community. She has been outspoken in her advocacy for the rights of Indigenous people, and the need for reconciliation, healing, housing, and mental health and addictions services for Indigenous communities.

Sarah Ponniuk

Helen Aster

Hailing from the Innu Nation of Sheshatshiu, Labrador, Helen is a strong Indigenous woman. She is an mother and grandmother. Although she is a woman of few words, she has a heart the size of the ocean. Helen is kind, compassionate and has an incredible strong will to help her community. Helen’s silent wisdom makes her an exceptional role model and she is a true pillar of strength for her family and community. Helen very generously shares her knowledge of her traditional ways from teaching the women how to prepare wild game to sharing her delicious Innu donuts! Helen is a constant source of hope, and has a natural way of empowering all those around her.

Helen works as a family resource and parent support co-ordinator at the Mary May Healing Centre for the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation. She is an advocate for the need of mental health and addiction services for Indigenous communities. In 2019, she used her love and knowledge of sewing to start the community project a "quilt of hope" after a suicide crisis was declared in her community. Helen aims to bring positivity and healing to her community in any way she can.

Helen Aster

Emma Reelis

Hailing from the picturesque big land of Goose Bay, Labrador, Emma now resides in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Emma is a kind, gentle spirit with a lot of heart. Emma’s sincerity and welcoming presence makes you feel comforted and secure. She is not afraid of showing her own vulnerability and keeps her heart and mind strong by sharing her struggles; which in turn helps others feel understood and not alone. She is a survivor and a fighter, and believes that healing comes from being open and honest. She is often called on as an Elder to lead an opening prayer and her heartfelt words resonate with all those in her circle. She is strong in her relationship with the Creator, and kindly shares her knowledge and honor of the traditional Kullik.

Emma is a member of the Board of Directors for First Light, St. John’s Friendship Centre, and has been a guiding light for our organization as an Elder Advisor.

Emma Reelis

Roberta Bellows

Roberta Bellows (Butterfly Dancer) was born and raised in Halfway Point on the South shore of the Bay of Islands. She is a sister, activist, mother of three boys, grandmother to three, and great-grandmother of one. She takes great pride in her family and her work with Indigenous groups in her community. 

Roberta retired from Canada Postt Corporation after working as Postmaster in Mount Mariah, Whitbourne, and Benoit's Cove over a thirty-year carrer. For twelve of those years, she was involved with Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association, representing employees working in rural post offices in Newfoundland and Labrador. In her work, she has fought for the rights of workers, negotiating contracts and conditions for thousands of CPAA members. She continues to work with The Benoit’s Cove Native Women’s Association. Roberta enjoys connecting with her culture through community activities, working with youth as an Elder, participating in ceremonies, drumming and singing, and being on the land. She is passionate about sharing knowledge and history through the Elder and Youth Program, passing on traditions to younger generations. She hopes to be a voice for her community and people, and always does the best she can at whatever she commits to. In her spare time, Roberta enjoys cooking, hunting, sewing, and spending time with her dog Bella. 

Roberta Bellows

Ellen Ford

Ellen Ford is from St. John’s, Newfoundland with roots in Nain, Labrador. Ellen is a beautiful Elder with a soft, gentle approach. She is the epitome of a kind and understanding woman that puts her all into everything that she does. She continuously shows her gratitude for being a part of the journey with the women. Her cultural connection is one of her best virtues. A fluent Inuktitut speaker and proud of who she is, Ellen’s ability to speak her language connects her in a special way. Her knowledge of her traditional ways is a powerful tool that she willingly shares as a means to pass on her teachings to the younger generation. Ellen enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren, who she loves dearly.

Ellen works in collaboration with First Light, St. John’s Friendship Centre as an Elder. In 2021, Ellen participated in an art collaboration with artist Jennifer Young. Her experiences growing up in Nain and attending residential school now exist as an art series titled UnikKausiga, and can be viewed at at Juniper House, Memorial University’s Indigenous student resource space.

Ellen Ford

Our Mission

Our Mission

Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities is a province-wide collaborative partnership of Inuit, Innu and Mi'kmaw women who are striving to prevent gender-based violence and inspire positive mental health through culturally based programming that will help to create sustainable economic and financial stability in Indigenous communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Our goal is to empower and support Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, and gender-diverse individuals—both on and off-reserve, status and non-status—across Ktaqamkuk, Nitassinan, Nunatsiavut, and NunatuKavut through projects and programs that prioritize the wellbeing of Indigenous communities.

Our Values

We envision a future where Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador live empowered and free from violence, supported by strong communities that honor their voices, culture, and well-being.

  • We aim to be empowered Indigenous leaders, and support and empower other Indigenous women across Newfoundland and Labrador

  • We are committed to constantly evolving and transforming our programs and approaches to reflect the social, cultural, and economic landscape

  • We are committed to a community-centered approach, guided by the communities we serve and dedicated to uplifting their needs and perspectives.

  • We commit to being honest in all we do. We welcome feedback and insight from Indigenous communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.

  • We are dedicated to creating an environment where Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals of all backgrounds and status feel valued, respected, and included.

  • We use teachings from our lived experience, Elders, and all Indigenous groups of the province for guidance to provide a cultural approach to addressing challenges in Indigenous communities