WAGE Capacity Building Project
This is a 43‑month initiative designed to enhance the organization’s capacity to prevent and address gender‑based violence (GBV) against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, with a focus on peer facilitators and youth in the rural areas in Newfoundland and Labrador. The project is anchored in a shared vision of culture, connection, and values, and is informed by the 7 Grandfather Teachings which emphasize the importance of respectful relationships and positive mental health.
The initiative emphasizes the development of a robust organizational governance structure, with efforts concentrated on establishing clear policies, procedures, by-laws, and a constitution, along with a strategic plan to guide future endeavors. A key milestone in this process was a two‑day Board Governance Meeting in Stephenville, NL, where foundational policies—including those for vacations, expenses, and board member elections—were established with the assistance of a legal expert from Ulnooweg. These efforts are intended to build the capacity of the board of directors through leadership development initiatives and strategic planning, ensuring that governance structures reflect the diverse perspectives of Indigenous communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Capacity building is extended to peer facilitators who play a crucial role in delivering culturally based workshops addressing GBV and promoting community well‑being. In October, a four‑day Peer Facilitation Training was conducted at Max Simms Camp in Bishop’s Falls, NL, training 30 facilitators (20 men and 10 women) in the principles of the 7 Grandfather Teachings and their application to GBV prevention and positive mental health. The appointment of a dedicated Peer Facilitator Coordinator further supports these efforts by assisting in the planning and implementation of culturally centered workshops, fostering a collaborative, peer-to-peer learning environment that benefits Indigenous communities.
Strategic collaborations have been integral to the project’s success. Partnerships with organizations such as NLOWE, NLITA, ITAC, IndiGrow, and Laughing Heart Music have expanded the project’s reach and impact. Our collaboration with NLOWE resulted in the creation of the website womenofthelandnl.ca, which features Indigenous women artisans and promotes their businesses. Additionally, participation in programs like the Business Beginnings and Mentorship for the WIN programs provided an 8‑week course in business planning and pitching, thereby strengthening economic and financial stability within Indigenous communities.
To further enhance the training programs, EIWFSC is collaborating with Indigenous consultants from Crow Kinship Consulting and Jacqueline Jane Consulting. These experts are working on refining the Peer Facilitator Program, using decolonizing approaches and Indigenous leadership methodologies to improve training for project coordinators and facilitators alike. Moreover, efforts are underway to restructure the Board of Directors to ensure equitable representation from all Indigenous groups in the province, including the Innu Nation, Nunatsiavut Government, and Mi’kmaw communities, thereby reinforcing the commitment to equity and collaborative community engagement.
Looking forward, the WAGE Capacity Building Project aims to expand its impact by developing a culturally based Lateral Violence training program that incorporates a gender‑based violence component. This program, developed in collaboration with peer facilitators, Elders, and youth, will ultimately be delivered by Indigenous youth across the province. By focusing on peer-to-peer learning and leadership development, the project will further empower communities to create and implement effective community action plans that address GBV.
Through these comprehensive initiatives, Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities Inc. is building sustainable, empowered communities dedicated to preventing gender‑based violence and fostering an environment where every Indigenous voice is respected and has the opportunity to thrive