Exhibition to discover the voices of aboriginal women
The entrance hall of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) will be transformed into an exhibition room to host a dozen posters featuring portraits of aboriginal women.
This presentation is part of an effort to raise awareness of the realities of aboriginal women in the wake of the commemoration of International Women’s Rights Day on March 8. It reflects the diversity of voices of these women of different origins and ages. Some work in the arts, others in politics, still others in teaching and social work. All of them stand out for their determination to make the voices of aboriginal women heard; and for their defense of human rights, each in her own way.
Héloïse Vincent-Ozel, partner member of the committee
Héloïse Vincent-Ozel, a partner member of the SNJM Québec Justice and Peace committee, came up with the idea for this activity. The exhibition format offers a number of advantages, starting with giving the Sisters the opportunity to learn more about these aboriginal women. The posters will briefly present their backgrounds and some of their impacts on society.
In addition, a musical component, demonstrating the richness of the aboriginal artistic heritage, will be available on the various floors. A discussion between the Sisters and SNJM volunteers, led by Héloïse, will bring the exhibition to a close on March 23.
Take advantage of your visit to Maison Jésus-Marie to learn more about these women who took extraordinary steps to build a more egalitarian and just world:
- Laura Niquay, Atikamekw, singer-songwriter
- Elisapie, Inuk, singer-songwriter and producer
- Mary Two-Axe Early, Mohawk Elder, women’s and children’s rights advocate, human rights activist
- Cindy Blackstock, activist, director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada and teacher
- Alanis O’Bomsawin, Abenaki, filmmaker, director and activist
- An Antane Kapesh, Innu, writer and activist
- Marjolaine Étienne, President of Quebec Native Women
- Eva Aariak, politician, second Premier of Nunavut
- Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, Anishinaabe, educator and long-time activist for aboriginal women’s rights
- Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Inuk, environmental activist, essayist and politician