How does one “speak back” to violence experienced by Indigenous girls, young women, two-spirit youth, even whole communities impacted from centuries of oppression? This question frames the work of Sisters Rising, an Indigenous-led, community-based research project that honours Indigenous youth who have experienced sexualized, gender-based violence by offering traditional land- and arts-based teachings.
Chantal Adams recalls her first encounter with Sandrina de Finney, an associate professor at UVic's School of Child and Youth Care. Adams was a first-year student when De Finney and a master's student visited one of Adams' classes. They spoke about their work with Indigenous children and families, sang and drummed and discussed the concept of intersectionality.
"5 Days of Action," a week-long event coordinated by the Equity & Human Rights Office, encourages every member of the UVic community to take concrete steps toward ending racism, discrimination, harassment and sexualized violence on campus.
The role of words, narratives and stories are central themes of "5 Days of Action," an initiative led by the Office of Equity and Human Rights the week of March 19–23.
Sexualized and domestic violence can be difficult subjects to talk about, but 300 members of the UVic and Greater Victoria communities came together on campus in February to do exactly that.
UVic Vikes Athletics and Recreation, a department within Student Affairs, is partnering with the Office of Equity and Human Rights to champion sexualized violence prevention through an education and training campaign.
