Above: The team from the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg and IPW
A contingent from various newcomer-serving organizations travelled to Belair, MB to participate in Helper Day at the Clan Mothers Healing Village (CMHV) in preparation for their upcoming Moon Dance Ceremony from August 16 to 20. An Indigenous-led organization, CMHV is dedicated to supporting women, girls, Two-Spirit, and transgender persons who have experienced trauma, sexual violence, and exploitation.
Co-organized by Mount Carmel Clinic and Immigration Partnership Winnipeg, the volunteer group included staff members from the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg, Aurora Family Therapy Centre, Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba Inc., Newcomers Employment & Education Development Services, and Manitoba Start.
left to right: Elder Mae Louise Campbell, Kristine Pearson, Claire Friesen (photo credit: Clan Mothers website)
Activities began with welcome remarks from CMHV Board Director Kristine Pearson, then a smudging before Elder Mae Louise Campbell imparted a teaching to the volunteers. This was followed by a quick briefing from Knowledge Centre Coordinator Claire Friesen about the cleanup work needed to prepare the ceremonial grounds. With the help of a couple of other teams from the private sector, the volunteers went to work raking and bagging grass cuttings, clearing weeds from ceremonial spots and removing debris from the section of beach at the edge of the grounds. Proving that many hands make light work, the cleanup was done within three hours. The collaborative activity highlighted the importance of cross-cultural learning and cooperation.
Above, left to right: IPW PM Arian Arianpour clearing a section of the grounds, PMs Kris Ontong and Arian Arianpour taking a breather by the deck near the beach, the main ceremonial circle (photo from Clan Mothers website)
CMHV has been holding their annual four-day Moon Dance Ceremony since 2021. It honours the gifts of women, especially the gift to give life, and is part of their community-based approach of providing long-term healing, training, and spiritual mentorship grounded in Indigenous cultural practices. The organization’s work is crucial for fostering individual growth and restoring cultural traditions that empower women and strengthen communities. More information about CMHV can be found at https://clanmothers.ca.