Dir. Jamie Goulet
2023, Canada, 40 min
IKWEWI-She is a Woman, produced by the Clan Mothers Healing Village, premiers at Dave Barber Cinematheque on Wednesday, December 6 – The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The 40-minute documentary spotlights three grandmothers – Elders Mae Louise Campbell, Billie Schibler and Belinda Vandenbroeck – who share their ancestral knowledge and how it applies to the current situation of gender-based violence.
IKWEWI speaks to perspectives on sexuality ranging from pre-contact to the current situation of continued systemic degradation, sexual violence, exploitation, and trafficking of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit peoples.
“Women are coming together, the Clan mothers are coming together, other women all over are coming together and saying ‘That’s enough,’” Elder Belinda Vandenbroeck explains in the film. “And it is enough. Five hundred years of abuse is enough for our women.”
The Clan Mothers Healing Village and Knowledge Centre brings ancestral, matriarchal knowledge and restorative cultural practices to today’s challenges, helping communities and individuals heal. Based on an innovative village model, this holistic concept provides mid-term to long-term support for women who have been victims of multi-generational trauma, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. The goal is to help the women understand how important and sacred they are through the growth of Indigenous cultural intelligence. Visit https://clanmothers.ca to learn more.
The premier screening happens within the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence from November 25 to December 10. This period is a time to not only reflect but to actively and proactively take action to end gender-based violence.
Join us for a post-screening discussion with Elder Mae Louise Campbell and Elder Belinda Vandenbroek from the Clan Mothers Healing Village. The audience is invited to ask questions.
Content warning: This film includes challenging and/or triggering subject matter, descriptions of sexual assault and gendered violence, racism and colonial violence.
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