Walk to put spotlight on domestic violence in Kainai Nation

On Nov. 24 men from Kainai Nation were to slip on their heels to bring to reality the adage “walk a mile in her shoes,” all in the name of bringing awareness to the prevalence and impact of domestic violence in the community.

Hosted by the Kainai Women’s Lodge in partnership with Blood Tribe Police, Kainaiwa Children’s Services, Blood Tribe Parks and Recreation, and Kainai Wellness Centre, the walk will take place in Standoff and feature community members, Blood Tribe Police officers, and members of Chief and council. November is Domestic Violence Awareness month in Canada and Friday’s walk will be the 11th one held by Blood Tribe organizations.

Doris Low Horn, Manager of Kainai Women’s Wellness Lodge says, “We hope to bring awareness to the Blood Tribe Community members and all surrounding communities,” adding, “Family violence is alive and well in our community and there is help if you or know someone who needs our support and services; we are here.”

In Canada, more than 63 per cent of Indigenous women and 45 per cent of non-Indigenous women have experienced intimate partner violence since the age of 15, according to Statistics Canada.

Those numbers, however, are based on limited data as many incidents go unreported. In October the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics released information stating that for the fifth year in a row, rates of family and intimate partner have increased, with women and girls representing 69 per cent of victims.

Following the walk, attendees were invited to gather for a turkey dinner, guest speakers, and door prizes.

For more information visit the Kainaiwa Children’s Services Corporation facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/Kainaiwa