Equay-wuk (Women’s Group)1989 - Present

Organization OverviewEquay-wuk (Women’s Group)

Equay-wuk (plural for “Woman” in the Ojibway and Oji-Cree languages)

Provincially Incorporated in 1989 Independent from other women’s groups Non-Profit Charitable Organization Governed by an Elected Board of

Directors who serve a two year term Catchment area is made up of 31 First

Nation communities in remote Northwestern Ontario

Catchment Area Map

Demographics of the Area Served

by Equay-wuk (Women’s Group)

Vast remote area that covers ½ the province of Ontario

Inhabited by over 18,000 Oji-Cree and Ojibway people

Most communities are accessible only by air

High cost of living Limited employment opportunities

Recommendations from Early Conferences

Topics for future education and discussion Family Violence Youth Suicide Alcohol and Substance Abuse Parenting Skills Training Sex Education

1st Programs at Equay-wuk

Funded by the Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board (SLAAMB) - 1992 Interpreter/Translator Training Short Order Cook Training

Sponsored by Wawatay Native Communications Society A Television Program called “Equay-wuk Speaks”

Organizational Objectives/Current Programs

To coordinate and facilitate the delivery of the Community Wellness Program

To provide culturally appropriate resources which promote wellness, education and self-development

To identify community wellness needs, issues and concerns Current Programs at Equay-wuk (Women’s Group)

Community Wellness Program (Started in June 1995) Nishnawbe Women’s Wellness (Ended March 2011) Building Aboriginal Women’s Leadership

Organizational Objectives/Current Programs

To maintain and operate employment training programs Programs at Equay-wuk (Women’s Group)

Job Readiness Skills Training Program (Started in 1993 a 22 week training program)

Employment Ready Skills Training Program (Started in 1996 a 12 week training program)

Organizational Objectives/Current Programs

To empower women to determine their future

To provide forums for women to become more independent and more assertive about their own needs within their community

Program at Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) Building Aboriginal Women’s Leadership Program

Originally called ‘Women in Self Government’

Organizational Objectives/Activities

To network and share information

Activities at Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) Host conferences Facilitate Community Workshops Develop Manuals and Training Kits Maintain a Web Site Train-the-Trainer workshops for First Nations to

facilitate focus groups in their own community on parenting and family violence prevention

To provide and maintain a resource library of culturally appropriate

materials

Educational Kits Produced

Home Based Business 2009A Guide for Nishnawbe Women - Kit includes a Manual and CD

A Positive Parenting Program Kit

Educational Kits Produced

Healthy Families Healthy Nations - A Family Violence Prevention Kit

Healthy Families Healthy Nations -A Training Kit for Professionals and Service Providers.

Manuals

Building Aboriginal Women’s Leadership -A Workshop Manual, Participant Handbook, CD

Better Care Giving – Cultural Sensitivity: A Facilitator’s Manual and Guide For Professional Care Giving

Closing Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) is

committed to empowering women, youth and families who reside within Northwestern Ontario First Nations communities.

We continue to apply for funding to facilitate positive change to reflect the aspirations and self-determination of the First Nation people we serve.

Meegwetch!

Equay-wuk (Women’s Group)P. O. Box 1781Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1C4Tel: (807) 737-2214 or toll free (800) 261-

8294Fax: (807) 737-2699Email: equaywuk@bellnet.caWebsite: www.equaywuk.ca