Indigenous women, girls and Two‐Spirit people experience rates of violence and murder far higher than experienced by other Canadian women. A new film examines the colonial, patriarchal systems that have led to these horrific abuses – and shares how ancestral Indigenous knowledge can help women gain back their power and security. 

IKWEWI – She is a Woman, produced by the Clan Mothers Healing Village, premieres at Dave Barber Cinematheque on Wednesday, December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The 54‐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 people. 

"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 December 6 screening will include a discussion with Elder Mae Louise Campbell and Elder Belinda Vandenbroek from the Clan Mothers Healing Village. The audience is invited to ask questions. 

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 premiere 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. 

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is proud to partner with Dave Barber Cinematheque and the Clan Mothers Healing Village on this screening as part of our ongoing Human Rights Through Film series.

To Note

Human Rights Through Film screenings are free for Museum members. 

Complimentary tickets can be reserved by selecting the CMHR Member ticket option on the Cinematheque website or at the theatre’s box office. You will be asked to show your Museum membership card at entry.

Admission for non‐members is $10.

Not yet a member? Join our community by exploring our membership options.