A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
Safe Zone Program Committee members. Back: Kyle Thompson and Phillip White-Cree. Front: Shara Francis-Herne and Leah Delormier.
Emma Allan, Sarah Konwahahawi Herne, Krysta Williams and Akwiratekha Martin at the Safe Zone kick-off event.
Abraham Francis and Olivia Cook were speakers. They mentioned the desire to get SRMT and Salmon River on board.
If this logo is displayed, a person will know that is it a "safe" location for LGBTQ community members, and shows a commitment to a welcoming and accepting work environment. The logo was designed by Phillip White-Cree in 2014 with direction from the Safe Zone Committee. Tsi nón:we iah thaiesa'nikonrakarewà:te' translates to a, "Place Where No One Will Hurt Your Mind."
On Saturday August 23, 2014, the MCA Safe Zone Program held its kick-off event at the St. Regis Recreation. The event included several speakers, great food, informational booths from several programs and a sexual health carnival with games and prizes. Akwiratekha Martin summed it up when he said, "This is groundbreaking."
The mission of the Safe Zone program at Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is to distinguish and support community members, faculty, and staff who identify as a Safe Zone advocate on behalf of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) community. The Safe Zone program strives to erase homophobia, transphobia and heterosexism within MCA and provide support to those who need it. Through education, advocacy and respect of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning and ally issues, the program contributes to an open work environment that is safe and accepting for all members of the Akwesasne community.
Safe Zone Program Committee members include Kyle Thompson, Shara Francis-Herne, Phillip White-Cree and Leah Delormier.
Kyle Thompson said that part of his job description as Addictions Mental Health Worker at Wholistic Health and Wellness is to implement, organize and develop new programs as needed by the Akwesasne community. "I identify as a gay male of Akwesasne and have always been aware of the lack of resources for LGBTQ people. Shara also brought it to our attention when I started the job, and after many meetings and getting approved we created the name and logo."
There will be many program-to-program workshops as well as community workshops, and they hope to visit local schools.
"We have had so much support. We work with Community Health, Traditional Health and Addictions and Mental Health Counselors. We have help from ACT NOW, Akwesasne Family Wellness Program, Native Youth Sexual Health Network and the Akwesasne Coalition for Community Empowerment. This is the first of many events," added Kyle.
Shara said, "It is long overdue. There was nothing in place and nowhere to go. We want to break stigmas and let people know they are not alone."
At dusk there were several short films shown and panel discussions. The main event was a movie showing of "Two Spirits."
Krysta Williams of the Native Youth Sexual Health Network said, "We are here to celebrate, we are excited about the initiative and to support our Two Spirit people."
ACT NOW's Sarah Konwahahawi Herne said, "This is so amazing. It's never been done before. Providing a safe space, that's always been needed, that stresses the importance of acceptance of all people. We are so boxed in, it's a product of colonialism, you feel you are not able to be yourself. This initiative will change that."
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