A woman from the Shoal Lake Cree Nation says privacy needs to be respected when it comes to addressing violence against women on reserve.
Theresa Whitecap spoke this morning at the PAGC women’s wellness conference in Prince Albert.
For years she has volunteered her time on the reserve in an effort to help those who suffer from violence.
She spoke at length this morning about the abuse she suffered when she was younger.
Whitecap says it’s very difficult for many women to reach out for help, and that effort can be undermined if the secrets they share are spread throughout the community — without their consent:
“I don’t go around saying ‘this person came for help and needs help’. Like confidentially is a big issue. They trust you and you have to keep that confidentiality.”
She adds it’s also important to let the person who needs help to talk at their own speed, and not try to finish their sentences for them.
Meanwhile event-organizer Shirley Henderson says the Prince Albert Grand Council has a staff-member willing to help women deal with abuse.
She says it can be difficult to reach out for help but she wants residents to know there is someone willing to aid them should they require it.
The theme of this year’s gathering is “Empowering Women”.
It concludes tonight with a banquet.
On Wednesday morning a march to remember brothers and sisters lost to violence will take place at city hall.
It starts at 9:00.