Native Women's Fan Club Part 2

This is Carole James, Leader of the Official Opposition for British Columbia.

We met last night at a mutual friends house, which was a night of fun, laughter and much about just being women.

I have a child's fascination with the power, strength and resiliancy that many of these women contain in their being. I am a true feminist, and realize I must have always been.

This term however, does not really convey emotion where women like many who were at this lovely event last night, are guided by. Not controlled by, but guided by. To make effective change, it must be change that those it's meant to help want to carry on themselves.

I am seeing that in order to do this, there are many things that need to happen.

First, people are not guided by words. They are guided by the process which may have to include holding that hand while they make that journey to self betterment.

Second, the change must be something, you who wants to affect this change, must also live and adhere to. You cannot talk the talk, if you are not prepared to walk the walk.

Third, fight, argue, bare your teeth to the opponent who wants to undermine your efforts. And there will be those people there. This is probably the least publicized aspect of what it takes to affect change. However, as mothers, many of us already do that on a day to day basis. Whether we are looking for the best deal, or best school, or avenues to take care of our children's health needs not covered by health care, we do that.

Empowerment is not easy. Empowerment is not automatic. Empowerment is putting yourself out there for those that you care about and want to hold their hand while they make that journey to self betterment.

I feel I am on this journey, and I feel more importantly that there are those who walking beside me. I know for a fact that is the case, and last night, really put into my heart, others who are walking the same path.

The feeling of being alone is probably one of the most important feelings as a society of native women, of Indigenous women of this land, that we need to eradicate.

G