THE STRONG WOMEN’S CIRCLE
Where Indigenous and Western knowledge systems meet in respectful dialogue to prevent violence
Together with Indigenous researchers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Grandmothers, we’re exploring primary prevention strategies grounded in Indigenous knowledge and leadership.
This initiative — The Strong Women’s Circle — builds on decades of advocacy by Indigenous leaders across Turtle Island and reflects the lived expertise of Indigenous women in Alberta. This work has produced a research report and two oral history films aimed at advancing systemic and cultural change to stop violence.
The Research: Transformative Change and Policy Reform
Released in 2022, the research report centers Indigenous worldviews and lived experiences, offering violence prevention strategies that address root causes and promote systemic transformation.
Developed in ethical space by bring together Indigenous and Western worldviews for sustainable anti-violence solutions, the report proposes five transformative shifts to advance Indigenous sovereignty. It also outlines targeted reforms across six systems that heighten vulnerability to violence: justice and policing, child welfare, health, education, housing, and transportation.
Click on each of the reports below to learn more.
Teachings on Film: Indigenous Voices to Prevent Violence
Guided by the Elders, two oral history films were created in partnership with the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY) and Studio Lumen, These films document teachings shared by Elders, Grandmothers, and Knowledge Keepers, offering powerful insights into healing, allyship, and Indigenous-led change.
Film 1: Strong Women’s Circle: A Systems Change Approach to Addressing Family Violence within Communities
© 2023 by Karen Acuna, Jackie Bromley, Dakota Eagle Women, Violet March, Diane Meguinis, Doreen Spence, Lana Wells, and Valerie Wood is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Film 2: Strong Women’s Circle: Achieving Sovereignty in Our Children’s Welfare
© 2024 by Karen Acuna, Jackie Bromley, Dakota Eagle Women, Violet March, Diane Meguinis, Doreen Spence, Lana Wells, and Valerie Wood is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 .
* Video can be used for educational and non-commercial purposes under Creative Commons license BY-NC-ND. If you are interested in learning more or want to host a circle in your community, please email shift.dv@ucalgary.ca.
Shift acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 4, Treaty 6, and Treaty 7 territories and the traditional meeting grounds and home for many Indigenous Peoples, including Cree, Saulteaux, Niisitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, and Nakota Sioux, the Siksika, the Piikani (Peigan), the Kainai (Blood), the Tsuut’ina (Sacree), Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, Dene, Mountain Cree, and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations, including Chiniki, Bearpaw, and Wesley First Nations. It is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 and Region 4. We respect the Treaties that were made, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
Initiated by The Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence
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