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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 bringing 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, three 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 .

Film 3: Strong Women’s Circle: The Next Generation

© 2025 by Brooklyn Leibham, Jorja Mirasty, Sadie Turning Robe, Lana Wells, Lazaya Villenuve & Kaitlyn Zoobkoff 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: The project to end domestic violence