Kookum Gaa Na Da Maa Waad Abinoojiig Council (Grandmothers Protecting Our Children)
2nd Annual Grandmothers Protecting Our Children Walk
Sunday, September 21, 2008
START: 10:00am - Circle of Life Thunderbird House, 715 Main Street @ Higgins Avenue to the Forks Market at the Odena

PIPE CEREMONY: 6:30am at the Forks Market at the ODENA.

WALK TO HONOUR AND PROTECT OUR CHILDREN.

For further information, please contact 942-6676


Message From the Grandmothers...

September 2008

Tansi, Boozhoo, Aniin, Wachay, Greetings

We are Kookum Gaa Na Da Ma Waad Abinoojiig Council (Grandmothers Protecting Our Children). We are very concerned with the violence that continues in our communities and our homes. We want the sexual abuse, incest, and violence perpetrated against our children to stop. We, as grandmothers, mothers, aunties, and sisters, are saying "NO MORE"!! There can be no future for our children as long as this continues. As grandmothers we are saying we can no longer stand by in silence and watch this happen to our children. We must stand up for children and be their voice. We are inviting all grandmothers, leadership, colleagues, and community members to walk with us and show our children that we honour them as sacred gifts and, that we will protect them.

We have historically been the nurturers and caregivers of our babies. We, as women, have become victims. We have watched our generations of children become victims. Our men, themselves, have been victims. And in turn, many of our men and women have become victimizers. Enough!!!!! We are here to say that despite our damage and painful history, our hearts are not on the ground, our nations are not conquered, and we don't want to see our children hurt anymore!

On Sunday, September 21st, 2008, we will be lighting a Sacred Fire in Winnipeg at the Odena Centre at the Forks. This fire will burn from sunrise to 4:00 pm, in honour of our children. Throughout the province of Manitoba,
4 other sacred fires will be lit simultaneously in the four directions, to also recognize the sacredness of our children and the calling of grandmothers to come forward and reclaim their role. We invite others to join us by lighting a sacred fire in their community as a symbol to provide a message of hope for our children. We also invite other Kookums and leaders to share our vision and stand together on that day across our province and our nation to honour all children. While we respect our men and our community, provincial, and federal leaders, we recognize that the time has come for the Kookums to step forward and take the lead for our children.
We invite you to walk with us to demonstrate your support in honouring and protecting the children as the first step in a journey towards a brighter future. (Hand drums optional.)

In Winnipeg, we will begin our walk from the Circle of Life Thunderbird House (715 Main Street at Higgins Avenue) at 10:00 a.m., making our way up Main Street to the Forks (at the Odena). Upon our arrival at the Forks, we will share refreshments (tea and bannock) and Teaching Lodges to hear the Elders speak and share their wisdom on these sensitive matters.
All My Relations,
Grandmothers Protecting Our Children
Kookum Gaa Na Da Ma Waad Abinoojiig Council

P.S. For those in support from other provinces or territories: Please
let us know at (204) 942-6676 or 1-866-258-6726 (Manitoba only)
if you are holding your own walk or lighting your own Sacred Fire on that day to demonstrate unity and strength, as we encircle our
children with love and say "No More!".