Take Back the Night Rally Held at Ponemah

"These beliefs and traditions grew out of a respect for the mystery and inner spirituality of women. Our traditions teach us to be reverent of the great power of our daughters, sisters, wives, mothers and grandmothers. These women are key to our survival, our physical health, and our future as a community. To honor and respect the inner strength, power and spirituality of all women is a noble goal for Indians and non-Indians alike." ~Lee Staples, Cultural Advisor, Mille Lacs Ojibwe

More than 50 persons dodged and weaved through spider webs, ghosts and goblins, working their way back to the now crowded west wing of the Ponemah Out-Patient Office. Women, men, girls and boys, gathered for a Take Back the Night Rally and walk. It was October 30...the eve of halloween...the building decorated for the coming day.

From 5:30 to 8:00 pm, elders and youngers gathered to take a stand against domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Spiritual/cultural advisor, Larry Stillday provided the invocation following a brief welcome by Darlene Lussier, Director of Equay Wiigamig, and Victoria Fineday from Ponemah Out-Patient.

"We are doing violence to ourselves now," said Stillday. "They" have left us alone. Those who brought the violence to us are living their lives. This is the purpose of our ceremony, we are raising our voice against this violence, this hideous violence and resentment. Rely on tobacco and the drum."

After a drum song, Fineday described the evenings agenda. Meanwhile, young people handed out ribbons, t-shirs, and candles. Others gave out Asemaa (tobacco) suggesting it be received with the left hand, nearest the heart.

Dark having set in, the crowd left the building weaving their way down the streets of Obaashiing toward the water. While illuminating a path nearly three blocks long, the lighted candles seemed as though dancing on this quiet walk to the Sacred Lake known as Miskwaagamiiwi-zaaga'iganiing. Here a healing ceremony was held.

"Violence against women was imported, it is not an Ojibwe tradition," said Stillday on the shore of the lake. "Our tradition was one of respect for women and their sacred role in life giving. Social pressure, tradition, and respect prohibited such behavior. As you walk to the lake remember those who have died before offering your tobacco. Remember your mothers, your daughters, cousins, sisters, aunties...remember."

Trekking back to the Out-Patient office, the walkers regrouped inside for drum songs. First a song for healing, and then a memorial song...and women and girls danced...circling the drum. Althena Cloud offered a "Woman's Song."

A testimony was heard followed by a recent sad story on domestic violence shared by Lussier. "Songs of healing are always so powerful and helpful," said Lussier. "We need to take a stand, we need to talk about it. If we do not talk about it, it remains hidden and people will deny it. We must expose this violence to the light of the sun."

A "light lunch" was served consisting of fry bread, potato chips, wild rice hot dish, coffee and water.

Later Lussier commented that she was very pleased with the turn-out, especially on such short notice. She said that the show of support was encouraging considering the working conditions surrounding a job that has its share of sadness and unpleasantries. "The job can be heartbreaking more often than not," said Lussier, "but the staff takes good care of themselves. They are very empathetic and supportive, and their willingness to approach their work in a team effort, empowers them to keep doing what they do."

The Take Back the Night Walk was sponsored by Red Lake Equay Wiigamig & Ponemah Outpatient Program.