Values and Beliefs

Niijkiwendidaa believes that its services will be based on the following premises:

• Our services are to be Anishnaabekwewag focused,

• In the values of the Medicine Wheel - Sharing & Caring; Honesty: Kindness & Strength,

• Women have the right not to be violated,

• Women are an oppressed group,

• Anishnaabekwewag face a double oppression,

• Mainstream ideology has contributed to the oppression,

• Systemic racism exists on Turtle Island,

• Anishnaabekwewag should develop, operate and deliver the service,

• Anishnaabekwewag have to re-claim their strength and can and will make positive and healthy changes,

• Simple, non-discriminatory language must be used,

• All work of the Circle must be done with honesty and integrity,

• We must strive for common understanding of the issue,

• Everyone’s opinion must be respected,

• Women’s experiences must be respected and validated,

• Women must be allowed to make their own decisions and choose their destiny,

• We must live in harmony with all things,

• We cannot accept resources that compromise the beliefs of the Circle,

• We believe women who disclose their stories have a right to confidentiality,

• No woman in the Circle will oppress another woman and we will encourage empowerment amongst ourselves,

• Our services must be delivered in a manner that is non-intrusive, non-abusive, non-judgmental, respectful, supportive and empowering, and culturally appropriate to Anishnaabekwewag,

• We believe in empowering ourselves through orientation, training, ongoing education, shared powers, open communication, shared decision making and mutual respect,

• We will advocate for the equality of Anishnaabeg.