Since time immemorial, Indigenous women have been nurturers of their families-their communities. Pre-colonization Indigenous Peoples governed their respective communities by practicing their own cultural ways of holding community members accountable and responsible for their actions. There were no words in the Indigenous languages for rape and assault. Most tribal communities were matriarchal and followed the mother’s line. Women were held sacred and regarded as leaders, life carriers, protectors, and healers. All genders lived in balance and were respected as each had critical roles and responsibilities that contributed equally to the wellbeing of the tribe. The connection to land was inherent — essential — spiritual. All life was respected whether it be human, animal, or plant, and all had a purpose.
Post-colonization Indigenous peoples were stripped of their inherent authority to govern their people. Those who colonized this land, now called the United States, forced their beliefs, religion, language, food, education, and lifeways upon the Indigenous Peoples creating Indigenous survivors of mass genocide and eras of federal blunders that attempted to “kill the Indian, save the man.” The life balance that was inherent through matriarchal society was turned upside down and ripped apart with the introduction of patriarchal establishment, resulting in crippled and broken lifeways. Through tradition, solidarity, and the indestructible resilience to survive — overcoming historical intergenerational trauma and restoring sovereignty, cultural lifeways, safety, justice, and healing became the most important role for Indigenous women.
This toolkit will introduce and explore the historical and contemporary impact of violence on Indigenous communities as a means to provide better understanding of the rights and needs of Indigenous Nations.