Strength of Our Women gala returns this year

It’s an exciting time for Indigenous women this week.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission will be recognizing women at the sold-out Strength of Our Women gala on Wednesday at the Dakota Dunes Resort on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

On Friday, FSIN Third Vice-Chief Aly Bear and First Nations activist Ashley Callingbull announced during a media conference that the gala will be returning after a two-year hiatus caused by COVID- 19.

“Now we’re going to be able to bring together our women, and celebrate their successes,” Bear said.

The awards gala has 11 categories which celebrate Indigenous women throughout the province. The categories are: Arts and Entertainment; Business; Culture and Spirituality; Education; Environment; Health and Wellness; Law and Justice; Leadership and Advocacy; Sports; Youth; and Lifetime Achievement.

There will be an additional Matriarch category, which is to honour and respect the achievements of 16 women.

Bear said it’s important to acknowledge women in Indigenous communities, as they are traditionally leaders and the backbone of their First Nations. There are currently 24 female chiefs, including Bear, in Saskatchewan.

“For a very long time, our women continue to fight for a voice to be heard,” Bear said.

Bear said she’s thankful to all of the female chiefs who stepped up, put their name forward and now inspire young women to do the same.

Bear said proceeds from the gala will be allocated towards frontline support for women and families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

“We need to continue to implement safe spaces so that we can stop this epidemic from happening,” Bear said.

The gala will also assist women, girls and two spirit individuals who are fleeing from domestic violence, navigating the justice system, or needing travel support.

“We get a lot of calls on a regular basis (from) a woman with no place to go and shelters are full,” said Bear, adding that support is especially needed during the Christmas season.

Callingbull will be the Master of Ceremonies, and a key feature of the gala. Callingbull, who was the first Indigenous woman to win the Mrs. Universe title in 2015, is an actress, model, host and a member of the Enoch Cree Nation on Treaty Six Territory.

“These are our sisters. These are the women who are going to be making the right decisions for our people. They are the ones that are leading the way,” said Callingbull, noting the theme is about empowerment and positivity.

“It’s important to uplift and empower our women instead of competing with (each other).”

Callingbull said the awards gala is crucial, especially to highlight the women who cannot be spoken for – the victims and families lost.

“By having events like this, we are speaking for them. We are letting people know their voices are being heard and that their stories are important,” she said.

Callingbull noted Wednesday night will be about sisterhood, as the gala will feature women and leaders from all walks of life.

This will be the sixth Strength of our Women Awards gala.