On Sunday, we recognized the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Gender-Diverse People. I wanted to continue that conversation this week with a story that I came across yesterday.
Sometimes Learning Together focuses on difficult histories and realities that we need to understand. Other times, we get to look at the ways people are taking that knowledge and turning it into action, connection, creativity, and support.
This CBC story is one of those examples.
A Swampy Cree artist, Brooklyn Rudolph, and Ukrainian social media creator, Andrian Makhnachov, have collaborated on a new kokum scarf designed to raise awareness and funds in support of MMIWG and 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their families and communities. Rudolph hand-painted the design and incorporated cultural teachings into it, including Keewatin, or the “going home star”, as well as the star blanket. For her, these elements represent guidance, connection, and bringing loved ones home.
What I found especially meaningful, is the idea that awareness can become action.
Adrian first learned about MMIWG after moving to Winnipeg and meeting people connected to this work. He has since used his platform to help raise awareness and support organizations doing this work. The current scarf project is supporting the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, with 35% of proceeds going towards healing, advocacy, and access to resources for families and communities.
On Sunday, I mentioned taking time to honour the lives and stories of those who have been lost, to listen to families and survivors, and to reflect on the systems and circumstances that continue to contribute to violence and injustice.
Remembering is only one part of the work.
The other part is asking ourselves what we can do with what we have learned. Sometimes that means changing how we approach our work. Sometimes it means listening differently. Sometimes it means supporting Indigenous-led organizations and initiatives. Sometimes, as this story shows, it can mean using creativity and our own platforms to help amplify an important cause.
The kokum scarf itself also carries a beautiful history of connection between Indigenous and Ukrainian communities. Floral scarves brought by Ukrainian settlers because part of Indigenous communities and are now commonly known as kokum scarves, with kokum being the Cree word for grandmother. The scarves have since become an important symbol in many Indigenous. communities and have also been used as a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine.
This story is a good reminder that Truth and Reconciliation isn’t only about learning about the past. It is also about recognizing relationships, supporting one another, celebrating culture and creativity, and thinking about what meaningful action can look like today.
To learn more, you can read the article here:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/mmiwg-kokum-scarf-ukraine-9.7370184
If you haven’t checked out EFry’ commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, you can find it on our website:
Thank you for taking a moment to Learn Together 🧡
