Aboriginal - Girls Action Foundation

72 Natasha Jones
By Natasha Jones
Having Aboriginal women who show leadership plays an important part in the
survival and conservation of all Indigenous peoples and their cultures. I was
once told that a woman in the Mi’kmaq society is a powerful force and that she is the
main agent of our culture. I believe this is true and that without Aboriginal women’s
leadership, our culture, language and values would not have survived. I also believe that
Aboriginal women’s leadership should never be taken for granted and that it should be
respected to the highest degree.
I think that leadership within all aspects of life is extremely important. Having leadership
within your family, work and community can make a world of difference in your life. An
individual who demonstrates leadership may not necessarily show it by being an elected
official or by leading groups and communities. I believe that leadership can be shown in
many diverse ways and this includes Aboriginal women’s leadership. For me, Aboriginal
women’s leadership means having strong women that I can look to for guidance, role
modeling and hope. Aboriginal women show leadership by giving children a strong figure
that they can look to for direction in their lives. But their leadership is not limited to the
home. I also believe that their leadership in the past and the present has contributed to
how Aboriginal people are viewed today. Aboriginal people have been viewed negatively
in the past. Many movies have contributed to such portrayals, but Aboriginal women
have helped to change negative perceptions. They have shown that Aboriginal people
have a rich culture and history that should be shared through education and the arts. I
also see leadership in the women who fight for the conservation of their culture. Many
Aboriginal women have shown leadership by reviving their culture through the start of
programs and groups. I think that if Aboriginal people have women’s leadership then
they have a solid hope for reviving their culture and ensuring its survival. Although
some contributions have started out small they have quickly grown and expanded into
something great. To me leadership is a strong force and it can be seen in all aspects of
Aboriginal women’s lives.
During my writing process I talked with Aboriginal women from Sple’tk First Nation
and attended a drumming practice with the Exploits Native Women’s Drummers and