Strong Hands Stop Violence

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Strong Hands Stop Violence project raises awareness of violence against women and girls. It includes an annual Poetry Night, an annual Poetry Book, and an ongoing collective Art Project.

The name Strong Hands Stop Violence comes from the collective Art Project. Participants of Poetry Night are invited to dip their hands in orange and blue paint and press on a canvas to signify standing together to eliminate violence against women and girls.

Art as healing trauma is a strong foundation of the work ONWA does, addressing violence from perspectives rooted in cultural teachings. ONWA is committed to supporting communities and providing hope to those on their healing journey.

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Poetry Night

ANNUAL EVENT - NOVEMBER 25

Each year, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) hosts Poetry Nights across Ontario to raise awareness of violence against women in support of the United Nations International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women’s #orangetheworld campaign.

Poets, storytellers, writers and spoken word artists are invited to help raise awareness of violence against Indigenous women and girls by participating in this virtual event. Poetry Night includes readings from both emerging and established poets, live musical performances, and a collective art project.

Poetry Night provides an opportunity to create a space where Indigenous women and families can gather and celebrate their shared strength and resiliency. Art as healing trauma is a strong foundation of the work ONWA does, addressing violence from perspectives rooted in cultural teachings. ONWA is committed to supporting communities and providing hope to those on their healing journey.

2020

5TH ANNUAL POETRY NIGHT

2020 marks ONWA’s 5th annual Poetry Night, which was held virtually through Zoom from 7:00-9:00pm EST on November 25, 2020.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Poetry Night had a different format in 2020. Rather than having multiple events across the province, we gathered online for one provincial event. We continued to feature readings from both emerging and established poets, and live musical performances. The collective art project took the form of a “Strong Hands Stop Violence” Art Kit which was mailed to those who register.

We were honoured to feature poets Al Hunter, Dr. Duke Redbird, and Trivena Andy, and the musical performances of Jamie Labrador, and Jasmine McGuire.