REGIONAL GATHERING ON DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE TO BE HELD THIS SEPTEMBER 

The issue of Domestic and Sexual Violence in Eeyou Istchee will be centre stage this Fall, as the Cree Nation Government prepares to host the Yaayitinh Saachihiiwaawin Regional Gathering in Chisasibi on September 14-17.  

Bringing together frontline workers, leadership, advocates, and survivors, the gathering will invite participants to learn, network, and help plan the creation of more “safe spaces” in Eeyou Istchee. The event is being organized by the Department of Social and Cultural Development, in collaboration with the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB) and funding from the gouvernement du Québec.  

The Yaayitinh Saachihiiwaawin Regional Gathering has been a long time coming. In 2023, CBHSSJB published a Public Information Summary on Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence in Eeyou Istchee, showing the scale of the issue and what needed to change. This Regional Gathering is a critical step in turning those recommendations into action. The name Yaayitinh Saachihiiwaawin (“Holding Love Safely”), submitted as part of a logo contest by artist Raven J. Happyjack, embodies the team’s hopes for the gathering. 

“We’re bringing together front-line workers, advocates, survivors – people who understand problems we face, and who can chart a course for the future,” said Kayla Moore, Coordinator of Domestic Violence Awareness Initiatives and Yaayitinh Saachihiiwaawin team lead. “Our goal is to create spaces where people can feel safe and supported, so we can have the conversations that matter. This is how we can break the silence and create a safer Eeyou Istchee for all.” 

For more information on the gathering, visit site.pheedloop.com/event/ys/. Frontline workers and other professionals are invited to register online; community members who wish to attend can complete the online interest form or contact their local Social and Cultural Development Director to apply for their local delegation. For further inquiries, please contact ys@cngov.ca. 

“Every person in Eeyou Istchee has the right to feel safe in their home, in their relationships and in their community. Domestic and sexual violence cannot be met with silence, and the responsibility for change cannot rest only with survivors or frontline workers. It requires all of us—leaders, families, communities and Cree entities—to stand together, listen with compassion and ensure our commitments do not remain just words. Yaayitinh Saachihiiwaawin will help build the relationships and coordinated action needed to support healing, strengthen accountability and create a safer future for our people.” 

• Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch
   

“Our history speaks to extraordinary Eeyou/Eenou strength and resilience. Collective healing takes root when we choose compassion, accountability, and safety over domestic and sexual violence.” 

• Christina Biron, Executive Director, Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay 

Kayla Moore 

Coordinator of Domestic Violence Awareness Initiative