The honour of the people lies in the moccasin tracks of our women. That's the name of an anti-violence event coming up in Nisichawaysihk Cree Nation (NCN), also known as Nelson House.

"Many times in our First Nations communities, our women don't have voices," said Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, who is organizing the event on December 6.

Anderson-Pyrz said women, girls and transgender women are often victims of violence in her community.

The Okawemateh Sakihewewin Circle is holding it's first violence against women awareness workshop on December 6. (Hilda Anderson-Pyrz) She said the resources they need to heal and move on just aren't available in the northern First Nation. She said women are sometimes afraid to come forward.

"A lot of times they say they are ostracized because of reporting [violence]," said Anderson-Pyrz. "Different people will threaten them and everything like that because of what they reported."

She said women have come to her over the years for support and have asked them to advocate on their behalf.

That inspired her to create a women's group called The Okawemateh Sakihewewin Circle, which means women of heart in Cree.



"In this circle everyone is equal, respected, has a voice and is surrounded by support," she explained.

Any female member of NCN can join, share their experience and support other women.



The December 6 event is the group's introduction to the community. Service providers will be on hand and a number of speakers will share their stories.



"The Thompson Crisis Centre is providing the brochures on who [women] can call when they are experiencing violence," said Anderson-Pyrz.

The event is taking place at the Otetiskiwin Kiskinwamahtowekamik School in Nelson House, from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.