Stop the Violence, Start the Healing Event Held at LCO

By Luann Kolumbus Domestic Violence Navigator

and Resource Coordinator

On May 28^th there was a community gathering of approximately 150 people which focused on the violence tribal members may be experiencing and the healing services that are available. Guest speakers spoke on topics of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, AODA, Mental Health Issues or the loss of a loved one.

I would like to start by thanking Rusty Barber for his kind words, prayers and passing of tobacco. Rusty emphasized that each of us practice our own spirituality and that this is a very personal thing and should not be judged by others. He also said that there should be more of these healing events and community get togethers as it is always helpful to talk to someone when you are suffering from addictions or grieving.

Thank you to Gary Quaderer who spoke about abuse towards another as this is not part of our culture and, that people need to attend these events to learn more about the healing process. Gary stated that he has a Sweat Lodge at his home and if interested, people could stop by and talk to him about this. Thank you, Gary, for the meaningful words and closing prayers.

Would like to thank our other speakers – Dianne Sullivan, AODA Counselor who spoke about Trauma Informed Care, and how this can have long-lasting effects throughout our lives as children as well as adults. She also talked about the groups and services that are offered daily at the Bizhiki Wellness Center. She closed by saying that there are many people out there struggling with addiction and abuse and that we should be kind to one another as we know not what they are going through.

Thank you, Pastor Al Kiwazek, from the Spider Lake Church and Men’s House of Hope Center in Hayward. He spoke about the services offered to men in our community and stated, “If you are struggling with addiction, homelessness or trying to restart your life after incarceration, often you can feel lost, alone or hopeless”. Please call us on 715-699-1124 for further information.

Thanks to Rose Barber for sharing information regarding her many years of working in Domestic Violence. Rose continues to help others yet today if asked and we are thankful for her.

Thank you to Sr. Felissa (who we have been blessed to have with us since 1961) for reciting the Lord’s Prayer in Ojibwa as it was beautiful. Also, Father Karunakar for the prayers and blessings for our community members suffering from abuse or have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. Their prayers were meaningful and heartfelt.

Thank you Ahsinees Larson and the LCO School Youth Group for the drumming and singing – everyone loved it! Thank you to Becky Taylor for taking care of the smudging, kind words and getting everyone out there for a Round Dance – people loved it and wanted to dance some more! Thank you to Michelle Beaudin, Christian Clarquist and Becky Taylor for performing a Jingle Dress Dance in honor of victims or domestic violence. Also – thank you Michelle for explaining the meaning of the Jingle Dress and the power that comes with it.

Thank you to Ernie Kolumbus for putting the “Remembering Our Loved Ones Message Board” together and to Indaanis DeMain for decorating it. Thank you to Amanda Thayer for designing the poster and to the Seven Winds Casino for printing them up for us. Thank you, Mindy Taylor, Director of Oakwood Haven Women’s Shelter, for providing information on all that the center has to offer victims. Also, for presenting LCO Chief of Police Susie Taylor with a plaque in recognition of her many years of service to victims of Domestic Violence. It was nice to see our LCO Police Officers there having a bit of fun. I would like to recognize and thank them for protecting our communities and responding to Domestic Violence calls – which at times can be the most dangerous.

Thank you to the LCO Governing Board for supplying the food and to our cooks Ernie and Rachel– it was delicious! Thanks to “Just for you Printing” for printing and supplying the shirts. Special thank you to Stephanie St. Germain for the beautiful shirt design which included pictures of all the Clans. Also, thanks to Tibissum Rice, ICW and Becky Williams TNOAE Grant for being able to pay for the shirts out of their grant budgets.

Thank you to all the programs that set up tables and provided a lot of information on topics of abuse, addiction and healthier living tips! Attendees loved the free gifts and raffle prizes! And last but certainly not least – thank you to everyone that helped plan this special event. Tibissum Rice, Jenny LaRonge, ICW, Becky Williams, TNOAE Grant, Mary-Revoy Lopez, LCO Grants Department, Adam Ojibway, Emily Schmock, Brooke Dennis, Tish Keahna, Sunnie Bisonette, Jen McFaggen, Shari Diamond, Lori McFaggen, and Sue Smith from the LCO Child Support Program. Special thanks to David Ramm and Joe Mamlin, SAVES Grant Consultants from Grays Peak Strategies that flew in just for the event and were so very helpful from setting up to cleaning up! Also, thanks to Eunice Zamora, LCO Bizhiki Center (her TOR4 grant was able to provide an honorarium to the drummers and singers! Christian Clarquist, Director of Nursing -  LCO Health Center provided the beverages for the day. Thank you Carlena Dennis. Chanda Quagon and Carla Karaszewski, Bezhiki Wellness Cener for supplying games and prizes for the children, Thanks to Sandy Carly, Director – LCO TANF for provided paper products for the food.  

In closing, would like to mention that this event was planned as one of the requirements for the SAVES Grant (Safe Access for Victims Economic Security) also known as Gaawiin Geyaabi which means No More! I am currently employed PT as the Domestic Violence Navigator and Resource Coordinator through the LCO Child Support Program. The purpose of this grant is to collaborate with other agencies in providing information specific to DV and other areas of abuse to Child Support clients and community members, I and other staff from the Sacred Circle Domestic Violence Program in Duluth will soon start to plan our Camp for Survivors of Sexual Assault and/or Domestic Violence. If there are victims or survivors that would like to participate in or find out more details about the camp, please call me at 715-718-6752 and I can provide you with more information. You can be assured that all calls will be kept confidential. There were so many that made this Healing Event possible, and I apologize if I have missed anyone to say thanks!