Women of the Shining Light: Indigenous Mothers, Substance Misuse, Child Welfare, and the Sacred Teachings

Indigenous women experience intersecting histories of violence, abuse of various kinds, mental health challenges, incarceration, identity struggles and poverty, all which impact on their mothering. Often when mothers reach out for help, their interactions with the child welfare, health and social services systems are characterised by racism, stigma, and misinformation. Participants will come to understand why Indigenous women are the most marginalized people in Canada, and how this affects them and their children, how collaborative relationships are key and how supports for them need to be updated to meet their needs.