Indigenous and newcomer women in journeys of reconciliation

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the experiences of three significant and diverse populations in Canada: Indigenous women and newcomer immigrant and refugee women. It seeks to unravel the uniqueness and parallels within the experiences of colonization, racism, violence, and trauma experienced by these diverse populations: Indigenous women and immigrant/refugee newcomer women. The chapter explores how cultural traditions and practices of Indigenous or First Peoples, as well as those of newcomer immigrant and refugee women, can help to further advance the goals of reconciliation. In focusing on the goal of reconciliation, newcomer immigrant and refugee women have an opportunity to reflect on their own stories of colonization, discuss the parallels in the stories, and then work together to build just relationships with Indigenous peoples and advance the goal of reconciliation. It is interesting to note that many newcomer immigrant and refugee women, like Indigenous women in Canada, also have strong connections to the land.