Join Sheatre's Elder Abuse Prevention Live Online Event, "Kitchi Nshinaabeg dibaataanaawaa Kitchi Nshinaabeg miji doodwindwaa – Elders talk about Elder Abuse in Ojibwe" on Wednesday, May 18, at 7 p.m EST. as we explore this critical topic with Elders and community members. 

The moderator for this event will be Ron Odjig. He is a father and grandfather who lives on Manido-Minising Anishinaabe Akiing, and resides in the Community of Wikwemikong. He is an educator, actor, journalist, and Anishinaabemowin Specialist. His interests are in the political sciences and socio-economic well-being for all during challenging times. The moderator and speakers full bios can be found here

"Kitchi Nshinaabeg dibaataanaawaa Kitchi Nshinaabeg miji doodwindwaa – Elders talk about Elder Abuse in Ojibwe" is inspired by "Mishoo miinwaa Noki – You, Me and Wrinkles".

It will be broadcast again in the fall in a multi-part podcast series that Sheatre has created to increase the awareness of the abuse of older adults, how to recognize it and to mitigate it.  

To register for tickets for this event and find out more information, go to Sheatre Presents: All-Ojibwe/Anishinaabemowin Elder Abuse Prevention. 

Speakers Include:

• David Root, a Knowledge Keeper, Language Speaker, Pipe Carrier, and Fire Keeper. Root is a survivor of Childhood Violence, Trauma and Abuse and a former Alcoholic Drug user and Physical Abuser. He now dedicates his life experience to serving others by helping them achieve their sobriety and live a good way of life.

• Dorothy Wassegijig-Kennedy is Anishinaabe kwe of the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory of Manitoulin Island. She is a mother of three and Nookmiss of three grandchildren.   

• Colleen Wassegijig-Migwans hails from a family of artists, artisans, and teachers. Many values were instilled in her familial education on how to become "d'bendizaat" which means knowing and deciding for oneself, with an inferred independence.  

• Jacob Wemigwans is a first language speaker of Anishinaabemowin. Born and raised in Dooganing (South Bay), Jacob is a part of a team of first-language speakers of Anishinaabemowin that has created an online dictionary and thesaurus.

This virtual event is part of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week (Victims Week) from May 15 to 21, 2022. The theme for the week is The Power of Collaboration. We thank The Policy Centre for Victim Issues (PCVI) at the Department of Justice Canada, and the Community Foundation of Grey Bruce for their financial support.

source: media release