b'TALK4HEALINGTalk4Healing Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Cree, Algonquin, Inuktitut, Mohawk, Oneida, Odawa, Potawatomi, Micmac, Blackfoot,Anishinaabe, Moose Cree and Free, confidential counselling Swampy Cree. Talk4Healing has introduced a new for Indigenous women in Ontario TALK-TEXT-CHAT feature. Vermette explains, Technology is having epochal BY CHRISTINE MISKONOODINKWE SMITH changes on how people communicate, and is a human story that is evolving T alk4Healing is a not-for-profitabuse going on in our lives. With abuseevery day. Talking on the telephone to helpline initiative operated bycomes shame, and for many womenconnect with others is fast becoming Beendigen, an Anishinaabeshame prevents them from seekinga trend of the past. Women now have womens crisis healing agency,help. By providing anonymous, confi- a choice in how they connect with the in partnership with the Ontario Nativedential and culturally based services forhelpline. A live, trained counsellor can Womens Association.Indigenous women, we are giving womentalk with callers over the phone, text the opportunity to take a step towardsthrough a mobile device, or chat via the Talk4Healing has provided rural andTalk4Healing websites live chat.remote Indigenous women in northernaddressing the violence in their lives.Ontario access to culturally safe crisisKaren Marconi, Marketing ManagerRobin Haliuk, the Talk4Healing counselling since 2012, and in 2018for the Ontario Native Womens Associa- Supervisor, adds, Wherever you are, became available across the entire prov- tion, says, Violence against Indigenouswere here for you. This new technology ince of Ontario. It is run by Indigenouswomen requires a unique and cultur- will enable Talk4Healing to reach a women for Indigenous women.ally appropriate response that involvesbroader demographic, including younger the healing of the woman, the familyIndigenous women that have identi-Indigenous women need a place toand the community. While the helplinefied that they are more comfortable turn where their unique and complexprimarily provides services to Indigenoustexting. Whether you are at home or needs are understood, says Debrawomen experiencing violence, informa- on the go, texting is a norm in todays Vermette, Beendigens Executivetion and referral services will be providedsociety and is more accessible in certain Director. These women are benefitingto others directly affected by violence,situations in which women are at risk. from our helpline because it provides aincluding Indigenous men, abusersThis new service should also provide culturally safe space where women canand concerned family, friends andcomfort for those that might be too talk, knowing that what they want to talkcommunity members. hesitant to call over the phone, but does about is held in complete confidence.not compromise the culturally sensitive Sometimes we dont have that in theTalk4Healing offers free 24/7 advice,support. Talk4Healing services focus on communities we live in, or we dont wantsupport and resources in English, as wellthe acceptance of Indigenous womens our family and friends to know about theas 14 Indigenous languages, including:issues in a non-judgmental way. 42l ISSUE 1 2019C hIEfS ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazInE'