b'CHANGING THE NARRATIVEwith CBCs As it Happens host Carol Off, Edwards described his advocacy: I knew that if I rubber-stamped whatever theyThe release of the Breaking Free report wanted approved, nothing would change. It needed to get into the public consciousness, and it was my intention to be controversial.resulted in immediate dialogue on issues Finally, Paul Capon would serve as political advisor at the Matawa First Nations Tribalthat had long been overlooked: the everyday Council in Thunder Bay, after working at the Native Council of Canada, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, and Whitesand Firstexperiences of Indigenous families. Governments Nation. In the midst of a national discussion onand the general public could no longer turn violence against women, Breaking Free brought to the table the perspectives of the women who experienced family violencetheir backs on the reality of violence that the most. For Indigenous women, men were not the underlying threat. Instead, Indigenous men were victims of bureau-cratic warfare that stripped them of theirmany Indigenous families experienced traditional roles. With a foreign governance system and patriarchy weighing on their shoulders, Indigenous men struggled to control their own destinies. As a result, the abuser seeks to control the partner due to the lack of control he/she faces everywhere else in their life. 6 More programs were needed for men in order to ensure that men were no longer left behind, as men needed to be strengthenedmale batterers meant taking away theircounterparts, culturally safe shelters for to release the societal pressures in healthyability to make personal changes and takeIndigenous women were sparse. Indigenous ways. It was through work such as this thatresponsibility for their role in the violence.women facing violence would have few ONWA made the recommendation for theAs a result, men returned home even moreoptions but to travel long distances away need for womens shelters and for mensviolent or abusive toward their families.from home to receive shelter. Upon arrival, programming in urban areas in the 1980s,For Indigenous peoples, the police werethey would have to deal with language resulting in the creation of organizationsa last resort in the event of experiencingbarriers, lack of cultural supports, alienation such as Beendigen Inc. and Na-Me-Res. and racism. Breaking Free called for Healing family violence. Breaking Free was critical of mandatoryLodges close to communities and shelters charging policies. Family violence wasDespite the finding that Indigenous womenfor men to help men overcome their anger indicative of a community problem, notwere eight times more likely to experienceand aggressive behaviour towards their an individual one. Imprisoning Indigenousviolence compared to their Canadianfamilies. Call us at 1-855-554-HEAL (4325) and liveIts just that simple - receive free andVisit Talk4Healing.com and start your support will be there to listen, any time of theconfidential support anywhere you are personal journey towards healing. day. Available in 14 Indigenous languages,across Ontario.English & French.2 /7help, support and resources forIndigenous women, by Indigenous women.14Fall/Winter 2021'