b'FUR TRADITIONSTaalrumiq uses fur for many ofher artistic creations, helping educate Canadians about its importance to Indigenous communitiesWhile educating Canadians about the cultural importance of fur, Taalrumiq often encounters strong, anti-fur attitudes, which she feels are misguided. The anti-fur sentiment comes from a place of privilege. Anti-fur advocates have access to resources and options to choose from a variety of non-fur products and way of life. This is not the case for many Indigenous commun-ities to this day in Canada, she explains. We continue to rely on animals and sea mammals for our subsistence lifestyle, to provide food, clothing and artwork to earn a modest living. We dont have the [same] economic opportunities and social structures designed for us to succeed.Overall, anti-fur sentiments are harmful to Indigenous communities, as they are inher-ently dismissive of a way of life for entire populations. Anti-fur advocates commonly point to negative ecosystem impacts; Taalrumiq has a more intersectional under- NIAGARA CHAPTER standing of fashion and environmental sustainability. There is little thought givenNATIVE WOMEN INC.to the environmental impacts of fastProviding programs / services for Indigenous women & their fashion, including man-made fabrics like polyester, she notes. Theyre damaging ourfamilies in the Bi-National Niagara Region for 40 years.Earth by shedding microplastics, and theyChi Miigwetch to all our wonderful speakers, sponsors & have a very short life cycle, which impactssupporters for an outstanding event.our environment. Look forward to 2024!One of the more popular argumentsCELEBRATE OUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY!!Taalrumiq is confronted with concernsSponsors welcome, check us out at www.ncnw.caendangered species. Look at all the globalMain office: Fort Erie, ON, Canadaindustries that are harming the environ-ment, but we have protection measures in905.871.8770place, she says in response. Its written into our land claim agreements to protect and monitor animal and marine mammal popu-lations. We are very invested in the health of these animals that we rely on.Ontario Native Womens Association33'