b'COVER STORYgallery unveiling was a powerful public acknowledgment of the oppression and resilience of Indigenous women.It is heart-work for me, as I feelGuided by a professional artist, McGuire embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing through art. The painting evolved a responsibility to the participantsover time, reflecting the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous women, she explains. Her portrait of Jamie is more than just a piece of art; its a symbol of resistance, a call to action and a who entrusted me with their lovedsymbol of hope for Indigenous women, she affirms.Monique DesRosiers, ONWAs Indigenous womens leader-ones stories to honour them. ship coordinator, echoes McGuires sentiments. She describes the transformative art project as a dual mission: creating a safe space for trauma survivors to share their stories while educating - Monique DesRosiers communities about the alarming rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls. The overarching goal of the project was to create a space of healing for those directly connected to the trauma of MMIWG and to bring awareness of [the issue] through Despite this, I found it beneficial as it fostered a sense ofstories and art pieces, she explains.community and connection. My project was a portrait of myDespite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the projects sister, Jamie McGuire. She had turned 21 and she went missing inimpact resonates profoundly, uniting individuals in a shared Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was found the same day we reported herjourney of healing and advocacy. The participants created missing, on St. Patricks Day in 1994. relationships with one another, even though they were meeting The portrait, adorned with a symbolic colonial red cloak, repre- virtually. They had an opportunity to talk about their loved ones sents the systemic racism and violence against Indigenous women,and support one another, DesRosiers shares. Some of them had and serves as a testament to the enduring pain and resilience ofan opportunity to meet in person at the launch of the exhibit at families impacted by MMIWG. the Thunder Bay Art Gallery on May 5, 2023. In November of 2024, many of them met again virtually to participate in an ONWA Despite the challenges of COVID, the project was presented in aIndigenous Justice Strategy engagement. They were so happy to gallery, which was a meaningful experience, McGuire recalls. Thesee one another again.MindfulnessGambling in the time of Before Gambling:coronavirus? Plan to play it safer.Its Your Pre-Game Plan.Being mindful of why you are gambling, and how you feel when COVID-19 has taught us all the value of being prepared. you are doing it, is the first step in minimizing harms that can And now, as land-based gambling venues reopen in Kingston-Gananoque, come from gambling. Thats why its good to know the things to watch out for and to be extra aware of, before you start gambling. visitors can expect many changes: mandatory face masks, social-distancing, Pre-planning, setting and sticking to your own budget and time sanitizing stations and Plexiglass barriers, to name a few.limits, and limiting alcohol and cannabis when you play are key.+Positive VoiceBut if you gamble, safety protocols should go beyond COVID-related hygiene. Pre-planning, setting and sticking to a strict budget and time limit are key. IF YOU GAMBLE, HAVE A PLAN.Located in London, Ontario, IF YOU GAMBLE, HAVE A PLAN. Alcohol and Cannabis:BEFORE YOU PLAY: Dont gamble to earn orBeing intoxicated can impair replace income. Its not ayour judgement, leading you +Positive Voice is for BEFORE YOU PLAY:IN-VENUE OR ONLINEchance to win money for a trip,to take greater riskslike pay bills or to pay off debt.spending more money than Dont gamble to earn or replace income.Only gamble with money you have-Indigenous Women.Its not a chance to win money for a trip,never borrow money or use money Set a time limit and budgetyou planned to. Limit your before you begin. If gamblingalcohol intake if you gamble pay bills or to pay off debt.intended for necessities, like rent or food.and set a time and budget This program provides online, make use of the siteslimit for your gambling.pre-commitment tools to set Set a time limit and budget before you innovative, professional loss and win limits. begin. If gambling online, make use of theTake frequent breaks move t lossaround, get somefresh air, or have development, andsites pre-commitment tools to seEARLY SIGNS YOU MAY BE GOING OVER YOUR LIMIT: and win limits. something to eat or drink.Feeling guilty,Thinking or talkingExperiencing creatively supportsanxious, or worriedabout gamblingextreme highs from Other Services from EARLY SIGNS YOU MAY BE GOING OVER YOUR LIMIT:about yourmore to win wins and extreme positive narratives and gambling. back losses. lows from losses.Nokee Kwe Feeling guilty, anxious,Thinking or talking aboutExperiencing extreme highs community connections.or worried about yourgambling more to winbackfrom wins and extreme lows Visit www.planbeforeyouplay.ca for moregambling. losses. planning-related information. from losses.Employment CounsellingVisit www.planbeforeyouplay.ca for more planning-related information.Education Services LOCAL SUPPORT Employer Supports If you have concerns about your gambling or are worriedLOCAL SUPPORTabout someone close to you, local help is available. If you have concerns about your gambling or are worried about someone close to you, Community Resources You can contact Addiction and Mental Health Services -local help is available. Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington at www.amhs-kfla.ca / 613-544-6225. You can contact Addiction and Mental Health Services - Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington at Learn more about signs of a problem by visitingwww.responsiblegambling.org or by reaching out to www.amhs-kfla.ca / 613-544-6225. ConnexOntario for free and confidential help byLearn more about signs of a problem by visiting. calling 1-866-531-2600www.responsiblegambling.org or by reaching out to ConnexOntario for free and confidential help byThe Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is an independentnon-profit organization dedicated to problem gambling calling 1-866-531-2600.prevention. www.nokeekwe.ca The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to problem gambling prevention.The bottom line:positivevoice@nokeekwe.com The bottom line: Protect yourself and add to yourProtect yourself and add to your fun by planning before you play.fun by planning before you play.26Spring/Summer 2024'