Pictou County Women's Resource and Sexual Assault Centre
503 South Frederick St. B2H 3P3 New Glasgow, NS, Canada

In Canada a woman is four times more likely to experience Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) than a man. On average it takes a person experiencing abuse 9 attempts to leave their abusive situation. In the video below Leslie Morgan Steiner discusses some of the intricacies surrounding leaving an abusive situation as well as the slow yet methodical ways in which a person can become trapped in an abusive relationship. She does this through the telling of her own story of abuse and resilience. This video may be triggering please reach out if you need support! 902-755-4647 or e-mail [email protected] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1yW5IsnSjo

Did you know that Pictou County Women's Resource and Sexual Assault Centre provides free feminine hygiene products, condoms and reusable face masks? To access these resources or arrange a pick up call 902-755-4647 or e-mail [email protected]. Special thanks to Carrie Stewart from the Art of Divination for her wonderful donation of feminine hygiene products and James Fraser for his monetary donation!

October is Pinktober! Breast Cancer Awareness month is so important. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 Canadian women and is the most common type of cancer to affect women in Canada.

Today we are celebrating Rose Fortune, the first unofficial female police officer in Canada. Coming to Annapolis Valley after her father fought in the civil war as a loyalist Fortune worked hard becoming an entrepreneur in addition to her police work.

Reminder there will be a walking group today at 12:30 pm starting behind the Trenton rink. Hope to see you there!

Dr. Joy Gruv has been researching the theory of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome for twelve years. She will be presenting a webinar on her findings Nov. 6 from 6pm to 8pm. This is an amazing opportunity to learn more about intergenerational trauma and its impacts on future generations. To learn more contact [email protected].

17.2% of Canadian's live in poverty. 22.2% of Canadian children are living in poverty. Being impoverished has links to illiteracy, gender based violence, unemployment, disability and limited access to healthcare. The NSACCW has created a strategy to eliminate poverty through the implementation of a Basic Income. "Basic Income must move and keep families out of poverty, and it must be supported by a web of accompanying policies to end discrimination and income inequity" -NSACC...W. They have six principles founded in an anti-poverty framework to achieve their goal. These principles include: - poverty eradication - inclusive access - ongoing targeted supports - strong public services - ending structural inequities - better wages for workers "In order for BI to successfully accelerate the reduction in poverty, and ensure dignity for all who are living in low income, these principles must be considered foundational architecture in the design of any BI program". Below I have given links for you to read more about the guiding six principles to help eliminate poverty as well as information about basic income more generally. Estimates claim that 95% of poverty can be eradicated through the implementation of intentional and meaningful policy. https://nsaccw.org/c2000s-6-principles-to-guide-basic-inco/ https://campaign2000.ca//6-Principles-to-Guide-a-Basic-Inc https://campaign2000.ca//campaign-2000-report-setting-the- See more

Reminder there will be a walk tomorrow in Pictou. All women are welcome!

Reminder that the walking group will be starting very soon at 12:30 at the pioneer trail. Hope to see some people there!

Doris Shoultz is a veteran of the Air Force. Serving in World War II she shares how the integration of women in the military strengthened their resolve that women can work outside of the home. "Women realized that they could work out in the world like... just like men and they could do jobs just like men did and they suddenly felt they had freedom to do what they wanted to do. And I think that has made a major impact on how women work today". -Doris Shoultz Go to > https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/video-gallery/video/8645 to watch videos from Doris and other veterans to learn more about the experience of women in the war. Happy Veterans Week!

Today for Women's History month we are celebrating the works of Gloria Ann Wesley, an African Nova Scotian author and poet. Gloria graduated from St.FX and holds an honorary doctorate from Mount St. Vincent University as well. She is the first African Nova Scotian poet to be published and has won an Ontario Library Association's Best Bets Award for her work "Righting Canada's Wrongs: Africville". Gloria will be doing a presentation and reading of "If this is freedom" and "Righting Canada's wrongs: Africville" on zoom on Octover 20 at 7 pm. This will be a wonderful opportunity to recognize and celebrate Gloria's successes. To access the zoom meeting you can go to: http://parl.ns.ca/events/index.php

The month of November is very important. It is full of days and events concerning equality for women. We look forward to celebrating these dates with you! Stay tuned for ways on how to be an ally and support the fight for women's rights. Check out important dates coming this month here: https://womenconnect.ca/recognizing-women-november-2020/

Reminder that the new Canada Recovery Benefit is now open for applications! If you or someone you know does not qualify for regular EI benefits, or are self-employed, the Canada Recovery Benefit will provide up to $1000 every two weeks for a maximum total of 26 weeks. Check out the information below!

Today we are highlighting the achievements of a very inspirational Mi'kmaq woman, Annie Maw Pictou Aquash. Annie was born in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia in 1945. After moving to Boston she became a member and subsequent leader of the American Indian Movement participating in the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973. In addition to fighting for better education, the elimination of police brutality against indigenous populations and equality Annie also participated in the Trail of ...Broken Treaties protests to bring awareness to treaty violations and substandard living conditions. "I'm Indian all the way and always will be. I'm not going to stop fighting until I die, and I hope I'm a good example of a human being and of my tribe" - Annie Mae Pictou Aquash. Let us celebrate her life. Let us remember her contributions. Most importantly let us embrace her strength and resilience in the fight for equality. See more

Would you like to learn more about assertiveness? Join our Assertiveness workshop where we will discuss topics like what assertiveness is, how an assertive woman is perceived, how to be assertive as well as maintaining boundaries. Starting on Nov. 18. Time to be announced as it will be based on what is best for participants. If you want to register or want more information contact 902-755-4647 or e-mail [email protected]

Today we are celebrating the life of Elsie MacGill. Canada's first female Aeronautical engineer and the first woman to receive a bachelor of electrical engineering from McGill University. "I have received many engineering awards, but I hope I will also be remembered as an advocate for the rights of women and children." Elsie MacGill. Elsie was always vocal about women's rights and fought to have abortion removed from the criminal code.

Local fisherman have destroyed resources and protested Mi'kmaq made lobster traps in Metaghan N.S. This is another example of how far Canada has to come in its interactions with indigenous populations and knowledge of their treaty rights. https://www.cbc.ca//mikmaw-commercial-fishermen-alleged-lo This is a very upsetting and infuriating time. If you have questions, want to educate yourself or wish to start a dialogue contact the centre at [email protected] or call 902-755-4647.

October is Mi'kmaq History Month! As Nova Scotia is Mi'kmaqi territory it is imperative that we take the time to educate ourselves on the plight and treaty rights of Nova Scotia's indigenous populations. Below is a link to a Mi'kmaq history timeline that highlights some important dates and Mi'kmaq people! https://www.cbu.ca//mikmaq-resource-centre/mikmaq-resource

Sunday Oct. 11 was International Day of the Girl!! A day that recognizes and brings awareness to the rights and challenges girls face across the globe. This day empowers women and girls to fight for human rights like education and bodily autonomy. The theme for this year is "My Voice, Our Future". It is so important that we give opportunities for girls to share their experiences, ideas and dreams. This is why the centre has provided an opportunity for girls to share written w...ork within their school. The because I am a girl booklet provides information concerning the rights of girls globally and helps to start dialogue about these issues. Girls from local schools will be asked to write about topics within the booklet and have the chance to win a prize. Opportunities like these are essential as they ensure that the narratives of girls are being sought after, acknowledged and appreciated. Every voice is important and every voice matters! See more

Women continue to be without opportunities to return to the job market at record numbers. Recovery plans must involve supports.

Next weeks self-esteem session "Self-esteem and You" will focus on your own personal relationship with self-esteem with the goal of highlighting how important having a healthy relationship with yourself is. New participants are welcome! Contact [email protected] or call 902-755-4647 to register or get more information.

Happy Treaty Day! Treaty Day marks the beginning of Mi'kmaq History Month here in Nova Scotia! It is important that we take the time to educate ourselves on the complexities of treaties, especially with the events occurring in Digby. Want to learn more? Below is some information presented by the Nova Scotia Archive about the Peace and Friendship Treaties presented by the crown and signed by indigenous leaders. Happy Treaty Day and Happy Mi'kmaq History Month! https://archives.novascotia.ca/mikmaq/results/

October is Women's History Month!! The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble. Serena Williams. Let us remember those who paved the way before us, celebrate our collective achievements and continue to inspire a better future. Happy Women's History Month!!

Many Nova Scotians are urging the government to adopt a rent control policy as rent prices continue to increase. There is no rent cap in Nova Scotia, this means that landlords can increase rent prices once a year with no limit to how much they increase the rent as long as they give their tenants four months notice. There has been an onset of action by renters all across Nova Scotia who are facing more and more obstacles to obtaining appropriately priced apartments and housin...g. With the availability of such spaces being limited, not only do people have to navigate the influx of other potential renters who will be vying for the same apartment or home but they also have to figure out how they are going to afford a place that adequately meets the needs of themselves or their families. The average cost of an apartment in Halifax is $1644.00. Living wage Canada estimates that a person needs to make $21.80 in Halifax to survive. This means that a person who is working full time (40 hours a week) would be paid $1744.00 - before taxes. There is clearly a problem here. We know that many Halifax citizens do not come close to earning the living wage suggested by Living Wage Canada. This suggests that a majority of people are living beyond their means due to high rent prices. Alternatively this could also mean that people are living within their means but are making sacrifices in terms of location, space and accommodations. If minimum wage was increased to the living wage of $21.80 most people would still not be able to afford current rent prices. This could result in people and families renting substandard spaces to ensure affordability. Currently minimum wage is $12.55 a staggering $9.25 less than what is suggested for a Halifax citizen needs to live. Premier Stephen MacNeil recognizes that there is issues concerning affordable housing in Nova Scotia but does not think that rent control is a viable solution. Poverty rates within Canada are already an issue a with 1 in 4 children living in an impoverished home. Many Nova Scotians believe that rent control will not only help to reduce poverty but will reduce numbers of homelessness, especially hidden homelessness i.e couch surfing or crashing with friends or family, in Nova Scotia. https://globalnews.ca//calls-for-rent-control-grow-louder/ See more

Today we are highlighting the inventor Olivia Poole. An Indigenous Canadian woman who after being inspired by cradleboards used by women on the White Earth Reservation created the Jolly Jumper.

Canada has passed legislation criminalizing conversion therapy! This is such an important milestone in Canadian History as conversion therapy is a part of institutionalized homophobia. For us to create and maintain equality in Canada practices like these must be eliminated. Not only does this therapy reinforce ideas that question the validity of LGBTQ2SIA+ love but the very existence of these therapies suggests that one's sexuality is something that is chosen by the individua...l and can be changed. Conversion therapy is a cruel practice that can lead to life-long trauma, particularly for young people. The approach we are proposing today demonstrates our Government’s strong commitment to protecting the dignity and equality rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirit Canadians, by criminalizing a practice that discriminates against and harms them. If passed, this bill would make Canada’s laws on conversion therapy the most progressive and comprehensive in the world. The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., Q.C., M.P. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada To learn more go to https://www.canada.ca//federal-government-introduces-legis

It is estimated that more than 3000 children were killed in Canadian residential schools. The residential school in Shubenacadie closed down only in 1967! We must continue to remember those who were lost as well as celebrate those who remain. Survivors of residential schools have shown incredible resilience and strength. Below is a video depicting some of the experiences and traumas residential school survivors have endured. #OrangeShirtDay! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdR9HcmiXLA

This week we are meeting in Pictou to do our walk! We want to be inclusive to all towns in our county. If you have a trail in your town you would like us to include please get a hold of me at [email protected] or 902-755-4647.

This week will be another chance to meet at the Trenton Rink to walk the trail at Trenton Park. Please feel welcome to join and call or email if you have any questions at all. Hope to see you there

Reminder there will be a walk happening this Friday at 12:30 pm. We will be walking the Pioneer Trail starting by the Tim Horton's on East River Road. Hope to see you there! Email [email protected] or call 902-755-4647 if you have any questions.

Today we are celebrating the life of Susan Aglukark. An Inuit Canadian singer and activist. In addition to being an incredibly talented singer Susan does work with nonprofit organizations and strives to educate the public on social justice issues in indigenous communities. Her song, O Siem, was number one in 1995 for Canadian Country and Adult Contemporary charts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS7e3A4Z8bE

Premier Stephen McNeil acknowledged the existence of institutionalized racism in Nova Scotia and vows to change the current system. The premier believes our current system can be remedied over the next 18 months with the help of a diverse team created for this very purpose. It certainly is a step in the right direction to have the premier of Nova Scotia acknowledge that these injustices can and do occur. We are looking forward to seeing these changes in real time! https://www.thechronicleherald.ca//premier-apologizes-for/

This is a great opportunity for those who want to learn more and discuss violence against women in politics.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. If you are experiencing any symptoms make an appointment with your doctor immediately. Early detection saves lives!

- 29% of transgender people live in poverty, compared to 14% of the general population - 30% of transgender people report being homeless at some point in their lives, with 12% saying it was within the past 12 months - Transgender people experience unemployment at 3x the rate of the general population, with rates for people of color up to 4x the national unemployment rate - 30% of transgender people report being fired, denied a promotion, or experiencing mistreatment in the wo...rkplace due to their gender identity in the past 12 months - 31% of transgender people experienced mistreatment in the past year in a place of public accommodation, including 14% who were denied equal service, 24% who were verbally harassed, and 2% who were physically attacked because they were transgender - 40% of respondents reported attempting suicide in their lifetime, nearly nine times the attempted suicide rate in the United States (4.6%). It is so important that we take the time to educate ourselves in regards to trans issues. People who are trans can experience a variety of injustices in their lifetime. It is imperative that we become allies and fight for trans equality. Trans Rights matter! See more

Tomorrow is Orange Shirt day! A day to recognize the everlasting impacts of residential schools on indigenous communities. Show your support by wearing orange!

An amazing show of support here in New Glasgow! Black Lives Matter was painted on Provost Street on Sept. 27. #blacklivesmatter

Intimate Partner Violence is a huge problem in Canadia; 30 % of reported incidents to police involve IPV. With the onset of the pandemic these numbers have only risen. Pandemic related stressors such as losing a job, food insecurity, anxiety about contracting the virus, disrupted family routines, services and resources and exacerbated mental health issues are all contributing to a heightened risk of violence amongst women, trans and non-binary people during the pandemic .The Canadian Women's Foundation has started a podcast to discuss gendered issues, check out podcast number two, The Future of Safety to learn more about the increase of Intimate Partner Violence during the pandemic. https://canadianwomen.org/podcast/

Antigonish Women's Resource Centre & Sexual Assault Services Association is looking for a sexual violence prevention and education coordinator

Today in history: 89 years ago miners went on strike to protest against unfair working conditions and unfair wages. The conditions in the mines left workers with a plethora of health problems while the unfair wages only afforded them substandard housing. Instead of hearing the concerns of the miners the RCMP blocked the way of the marchers. This led to confrontation where 3 people were killed and others were left injured. 89 years is a long time, we have accomplished a lot. B...ut what have we changed? The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives released a living wage report this year. They estimate a person living in Halifax needs to make $21.80 yet minimum wage is $12.55. And yes, there have been steps taken to create safer environments for workers and a worker even has the right to refuse unsafe work. But if that unsafe work is the only way for someone to make money the freedom to choose is all but eliminated. We have to work to create change that has lasting meaning. A minimum wage raise is a great accomplishment but if people continue to struggle paycheque to paycheque what have we changed? See more

Introducing Alicia Paris, our remote service worker! Alicia has joined our team through grant funding provided by Pictou County United Way with the purpose of providing services through the computer, texting, e-mails and over the phone. Alicia is an African Nova Scotian who is passionate about breaking barriers to equality for all. Graduating from Saint Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History Alicia has great awareness of social justice issues. ...With a focus on civil rights history and a paralegal certification she believes that changes have to be made on an institutional, community and individual level to create a society that fosters equality for all of its people. Among the many skills that is central to her role as remote support worker is her active listening skills, empathetic nature and the desire to help others. Believing in a trauma informed approach Alicia is always striving to create a respectful and safe environment that supports and empowers women. Contact her at [email protected] or 902-755-4647 to introduce yourself, ask about services, get a referral or have a chat. She would love to hear from you! See more

Reminder that we will be offering a self-esteem program starting this Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 10 am on zoom. Our goal is to provide education on the topic as well as introduce healthy strategies to combat feelings of low self-esteem. Contact [email protected] to register!

Did you know that the nonprofit sector employs 20,000 Nova Scotian’s? Did you know that the nonprofit sector contributes $1 billion to the economy every year? Celebrate the exceptional contributions of individuals and organizations to the nonprofit sector by live streaming the Recognizing Nova Scotia’s Invisible Champions event on Facebook October 14, 9:45 am. In partnership with United Way Halifax, the Community Sector Council NS and the Bhayana Family Foundation, Nova Scotia is the first province to celebrate the nonprofit sector in this way. Like the event Recognizing Nova Scotia’s Invisible Champions on Facebook to learn more information or sign up for this event!

We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsberg. An inspiration to many, Ruth leaves behind a legacy of strength and resilience while fighting for gender equality and women’s rights. Her loss will be felt across nations. We will honour her by continuing to fight for social change even if our voice shakes -Ruth B. Ginsberg

Due to the weather our Board meeting will be delayed until September 29th. Stay safe everyone!

Starting next Friday October 2nd!

Thank you to Bev and Gordon Sutherland who generously took out our air conditioner units today.Thank you to Bev and Gordon Sutherland who generously took out our air conditioner units today.

PCWRSAC is offering an eight week program with the focus being on self-esteem. The sessions will be held on zoom on Wednesday mornings starting Sept. 30 at 10 am. Our hope is for the participant to gain an understanding of their own self-esteem and develop tools and strategies to cope with self-doubt and negative self-esteem.