BREAK THE SILENCE
BE THE CHANGE
Pijila'si - Welcome - Bienvanue
Break the Silence: Be the Change is a community-based project aimed at changing community dialogue and awareness around sexual violence
Starting in 2016 as part of the Networks for Change and Wellbeing initiative, this project builds on the research a group of youth (aged 16-22) from Eskasoni have carried out. Drawing on the findings from this research, we have designed a project that is aimed at initiating conversations around relationships, community, and violence as it relates to sex, sexuality, and sexual violence.
Currently, we have a number of initiatives on the go
Using our research findings as our guide, we have developed a colouring book, a “resilience forest” (a form of data visualization), and a memorial garden, which has started development after years of work.Â
There are always items that we are looking to have donated in order to help further the completion of these projects. Please visit our donation page for a list of what we are currently looking for. We truly appreciate any help that can be provided! Wela’lioq!
We're from the community of Eskasoni which is located on Cape Breton Island within the Unama'gi district of MI'kmaq territory.
The district is located across the province of Nova Scotia in Atlantic Canada. The community has approximately 4355 people and is the largest Aboriginal community in Atlantic Canada. Our community struggles with the legacy of colonialism and settler government legislation aimed at cultural genocide. The intergenerational trauma experienced by the community is reflected in significantly higher rates of mental health concerns, substance abuse, suicides, as well as domestic and sexual violence.
Despite the hardships the community has faced over these many years, our projects are exploring ways of creating a healthier and resilient Eskasoni.
Having this project being youth-led
brings critical and fresh insights.
It does this by developing an understanding of sexual violence against girls and young women in Eskasoni today, from the perspectives of both men and women. Simultaneously, it accounts for the historical backdrop of colonization, intergenerational trauma, and continuing legacies of socioeconomic marginalization.
Our projects have two main components: the first is to continue the research, and the second is to share the findings through community-based activities.
Specifically, the intent is to use these activities to generate conversation throughout the community about sexuality and sexual violence, re-establishing community networks and supports around this topic, and reassert healthy understandings of masculinity, femininity and sexuality within the community.