4 September 2024 – USA

Hello everyone,

As I write to you all, I have just wrapped up the United States leg of my Churchill study tour.

It has been an incredible few weeks of meeting and connecting with some truly inspirational people, especially women leading the way.  I have seen, heard, and felt diverse ways of life travelling across the US, visiting New York, Montana, Los Angeles, and Hawaii.

My Fellowship has allowed me to explore issues and solutions related to gendered violence, First Nations self-determination, and human rights with people working in various communities.

Our perspectives are often informed by our different experiences, but we have so much in common.

Like the way we – as not-for-profit organisations – call out and tackle the effects of systemic violence and racism in our communities.

It is humbling.

And it is sparking many new ideas and providing new perspectives for our strategic planning and to bring to life our 22+ year vision for Victoria’s first Aboriginal Women’s Centre.

New York

New York City is fast and, in many ways, quite overwhelming. The mega wealth in Manhattan only amplifies the extremities of poverty here—so many people living on the streets and begging for food or money, just for the basics of daily living. 

In almost every meeting I had in the US, we spoke of vulnerability, homelessness, and mental health issues. And that the ‘when in doubt – report’ approach to child safety is resulting in extremely high rates of child removal in many places, especially for black and brown families. Many people I met in Canada raised similar experiences and concerns.

My first meeting in New York was with Sanctury for Families. Like Djirra, Sanctuary for Families is dedicated to the safety and healing of victim-survivors of family and gendered violence.

The address is confidential (which is of course not unusual in our work) – but when I arrived for the meeting, I genuinely thought I had the wrong address! I was standing in front of a tall city building that looked something like a public service office block.

I soon realised Sanctury for Families occupies an entire floor of this huge building – with many different spaces and offices offering so much direct assistance, safety and support.

Here, I met with Judge Judy Kluger, CEO and Simone Monabesin, Chief Program Officer.

Judge Kluger is very highly regarded and respected in her field – since leaving the bench and becoming Sanctuary for Families CEO over a decade ago, she has almost doubled their budget with substantial new allocations of private and public funding.

We discussed legal privilege, preserving client confidence, shared mutual challenges and commitment to keep mums and children safe and together.

As we talked, it was very clear to me that women accessing Sanctuary for Families know this is a safe space where they are believed, valued, and can get the practical support they need.

It was then time for my visit to the Centre for Justice Innovation.

I went into this meeting excited to learn more, knowing that Victoria’s Neighbourhood Justice Centre grew from this idea. 

After some introductions to Centre staff and lawyers, I was taken to observe how the court functioned. I watched as three young people stood before the judge, waiting to hear if they had successfully completed their time with the Centre. 

I also had the opportunity to visit the Domestic Violence Court, observing a child custody matter and meeting the Judge in chambers. We talked about how too many people fall through the cracks in the system, while others find ways to use it to their advantage.   While I know it is improving, we have the same challenges in Australia with court systems that often don’t connect.    

When it was time to leave the court, I asked the person with me if I should bow when leaving the court room (as you do here in Australia). She said, “just give the Judge a wave”. I was astounded – but before I could do anything, the Judge stopped and waved and thanked me for visiting… right in open court!

My final stop in New York was at the Urban Resource Institute.

The Institute is the largest provider of domestic violence shelter services in the US, offering essential frontline supports and holistic services, with a focus on communities of colour and other vulnerable populations. 

Something I’ve really loved about this tour so far is that each and every meeting is a refreshing surprise. Here, I arrived thinking I was in a one on one meeting with CEO Nathanial M Fields and but instead I walked into a room with a big board room table to be greeted by eight other people.  So I felt very welcome!

The Urban Resource Institute is also based in a very tall city building – and it got me thinking that safe spaces for those who are in crisis – can be created anywhere. This is something I am looking forward to talking about more with the Board and our Executive in our planning for our Aboriginal Women’s Centre.

Montana

My next stop was Montana.

I am very aware that – to the local First Nations people in this area – I am a stranger. I spent much of my time here reaching out to introduce myself, asking questions, and gathering invaluable information about women’s and children’s programs being delivered in mainstream settings.

I was lucky enough to visit the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, home to the 17,321-member Blackfeet Nation who are one of the 10 largest tribes in the United States. I received such a warm welcome and was able to spend time speaking with their Domestic Violence Unit.

Here I experienced similar feelings to when I met First Nations women in Canada. All of us working on the frontline of women’s and children’s safety. All with strong cultural values. All dealing with highly sensitive and culturally diverse issues and all with limited resources

The women at Blackfeet were very interested in learning more about Djirra, including our work, future goals, and holistic programs.

Montana was an incredible experience.  I was not going to miss the opportunity to see some of the stunning landscapes. 

I just wanted to see one bear in the wild, but we were gifted with seeing TWO – a black bear and a grizzly bear. 

Hawaii

And then, on to Hawaii. 

Once again, the issues and challenges I talked with people about here are very similar to what we experience back home.  

We walked down the beach the day I arrived, to dip our feet in the warm water. At the beach, I took a photo of a poster about a missing young Native Hawaiian woman, six months pregnant.

A couple of nights later, while listening to the news, I heard her husband – a Hawaiian soldier – has been charged with her murder. Her body had not been found. Another First Nations woman killed. It was devastating.

In one of my meetings a few days later, we spoke about missing and murdered Indigenous women, including this young woman. The community is heartbroken. I learned that 33% of Hawaii is occupied by the military, resulting in high demand for sex workers.

 It’s shocking to see such violence in such a stunning place, where so many people come for holidays and honeymoons.  As I know from my own work, the prevalence of violence against First Nations women has little to do with location.

During my time in Hawaii, I was lucky enough to visit healing centres and refuges operated by members of the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

One highlight of my tour was meeting Puni Jackson, Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and leader of Hoʻoulu ʻĀina.

Hoʻoulu ʻĀina is a 100-acre nature preserve nestled in the back of Kalihi valley on the island of Oʻahu, cared for by Kōkua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services, a nonprofit community health centre.

Puni warmly welcomed us and gave us a tour around the farm, showing us healing plants and allowing us to visit an area where women who have lost children to gun violence plant a tree for them. I could feel the intense grief in this area, but also the love and healing emanating from the stillness and lush green trees.

This experience gave me some wonderful ideas to bring back to Djirra, for our Aboriginal Women’s Centre.

Homelessness is a big issue here in Hawaii, too.

I travelled around an hour to reach the Native Hawaiian Traditional Healing Centre, a support service offered by the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Centre that promotes traditional Native Hawaiian healing and cultural education, practices and traditions. 

Along the beach, there were literally hundreds of tents – not for camping, but to house homeless people. I learned that one of these ‘tent cities’ even has its own elected Mayor and rules.   

Eating healthy food in Hawaii is very expensive. I was told that doctors can write prescriptions for fresh produce to address health issues for patients.

Everyone here is so interested in our country. Some see it as beautiful. Others see it as dangerous (because of the spiders, snakes and kangaroos!).

But many don’t know about the devastation the ongoing process of colonisation continues to have on our people. Self-determination is not a term that seems to be used much here – but it is understood.

And when I share stories and examples of Djirra’s work – and the real difference we make to Aboriginal women’s and children’s safety every day – they are impressed.  Everyone loves the way we present our work in our publications, merchandise, and on social media.  

I have travelled around the US with paints and wire – making a special Dragonfly gift from me personally for the kindness of opening their door for me to share their learnings. A thank you for the knowledge and experience so many are sharing to help bring our 22+ year vision for Victoria’s Aboriginal Women’s Centre to life.

This week, I have landed in Aotearoa for the final leg of my Churchill study tour.

Just between us, I am a bit homesick.

But I am so lucky to have my partner and Djirra’s Community Engagement Manager Kelly Faldon here with me, and I am determined to make the most of this incredible opportunity for Djirra and for all the women we support and walk alongside. Stay tuned for more.

2 August 2024 – Ottawa, Canada

During the first leg of my Churchill Fellowship tour in Ottawa, I have had a wonderful experience and met some truly inspiring people.  

As I leave Canada for the next part of my tour in the United States, I wanted to share some highlights!

One of the best things about my time in Ottawa has been connecting and having meaningful conversations with strong and influential First Nations women here, including Allison Fisher (Executive Director, Wabano Centre), Mary Daoust (Executive Director, Minwaashin Lodge and Co-Chair of the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition), and President Carol McBride (Native Women’s Association of Canada).

Each organisation is unique in its  own way and I am inspired with so many more ideas to bring home for Djirra’s own Aboriginal Women’s Centre in Victoria!

My time in Ottawa has also shone an even brighter light for me on the similarities between the lived experiences of First Nations women in Canada and Australia, and the ongoing, devastating impacts of colonisation on every aspect of our lives.  

I cannot express just how grateful I am for this opportunity to speak to and spend time with other First Nations women. There’s an immediate connection – you can feel our sister energy.

Wabano Centre

In a trip to Ottawa filled with so many highlights, spending time with Allison Fisher – First Nations woman from the community of Wikwemikong on Manitoulin Island – captured my heart.

Allison gave me a personalised tour of the Wabano Centre and I held on to every word she spoke as she explained the cultural significance of this special place. Every corner of this space had meaning.

The photos I took do not capture its energy, and I am not sure I can find the words to describe it. But this visit has validated everything I have ever wanted for Djirra. When you walk through our doors, I want you to feel the energy — of love, support, cultural affirmation, self-determination — with no judgment.

Minwaashin Lodge

It was an eye-opener to meet Mary Doust—executive Director of Minwaashin Lodge and Co-Chair of the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition—and her Minwaashin colleagues Flo, Irene and Natasha.

We had so much in common as we shared our experiences as women and running Not For Profit organisations working for and with First Nations women.   

We deal with so many of the same issues – like women and childrens safety, homelessness, kids being taken, criminalisation and incarceration.  And on top of this, the ongoing funding uncertainty and never having the resources we need to meet the growing demand and to provide a service that our women deserve. 

Minwaashin works on the frontline. Minwaashin Lodge has a real community feel and they have created an important and culturally safe place. There’s art, spaces to gather, private counselling rooms.  

And just as I was about to leave, mums and their kids started arriving into the large area where there was a big table and chairs. It was Tuesday night – community dinner night!  

Native Women’s Association of Canada

I was also lucky enough to meet and spend time with President McBride at the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC).

They are located in a central area in a six-story building. From the outside, it looks like just another office block, but once you’re inside, it’s a completely different experience.  

The walls are covered in art – breathtaking pieces – with so much colourand energy. NWAC has several social enterprises, an events space, a shop and a café .   As we say at Djirra, this is Aboriginal womens self determination in action.   

I met with President McBride in ‘The Grandmother Moon Room’ and she told me it’s her favourite room because she is a Grandmother of four. Every room name has a special meaning. Other rooms included ‘The Two Spirits Room’ and ‘The Sundance Room’. This is a creative space – look at the chairs… they are yellow and look like they are dancing!

The roof top garden with a water feature and a greenhouse was pretty special – I even tried the wild strawberries.  

I have received so many gifts and I have also given our gifts – the women’s spirit scarf, my dragonfly,  my mum’s hand painted women’s spirit rock, and some other little Djirra treasures.  

I am so excited about what might come next on my Churchill Fellowship.  My next stop is New York City – the city that never sleeps!   

22 July 2024

Djirra CEO Antoinette Braybrook AM is starting her Churchill Fellowship study tour this week – visiting First Nations and community organisations across Canada, the US, and New Zealand.
 
“The experiences, stories, and learnings I gain on this trip will inform the design of Djirra’s long standing, 22 year vision to establish Victoria’s first ever Aboriginal Women’s Centre,” says Antoinette.
 
 “I am very excited to have this opportunity to meet, connect, with and learn from First Nations women who have created beautiful, culturally rich and safe places in their own communities.”

Stay tuned for updates!