Until Our Hearts Are On the Ground: Aboriginal Mothering, Oppression, Resistance and Rebirth - Softcover

Lavell-Harvard, D. Memee

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1550144618 ISBN 13: 9781550144611

Publisher: AmazonUs/INDPB, 2006

Synopsis

In this revolutionary volume, as part of their overall effort to advocate for the rights of Aboriginal women, D. Memee Lavell-Harvard and Jeannette Corbiere Lavell have brought together a multitude of voices to speak on the issues facing Aboriginal mothers in contemporary society. Beginning with an examination of the experience of childbirth-the initiation into motherhood-the contributing authors illustrate its potential as a source of empowerment and revitalization for our nations. Through their own unique perspectives, the women bring us to an understanding of the variety of Aboriginal mothering practices, the impacts of colonization and government legislation on Aboriginal mothers, and literary representations of Aboriginal mothering. Together, these women have worked to reveal not only the connection between the longstanding historical oppression experienced by Aboriginal women and the dire contemporary circumstances of many Aboriginal communities, but also the power of Aboriginal mothers to revitalize and transform our communities. They are truly the givers of new life.

About this title

About the Author:

Ms. Lavell-Harvard is currently President of the Ontario Native Women s Association, a full time student currently completing her PhD in Education at UWO, and is the first Aboriginal person ever to receive a Trudeau Scholarship. Ms. Harvard is also a full time mother of two little girls, Autumn Sky (8 years) and Eva Lillie (two years). Ms. Lavell-Harvard s research addresses the epidemic of low academic achievement and high drop out rates among Aboriginal populations in Canada. Jeanette Corbiere Lavell is Ojibway First Nation, and member of the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island. In 1970 her marriage resulted in the loss of her rights to membership to her Reserve under the Indian Act. This initiated a three year pursuit to ensure that the rights of Indian women were equal to the rights of Indian men in the Indian Act. Jeannette is one of the primary and founding Board members of: Ontario Native Women s Organization (ONWA) and Indian Rights for Indian Women Native Women s Organization of Canada. Currently, Jeannette teaches Fine Arts and Parenting at Wasse-Abin Wikwemikong High School.

Review:

This book, written by renowned authors/researchers/scholars, undisputedly proves that the survival of all Aboriginal peoples can be wholly attributed to the strength and resilience of Aboriginal women. Reading this book strengthened my belief that the customs, culture and language of Aboriginal peoples will always be safe-guarded and transmitted from generation to generation by Aboriginal women in their role as mothers, grandmothers, aunties and sisters, regardless of any adversity. --CLAUDETTE DUMONT-SMITH, RN, BSCN, MPA, Senior Health Advisor, Native Women s Association of Canada

This collection of essays on Aboriginal Mothering draws its power from the personal memoirs and reflections of Aboriginal mothers, recounted first-hand or shared with writers and academics. The stories tell of the multiple ways that colonizing forces in North America, Australia and Africa have disrupted the practices and bonds of Aboriginal mothering. They tell also of the multiple ways that Aboriginal mothers, sisters, aunties and grandmothers are restoring and reinventing networks of kinship that nourish and define their identities. These essays demonstrate that words reclaiming memory and kinship can surely heal. --MARLENE BRANT CASTELLANO, Mohawk Grandmother and Professor Emerita of Trent University

Thought-provoking and memorable. Truly a book to be read with understanding of the Aboriginal woman s perspective and understanding their attempt to fit in two worlds as a mother. It tells of hard lessons learned and wisdom gained from generations. --JOSEPHINE MANDAMIN, Lead Grandmother for the Mother Earth Waterwalk

About this edition

• Publisher: AmazonUs/INDPB
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1550144618
• ISBN 13: 9781550144611
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 250