227 10 13080 https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2778/1983_Vol_8_No_2.pdf 6dea6f9141e512135b9a80662aff61f9 PDF Text Text PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor .90 �Editorial In June the Minister of Community and Social Services announced that his Ministry will provide capital costs for the con struction of 'Family Resource Centres' in twelve northern Ontario communities of less than 12,000 population. The Centre is to serve abused women, women under physical, social and emotional stress, single mothers and elderly women. The operation of the Centre is to be a partnership between the municipality and the province. Lest any of us be lulled into thinking that the government is finally taking action to benefit women, a careful analysis of the proposal is reciuire.d. In fact, for a number of NWO communities, the devoted work of Transition Home advocates will be put back months if not subverted entirely. This arbitrary government action came without any consultation with the affected municipalities or with concerned women's groups. Many municipal officials, understandably, are angered by the lack o consultation. Unfortunately, their anger has sometimes been directed towards the women's groups advocating Transition Home rather than toward the anonymous government official who devised this questionable program. While it has been difficult for concerned groups and municipal officials to obtain precise clarification of the proposal (And goals, we can assume from the available information that the implicit objective is to aid the construction industry. how many jobs for women do you suppose will thus be created?) clear That the construction industry--not battered women-- will be the beneficiaries of the government's initiative is from the qualification that the Municipality/Indian Band must agree to construct a new building. Renovations of an existin building will not be allowed--although in many communities that would be the desired approach. The problems attendant from the high visibility of this new construction (e.g. security, community acceptance) have been disregarded by the Ministry. For Municipalities/Indian Bands who are persuaded to accept this government 'gift' the construction of this visible fac ility will only be the first of many problems. A major concern is the on-going operational procedures. The Ministry antici pates inter-municipality/government agreements. But witness the extensive problems the Faye Peterson Transition Home has experienced in implementing such agreements. Without the resolution of this issue by the Faye Peterson Transition Home it would be fool-hardy for other communities to assume they could achieve appropriate responses. In considering the well-being of the women and children who will utilize these Centres, and the well-being of the staff working there, two issues immerge. Granted northern Ontario communities require a variety of social/health services. However, Transition Homes for battered women have evolved across the country because of the proven need for particular suppor services for battered women. Combining services for battering problems, with support for women whose concern/crisis is med needs ical, psychological or gerentological has the potential for serious operational problems. In presuming to meet the of all, it is likely no one's needs will be met. volunteer staffing. Inthe The 'second issue is how the Centres will be staffed. The government appears to be emphasizing guise of proevent of paid staff, (except for the supervisor) the payment will be minimum wages ($3.50 per hour). In the is deliberately abetting the exploitation of women. viding support services fol. women in crisis, the government For the municipalities/Indian Bands who accept the 'carrot' the Ontario government is offering, we anticipate a bureaucratic absurdity which will result in insufficient, inappropriate services for women. On the other hand, the communities who refuse to participate, but who wish to develop Transition Homes and other community-defined services, undoubtedly will have great difficulty obtaining provincial funding support. Whichever the choice, women will lose. When is this womenbattering going to stop: wy,0000, Your Voice Sidegialaaahatatladraaktalgieilleaddelb°41 "- To the Editor: REFLECTIONS ON THE ABORTION DEBATE At a time when the Nova Scotia Legislature is preparing to cut welfare payments to teenage mothers and their children from $390 a month to $85 a month, across the country, the Alberta courts are attacking, on be behalf of the rights of the foetus, the legislation allowing women to receive therapeutic abortions. In 1980, following an in-depth study, the Senate presented a report entitled "Child at Risk" which clearly and undeniably illustrates how important human life really is and how important it is for both mother and child to recieve proper prenatal and post-natal care. What do our "male" judges and "male" politicians throughout the country consider to be the moral choice in this debate? Cutting welfare payments to young women who choose the life of the unborn child and who receive no support whatsoever from the father of the child or sending these young women who cannot face the possibility of raising a child alone back to the quacks and charlatans who perform illegal abortions? I am ashamed and thoroughly disgusted by the manner in which our young women are treated in this country. Not only are they asked to assume all of the responsibilities for their actions because they belong to the female sex, the system NORTHERN WOMAN page 2 at the same time blithely ignores and absolves from any responsibility the individuals who father these children in the first place, individuals who, like the judges and The young politicians, are males. women are sentenced to 20 years of misery, hardship and privation. They are condemned to suffer primarily because they are women. My vision of a just society is one in which all individuals are treated equitably. What I consider immoral is the fact that for the sake of great principles, which may or may not be supported by our religious leaders, we often forget the most important thing a child needs to survive in this world, namely love. When a child of 14 or 15 herself bears a child and when the young mother is rejected by her parents for violating socalled "moral" principles and left to survive on only $85 a month, what chance does she have to love her child and bring it up to be a responsible adult? When will our "great thinkers" politicians and fathers finally love their wives and daughters enough to allow them the right to choose to be mothers and not merely reproductive "machines"? When are women going to be given the right to be human beings and not merely objects? Yours truly, Celine Hervieux-Payette Lawyer, M.P. for Montreal-Mercier NEWS RELEASE--MACDONALD SCEPTICAL ABOUT EXTENSION OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION--JUNE 30 Dear NWJ: Progressive Conservative Status of Women critic, Flora MacDonald, expressed scepticism today about the announced earlier this week that the federal government was intending to expand the Affirmative Action Program for the federal Public Service. "While everyone agrees that the goal of equality must be realized, it is understandable that this latest public relations effort is being greeted with cynicism by women's organizations, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, and all those who have reason to mistrust a government which has such a deplorable track record in this field," said MacDonald. Monday's announcement merely extends to other departments what was originally begun in 1975, and we are all very well aware just how unsuccessful that initiative was", she said. The 1975 policy on equal opportunities for women in the public service raised expectations, and led to the belief that the advancement continued on pg 5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Update remarks made by the anti-Choicers picketing the Winnipeg clinic. In such an atmosphere, it is not surWhat is the real story behind prising that Morgentaler was attacked the burning of the Harbord Street personally by a man with a set of Toronto Women's Bookstore on July .The bookstore garden clippers. 29? As ususal with women's news, there carried comprehensive insurance on are two stories:' the real story, and equipment and stock, but the owners the media version. need about $20,000 to re-locate and re-statt. They expect to re-open in The facts are these. The arsonists (or arsonist) entered the bookabout three months. Bravo to Sally Ride, finally the store through a rear door. They crosfirst American spacewoman. In the sed the bookstore to the front door which opens out into a small foyer early 70's, N.A.S.A. had been traininside the main entrance of the builing a small group of women as possible ding. From there, they went upstairs astronaut candidates, but, it is now to Morgentaler's clinic. They probab- openly admitted, male hostility to ly intended to break into the clinic female participation in space succeedbut were deterred by the fact that ed in closing the program down. Forthe clinic was protected by an alarm. tunately, the policy was reversed Game" booth at this year's Canadian There was a small notice posted at Her achieveand thus, Ride's ride. . Lakehead Exhibition. The "game" was the entrance to that effect. They ment was slightly dimmed by a typical to throw darts at a woman's breasts then covered the clinic entrance with type of female trouble--her salary. which were really balloons positioned typical anti-Choice slogans--"murderIt was the lowest of the five astrounder a t-shirt. In a letter to C.L.E. er", "butcher" and so on--as well as nauts aboard the shuttle, at $42,653 administrator Bruce Lehtinen, the the curious notation saying that annually. The salaries of her male "dehumanization" and "gross insensipeople who use alarms are evil. They colleagues ranged from $48,950 to tivity" toward women. Local women re-traced their steps back into the $58,743. . told how shocked and repelled they bookstore, and, in the section on This summer, I dropped into the pregnancy and childbirth, set the were when they saw the "T-Shirt Winnipeg Women's Health Clinic, which Game". The booth was removed the next fire which gutted the store completeis downtown behind the Bay at 304-414 ly. day. Graham Avenue. I found a busy, spacious Sweden is having second thoughts upstairs set of rooms which last year served over 4,000 clients. Treatment about porno. After ten years of lobis covered by Manitoba Health Insur- bying, Swedish feminists have pressured the government to regulate the The Clinic gives general ance. medical care and aims at a holistic porn business. Porn shops are now approach and preventative medicine, regulated and nightclub porn is banned. The government is even considering but because it serves women only, there naturally comes about speciali- censorship for videocassettes which feature "prolonged or offensive viozation. For instance, -they fit the lence". Sweden was never so de-regucervical cap. Their full-time doctor, Judith Cracknell, visited thelated as Canadian pro-porners would English Dallin Clinic which speciali-have us believe, nor was there approNow for the media side of the zes in pre-menstrual syndrome studiesval from all sectors of society. story. Both the firefighters and the Women hated it and blamed it for rapes police stated they believed the fire and increasing was set by anti-Choice supporters in men. In Canada, a proposed amendthe hopes that it would spread to the ment to the Criminal Code would declinic on the floor above. This was fine as obscene material where the also the publicized opinion of dominant characteristic was any one C.A.R.A.L. was well as the bookstore of the following subjects: sex, vioowners, Patti Kirk and Marie Prins. lence, crime, horror or cruelty Yet, a syndicated newspaper columnthrough degrading representations of ist stated in the Chronicle-Journal a male or female person. Since the (Thunder Bay) that holding such an present imperfect law is inadequateopinion is an example of "feminist ly enforced, it seems that the most But after learning fanaticism". . Pre-menstrual syndrome (P.M.S.) important thing at present is imthe facts of the arson, many Toronto is becoming a recognized condition. proved enforcement. women believe that the anti-Choicers Not everyone who feels rotten in.the deliberately set out to destroy the. week before menstruation has P.M.S., women's bookstore when they found out but for many women, the severe psych. . they couldn't touch the clinic. . ological or physical changes endured Whatever the motive, the right-toby P.M.S. victims cause untold stress life supporters ignored the lives of in their lives. The Winnipeg clinic the people living in apartments in is helping women to find out if they the building. Luckily, there was no have P.M.S. and to set up treatment serious injury beyond hospitalization Also in Winnipeg, I visited the due to smoke damage. offices of the new women's magazine, The anti-Choice fanatics who use Herizons, and which, with only four language like "mass murder" and "holissues out, has already become a maocaust" are responsible for a climate The Squeal Reele screams to a jor magazine featuring national and of violence, says Michele Landsberg halt, stopped by the U. S. Supreme international news and articles. of the Toronto Star (Aug. 1/83.). As Court. The Reagan administration's Subscriptions are $10 per year to: an example, she mentions anti-Choice legislation would have required the Herizons, P. O. Box 551, Winnipeg, spokesman, Dr. Robert Mendelson's, parents of girls under 18 years of Manitoba R3C 9Z9. comment to the Winnipeg press, sugage to be notified if they obtained Guess who came to the Feminist gesting that the way to stop abortion contraceptives from tax-supported Reunion Dinner? June 11. Besides the was to buy a "Saturday Night Special" ninety guests who celebrated their clinics such as those operated by walk into a hospital and shoot the Planned Parenthood. Planned Parentcommitment to women's issues, two first two abortion doctors you meet hood, the largest provider of contramen, including one who referred to .Also widely publicized was the ceptives to teens, claimed that conhimself as an off-duty policeman, comment Manitoba judge Mike Baryluk fidentiality was crucial, and that handed out anti-women hate material made in a private courtroom converthey always have encouraged minors to at the door. One woman in attendance sation to the Crown attorney, which consult their parents, but they would protested to the local police force, was overheard by a Winnipeg reporter: never snitch on teens even had the and the complaint was handled satis"Wouldn't you agree that any woman . new law came in. factorily. The Northern Woman who wants an abortion should be given Journal, Northwestern Ontario Women's a razor blade?" said the judge. Centre and Faye Peterson Transition NORTHERN !V OMAN page 3 Also disturbing are the anti-semitic House also protested the "T-Shirt by JOAN BARIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . ' . . . . . . . PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Women and Words by MARGARET PHILLIPS One woman had an idea. A fantastic fantasy. So this woman, Betsy Warland, shared her dream, and one evening six women sat down to discuss the idea. Eighteen months later seven hundred women gathered at UBC for the first WOMEN AND WORDS/LES FEMMES ET LES MOTS Conference. A dream come true. Not only for Betsy Warland, but for hundreds of women poets, novelists, playwrites, journalists, publishers, editors, booksellers, reviewers. Women of all ages. From the east, the west, the north. From cities, small towns, reserves, rural areas. Women of different racial, cultural, economic and political backgrounds. Joined by a common love..Women and Words. A Personal Account Sometime last fall the first notice of Women and Words came to NWJ. I looked with longing at the information. But acknowledging my economic reality I reluctantly put it aside. Then, in the winter, Conference details arrived...outlining dozens of exciting workshops.. listing, as Conference participants, so many of my favorite writers. My dream of attending grew more and more vivid. FoCusing on the section 'some travel subsidies available', I sent off an urgent plea. I was rewarded. Yes, I was one of those 700 women. Happily, former NWJ members Estella Howard, and Helen Halet and Sharon Lund (now living in Vancouver) also participated. My most sincere gratitude goes to the Women and Words committee who recommended, and to Secretary of State Women's Programme who provided, my travel costs. Thanks also, Helen and Sharon for the housing, the hospitality, the nurturing. I really want to share my joy, my excitement about this remarkable Conference with NWJ collective members and readers, yet find myself groping as to what to relate. I believe it was important for the NWJ to be part of this Conference and I was glad to be your representative. Contacts made and discussions held with women from other feminist publications were certainly useful. Hopefully, some of my learning from various workshops will aid me to more effectively contribute journalistically to our paper. (More about workshops later.) But, to be perfectly honest, my chief desire to attend Women and Words was absolutely selfish. My creative writing..so happily birthed while at Women Writer's Centre.. has been so sporadic since my return to Thunder Bay. Yet the urgency to write causes me more and more frustration. I went to Women and Words for the stimulation just being with other women provides. What happended to me at Women and Words? A dozen new story ideas, for one thing. And from the "readings" ..most particularly Margaret Atwood and Audrey Thomas.. a renewed sense that whatever else I do with my life I have to finish "my novel". The other important thing that I learned.. rather, that was reinfor- ced..was that writing is a genuine, and a necessary, albeit unique, factor in the evolution of feminism in GOOD ART CAN AND SHOULD BE SUBVERSIVE AND IN OPPOSITION TO THE STATUS QUO Conference Content Orchestration of this mammoth Conference was extremely well handled. As well as extensive work by staff, over 10,000 volunteer hours styles, classes and our immense were spent in Conference preparation. creativity. Here is a few moments And many more will go into the folcollage of 44 diverse topics: low-up. All those responsible for - we need a new approach to critiConference organization are to be cism with critics open to new forms commended. without the distortion produced by My problem, also expressed by mainstream criticism. everyone I spoke to, was deciding - the aim of the artist is to dream which workshops to attend. It should alternatives; good art can and should have been a month long Conference. be subversive and in opposition to I wanted to attend 40 of the 44 the status quo political establishworkshop/panel choices, but had to ment. content myself with the 7 possible. - class does affect our writing. Fortunately, we were able to learn Where we have come from is integral the results of many workshops from to our expression of self; and the a very creative and succinct summary voice of working class women, women given at the concluding plenary sesof colour and native women is lacksion. This summary, prepared by ing even in our own literature -Women and Words committee member the literature of women. We need to Barbara Herringer is reprinted here appreciate our differences and not with permission. Shifting from being a long-time be divisive because of them. community activist to a solitary - creative mothers shared their struggles and successes and gained writer creates many contradictions strength from one another. and dilemmas for me, especially when I live in Thunder Bay. The sense of-mimoimommtugpmmsluxi-gmmr-fri-mg aflopplo the erotic workshop encouraged women hope apparent at Women and Words to create more space for our bodies was enormously reassuring. Confidence in our work. was apparent that women writers, reviewers, publishers, etc. can and - feminist publications highlighted the need to be financially viable, must and will create new structures, while a history of feminist presses new language, new values..encourafocused on the need for survival and ging a society that will allow women the necessity to support our feminto grow, not merely survive. The ist bookstores. statement from one workshop that - a feminist booksellers association "good art can and should be subverwas formed following the workshop on sive and in opposition to the status promotion and distribution of wpmen's quo political establishment" fills books to act as a lobby group as well me with peace. (Now all I have to do as a network for feminist publishers is write the damn book .') Another bonus...new authors to and booksellers. - there was a lively exchange of discover. Really, I could contentedideas and how-to's for survival in ly spend the rest of my life just the media as a woman reporter/jourreading. I haven't even half worked nalist while struggling against male through my list of unknown authors values in the media. I brought back from Writers Centre. From the Conference, a further list of nearly fifty poets/short story OUR LITERATURE MUST BE VISIONARY, writers/novelists that are new to A LITERATURE OF CHANGE THAT EXAMINES me. I question whether I'll ever read ALL ASPECTS OF OUR LIVES even an internationally acclaimed male author again. Is it unreasonable - sources, strategies and the need to become absolutely nationalistic, for patience and persistence as well (even more) womanistic in my reading? as ongoing personal contact, was With so many marvellous Canadian wostressed in the funding workshop. men writers, will there be time to - that same persistence is necessary read anyone else? in our professional associations as (Information about a number of well as in our schools and colleges the writers who participated in Women to ensure that we are on reading and Words will be included in this lists and on courses. and future issues so that NWJ readers - not only that -- we need to become may also explore new reading sources. policy makers, work collectively "We are more than 700 women this and push for new criteria in the arts. weekend---all of us involved with our literature must be visionary, words. We have discussed, argued, a literature of change that examines shared, learned, explored and straall aspects of our lives. tegized. We immersed ourselves in in that literature we must use language through theoretical,practical and speculative workshops. We continued on pg 5 shared cultures, backgrounds, life- WOMAN page 4 PDF NORTIERN compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �WOMEN 6 WORDS cont'd our language differently by restructuring vocabulary, syntax and symbolism in our different tongues. - again, our diversity was celebrated in an exploration of the need for lesbian writers to re-invent language and the world. - and, a greater need overall in our Canadian literature, to explore new directions such as greater freedom in both form and content. - with all this new language, we need alternative structures. The old ways are obsolete. But, there is a tremendous amount of energy needed to implement new structures to meet our needs---such as mentors, networks, and reading/writing support groups. - the relationship between writer and translator brought many of the feelings of translators out of isolation. There is a great need to bridge our language barriers and much of that has happened this weekend. - more practical issues were dealt with on the panel on the relationship between publishers and writers-- the need for good contracts and editors among other things. - the extent of censorship and selfn censorship was explored by a writer, critic and archivist -- our physical selves as well as our creative selves are censored continuously in this _ culture. This is a brief overview of an intense weekend." On-going Activities One of the most exciting features of Women and Words was the personal testimony of support and gratitude expressed by so many women. "I've waited all my life for this weekend", and "This is the greatest thing that's ever happened to me" are samples of the comments. Even the criticisms were constructive, with the theme of "next time let's also " There was unanimous agreement that there must be a next time. So plans are being made for the second Women and Words Conference, to be held in 1985, possibly in Mont-. real or in Winnipeg. Before comprehensive plans for the next Conference begin, an enormous amount of follow-up to this Conference will occur. Of great interest is the Anthology of fiction, poetry, theatre and critical articles (in English and in French) which will be published. The documentation of all workshops would be a tremendous resource to all of us, and hopefully funds to transcribe these recordings will be procured. Minutes of the business meeting and action steps recommended are being worked on now. West Coast Women and Words Society The Conference was sponsored by the West Coast Women and Words Society, which for legal and practical reasons is a British Columbia organization, but for networking and support functions is available to all Canadian women. On-going contact between Women and Words and The Northern Woman will be maintained. If any NWJ readers are interested in more information about the West Coast Women and Words Society, please let me know. Should Winnipeg be the site of \ 11 the next Conference we know many NWO women will participate. Several of us are discussing the possibility of establishing a NWO group/caucus and offering some specific help to the Winnipeg women re Conference preparation. Wherever the next Women and Words is held, as many of us as possible should attend. Perhaps we could collectively fund-raise to subsidize .NWO delegates. Again, if you have any ideas please contact me. ASIDES FROM MY B.C. VISIT It was nice to run into Bonnie Kreps and reminisce about the 1973 Northern Women's Conference. Bonnie, who was a member of several Women and Words panels, has just selfpublished 'Women's Lip', a collection of her feminist writings. Visited the collectively-run Vancouver Women's Bookstore and the woman-owned Ariel Book Store, and was pleased that each of them agreed to stock the Northern Woman. Met several women from HERizons (Manitoba) which is now publishing in magazine format. Learned that La Vie en Rose has a distribution of 20,00011 Very impressed with the work and philosophy of Vancouver Women's Research Centre. The Centre, a community based feminist organization focuses on action research. They work with women and women's groups that don't normally have access to research facilities. The emphasis of the Research Centre's work is on developing a descriptive account of how, rather than why, a problem or issue is experienced by women as the grounding for analysis and strategy development. They believe that process 'contributes to the transformation of problems as personal or individual to recognizing them as political, economic or social. Interesting Research Centre publications which I brought back include: Women's Perspectives in Research, How to Study Your Own Community, Women and Psychiatry, An Analysis of Ideological Structure and How Women Are Excluded. These papers may be borrowed from Northern Women's mate in B.C. is really quite terrifying--with rights of workers, and protections for disadvantaged groups eliminated overnight. First to go was the Human Rights Commission..to be replaced by a Council who reportedly will deal with human rights but not the "trivial issues such as sexual harassment". Consumer protection legislation was to be abolished, as were rent controls. Provincial workers including teachers, college and university personnel may be fired without cause. For starters 600 human service workers have been fired. The government's action seems to stem from not so much an ultra-right ideology, as from a paranoic power grab. The community activists I talked to were in a state of shock and despair. Let's hope that will be translated into anger and action. If the B.C. madness isn't curbed it bodes ill for all Canadians. YOUR VOICE cont'd of women would be rapid. But the intervening eight years have seen those expectations dashed. Government statistics bear this out. After eight years of so-called equal opportunity, only 0.2% of the women in the public service are in management positions; only 5.7% are in the scientific and processional categories. Yet, at the same time, the number of women as support staff and in the junior levels, has increased by 13%. Despite an equal program being in place, women have been unable to achieve significant breakthroughs in the federal bureaucracy. "What assurance do we have that a program that has not achieved its goals in the five government departments where it has been attempted should suddenly become successful simply because it is extended to other departments", said MacDonald. The expansion of the Affirmative Action Program offers no new initiatives that can, or will, assist women in the public service. No mandatory goals have been established and, once again, women are expected to be satisfied with vaguely-worded recommended targets. "We only have the promise of the Treasury Board President that Deputy Ministers will be called to account for lack of progress in their departments", said MacDonald. Other government initiatives are enforced by a Cabinet Directive or an Orderin-Council. In this case, the govern.ment did not see fit to take such action. "I might perhaps put a little more faith in the success of the expansion of the program, if it was backed up by Ministerial enforcement ",. MacDonald stated. "No Affirmative Action Program, however promising on paper, will be successful without the will of government to make it work", said MacDonald. Centre. The Research Centre is federally funded so hopefully will survive, which is more than can be said for most community-based services in British Columbia. The political cli- NORTHERN WOMAN page 5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Women and Orgasm by Betsy Getaz and Carol Ehrlich An Interview with Terry Dalsemer and Judy Waldman Tetty DaUemet and Judy Wadman ate two ticenzed ctinicat. zociat wotketz who have tived and ptacticed in the Battimote atea ion a number o6 yeaA4. Tetty and Judy developed and oiieted gtouo ion pre-otgaismic women .through the Women'4 Growth Centte, ' f '.; : 'S ' a Batimote 6eminat therapy centte, and they continue -to give the gtouo in ptivate ptactice. The gtouo ate' baked on a model bake developed by Lonnie Gat6ietd Batbach, who wrote a book baked upon the expetience4 o6 the women in het gtouo, "Fan Youtset6: The FutiiUment oi Female Sexuatity." Q: What do you mean by pre-orgasmic? Terry: Pre-orgasmic reflects the optimistic attitude that women who do not experience orgasm are not psychologically disturbed, but rather lack the necessary information or experience for orgasm to take place. All women are, at some time in their lives, preorgasmic. The term actually came out of one of the original groups which was developed by Lonnie Barbach in San Francisco. It came from a group member who felt the term was more positive and quite different from other descriptions such as "frigid" or "an -. orgasmic ", which imply some sort of sexual dysfunttion. These groups provide an opportunity for women to explore and learn more about their bodies so they can become, orgasmic. Judy:-One of the most important messages in the group is that the orof a woman's orgasm, is, of course, gasm is yours. Only you can give of what happens yourself an orgasm - -usually nobody the can description give to a man. When a man has an orgasm, it'E it to you. If you have learned ways to much more obvious, because most likely relax, to turn yourself on, to be open he will ejaculate. That's a much more the things that turn you on, ho comes to to finding the workshops? obvious physiological experience. For then you can have an orgasm, or you can women, it's so different, and the varto with tell asomeone Judy: Wefind haveways women broad else what to iations are so great, that very often do to enable you to achieve that. e of backgrounds and experiences. they aren't aware of what's happening may be with partners or without. r age range has been between 20 60. We work with both heterosexualthem. They're looking for something other than what they're already expern and lesbians. Women want to exiencing. Again, the enphasis in our their options for sexual satisgroup is on looking for what is happenit ion regardless of their background instead of creating what isn't - - paychoices. I think through sharing ing attention to what your body is r experiences, the women in these doing, not looking for what it isn't ps have learned a lot about each r - - abbut their similarities,doing. r differences - - in terms of how Q: How do you deal with the fact that y relate to their own bodies and different people get turned on by difheir sexual partners. ferent things? hat impels most of them to come to Judy: In fact, this is what we try group in the first place? to emphasize in our groups: we are all Terry: It's a combination of unique. We need to explore, discover, and accept that which is uniquely ours. ngs, ranging from the most specific - - our bodies, our preferences, our ng, which is sexual dissatisfaction fantasies, even our orgasms. some sort, to difficulties in reionships. We do a screening inter- Terry: For example, towards the end of the group, we ask everyone to w before we run the groups in order bring in erotica, without defining what determine whether the focus of the that blem is a sexual one, or whether it is. (We do talk a bit later about what they feel is the difference betlly belongs somewhere else. We ask ther the woman is in a relationship, ween erotica and pornography.) if so, how are things going. Often That usually ranges from books to real problem is one between the pictures to feathers, to articles of ple, and not really a sexual issue clothing to whatever... Wonderful, all. Then we recommend that thedifferent things! And then, the following week, we ask the group to bring an and her partner seek counseling. in pornography, and we actually show stag films so that they can share THERN WOMAN page 6 their reactions with each other. It's really interesting to see the range of / what people define as erotic or port 9; ) nographic, and the range of what gives we look for are two different them pleasure or doesn't. exual One is the PDFproblems. compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked has had an orgasm at some Q: What are some of the techniques , hh evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �You Can't Hold Your Children by JOSIE WALLENIUS "In the event of a nucteat wan, there wLU be no chances; there wilt be no sutvivou--all wilt be obtitetated. Nucteat devastation is not science iiction--it is a matters oi iact. The wottd now stands on the btink oS the 6Znat abyss. Let us a.2 2. tesotve to take att possible ptacticat steps to ensure that we do not, through out own Sotty, go over the edge." Land Mountbatten Dear Mother: Sorry to be so long in writing, but as usual, it's been hectic. Anyhow, there's lots of news, and thanks for the dresses you made for Lyn and they can see things:-like a Trident submarine, in the Straits of Juan de Fuca. One submarine has enough warheads on it to destroy 408 Soviet cities. The U. S. navy has 17 submarines, and plans to have 30. There were 130,000 casualties in Hiroshima. If you want to try and understand Trident, try the following: In one second, try and comprehend Hiroshima. If you can do this, it would take 17 hours to comprehend Trident (if you can feel Hiroshima in one second). This is the navy. There is fierce competition between the navy, army and air force to see which can have "the best". Maggie. Maggie has been up to her usual tricks. If there's an accident going, she'll find it. She fell off the steps a couple of weeks ago, and I took her straight to Emergency, blood everywhere and her screaming like it was the end of the world. Anyhow, she only needed three stitches, so it wasn't too bad. Do you remember Mrs. Rhodes? She died a few weeks ago. What a long illness, poor soul. She was on morphine for the last few weeks, so Betty told me. I felt really badly, as she had no relatives left and the public trustee did the burial, which is always a shoddy affair. INNIMMI111111111111111 The U. S. Federal authorities have stockpiled 71,000 pounds of opium (morphine is a derivitive of opium) for critical civilian use, and have recently requested 59,000 additional pounds. The Pentagon has asked the National Funeral Directors' Association of the United States to prepare to handle mass burials; the president of the Association has asked for a training course in embalming radioactive corpses. One thing is certain--unburied, buried, incinerated or vapourized, the dead will continue to be radioactive--forever. "Aitet a couple of minutes,' I saw something coming up the /civet that looked tike a patade oS toast chickens. Some oi them were asking ion water. They wete att naked and they wete all skinned. The skins of theirs hands had been totn away at the wAists. It waz hanging Stom theit Singettips.just behind the naits, twined inside out tike a glove. In the dim tight, T saw many other chit&Len tying about the yard." 6ADM the book, We oS Nagasaki We had to wait for ages, though, for a doctor. There was a traffic accident, it seems, and a couple of people were badly burned. The B. C. Peace Movement is really strong. Perhaps it's because Mo., She had such a lousy life. Her husband was really up the twist. He Licked their daughter out because she was going out with an ex-Vietnam draft dodger. He called him a hippie pacifist and a disgrace to the name of humanity. In 1914, big billboards were erected in the towns and villages of by Joyce. Mix*. MembeAs of the Thunder Bay Coatition Sot Peace and Nucteat Disatmament protest the Cruise Missite testing in Canada, as pat oS a tatge Canadawide demonsttation July 16. England with the words, "Your King and Country Need You." Apple-cheeked lads from the farms and whitefaced boys from the slums, 16 pretending to be 18, and to be valiant and glorious--and dead. Slaughtered in thousands upon thousands. Headless, legless, buried in pieces in France. French boys, Canadian boys, German boys, English boys. Boys, not men. History showed W.W.I. to be a war about Africa, control of Africa, gold, minerals, and slave labour of Africa. For the few, not for the families of the dead innocents, the cannon fodder. Talking of pacifists, one of the women I work with belongs to the Thunder Bay Coalition for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament. She's O.K., I suppose, but a bit of a screwball. After all, does she really think she can change governments? (That mysterious, independent variable of political calculation, "public opinion"--universities, actual and ideal.) Anyhow, whatever it's all about, you can't trust the Russians, everybody knows that. "Who ate the demons who Si us with Seat? The 270 mittion people oS the U.S.S.R. ate not the warlike batbatian hordes pictuted in media caticatutes. They ate people and people who, quite untike people in the United States, have seen Sitsthand, in theit own country, the hOVIDA4 oS war, with the Nazi invasion oS Wottd Wat IT. Just think oS these iigutes which come 00M a book by Sidney Lens, entitled, The Fotging oi Ametican Empine. Considet these sta.tistics, and what happened to the Soviet Union duting the Nazi invasion: 20 mittion people dead, 15 major cities desttoyed, 1,700 towns desttoy-, ed, 70,000 vittages desttoyed, six mittion buildings demotished, 10,000 power plants desttoyed. It was the devastation oS a people and oS a country that we cannot even imagine occutting in the United States. Who ate the demons? Let us ask questions. Who built and used the ,6itst atomic weapon? Who buitt the 6inst hydtogen bomb? The answer: we did. Ask who, today, Sea's suttounded by 365 hostile mititaty base's atong its botdeAs? The answer must be the Soviet Union. Ask which country deploys most oi ti atmed Sotces along its own botdets, and the answer is the Soviet Union. Then ask which country deptoyes itz atoms and ,(It's sotdims in 2,000 bases around the wottd. The answer is we (ed. note: the U. S.) do. continued on pg. 11 With Nuclear Arms NORTHERN WOMAN page 7 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �An Eye Opener by Heather Woodbeck "While you are calming her down with a tranquilizer treat what may be her real problem with Premarin" "When she can't manage you can" (Premarin) "If she could cope she wouldn't have called" (Novane) These are some of the messages being given to medical doctors about women by pharmaceutical companies. This eye-opening survey of some drug advertisements that were found in, medical journals was one of the presentations at the recent Women and Pharmaceuticals Conference sponsored by Inter - Pares and held in Ottawa at the Conference suggested that marketing techniques in Canada are much more subversive. Doctors are given free samples of every day items like notepads, pens and desk blotters, each prominently inscribed with the pharmaceutical company's name. This method hopes by placing articles within the doctor's view he/she will be more likely to prescribe that particular drug company's brand. Pharmaceutical companies also sponsor conferences with in June. A major focus of the Conference was on the marketing strategies of pharmaceutical companies. The portrayal of women helpless invalids or alternatively bitter shrews was part of the method used to sell hormones and tranquilizers for women. The film "A Healthy Business" focused on techniques used by CeibaGeigy in the Third World. Deluging doctors with visits from pharmaceutical representatives (10-20 visits per week), giving interns free drugs which they in turn could sell, and treating to lavish parties were a few of the more appalling practices used by pharmaceutical companies to entice doctors to prescribe their the unspoken assumption that the doctors attending will support the company's drugs or at least refrain from openly critizing them. Even the Compendeum of Pharmaceuticals and Specialities (CPS), the medical profession's "prescribing bible" came under attack. An article from the Globe and Mail noted that pharmaceutical companies must pay to have their products included in this book. Companies which refuse to do this will find their, product descriptions deleted from the book or else shortened to such an extent that there is little more than the name and the strengths of the drug included. Another presentation at the Conference, made by. Harriet Simard, graphically presented the case history of a drug tragedy. While pregnant with Harriet, her mother was given diethystlbestrol (DES). Two years ago Harriet developed adenocarcenoma of the vagina, a cancer directly related to DES. The DES story is a classic example of how a dangerous drug can become available to an unsuspecting public. DES was marketed to control miscarriage, based largely on a poorly controlled study done in 1943 by Smith and Smith, two highly respected American researchers. The controversy about the safety of DES raged for 30 years. It was finally banned as a drug for humans in 1971. This was after a large numr brand. Comments from Canadian doctors ORGASM continued itom page 6 to feel they are not alone in their concerns. Although we stress the importance and uniqueness of each woman's experience, the common bond and support we can offer each other cannot be overemphasized. Then we assign homework. The group meets for 10 sessions and in between sessions we ask women to spend one hour a day with themselves. This is an important focus, the iaea of taking time for yourself. You'd be surprised how many women just don't take this time to give themselves pleasure, to relax by themselves. The homework includes specific exercises, but primarily the focus is on each woman spending time with herself. Terry: What we do is basically provide an opportunity for women to get to know and become friends with their bodies. We use a lot Gf different techniques to do that, but we start out with simply having the women go ome and look at themselves, nude, in a mirror. Just uncritically'at fltst - then, very critically. (All of the omework assignments are done at home in private, not in the group.) Next we ask each woman to exaggerate all the things she doesn't like about her body. We'll ask women to smear lipstick on the stretch marks they hate, or to shake the thighs that they think are 'too big. The idea is to make light of the part of the body that you can't stand. Then in the homework we have each woman begin to look specifically at her genitals - - what that's like - and to touch them, and then to draw them, again at home. And then we talk in the group about what that experience THEF?11 ,!7 OMAN page 8 continued on pg 10 was like. We even have everyone model their genitals in clay. That's always fun, because everyone always thinks that their paricular genital area is very unusual - - then they find out that maybe everybody else thinks that theirs is too! Judy: I've seen some women go from not knowing at all what a woman's genital area looks like (a lot of women have never looked at theirs, or to some discovery to anybody else's) what it looks like, sometimes with horror and shock, which is natural. And then eventually finding out that in fact there are interesting folds and curves and parts that are bigger and smaller than others, and finally a lot of beauty. That's a very positive experience women in the workshop have had: beginning to have some new information and experience with their bodies and then beginning to really enjoy a part of their body which for many has been taboo. Terry: In the process of sharing this experience, we are giving women information about their bodies. We talk about the physiology of sex, and give very specific information about the various stages that the body goes through in arousal and in reaching climax and resolution, what kinds of things tend to happen, and how in each woman that experience is very different There are general things that may or may not happen, but they will have some idea of what to look for. And we stress that they don't have to fit into a particular mold. Q: What is guided imagery, and how does it work in the group? Terry: One of the techniques that we use, particularilr-eren-we're begin-, ing to talk about fantasies, is a technique known as guided imagery and music, or GIM. After helping women relax, we set a scene for them - some sort 'of idyllic scene in the country or whatever. Then we turn on some music, which allows them to daydream and image their own sensual/ sexual experience. Then after they've listened to the music and had this experience, we have them draw it. We have pastels and paper, so they can draw something that symbolizes for them whatever their imagery experience was like. We then share in a group what each fantasy and experience was like. It gives people another chance to experience a different way of using their own richness, their own inner resources and imagination for fantasy and exploring another aspect of sensuality. Judy: We begin the GIM by doing a series of relaxation exercises before the fantasy; and it's something that we stress that women can do themselves, at home. Very often one to the reasons women don't achieve orgasm is because they're uptight and tense and there's a lot of pressure involved. "Oh, I should be coming - - it's taking too long! - -What will happen if I don't? What will so-and-so think? What will I think?" By the time one thinks about all that, it's very difficult to relax and feel anything else. So we really stress ways to relax and to take the focus off the pressure and to focus instead on the actual sexual, sensual feeling women have. One of our exercises involves touching our bodies, not Continued on pg 10 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Our CHOICE Threatened BEAR OUR YOU Wat. by Norma Scarborough CgILPREN The threat of Joe Borowski to the pro-choice movement culmintated in azHIGI4 COM5 If Porno Appears - IF PORNOGRAPHY APPEARS IN YOUR t Haj LOCAL VIDEOSHOP WATE4 Check the list of publications and tapes on shelves have a friendly male rent some likely titles. 1. .R.egina early in May. To recap, in 1980 the Supreme Court of Canada granted Borowski the right to challenge the abortion law in his attempt to have all abortions made illegal in Canada. As soon as the decision was made about which court would hear the case CARAL responded. Legal counsel was retained, a direct mail campaign for funds was organized and we prepared to make application for standing as intervenors in the trial. Three groups sought standing as intervenors. Civil Liberties and Campaign Life wanted to intervene with written briefs only; CARAL wanted to participate fully in the trial. In January 1983 all intervenors were denied standing by the Court. Our next step was to seek assurance from the Minister of Justice that his defence of the law would be adequate. As inadequate as we feel the current legistlation is, it is the best presently available and we wanted to know that even this limited access to abortion was not going to disappear. CARAL corresponded with the Minister of Justice through our lawyer and members of the executive spoke directly to the Minister of Justice in Ottawa. We were leSs than reassured about how the legislation would be defended. It was the government's contention that expert medical witnesses would not be allowed to testify for Borowski and that if they were allowed their testimony would be struck out before the trial ended. I was in the courtroom in Regina for the first day of the trial and before the day was over our worst fears were confirmed. The judge allowed .Schumiatcher, counsel for Borowski, to bring 9eXpert witnesses instead of the five normally allowed. Sojonky, the federal government lawyer, objected and was overruled. Sojonky's argument throughout the trial was that evidence about when life begins had no place in the testimony since the government already recognizes pre-natal life and already. protects pre-natal life by limiting access to abortion. After two weeks of a barrage of so called 'experts' giving evidence to prove that life begins at the moment of conception Schumiatcher rested his case and it was Mr. Sojonky's turn. His'evidence lasted for twenty minutes. Sojonky placed in evidence a copy of the Badgley report and two sets of stats from Statistics Canada. He attempted to have placed in evidence the information from the U.S. 1980 Senate hearings, which had heard many of the same so-called experts that Schumiatcher brought to the case. Mr. Schumiatcher objected to this evidence and the judge upheld the objection. When Mr. Sojonky asked if the paper could be left as information, the judge agreed but said that he did View films utilizing school 2. or library equipment where possible to save expenses. 3. Take the film to your local police or R.C.M.P. office and make a complaint, in writing if required. Mention the combination of explicit sex with violence, incest, child pornography, all of which are forbidden under the criminal code Section 159 COMPLAINTS ESTABLISH COMMUNITY STANDARDS. The police will view and 4. recommend to crown counsel for prosecution or non-prosecution. not have to read it. Mr. Sojonky sat down and 'our' case rested!! The final arguments were heard a few days later with the same perfunctory statements by Mr. Sojonky. Schumiatcher's final words in the court were that all they wanted was fetuses be allowed to develop into responsible men and citizens:: The case for pro-choice Canadians was not presented. The judge is expected to hand down his decision sometime in the fall. A serious concern is that even if Borowski loses he has promised to appeal. No further evidence can be brought before the appeal court - that court will hear only what was placed in-evicklhce at the first trial. If Borowski wins we have no guarantee from the federal government that they will appeal - abortion could be illegal once again in this country. But the Borowski threat will not go unanswered by us. I, as an individual and as president of CARAL, filed suit on April 29th to challenge section 251 in its entirety. We are seeking to have the abortion law declared inconsistent with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in that it contravenes the rights of women. We anticipate that our case and Borowski's will eventually be linked in the appeals process. At the present we are awaiting a reply from the federal government to our statement of claim. 6r-F C AWATAITATATATATO WOMEN'S POT LUCK il0 Whatever the decision, ask 5. for the reasons in writing. If you are not satisfied 6. with the decision, complain to the Attorney-General, whose responsibility it is to enforce the Criminal Code in the province. If you should get a charge 7. laid, pack the court, picket, let the community know that this is hate propaganda against women and must be regulated. If you get a conviction, 8. approach the municipality to lift the business license on the ground of criminal conviction. Lobbying local politicians is always useful because they are in contact with other levels of governConvince them that this is a ment. community issue. A. Consider actions to embarrass customers. B. Network with other groups using C. Jillian Ridington's Discussion Paper on Pornography as a resource - available from NAC or N.A.W.L. Some proprietors are anxious to avoid community disapproval and will let you view films and suggest which ones should be cut or removed. By all means go this route if you can. It is the fastest, but you have to monitor the situation constantly, and that shouldn't be your job, so continue to lobby for changes in the Criminal Code to make the offense more easily prosecutable successfully. D. IIITH SLIDES BY 00 Use us as a clearinghouse until E. someone better offers, or contact the Northern Woman Journal for further WORLD TRAVELLER action. MIRIAM KETONEN III WOMENSPACE, 316 Bay St. October 5th from 6:00 p.m. ovwivivpivpw lu 410 Prepared by NoAth Shake Women's Centne 600 West Queens Road NoAth Vancouver, B.C. V7N 2L3 NORTHERN V OMAN page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �her specific goal. Judy: The sharing in group is essential. There is the feeling that "I'm not alone. Other women share this." so much in terms of what turns us on, but just really noting what we feel in Especially when women go back and talk about messages from their mothers or every part of our bodies. We stress getting away from the pressure of what religious messages or their first sexual experiences, you can hear moans "should" be happening and moving toand graons of "Oh yeah, I know just what ward what is happening. it was like!" That in itself is imporTerry: As the group progresses we tant. Also, there begins to be an effort begin to focus more on each woman's on the part of the group to meet these particular issue and problem. Each goals - - "Hey, I think you're getting woman in the group will determine a close." Or, "I think you did it. Conmeet by the end goal that she wants of the group. This should be a realis- gratulations!" When one person achieves her goal the other people want to do tic goal, generally one step above wherever she happens to be in relation- it also. Another important part of becoming ship to her own sexuality. For example, orgasmic is to release feelings that if a pre-orgasmic woman has never been have been blocked up. For example, if able to touch herself on her genitals, a woman has a hard time expressing a her goal might simply be to be able to very intense feeling like anger or saddo so, comfortably. For a woman who can ness, it may be difficult also to exhave an orgasm with a vibrator, but who perience intense sexual feelings too. has never been able to manually stimuWe may do some role-playing within the late herself to orgasm, her goal may be group to help each other express feelto manually stimulate herself to orgasm. ings that are blocked. If a feeling is A woman who can masturbate herself to blocked in one area, very often the orgasm in 25 different positions might sexual feelings are blocked too. In adhave a goal to teach her partner how dition, it's important how assertive to help her reach orgasm; to learn how we can become. Knowing our needs and to communicate to her partner in such desires and expressing them directly a way that makes it happen. Each woman is important in all aspects of our defines her own goal for the group. lives, particularity sexually. If we Then we begin to focus the homework don't assert ourselves sexually, if we assignments at the end of each group don't know what we need and want for session much more specifically 6n each our bodies, we couldn't possibly comwoman's individual problem. We can then municate that to another person and share in the group how everybody's expect to be satisfied with their progressing. The group begins to help response, and get those needs met. each woman - - and make suggestions - "Oh well, you might try this," or, Q: Would you talk more about how "I did this and it worked." Everyone lesbian and heterosexual women relate in the group begins to participate in to each other in the group? each individual woman's attainment of ORGASM CONTINUED FROM PAGE S Judy: Women in the group learned a lot from each other. For someof the heterosexual women it was enlightening to hear, for the first time, intimate details of what sex with another woman is like. They may have never known about that before; and now they can discover what the differences may be, as well as what the similarities may be. In general, the fears and desires and the vulnerabilities and strengths relating to sex are understood and shared by all women. Terry: Both heterosexual and lesbian women have the opportunity to be less threatened by or fearful of their differences and, more assured of their similarities. Heterosexual women discover that they may even be turned on by the idea of women making love with each other, and that it is not necessary to act on that. It's okay to get turned on and to think that it's a nice idea, and it doesn't mean you're a lesbian unless you choose to be one. A lesbian woman can also be turned on at the idea of a woman and a man making love, but it doesn't mean that they have to do it, or that they're wrong for not doing it that way. Again, there's an opportunity to dispel some of the myths and to begin to feel more comfortable with the whole range of sexuality. We do a lot of work with fantasies, which may not be just with women, or women with men. Women share fantasies about their pets, strangers of both sexes, and even some of the less "acceptable" fantasies - - maybe some sadomasochism, or bondage. We stress that you don't have to act out fantasies in reality; if it's a way continued on pg 13 X=IN:=41C:=4)00(=e14=4)=41=XX==.8043041=4 =mm===48c=====xic=x,x=i weight (mostly fat and water) and thus increased their market value. The Conference wound down with participants looking for ways to increase other women's knowledge about drugs and pharmaceutical companies. A group of women based in Ottawa are working together with Barbara Lysnes (formerly of Thunder Bay) of the Great Canadian Theatre Company. They are developing a play about women and pharmaceuticals. They hope the play will be ready to do in Ottawa in June 1984, then perhaps tour the country. Another group decided to work with Harriet Simard to publicize the DES issue across Canada. Other recommendations were to plan for the International Organization of Consumer Unions (IACU) Conference in June 1984 and to publicize information about the new health disciplines act and the patent act. Dag of Action for SHOICE on Abortion L ber of young women suddenly developed a highly specific form of cancer (adenouarenoma of the vagina) that correlated only their mothers taking DES early in pregnancy. Interestingly enough DES is still allowed in the United States as a hormone for cattle. It causes the livestock to gain SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1983 ''latch Your Local Paper for announcement Health, Health, Hooray ! The Health Promotion Directorate of Health and Welfare, Canada has granted $230,619.00 to the Northwestern Ontario Women's Health Education Project for its next two years of operation. The Project will use the funds to deliver six healthrelated workshops to women in fifteen communities throughout Northwestern Ontario. The first series of workshops will focus on Women and Nutrition. It will run from September to November, 1983. In mid-winter, Cabin Fever 11, a workshop on stress and coping with small-town life is scheduled. A menopause workshop is plannec for April-May, 1984. Finally, a training session will be held in June, .1984 for regional women interested in learning how to deliver workshops. In 1984-85, tentative plans include a conference on Women and Health as well as travelling workshops on women's cancer, patient rights and preventative health care. During its first year of operation (1982-83), the health project !conducted a Cabin Fever workshop and an extensive survey of regional women. The survey asked women about their health status and what types ,of workshops they would be interested in attending. The workshops that are being developed reflect these women's wishes. NORTHERN WOMPNOCR, page 10 web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor PDF compression, �Nuclear Arms continued from-pg. 7 Ftom a setmon veted by Philip Zwetling, ministet o4 the Fitst Unitatian Chutch o4 Los Angeles, Cati4otnia Match 14, 1982 President Eisenhower, in 1959, urged all men everywhere to work against the mistrusts and fixations of our times. All they are are the creation of governments, cherished and nourished by governments. Nations would never feel them if they were given freedom from propaganda and pressure. I was talking to Len about the woman I work with, and he got really angry. He said the nuclear industry ;created jobs, and did the country need more unemployment? Ditect and Inditect Jobs Generated by $1 Bittion: Mititaty Machinery Government TtanspoAtation Consttuction Health Setvices Education Tax Cut to ConsumeAz 76,000 jobs 86,000 87,000 92,000 100,000 139,000 187,000 112,000 church, and the pastor had a job to lose, too. Nobody heard about Peace and Disarmament. "The reason the Canadian government cannot say No to the Cruise testing is economic btackmait. Any countty that is economicatty owned by ("no -then "What the Chtistian conscience must lay cteatey to heant is that the kind o4 action invotved in the use o4 the nucteat bombs L an absolute detertent to the wank o4 God. It cannot possibly be neconcited with obedience to His witt. Fan the Chnistian, this is 4inal." Anonymous iz potiticatty owned aeso. 14 we say No, the U. S. wit impose tati446 on Canadian conventional weapons expoAts, most o4 which go to the U. S., and 4tom there, to the areas o4 congict-the 3rd Wottd. The people thete need weapons like a hole in the head, which is what they ate getting Son dating to want to eat. MIIIMMINms I'm reading a really good novel. I feel I must always have a book now, as T.V. depresses me--I can't stand to watch the news anymore. But Len will insist on telling me all the horror stories when he climbs in. It's all this controversy about the Cruise Missile now. Len says the anti-nuke lot are anti-American and the politicians know what they're doing. Besides, the Soviets have the S.S. 20. The Nuclear Freeze vote in the U. S. won 41 of 45 contests in the ballots held at state, county and local levels. There are 26 Peace groups in the U. S., with over 20 million active members. Speakers Ptoject Ploughshares Thundet Bay Actually, Mom, I wasn't going to tell you this, but seeing as its all O.K., I will now. I had a terrible scare last month and had to have a breast biopsy. Thank God it was not cancer, but for a week or two, I was totally distraught. You know how hopeless Len is with the kids, and I was imagining putting them into care and couldn't stand the thought. Anyhow, it's all over and all O.K., but what a worry. Mothers of young children in Great Britain and West Germany are making arrangements to put their children into care in the probable event of their being imprisoned this year, as they protest at the U. S. bases throughout Britain. They see themselves as an occupied country, in the words of a spokeswoman from Greenham Common. As a speaker has said, the argument is obscene anyway. You might as well say that if we could stop child pornography, it would do away with jobs, The cat had an awful accident last week. It was run over and had two legs broken. It seems stupid, but we are all so fond of her we decided to get the vet to mend her legs; cost a bit, but the kids were Do you remember Mrs. Stevens? Her son Jodi is giving her a lot of trouble. He used to be such a nice kid, used to babysit our children and was really kind them. Well, he's quit school, hangs around the house all day and won't speak to anyone. He just bites her head off is she so -much as talks to him, and sits up all night listening to music. Psychiatrists are stating that an increasing number of teenagers are showing despair at the thought a fu- so upset. Sue Coe, an artist who lives in two small rooms in Manhattan, depicts, in one of her works called "Vivisection", a room full of cages of cowering monkeys, waiting to be put on the table by two evil-looking scientists. She explains: ture. MMEMMOMMIIMMIIMMIIMMIMM "To test the e44ects o4 blinding radiation on pi ors, they use lawn beams to blind monkeys, then sttap them into simulated cockpits to see how tong they can gy." She sighs: "IS animats believed Ln God, the devil wooed took tike a human being." I have gotten Len to go to church with us at last. I think-its so important to belong to a church, so that the kids might get religion's concept of right and wrong. There are a lot of social benefits to it, too. A speaker at the Canadian National Disarmament Conference in Waterloo, Ontario, explained the hierarchy of church. One congregation was given a choice of whether they wanted to hear a speaker on Disarmament or not. 95% of the congregation said yes. 5% said no. The 5% controlled the A teacher asked a class of 30 8-year-olds if they thought there would be a nuclear war, and 29 said Yes. Intrigued by the one dissenter, she asked why he didn't believe it. He said with serenity: "Because my Mom and Dad are in the Peace Move"The new generation o4 missiles to match the sttategy o4 'limited nucteat wan in Ewtopei o4 Pte.- ident Reagan was in advanceci_ development in the mid-1970's. What has been ptesented Ln the West European media and debated in West Emopean pateiaments as a tegtettabte but necessary tesponse to Soviet S. S. 20, was set in motion be4ote S. S. 20 was heard o4. It is di44icoet to know whether their politicians (ed. note: the United States') ate ptain liaAs, ittitetates on the victims 64 civit setvice bnie4s." E. P. Thompson Pto4essot, Histmian and Committee Membet o4 Eutopean Nucteat Disatmament ment". Well, Mom, that's all for now. I'm-afraid this has been a despairing kind of letter, but the world seems to be a terrible place, really. But what can a person do? All our love, Mary, Len and kids A young university student, Patrick Chamberlain, is wending a long, lonely path. He is walking from Victoria to Ottawa, 4715 kilometres, to deliver a disarmament petition to continued on pg 15 W OMAN page 11 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISIONNORTHERN PDFCompressor �FAMILIAR PLACES CHANGE OF SEASON (A song about the nuclear menace, and other matters of lesser import.) All summer long in dormant lay my soul. The dreary hum and dreary heat Of much too much, too ripe, too soon, Tao all at once, Like dizzy ether swarmed around and 'round And closer 'round Until the higher part was fast asleep. And there it lay, And there it slept, And there it would have slept until eternity, Except...except for one small part That still remembered when it lived. While walking one time on that narrow line Sometimes separating girls from women And, holding on to that rule that says, "Once fooled-twice, no fool", I refused to get messed up in it again. I was holding, while things were folding, And counting on my better judgement to be there I was waiting--couldn't call it hesitating 'Cause I knew just what it was I was seeing there. CHORUS But now the world has turned, The wind has changed, And Fall is here. The air is fresh and crisp And now I can't hold still, But must be up and walking All the city through, Up hill and down. And now the verses that I could not write Came tripping fran my pen. And oh: My joyous, boundless soul: That swells and swells, With every step and every verse, Like it would swell unto infinity, Except...except for one small part That still remembers when it slept. And I tried to be light, but life seemed to be in such disrepair That it gave me such a fright to be witness to the despair -On the faces, in familiar places I didn't want to see what I was seeing there --On the faces, in familiar places Because I knew just what it was like being there. Someone that I knew, asked me if it was really true That things must get worse, to get better I said no, it couldn't be so, but I Couldn't predict just where it might go And she said, the times were really beginning to get to her. CHORUS 2 She said she, tried to be light, but life seemed to be in such disrepair That it gave her such a fright to be witness to the despair --On the faces, in familiar places She didn't want to see what she was seeing there --On the faces, in familiar places Because she knew just what it was like, Being there. Joyce Michalchuk Thunder Bay BUT ITS TOO LATE It seems you want me to become a blank piece of paper Marjorie Owen Thunder Bay COLD SEPTEMBER Cold September Leaves turning Gold like summer Fading... Autumn brings Cold tears And frosted fingers Treetops Bright scarlet Like summer campfires And winter firesides. Seasons sliding Through the bases Competing Placing... Like racehorses Neck-to-neck, Like sometime lovers Dividing up Their home. ... now we've net again You know the kind I mean Susan Collins Hawkins As blank as my expression when I look at you Thunder Bay Not filled with all these words of yesterday well written with indelible ink and restlessly tangling behind my eyes... I really don't know about you, babe Or if you've ever seen yourself as newsprint or oldsprint or no print at all And knew you could be used as paper; And sold...burned...or just discarded on a street... Yes, it seems you want me to become a blank piece of paper ... now we've net again But its too late. Violet Winegarden Vancouver, B.C. NORTHERN ri7 OMAN pa ge 12 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �ORGASM cont'd that you can get turned on, and you like your fantasy, it doesn't mean that you are wedded to that for life or that you are psychologically im,3aired for having a fantasy that is other than the "norm". Q: Still, why the focus on orgasm? What's wrong with cuddling, giving back rubs, getting those kinds of warm fuzzies? Terry: For most women it takes focussing on their so-called problem with orgasm to realize that all of that other stuff is equally important, that sensuality is as important as sexuality. The big "0" is not the ultimate goal. The real goal of this group is for women to discover what they like, and if what they like better is cuddling, then they've learned that, and they've learned that orgasm doesn't have to be important. The message from the outside world is that it is supposed to be important. Judy: There are many different and fulfilling ways to feel warmth, close- her own sense of self, and part of that is sexuality. so perhaps she is going to be making more demands on her partner. Depending on where the relationship is at the time that a woman enters the group, it certainly fosters those kinds of changes. We do offer an opportunity for partners to be involved after the group is over. If a woman feels that she and her partner need some extra work, we make ourselves available to do that, so there is an opportunity for couples whose relationships do get stirred up to work and focus on those things. Judy: Sometimes the group adds more stress, as Terry said, because there are more demands. Other times, though, there's more relief. No longer do partners feel that they should be doing. something that they just can't seem to do. The women in these groups are taking more responsibility for themselves, and giving specific information as to what they like and how they want it. Although initially the relationship may seem to be more stressed, ultimately, if the relationship is going pretty well in other ways, what gets worked out sexually is very re- resolution, and we encourage women to continue on their own or come for additional sessions. Q: So there's really a lot more to this group than focussing on one area of the body. It sounds like it can change a person's way of dealing with the world. Terry: Exactly. The excitement for me about The group is that it combines so many different ways of looking at things and of learning about yourself. It's a combination of a lot of different theraputic techniques, and it's also a basic consciousness-raising about our bodies, dispelling a lot of myths, demystifying sexuality. We've all been told that sex is A perfectly natural, normal thing - - and, at the same time, that it is dirty and awful. That paradox right there is going to cause complications. So the group gives us all the opportunity to share, as well as dispell a lot of myths about sexuality, and rediscover and reclaim ourselves. That's much more than just "How-to-do-Sex." It's a strengthening and supporting of one's own autonomy and definition of self. One of the reasons, for example, that lesbian and heterosexual women seem to do so well together in this group, where lots of people would imagine that there might be problems, is that we discover that the only correct definition of one's sexuality has to come from oneself. It doesn't matter whether you're a lesbian or straight or whatever. It's how you define yourself, not how other people define you. That means first learning about who you are and then choosing how you want to be defined. Reprinted from "Women: A Journal of Liberation", Volume 8, No. 2. ness and sensual pleasure - - alone or with another person. However, for women who do want to achieve orgasm, the fact that there is something that can give them pleasure that they have been closed off from because they feel that they can't do it is very important. Being able to do it gives them an option. There are also some specific benefits from orgasm. There's a definite physiological release. For women who have trouble sleeping during the night, very often a way to relax is to masturbate to orgasm. Orgasm tends, also, to release stress and anxiety. Q: Is going to these workshops ever threatening to the women's partners? Does it sometimes harm relationships? lieving and adds a lot to the relationship as a whole. Child Care Conference Q: Is there any follow-up? Judy: We have a reunion about three to four months after the group is done. One of the more exciting parts of the group is to come back together and.to have women share how many different ways the group has affected them beyond the sexual ways: that they've learned to be more assertive, that they have finally become friends and allies with their bodies, that they now are able to take time for themselves, that they feel themselves to be more sensual, that they are dressing differently, feeling more positively about themselves and their ability to change. Terry: Let's say it changes relationships. That change may be an Q: Do any women never learn to reach opening for growth, or it may mean the orgasm? termination of the relationship. Certainly, women with partners who come to Judy: Yes, that occasionally this group do go through changes in the happens. Remember, we work with a timerelationship. We often hear later that table of 10 sessions, and there is no the group either opens things up, or reason why they should become orgasmic it makes things that,had been shaky_ or fully achieve some other goal in that much more so. What's happening is 10 sessions. Sometimes other areas that the woman is beginning to reclaim affecting sexuality need more time for The Lakehead Social Planning Council, the Longlac-Geralton Day Care Committee and the Association of Early Childhood Education of Ontario, Thunder Bay Branch are sponsoring the 6th Regional Child Care Conference to be held in Longlac, Sept. 30, Oct. 1 &2, 1983. The objectives of the conference are to bring together those concerned and involved with the physical, social and emotional health of young people. Workshops are offered in the areas of health, child development, creative activities and administration. Some workshops will be in French as well as English. Registration forms listing workshops are available from the Lakehead Social Planning Council office 221 Bay St. and there is some limited financial assistance available for travel, accommodation and registration subsidies for non-paid staff, parents and volunteers. The registration deadline is September 19/83. For more information contact Dawn St. Amand at 345-3631. NORTHERN V OMAN page 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Canadian women authors to explore: NICOLE BROSSARD (Outremont, Quebec) described as an experimental poet and novelist (post-modernist and feminist) Brossard's works that have English translations are These Our Mothers, A Book, Turn of a Pang, and a book of poetry Daydream Mechanics. AUDREY THOMAS (Vancouver B.C.) novelist and short-story writer. Publications include Real Mothers, Latakia, Ten Green Bottles, Mrs. Blood, Ladies and Escorts, Songs My Mother Taught Me, Munchmeyer & Prospero on the Is- The Womyn's Braille Press, Inc. offers over seventy-five feminist and lesbian books on tape, to womyn who are blind or physically disabled. WBP also circulates several feminist periodicals on tape. For more information, or to make a contribution; Subscribers receive a quarterly newsletter in Braille, print, or on tape. Contact: Womyn's Braille Press, Inc. P.O. Box 8475 Minneapolis MN 55408 ' SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT land. MARY MEIGS (Kingsbury, Quebec) is a painter and writer. Her first book is Lily Briscoe, A Self-Portrait. A second book The Medusa Head will be published this fall. JANE RULE (Galiano, B.C.) novelist and short story writer. Her works include Desert of the Heart, This Is Not For You, Against the Season, The Young in One Another's Arms, Contract with the World. CAROL SHIELDS (Winnipeg, Man.) has published Small Ceremonies and The Box Garden. SUNITI NAMJOSHI (West Hill, Ont.) Publications include The Jackass and the Lady, Feminist Fables, and The Authentic Lie, From Bedside Book of Nightmares. A Selected Bibliography on Job Sharing and Permanent Part-Time EmZloyment lists some 170 publications on the subject. 14 pp. From New Ways to Work Publications, 149 Ninth St, San'Francisco CA 94103. $1.75 plus .75 postage. (On Campus with Women) "Sex prejudice has been the chief hinderance in the rapid advance of the woman's rights movement to its present status, and it is still a stupendous obstacle to overcome. TEACHING WOMEN'S HISTORY by Gerda Lerner. This book is published by the American Historical Association (4400 A St, Washington DC 20003 USA). An introduction to the topics, sources, analytic questions in this area. Available for $4 to members and $5 to others. HOORAY for HERizons We were delighted to note that our local daily (Chronicle-Journal Aug.23/83) carried a lengthy article concerning our sister publication, the Winnipeg-based HERizons. We trust this heralds a new era and that local feminist issues can anticipate sensitive CJ coverage in the future. This world taught women nothing skillfull and then said her work was valueless. It permitted her no opinions and said she did not know how to think. It forbade her to speak in public and said that the sex had no orators. It denied her the 'schools, and said the sex had no genius. It robbed her of every vestige of responsibility and then called her weak. It taught her that every pleasure must come as a favour from men, and when to gain it she decked herself with fine feathers, as she had been taught to do, it called her frivolous" Carrie Chapmen Catt, 1902 Breast self examination Sit or stand in front of your mirror, with your arms relaxed at your sides, and examine your breasts carefully for any changes in size and shape. Look for any puckering or dimpling of the skin, and for any discharge or changes in the nipples. Raise both your arms over your head, and look for exactly the same things. See if there's been any change since you last examined your breasts. Lie on your bed, put a pillow or a bath towel under your left shoulder and your left hand under your head. (From this Step through Step 8, you should feel for a lump or thickening. With the fingers of your right hand held together flat, press gently but firmly with small circular motions to feel the inner, upper quarter of your left breast, starting at your breast-bone and going outward toward the nipple line. Also feel the area around the nipple. With the same gentle pressure, feel the lower inner part of your breast. Incidentally, in this area you will feel a ridge of firm tissue of flesh. Don't be alarmed. This is perfectly Now bring your left arm down to your side, and still using the flat part of your fingers, feel under your armpit. Use the same gentle pressure to feel the upper, outer quarter of your breast from the nipple line to where your arm is resting. And finally, feel the lower outer section of your breast, going from the outer part to the nipple. Repeat the entire procedure on the right breast. Your own doctor may want you to use a slightly different method of examination. Ask him/her to teach you that method. Examine your breasts every month, just after your period. Be sure to continue these checkups after your change of life. If you find a lump or thickening leave it alone until you see your doctor. Don't be frightened. Most breast lumps or changes are not cancer, but only your doctor can tell. normal. NORTHERN W OMAN pa ge 14 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Vancouver Rape Relief & Women's Shelter 77 E 20th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V5V 1L7 ...WOMEN''' Nucteat AIMS continued pLom page 11 Pierre Trudeau. Dylan Thomas wrote: URGENT!!! "Do not go gent& into that good night We are supporting avoman who has been charged with civil disobedience against a pornography store. We are looking for women who have had actual experiences of being abused because of pornography. Video pornography is of special interest, but any account of pornography related violence towards women will be useful to us. For example: I feel like a subversive act. - a man who brings home pornographic - Sophie Glotz tapes, and wants a woman to act out what they have seen on the tapes pornography left at the scene of - Open tettet to Mt. 8/Luce Lehtinen a rape Adminizttation, Canadian Lakehead - women who have been abused while Exhibition employed in the pornography industry We strongly object to the presenceThese of a actual games booth (recently) experiences are essential operating the to C.L.E. calledthe therelationin at order establish "T-Shirtship Game". The booth is a dart between pornography and violgame in ence whichagainst balloons are positioned women. as women's breasts on T-Shirts, and participants encouraged to break We areare looking for women who might them forbeprizes. willing to testify in court as This both consciously to booth her experience, but more than and unconsciously encourages violence that we would like letters describagainst ing women, andexperience promotes the their to present as trivializing of women's lives and evidence. bodies - the kind of trivializing that runs through the special basest and Cable or send delivery letters most blatant pornography available Remember as trial date is imminent. today. it could be any one of us!!. Thank Open to public viewing and paryou. ticipation, the presence of this booth acts asVancouver a brutal-example of Rape Relief how women are victimized in this society. Such games and graphic acts of The Northern Woman Journal violence toward women's anatomy de316 Bay Street picted in this manner act both subThunder Bay, Ontario liminally and obviously on the mindsespecially young minds - of the Thank you for your letter of viewers, and must be eliminated. concern re: T-Shirt Game at this Young people make up a great years C.L.E. majority of the people in attenI have conveyed your concern to dance. What kind of impression is a Mr. Bernie Thomas and he has agreed booth like this bound to create in to change the format of the game so young minds just in the process of it does not promote the trivializing formulating opinions on the world of women's lives and bodies. We do around them? not wish to degrade the female body The dehumanizing effect of such in any way at our fair. being Next year I would appreciate it ting to if you take the time to inspect the s to Thomas games at the opening of our full human fair and report these injustices to ects. us at that time. It is unfortunate this that this was reported when our fair C.L.E. is almost over. I would also apprecsider the iate it if you would come to us first gross inso we may solve these problems withespeciout going to the press first. It is ecent and discouraging to be advised by the eenage press first and then by the concerned eral growth group. today. Secondly, I would appreciate it if you would sign your press release so I may know to whom I am addressing this reply. Collective I concur with your attitude conomen's cerning violence against women as I too have a daughter and wife that I House consider human be ins and not objects. g Please take time to reinspect this booth and if it is still degrading we will not allow such displays UR LABEL? back in our fair. IPTION Sincerely, 1 Bruce Lehtinen Program Director Rait, againist the dying o4 the tight." "Thbs Lo one good way o,4 not going gentZe into the night," ;said Pattick. "Even i4 a hotocacae i4 inevitabte, I'm going to hake my 4,e2t at Nobody was ever more wrong than those who did nothing because they could only do a little. The Peace Movement is one of the biggest world movements of people in history. Scientists, educators, unions, politicians, journalists, churches and millions of people are getting stronger and stronger. Write a letter, send a dollar, search for the truth outside the political statements that are designed to deceive the people. March in a protest with us. PROTEST AND SURVIVE. International Disarmament Week will be marked in Thunder Bay by a' March and Rally on October 22. Please join us. If you feel this issue is too confusing, gigantic or frightening to confront, remember that we felt like that, too, at first. But once you do confront it, it's better. If you have to feel negative emotions, anger is better than fear, and the love and kinship one feels from other people all fighting this monstrous evil transcends everything else. Josie Wallenius Project Ploughshares (Thunder Bay) R. R. #7 Thunder Bay, Ont. (phone 1-964-2025) OUR NOTE: DAYS FOR PEACE International Women's Day, March 8 Mother's Day, first Sunday in May International Children's Day, June 1 Hiroshima Day, August 6 Women's Day for Disarmament, Oct. 25 (Days may vary locally.) Mark these days, and participate locally with marches, rallies, letter writing, film nights etc. EDITORIAL COMMENT Feminists the world over are beginning to make the connection between environmental issues and patriarchal mentality that surrounds us. Particularly our concern at this moment is riveted on the monumental insanity of nuclear proliferation (we can already destroy ourselves 30 times over). Nuclear power is the ultimate manifestation of the patriarchal mentality and drive to destruction. This mentality that permits rape, thrives on greed, and encourages sexism, racism, classism and nationalism will not stop short of using nuclear weaponry. Feminists do not have to choose between sexism and nuclear escalation; the enemy is the same - the perverted patriarch. NORTHERN 747 OMAN page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �FILM SERIES FOR WOMEN TIME: In Coping and Stress 8:00 - 10:00 n,m, Sept, 28 Wednesdays Oct, PREEDOM OP CHOICE CANADIAN ABORTION RIGHTS ACTION LEAGUE ( CARAL) 12 ASSOCIATION CANADIRNNIE TOURt LX DROIT A L'AVORTXMIINT tAt.LIA) act1a The Purpose of CARAL is to ensure that no woman in Canada is denied access AT THE: Waverle" Resource Librar" Auditorium to safe, legal abortion. Our aim is the repeal of all sections of the Criminal Codce dealing with abortion and the establishment of comprehensive contraceptive and abortion services, including appropriate counselling across the country. "We regard the right to safe, legal abortion as a fundamental humanfight." SPONSORED BY: I support the statement of purpose of CARAL and wish to become a member. Northwestern Ontario Warner's Centre KLIO Mamen's Health Ebucatinn Prvject Canabian mental Health Assnciatinn 1111=01= Name. Address: Phoni Postal Code: Occupation. Name of Federal Riding. Individual Member Limited Income Family Sustaining Donation RESOURCES FOR WOMEN IN THUMPER BAY $10.00 13.00 315.00 $25.00 S RETURN TO: CARAL, Box 935, Stn. 0. Toronto, M4T 2P1 Beendigan (Crisis House for Native Women) - 622 -5101 Women's Health Education Project, #4 214 Red River Road, P7B 1A6 345 -1410 Physical and Sexual Assault Centre, #18, 214 Red River Rd. Off.345-0894,Crisis Line 344-4502 JPAC Welfare Advocacy Group WANTED for our upcoming literary issue:, 4u.brrizionz O4 poetAy, zhont d otieS, {)ictAlon, btack and white photos and graph -ices BRING DONATIONS OFJUNK FOR Maureen - 345 -6777 Single Parent Support Group WOrIANSPCF 1-87!F Eve Ojala - 767 -4190 Free Clothing Depot, CNR Station, 9 Water Street - 345-9222 C.i ,E. FLEA "PKET Women's Programmes, Secretary of State, Court Street South, Thunder Bay Lisa Bengtsson - 345-2316 Women's Programmes, Confederation College, Box 398, P7C 4W1 Ruth Cunningham - 475 -6278 Women's Bureau, Ont. Min. of Labour, ,,AT. SEPT. 911th between 8a.m. and 10a,m. OR Phone 622 7175 for pick up 435 St. James St. ,P7E Joy Fedorick - 4 75-169 1 Human Rights Commission, Ont. Min. of Labour, 435 St. James St., P7E 6E3 475 -1693 Northern Women's Centre, #4,204 Red River Road, P7B 1A4 Fiona Karlstedt - 345-7802 Faye Peterson Transition House 345-7456 K==434=434=4 ''ENDO PRACTICE MONDAYS BUTTONS $2.00 each. Send cheque or money order to NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL, 316 Bay St., Thunder Bay, Ont. P7B 151 HAVE YOU Who cote thae women, and what ate they doing, anyway? i you can anmet thee que)stionz, ass wet as whete they wene doing it, a tee 'subctiption of gib Sub, tis yowl/ s. ORDERED YOURS? Womanspace, 316 Bay St. 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (Open to all women who have taken the basic class) TAKE BACK THE NIR,HT MARCH Friday, September 23rd AT 516 BAY at 8:30 P.M. Por MARCH through downtown PA PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Second Class Mail Registration No. 5697 ****** IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR LABEL? PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION ****** Collectively produced Noreen byJoan Baril, Kathryn ?rule, RETURN TO: THE NORTHERN WOMAN 316 B BAY STREET THUNDER BAY,, ONTARIO P7B 1S1 Lavoie, Teresa Legowski, Anna McColl, Joyce Michalchuk, Donna Phoenix, Margaret Phillips, Sara Williamson ,Return Postage Guaranteed Northern Woman Journal 316 Bay Street Thunder Bay; Ontario P7B 1S1 (Six Issues) $5.00 $10.00 Business or Institution PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 8 No 2 Description An account of the resource Vol. 8, No. 2 (Sept 1983) Title: Northern Woman Journal: Women Unite Topics include: Family resource centres government initiative Women’s bookstore Toronto burned down Anti-abortion protesting Premenstrual syndrome Pornography legislation (Sweden) Women and words conference University of British Columbia Women and orgasms Nuclear war Pharmaceutical marketing towards women Pro-choice movement Pornography Womenspace events Northwestern Ontario Women’s Health Education Project Health workshops for women Poetry Childcare conference Feminist book review Breast self-examination International women’s day Canadian Abortion Rights Action League Take Back the Night March Authors/Contributors: Joan Baril Margaret Phillips Betsy Getaz Carol Ehrlich Josie Wallenius Joyce Michalchuk Heather Woodbeck Norma Scarborough Marjorie Owen Susan Collins Hawkins Violet Winegarden Kathryn Brule Noreen Lavoie Teresa Legowski Anna McColl Donna Phoenix Sara Williamson Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1983-09 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2779/1984_Vol_8_No_3.pdf 1a2580ff571464226260997100c19714 PDF Text Text .90 Northern Woman Journal Vo1,8, N ,3 Thunder Bay, Ontario OUR LITERATURE MUST BE VISIONARY, A LITERATURE OF CHANGE THAT EXAMINES ALL ASPECTS OF OUR LIVES PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �PEACE FOR 1984 - " it has become clear to us that resistance to war and to the use of nuclear weapons is impossible without resistance to sexism, to racism, to imperialism and to violence as an There is a pro= everday pervasive reality. found relationship to the fact that vidual women are commonly attacked and beaten up and that a nuclear war threatens the entire world." Piecing It Together: Feminism & Nonviolence (p.5) Feminism and Nonviolence Study Group tookialiodiftwegitypilityiefitliaaratailetie/260000000/014100-it Your Voice Based on information available to the Lakehead Central American, support -Group by national and international sources we see it as our responsibility to alert the media and public of Thunder Bay that armed intervention into the affairs of El Salvador and Nicaragua by the military forces of the United States, Guatamala and Honduras is being actively planned and prepared for. According to news sources in New York and the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) in El Salvador, the Minister of Defense of El Salvador, Mr. Casanova, has requested armed intervention by Guatamala and Honduras against the rebels in El Salvador. This will allow a pincer attack on FMLN controlled territory and rear base areas in El Salvador bordering on the Guatamalan and Honduran borders. Unconfirmed reports state that 1500 U.S. troops are being moved into this area as well. In conjunction with this military build-up, the refugee camps in the area are being uprooted again and moved further into Honduras. On October 22 and 23 a meeting of the military leaders of the United States, El Salvador, Guatamala and Honduras was held, where they discussed and planned the co-ordinating of common action under the mantle of the revamped Central. American Defense Council (Mex ico, Belize and Nicaragua were not invited and Costa Rica declined its invitation). A document arising out of the meeting spoke of "an international pacification action" and "direct participation by the U.S.A. with all it's resources". In Honduras the rapid military build-up is continuing. It has been marked by a vast expansion of military bases, transfers of war material from the U.S. to the Hondurans and logistical support for the C.I.A. -Contra army. A major joint military exercise lasting up to six months is now underway. Involving 5000 U.S. troops, these exercises are taking place essentially on the Honduran/Nicaraguan border and consist of paratroop drops, jungle sweeps, quick reaction strikes and amphibious landings from the U.S. fleet sitting off Nicaragua's East coast. In addtion to this, the attacks by the Honduran based C.I.A.- Contra army on Nicaragua are escalating both in numbers of attacks and costs in Nicaraguan lives. All of this activity viewed against the backdrop of recent events in Grenada has convinced the ConsulGeneral of Nicaragua to Canada, Mr. P. Valle-Garay, that the Central American region will be the scene of a massive military escalation by the NORTHERN W OMAN page 2 turn of the new year at the earliest. The policy of the U.S., El Salvador, Guatamala and Honduras is, according to the Consul-General, flying in the face of the peace and negotiating proposals put forward by the Contradora Group (Mexico, Panama, Columbia and Venezuela) which Nicaragua has accepted. According to the Nicaraguans, it would appear that the U.S. is more interested in waging war than in waging peace. Barry Beaupre Chairperson, L.C.A.S.G. Reprinted from Chronicle-Journal 'Letters to the Editor" Many women today live in constant fear of being physically or sexually assaulted. We all know that you do not have to be "young" or "attractive" or "dressed provocatively" or out late at night alone for it to happen. For the most part, we try and push it out of our minds so that we can function like normal human beings. Your editorial of Oct.26 (Protection, for whom?) regarding the tragic death of Corina Carlson served as a grim reminder of our reason to fear. Immediately after reading your editorial, we came across an article written by Regina lawyer Morris Schumiatcher which had appeared in an earlier issue of your newspaper (The difference is in the asking -Sept.27) In it, he makes reference to an appearance he made in the Court of Appeal on behalf of "a young farm lad who had been convicted of raping an acquaintance a few years .younger than he". He then proceeds to expound on why, in an age of unprecedented permissiveness, complaints of rape should have become more numerous than in earlier years. No words can describe the chill and revulsion we felt reading it. Here is what learned counsel Schumiatcher had to say: "The difference between a sexual assault and a loving relationship is essentially a matter of manners... Most men have been charged and convicted of rape simply because they failed to say 'please' before they embarked upon their venture or because they failed to express a kindly human word or affection on parting. To be treated callously, as a mere thing, is an affront no woman will forget. Callousness is not a criminal offence, but it is a breach of manners that few women will forgive. A dictionary of words is not required. A few 'well chosen' phrases tastefully addressed to the object of one's passion may , prove sufficient... With the vast array of girls from which to choose and a million words in the English vocabulary to use, rape is for slobs and sexual assault for clods." In your editorial, you said that it was inconceivable that someone, somewhere, sometime during the investigation of the Bohatchuk matters did not see the pattern and suggest, recommend or order that he be separated from society and treated for his illness. We don't agree with you. It is quite conceivable if mindless attitudes such as those expressed by counsel Schumiatcher should prevail. Until physical and sexual assaults are dealt with as acts of violence and not as "interactions gone wrong" women cannot look to the courts for protection or to the wider community for support. Fiona Karlstedt, Margot Blight, Thunder Bay. ,,,orthern Woman Journal: Did you happen to hear that in the Finnish parlamentary election at the end of March 1983 62 'women were elected? With the total number of members being 200 it is still not a fair representation( =50% ),but it is about 30 %, a good step forward. In several previous elections the number of women has been around 40. In the Helsinki area majority of representatives are women. Maisa Martin Thunder Bay N-A#201044004-Alt-A POT LUCK SUPPER .411 Womanspace, 316 Bay St., Jan. 11/84 j followed by concert by JhNNIELR GARRETT VgliftelegbitegliM~PeCr PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Update by JOAN BARIL see The Toronto Women's Bookstore, which was destroyed by antiabortion arsonists this summer, is open again at 296 Brunswick Avenue, 2nd Floor, and will move to a new, permanent location at 73 Harbord St. (at Spadina) in February, 1984. The Bookstore has received thousands of dollars in donations from the women's community. They were much helped by a supportive article in the TORONTO STAR by columnist Michelle Landsburg. At present, they are operating with about a third of their normal stock It is the duty the judge at a prement held a Women and of Technology liminary hearing to if the eviworkshop NoveMber 5 and 6. decide They prodence is sufficient for a trial, not mised nirvana at the Valhalla. The to speculate on the verdict women participants were all invited The taboo against speaking about as "community leaders"; the general the gang-rapes on reserves in Northpublic, such as the interested, orwestern Ontario was broken by dinary Jill, couldn't get in. After Grassy Narrows Indian Reserve Chief Steve listening to the virtues of both Fobister at a meeting of the social technology and the Ontario government development committee of for quite a long time, the women the wereOntario legislature. Since his statement, asked to spend a couple of hours deFobister has on received all the criticiveloping strategies how women's sm usually heaped on people organizations could voluntarily im- who break plement silences. the government's programs. Wayne Spragge, counsellor at After talking it over, they avoluntaKenora's Centre, believes rily refused toMental do so Health o Ontario halfequal of all native are gangwomen want access to girls new jobs raped as a first sexual experience. but we will define our own solutions. According another informant, on one We insist on beingtoconsulted in the reserve the guys programs, band together to formation of government not "initiate" a overworked young girl and when she reachas volunteer clones, es puberty. underpaid, snapping into action to Christine a probation implement every program Strong, coming down officer at Grassy was quoted in the the pike "It sounds sick, but it's Times-News: This brings us to the government Almost everyResource weekend you hear proposalstrue. to build Family thisthe girl was for drunk and gang-raped by Centres and money running them. bunch of guys.The ButOntario no-one wants to Again, noa consultation. about and it."Crises GrassyHouses, has 600 resiAssoc. oftalk Interval which aredents. the women with all the experience -in the field, has not been Confederation College is offering consulted Apparently, some of the free courses to women interested in money is slated to be used for research careers in the trades or technology on family violence again. A great savfields. I,N.T.O. (Introduction to ing could be made here if the programNon-Traditional Occupations) starts mers would read the research on vioJanuary 2. A free W.I.T.T. course lence already published by their own (Women in Trades and Technology) government. And the federal government. And other provincial governments. And started November 28, For women without enough highscliool training, there the many books on battering, etc. are free upgrading courses 000 Women The B.C, or scientific who want high-tech education often worry about math. Women'smath Issues" and Collegetutionalizing Upgrading hasofpopular not a minute either. They classes running alltoo day soon, and evening. Both Fobister and Strong make it are also publishing "Impact of the If need be, a person can go back to clear that the purpose of raping is to Recession on Women work in Single Industry the basics. The students at shame the girl, to humiliate. "By Towns". Locally, Marita a summer their own speed. Women who are Maki, interraping, men make a fool out of her," student with thetheir Women's Bureau, has ested in refurbishing math said the chief. Being marked by shame a handbook decisionshould drafted phone the College for Upgrading makes it impossible for the women to makers on and Women Economic for a free test an and estimate on Developspeak up. "If I raised (the issue), ment e take to reach a how long it will my husband would be shamed and he Grade 12 level. The co-ordinator, would think it happened to me." Joan Baril, begs people not to leave Some observers linkthe high suithis until the last weeks in August cide rate of teenage girls to being and then hope for a quickie refreshraped. er, as sometimes happens "We can Edith McLeod, a native spokeswork miracles, but it takes time" woman, charges chiefs with being more concerned with "rice and land claims" Although major renovations are than sexual abuse. Fobister notes going on on the first floor of the that the gang-rapes are a subject of College, Ruth Cunningham, Director jokes in the Kenora area. When he of Women's Programs, reminds everytried to bring it up in council, people one that herThe office is still in bus- said that MacDonald Commission laughed. Priscilla Simard of the iness, the still in dialogue the samethey place buthad with best have Ontario Native Women's Association redecorated women so andfar with was a here different in Thunder Bay. mentions the other tragedies of resentryway. Fiona You Karlstedt enter the from office the Women's from Centre, erve life which destroy people: no the corridor Liz Poulin, on the Decade Balmoral Council Street and Ruth jobs (80% of Grassy residents are unside of Cunningham, the building Director o of Women's Progemployed), alcohol and solvent abuse, Film ramsseries at Confederation on violence College, are presenisolation and lack of recreation, being planned ted briefs. in the Theregion, brief by Kenora, the Women and do Sally Barnes, the Premier's Northshore Economic andDevelopment Geraldton Committee Prepar- of the hand-picked president of the Ontario ations Decade for a spring Councilconference noted how in economic Council on the Status of Women, got Dryden planning called "Women Transition" alwaysinmakes two assumptions the message from her constituency. are underway about women: s A note from Joy that they are dependent "Which side are you on, Sally?", the Fedorick, on men Women's and that Directorate, they are that in traditionwomen of Ontario,asked after she told the International Women's Cele- by the al marriages, being Day supported a legislature committee that the brationhusband. tommittee be only starting (Inwill fact, 12% of Canadpublic wasn't ready for equal pay for preparations ian women for are next'March in such 8marriages) moo 000 work of equal value--no, no, not even Joy has become a part of theVt. core In mid-October, Henry for a pilot project, said she. Ontario committee of the newly-formed local staffers Morgentaler and seven clinic women were angered. Several groups Human Rights/Civil commitwere sent trial after their prelimsuch to as Liberties NAC (National Action Committees einary She tee) has also helped organize hearing in Winnipeg. However, called for her resignation. Facthe December 5ththe Women in the Worksupporters were shocked to hear the ing music, Barnes performed the place meeting which focused on nonpresiding judge improperly comment that union workers Morgentaler The was Ontario "probably governguilty". CONT'D ON PAGE 4 o NORTHERN 'AT OMAN page PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Update by JOAN BARIL Davis sidestep and announced a newfound commitment to the cause. In a letter to Robert Welsh (Minister responsible for women's issues), she stated her council to be fully supportive of efforts to test the concept. She added it would be "tremendously helpful if...the government would go on record as supporting the principle". ihich it has, so presumably the pilot project will begin, but when will we get equal pay? "It's the government of an iceberg," said NAC President Doris Anderson A B.C. woman walks into her neighbourhood store last November. She is wearing a Solidarity support button. Someone rushes up to her and the Holiday Inn gift shop. They carefully pulled each magazine apart and distributed the pages to about 300 conference participants. A spokeswoman began to list some of the things they ha! found in these magazines. When she began to describe a picture of young children tied to the four bedposts of a bed, she broke down in tears o The women assembled in front of the gift shop, held up their magazine sheets in the air and chanted, "No more porn". This action was deliberately held for the media; it was the women's way of making a public statement so At the registration desk, the Holiday Inn staff and customers exchanged amused smiles and little mock sighs. But as the chanting got louder, business ceased and there was a moment of apprehension. But then the demonstrators started a song and business resumed... We avoid looking at porn magazines in stores, we turn our backs or stay on the other side of the room. We don't even have a vocabulary to explain what hurts and disgusts and shocks us. But we must try to find the language in order to explain to others. This, from Susan Cole, workshop leader. toss The End of the Decade. Nairobi, Kenya will be the site of the 1985 United Nations World Conference on Women. This conference ends the U.N. spits in her face. The atmosphere it. Decade for Women proclaimed in 1975 B.C. has been extreme this autumn- in Mexico City. The theme has been right -wing people quivering with hate, Equality, Development and Peace. The government workers becoming the new 'Mexico conference and the one in pariahs, being described as parasites Copenhagen in 1980 were both marred and bums. The settlement of the strike by governments who used the women's saved the public sector unions from congress as a forum for their own virtual extinction but did nothing to propaganda and priorities--hence, Arabstop the cutbacks in services to the Israeli confrontations, or the specpopulation.' Many of the cutbacks were tacle of the Iranian delegate proclaimdeliberately aimed at women and chiling the equality of women in her coundren's services and educational protry at a time when feminists were grams. The layoffs and closings will being jailed, silenced or killed. On now begin so. Judge Stephen Borins both occasions, parallel conferences has done all women a service by ruling had to be set up to allow a women's forum free from government posing. on October 24 that sexually violent Considering that in the past 10 years, video tapes distributed by two comthe women of the world have not achpanies were obscene because they deieved equality, nor been improved by picted the violent treatment of women development, nor, in many instances, and because they indicated women exbeen blessed by peace, a preparatory perienced pleasure from pain. The conference meeting in Vienna has protapes ruled not obscene, although posed that a second U.N. Decade for graphically sexual, were generally free from violence. These truly diswomen be proclaimed toss Some quotes: "The Moral Majority gusting tapes will now disappear is what our ancestors came to this from Ontario shelves but can still continent to escape." so. "Rich people be ordered from outside the province plan for generations, poor people plan from, such places as Red Hot Video for Saturday night." so "Rich cultures of Kelowna B.C. which advertises navalue thin women. Poor cultures value tion wide, just phone in your Visa or Master Charge. so' Video machfat women. All cultures value weak ines are the new toys for the boys, women." 'so "Fantasy for depressed the fad in this year's Christmas wish feminists: an army of women taking book. Video porn watching is a male over Saudi Arabia." All quotes from bonding activity. A local woman descri- Gloria Steinham. Phyllis Chestler: bed how her husband threw beer and "We are at war. It was declared long video parties for his male friends. ago by nameless others." so. In order to prevent her children from Such good news--a feminist bookseeing the tape, she has to sit in the store in Thunder Bay at last. Margaret bedroom with them until the tape was Phillips and Anna McColl have taken over so. On Remembrance Day a group over the small, streetside office of of women attending the Women in Ther316 Bay Street and are engaged in its apy Conference in Toronto purchased transformation to bookshop. The store every porn magazine on the shelves of will be open three days a week--Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays--and carries feminist magazines, philosophy and fiction, "especially Canadian novels", says co-founder Margaret Phillips. The plan (carried out by press time) was to open quietly in December, or as soon as sufficient stock arrived; the official opening will be after Christmas soo The Women's Centre held an open house for the Welcome Wagon Club. In fact, this autumn, the Centre has been very active. Over 160 people attended the film series on mental health. Speakers spoke on CKPR, to the Girl Guides and to College, University and highschool classes on such topics as Women and the Law and Reproductive Rights toss The Women and Pensions Committee of Thunder Bay have received funding to publicize pension issues and to discuss with women the issues raised in the position paper which came out of the pensions conference and which was presented to the Taskforce on Pension Reform. The Committee will be travelling in the region. Their aim is to alert women to the chief hazards of aging- no money. They plan to contact the politicians, too( A conference on Family Violence was held at the Airlane November 1718 and mainly attended by social workers and workers in various agencies. Fiona Karlstedt of the Women's Centre presented a paper on Community Agency Responses to Family Violence. Under the topic of housing, she pointed out that Thunder Bay has the second worst housing problem in the nation with a vacancy rate of less than 1%; there is a waiting list of 400 for subsidized housing and only 60 spaces available in crisis housing for women and children--a pretty grim situation for a woman to face if she has no money and wants to clear out of a house where she is abused. NORTHERN W OMAN page 4 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Regional Routes Sudbury Homemakers Conference One of the activities that is tentatively scheduled for February 1984, is a Homemakers Conference. Anyone who is interested in organizing this event may call the Women's Centre in Sudbury. In the mean time, ideas and input on guest sneakers, activities, workshops, and resource people are requested. Caregivers Registry by Dale Mansfield The Caregivers Registry, which started up last month, is progressing well. Currently there are approximately twice as many caregivers as parents on file at the Women's Centre. This is probably due to the high unemployment situation in the area. Consequently women are staying at ,home with their children. There is hope that as time goes on, more parents will call. It seems that publicity is 'the ',Pule of the game. Once people register, a follow-up letter is sent stating the terms of the registry, as well as a notice of upcoming workshops of interest to the parents and caregivers. Louise Dulude's "The Pink Paper", the minutes of the National Action Committee's presentation to the Task Force and the CPP Advisory Committee's presentation to Monique Begin on homemaker participation in the CPP. As a second part of the pensions issue, SWAG prepared a joint brief along with six representatives from different women's groups in Sudbury. Despite some rather large differences in philosophy and outlook, SWAG found itself able to agree on a surprising number of points. Although most SWAG' members had to make some compromises they were pleased with the result. This particular brief was presented in Toronto in October. North Bay To Have and To H-ld On the last day of November, the North Bay Women's Centre presented the film "To Have and. To Hold", a film about men who batter women. The problem of wife abuse was examined through the man's experience of it. Marsha Greenfield presented a report on the Nipissing Transition House. As well, a discussion was hel' on solutions to wife battering in its next phase - help for the batterer. The Nipissing Transition House by Nancy Bishop Canada Pension Plan and SWAG by Andrea Levan The Sudbury Women's Action Group has recently presented a brief to the Task Force on -Pension Reform in Sudbury. Of particular assistance were It's now a reality: a roomy,four bedroom house has been rented at 547 John St. in North Bay. The house can accomodate nine residents: women "and children in need of safe refuge from violent situations. Three full time staff have been hired and the house is presently open from 9-5 week days, with an answering service after hours. Since a nunber of structural modifications still need to be com4Ppleted, counselling services are pre-, sently being ofered. Once these changes are complete, the house will be fully operational. Putting Happy Into Holiday For those who wanted this holiday to be better than the last, a workshor was held on December 2nd at the India/. Friendship Centre. Discussion groups talked about: making children's expectations more realistic; dealing with loneliness during the holiday season; decorating and gift giving fo/ pennies; the Xmas spirit and where to find it; booze and happiness don't mix; family expectations and avoiding conflict. The workshops were sponsored by the Women's Centre and a number of other community groups and services. Longlac Child Care by Diane Parise A total of 77 delegates attended the 6th Annual Northwestern Ontario Day Care Conference hosted by the Longlac Child. Care Centre. Participants enjoyed a choice of 18 workshops ranging in topics from developing a playground site, child abuse, separation and divorce to puppetry and exercise for children. ANNINSWINION0810110104MINdigastrawsmila day event new trends, goals of early childhood education and phil-,sophies were discussed. Dryden INFORMED CHOICES by Jeannie Mascotto Nakina VIDA and GOLIATH by the Women's Group of the Nakina Anti-Run-Through Committee ready to fall again. C.N. will not give its employees any reasons or answers to their In 1923, C.N. uprooted everyone in questions; in fact, will not even talk with them. The word is C.N. Grant, Ontario, moved them up the will save money; no one knows how line and literally plunked them, much and/or where it will save it. houses and all, in the bush! The One company official said that,afC.N. employees and their families picked up the pieces and with great ter all, it's only good business to determination set about making Nak- make progress. Is it good business to do so at the expense of its emina a habitable place to live. Evployees and their families? Where, erything in Nakina is a result-of and when, does the responsibility the start these pioneering families that C.N. brags about, start? made. These people made this town! There are numerous reasons why we They did it willingly and for the do not want C.N. to "run-through" most part happily. They made the Nakina. Some of which follow: best of the situation that C.N. 1. As women living in Nakina,many forced on them. of us have jobs locally. In view of Now,for the third time,C.N. wants to-day's economy, these jobs are to run-through Nakina. Once again vital to the financial stability of the railroaders must fight for our families. When C.N. forces our their existance. This is extremely men to move, we will lose our jobs. upsetting, frightening and devastats We won't be able to find other jobs ing; the axe hanging over everyone' in the new townsite due to the rate head for approximately 20 years is Dryden does it again! Plans are in 71111 swing for the Bicentennial Women's Conference '84, to be held April 6, 7 and 8 at the Dryden High School. The conference's theme is Women in It will offer educationa: Transition. opportunities to women to enable them to make informed decisions on emerging issues. The line up of workshops look this: family law - property and marriage contract; microtechnology - impact on women; effective parenting - how to teach your child with love and discipline; preparation for aging - the Process of aging and resources needed for preparation; coping with inflation - investments and insurance; changing roles in responsibilities - the rights and responsibilities of single parents. Two hundred women from Thunder Bay west to Winnipeg are expected to participate. For out-of-towners, accomodations will be available at the Best Western Motor Inn. As well, day care services will be arranged. For further information contact Jeannie Mascotto, Co-ordinator, Bicentennial Women's Conference '84, Box 531, Dryden, Ont., P8N 2Z2. NAKINA - CONT'D ON PAGE 12 NORTHERN OMAN page PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor 5 �REACTION by ROSALYN TAYLOR PERRE A report on the Women's Inter-_ Agency Committee Meeting, Oct.24/83 As I attended the Women's InterAgency Meeting, I found out I was in for quite a learning experience, not just in terms of content but in the tight, bureaucratically imposed process which unfortunately places ironclad walls around even the most well intentioned, aware women. The Women's Inter-Agency Meeting was born out of a, need for a support system and a sharing of information in the women's community. The format of these meetings consist of information exchange on programs, activities and women deserving special recognition for their contributions. Future hopes and plans are also shared. Various participants can then take news back to their own groups for planning purposes, political action and/or personal participation. As an eternal optomist, I prefer to begin with the good news... A Women Through Film Series is being planned by the women in Red Lake. The content remains undecided at present. There is discussion about a new women's group on the campus of Lakehead University. The Women and Economic Development Committee are working on a handbook for decision makers in Northwestern Ontario on 'Women's Role in Economic Development'. The Employment Development Branch is currently undergoing consolidation.,The four new programs are Job Corps, L.E.A.P. (Local Employment Assistance Program), Canada Works and Career Access. The focus - for L.E.A.P. is community based economic development. For more information call Sandra Steinhause or Julie Fels at 344-0815. There will be a spring conference in Dryden called Women in Transition. Proposed workshops focus on women's social and economic independence. More information will be forthcoming. The International Women's Day Celebration Committee is in the works and hopes to involve many women's groups. Confederation College has some exciting courses for women who wish to pursue non-traditional occupations. For more information see Joan Bath's 'Update' column. It is important to register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. The remainder of this report looks at current concerns. Family Resource Centres are receiving a lot of attention these days. There is considerable concern about their impact on Northwestern Ontario. Funding for Family Resource Centres and Transition Homes has been very scanty. The per-diem rate is a very awkward way of ensuring that each woman at the home gets basic room and board. Transition Homes are more than room and board, they offer counselling service and child care. A larger problem arose when Family Resource Centres were given a floating perdiem rate, meaning, the daily cost is figured and divided by the number of women using it. This means that Family Resource Centres get a different per-diem rate from Transition Homes. This move seems calculated to split women into two opposing factions - those involved with Family Resource Centres and those involved with Transition Homes. It is vital to keep the main issue in perspective Battered women need to have their The re-support services legislated. cent lobby was intended to ensure that any gains would be in writing. Over the past two years, new mental health programs have begun in most district communities. Their approach is largely clinical and there is concern over this isolated method of dealing with clients who are mostly women. As most of the mental health workers are male, and from outside the community, it is unlikely they will be able to relate to problems women face. There is not a lot of choice for women with no where else Alternatives are being reto turn. searched. It is felt that women's problems should be regarded as social, not personal. There were questions regarding the Women's Employment Centre report. More details were requested concerning Project Next Step. Further information is required on the local situation with INTO (Introduction to Non-Traditional Occupations) and WITT (Women in Trades and Technology). Plans for the future were missing in the report. It is hoped that more information on this and other issues will be exchanged at the next meeting. The mood of the meeting was subdued and there was only partial attendance. Those present seemed to be feeling the strain of too many meetinf,9. The age-old problem of commit- ting energy to so many equally impo tant issues while being one step ahead of the'fickle fist' of bureaucracy can rake the most optomistic person feel over-burdened. Sometime the gains are microscopic and other times the larger gains feel like grains of sand as the tide rolls ou It is like scrambling for grains before they all go out to sea. Personally (despite my gloomy introduction) I hope these meetings continue in order to provide some check and balance on the 'system', and keep women well informed about current issues affecting them. Networking allevites the isolation that fragments us, removes the bar riers erected by misinformation or There are total lack of knowledge. however, some dangers when women b come too insular. Even with this opportunity for exchange, there is a tendency for womens' groups to look inward and develop a protective, bureaucratic language that alienates them from the women they work so hard to support. I attended this meeting, a rel tive newcomer to the forma th tiny political seeds just beginning to sprout. I came to listen but I also came to try to understand. I was amazed at the ease with which initials were tossed back and forth It was as though I was suddenly immersed in a large bowl of alphabet soup. It is easy to be intimidated by the sub-language of meetings (d signed presumably to maintain-order and efficiency) and almost lose sig of their purpose. One has to.,plung into this curious way of communicating in order to survive. I learned much more information after the me ing by talking to various cooperat women and asking for their thoughts and feelings. Perhaps the language can be simplified so that it is mor universally understood. Communicat should bring us together not set us -. apart. Northern Woman's BOOKSTORE §,tztligage copies of ) Please send me ( RISING @ $5.00 each. Enclosed is a cheque or money order for ( ), which includes postage, payable to: NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL, 316 Bay St., Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 1S1 316 BAY STREET THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO 344-7979 ././2 sf, et. /;:c? and much more ! OPEN Thurs-Fri 11:30-7:3 Sat 11:30-4:3 NORTHERN W OMAN page 6 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �FRAGMENTS/BETRAYALS You took at me, and I know you see. I'm convinced brown eyes betray me, and I tAy to hide Hidden, the hunt una6iecting. OtheAz wilt not zee. I my to hide behind them Put glasses on them to shade me inom btindingty hot neatity which I conitonted (having /tun headlong) under which I paAtty buckled, somewhat stAong oven which I measuited a stunted tnwth, with an Ancient faith, untetigious but .integral, peAsonat and omnipresent Shattered, slammed, blown from bettayat to btundet Unp'wud but unashamed, adMittedty knuckted under. I wrap the ()toms and bruises in the womb of home and /Loom Re4ugee 6/tom a teatity too unteat Lon. me Eventuatty (as always) I tesume the plea F04 the peace AO cherished, so temoved, I grieve Winding me with barbed wine, they cannot and witt not Leave. I plead OA 4/Leedom, LOA Aetease But I cannot cry ion a Aightiut peace... Then, the teems 6o/tow Like OLagments oi iib/Legtass, itching and biting Angty and uncteanzing in eyes exhausted with fighting Eyes betAayed and betkaying Watching the could's, and the cutting Go on, deal the hand, but Lot now I'm folding Bone-cut with disittuzion, dissotution But hotding. A ONE NOTE CHORD I used the elect/tic d'LU. It didn't nun th/tough my feet and aftound My apartment. Not thiz time. My mind oven its matte/L. I put those ugly mugs away. I must Love het Less if I hate those blue mugs. I Love hen. It's those blue mugs I hate. I came home. Tined woman -chitd. I wanted my friend and my dinner, Now. Complete. Incomplete me completed dinner. Cried. Did the damn dishes. Survived. I went to bed. I touch my Seq. heel my Betio heat my Seti. I ALIA away. To AetuAn. Sometimes coming 6utthet with my Self. I sigh. I transcend. fact. touch. sptat. stumble. glide. want. speak. scream. dream. Aead, bang. white. I am tined. thAitted. stAong.atone. oteative. in pain. in the bath. in need. in sane. in tAoubte. indeed I am: An average exttaoAdinaty woman teaAning to Be. Sarson, Winnipeg NORTHERN WOMAN page 7 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Annex Oheeth (Ton. Many) I dance beneath you, swaying in the A.hythm o4 out two -6tep, hipA hugging,-Zip4 touching, Tuaning Oheoth tuaning Round Round wing ciacteh Spinning hpiaagh Spinning /wand tegA- teaAing. Foitwand, and aound Round, and /onward And /wand In hpiaath Tempting hungry hand4 to hoatd an inch o4 geAh with a moment o6 man caught in a wand o4 woman, catching u4 both battered into wanton warmth, .Leaving uA timp and penAive with peace. Joyce Thierry Yellowknife, N.W.T. Time. hpent Staength gone Riding my nightmare /wand In hpiaath Wheel's Within whezeh: Whiaeing. Spinning wheel re/Vah wheel aheet o/ /oatune: Sanity?/Inhanity Wheats whiating I teanna See my. cast Vheoth Tuaning .stoke Love glow /east seek Round... Susan Collinh Hawkinh hies tickle open - Live/inAwA4mAL4wiegadir- witch I am caeatiag cahtiag 'spelling changeing my /aces LaL Sanoon Winnipeg meeting /oa gaenwyn Nomanhtoaieh when the Red chip o/ pothhead heed warm in youa palm 'spoke to you ah it hpeakh to me i knew we.had met at eaht when you haw the woman o/ the coeoRndo can h. a thousand untold htoitieh the kid's, the home, the meats menial ta'sk's to cloud the mind to coal( the gottee o/ wihdornh /oa hake 'stowage 'she's a good wile and a good mother too hen taaided haia heir won,' heatea!h handh The Poman 4eZOIL4C-eA to Le tapped hea wipe tined lace i knew we had /inalgy touched when you haw hen ah i do molding clay into htaiph and the htaiph into a gowe hunk deep into the ahheh 01 a hot pinyon /ire i knew you and i were ah one when you haw the pot gaoken Pay a naaaow running htaeam the ancient woman gone the valley hieent o/ heft voice i knew what we had heed togethea ma's o/ moman'h Love Aging Like a ceetea o/ home made wine Don't wait any Longest, I Leg you Don't tet het /eament much eongea On it may Le too Late She may eohe that geauti/ue gouquet She may Lecome Litter, tor, She has an expiry date. The gaave'h a great peace /oa ha/e-keeping But where the here doe's age the potential energy go? Don't Let hen take het 'stony to hen grave! lady Ileaatin Diane Stein PittAbutgh PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAN page 8 �FOOLS BITTER SORROW Beloved together we ate outcasts cotouted a threat Beloved together we ate atone. I my to hide from so catted women Wends ieministz bighting each other - 4ighting mec, I tAy but I 6ai1 I want to embrace att. women. She weighs me down with het hatted She teats my eyes out so that perhaps I won't see 6ut I zee anyway I open my mouth to speak it She Aipa out my tongue, my teeth I bteed. Yet my heart stite opens with .Love (Such a 400t I am) She kittz me with vengence because T speak the unspeakabte I eat the inedibte I question She wants me dead, dizappeated I open out my hands palms up, no weapons but mysetli Myseti once again I must be myset4 (Such a painiut ioot) No tturt On'y those who are my beloved know me and know the bitten sottow. Beloved together we ate atone. Teresa legowski gRENADA BETRAYED caenadn eittte 444te4 I watch you as you teeed A woman .town and Eatteaed By a viotent heaat o, gAped. Litt& ziztea I murt match you Hetd down by ioteign need giants Ringed aaound Pith theia tomeaing phallic gazed. The 11.S. iz the 42ant With his zimpeaing gaotheaz zix They took a iLagite ziztea They eetaayed hen_ with all speed Canada and Cilia hea 4i steer and a Aiend Faiaweathea yeas But ztiet 1 hope 4 conzeience in the end. Reflections '. Rappea I take of my crapes. Remove mu wing. Pith my miaaoa, Ply .truth Naked. I touch my zet. Taace my pain. Kiss my eipz. Reaeing again. Phizpea.ing tongue. Tickeez my zout. Spn.ing 4ngeaz, Rememkea they know. 7ingee-ing with pteazuae. Ooze-ing with. We. Savouaing my See/.. Caaezzing to flight. Lae Swoon NORTHERNWOMAN page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �MEMORABILIA...(as inspired by WCMANSPACE Rummage sale) Canto I (Allegro) Fancy, high-heeled shoes "Sexy", classy, and expensive, too $60-$100 a few years ago (Probably purchased at a "discount" though) Useless, uncomfortable "sexy" shoes ...something or other... IES DAVID embossed in gold How cruel I was then: How amazed I am now: (I took my warm, woolly work socks off to measure...) How did I ever put these broad, strong, sensitive feet into that pair of dainty little frames ?? and even with that task accomplished how to walk, to dance, to run??? The heels--3 3/4" from flesh to earthly contact point (probably 4" or so when they were younger when I was younger...) the left worn harder than the right (at least something's making sense: "Sexy" shoes? Token of payment dearly made for needing approval at the door once inside they were hidden under a table or kicked off on a dance floor Were their teeny little buckles made of gold? If I knew then what I know now... Well, I'd have bought hiking boots, of course: If I'd had another 100 or so I could've had a tent: (Reassuring at least that my Left made more tracks than my Right ever did - ever could!) (for metric conversion: (Andante) 10 cm "=" 4") Canto 11 I wonder now... How their factory-worker builders (knowing & imagining what's just been described) must have laughed & maybe cried inside wishing to be working/creating for themselves without someone else's crazy little rules crazy little frames.... Souls of sole builders (Bata and others) using other crazy little names Makers of uppers and lowers heels and toes straps and soles Somewhere in your world there's a wandering traveller looking for a pair of handmade soles so, 1 of you, at least, doesn't have to sell your soul! Judy McMartin Thunder Bay WOPTHERN WOMAN page 10 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Female. Frogs and Crumbs e-THE by TERESA LEGOWSKI s rn "Crumbs; we're all, scrambling after Crumbs. " ( Fiona Karlstedt ) It's easy enough to see the avenues for gaining power in the community for women are limited to about two, maybe three. It's easy enough to see that the structure for attaining power is imposed by the same patriarchal institutions which women are supposedly fighting. It's easy enough to see. It's called not biting the hand that feeds you. It's called funding. It's called money. All this is easy enough to see and analyze and get angry about. It's easy because it's intellect- Then - late one night - late autumn - 11:30 p.m. - the phone rang just as I was crawling into my lonely sheets. A voice I recognized. An occasional "fuck". He was miserable. I declined his invitation to join him at his place. With genuine sympathetic concern I suggested he come over ual. for coffee. So I'm a feminist. So I walked in-r to this community straight out of the bush with my skiis on my feet and my belongings on my back. I sure didn't see then what I see now. What idealistically I hoped would be an equal situation is in reality a hierarchy of some big female frogs in a little pond trying to out-croak each other. It's called empire building. I see these frogs getting read possessive about their particular lily pad. I see them real scared about any new frogs in"town. Once in a while a younger frog gets ousted by the old gang and decides to build her own new lily pad; a new little empire in thecfrog pond. Sometimes old frogs get the same idea when they realize that the younger upstarts are going to get them hopped. But all these new lily pads are kept floating by patriarchal funding, by crumbs from the bull frog Obscene Telephone Calls by GERALDINE VAN CRAM The bedside phone rang - eagerly I answered. Alas - only heavy breathing. "Disappointed" - again - I hung up. I tried not to wonder. I went downstairs to kitchen and put the espresso pot on. I had no idea what I was going to say to the guy - an American ex-G.I. in Canada working and looking =---BANG - through the backdoor. No nothing - just a very rough maul with the obvious intent of azfuck. He left after 10 minutes or so of my refusals. I was telephoning when he came in again. (I couldn't lock the door of my old house.) For the next one and a half hours I was subjected to tension of death-like terror and disgust. Vietnam visited upon me! During the ordeal I was ordered not to make any sounds. He held me by the throat as he attempted to get an ,erection. The entire event seemed to have something to do with an obsession with sounds. Rape of the body is equalled only by rape of the psyche. For the following year I attempted to lay charges. All the= procedures were followed. I went to City Hall. It is ironic that THE POLICE made the HIT Parade. There is MORE but details are now irrelevant - so if you get a "friendly fuck' watch out for obscene telephone calls. CASE HI pie. It doesn't matter who the female frogs are. It doesn't matter what empires they're building. None of that matters. The situation is universal. So what we have here is a pretty closed and stagnating pond. It's really sad to hear all the bickering and backstabbing and biting. It's really sad to see no room for new ideas or old ideas that have been suggested but never tried. It's really sad to realize there will be no improvement. There are the occassional croaks about who is the better feminist frog Who is the best feminist in this town? Who is the worst feminist? Who cares? These pointed questions are really saying, "I've got the best lily pad in town. So croak off!" After all, isn't the floating lily pad built on a foundation of feminism? Or is it? All it takes is the one and only patriarchal bull frog to pull the bucks and the little lily pad sinks. The truth is these little lily pads are built on dollars. Their purpose is not to achieve feminism, freedom, a new society, a new universal or der) a new religion, a new world, ribbit, ribbit,ribbit. Their purpose is to get ahead in a patriarchal ' . pond. And what about the actual female frog empire builders? Where do they see themselves in this pathetic scenario? I don't think they see themselves at all. They see red when their lily pad gets jostled or when their croak gets questioned& They're really good swimmers. But they don't seem to sit back, review the situation, analyze their actions and their behaviors, question their own conditioning and how it relates to the perpetuation of patriarchal bullfrogging. Instead they go home and hide in their slurpy, mud-bottomed bubbles. Who wouldn't? It's a frog-eat-frog pond. After all, once all the crumbs are gone, female frog legs for supper are the next best thinf. WOMEN AND PENSIONS After years of study on pension reform, the government is expected to act soon. Considerable concern exists, however, about whether the needs of women will be met by the proposed legislative changes. To encourage continued discussion and awareness of pension issues, the Women and Pensions Committee will visit a number of NWO communities during the next few months. Meetings will be sought with members of parliament to discuss the recommendations that deal with women's pension needs. Th pile a umentin respect the exp workers, dealing We feel women's forcefu improve man pers bate. If please w Committe tre, t der Bay, An is the r Continue women to If you m ful potl your Cha Jan, 11 Jennifer women wel PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Nakina THE 'COPING" COP-OUT by JOAN BARIL Notes based on a Workshop by Gerry Wine, O.I.S.E., at the Women and Therapy Conference, November 11/83 Toronto. Mental health workers are the new priests. Therapy cannot change history. Counselling cannot change economics. At best it can teach you to fight. At worst it can teach you to cope. "Cope" is a terrible bald word. Flat and defeatist. "Cope" means giving, in, capitulating in a war. It means you are colonized and oppressed from the moment of birth. The mental health system has two major lists of concerns to deal with. One' list is all the things it does badly and the second list is all tha things it does not do at all. Problems often not acknowledged by counsellors (or badly handled) include: 1. Women's low self esteem. Why don't mental health workers address themselves to the fact that many women have low self esteem? Is it because they are not convinced that women should have it? Is it because self esteem in a woman might cause problems for her husband? 2. Women suffer from a lack of intimacy. Husbands are often afraid of intimacy. The patriarchal family does not provide it. 3. Women's guilt and depression is not handled well, especially the guilt of mothers. They must constantly be on guard-against exterior threats to the child, poisons in the environment, unsuitable movies and TV, unhealthy food, poor education, trauma. They cannot veer from the accepted path of "good motherhood". They get tired. They feel guilty. 4. Sexual harassment of many . kinds. From a conference on Housework, part of a series of workshops on the international Human Rights of women as workers, sponsored by the International Education Centre, a bibliography on Housework has been published. The bibliography provides a comprehensive listing of articles and books dealing with various aspects of the issue of housework. Copies of the bibliography may be obtained free of charge from the International Education Centre, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, B3H 3C3 NORTHERN WOMAN page 12 5. The sexual deprivation of women is unacknowledged. Where are the houses of pleasure for her, the sensuous places with good books, conversation, massage, exercise, exquisite sex. 6. Once a woman is over 30 she comes to an age where she is no longer a possible sexual partner for a man. She fails all the cultural stan-. dards on beauty. Nobody looks at her, nobody sees her. To a degree she becomes a different human as if she mutated into something else. Things the mental health system doesn't deal with at all: 1. The obedience and conformity demanded of little girls who grow starts young and it is a serious mental health problem. 2. Lack of identification with women. Women's altruism and volunteer work is poured into men and into children and less often into other women. There is also the petty harassment of women by women. Feminists ignore this because they want to believe in the myth of sisterhood. 3. Inability to congratulate ourselves. Few women are able to take pleasure in their own achievements. 4. Women often lack compassion for themselves. They harass themselves. 5. Homophobia. 6. Racism and anti-semetism. 7. Women's inability to have a righteous rage against men. To say "I hate men" to the therapist or counsellor, to explain that this means I hate this male system and I hate what this male system has done to me. CONT'D FROM PAGE of unemployment. Our well-being,our standard of living, our economic security and independence will be destroyed. 2. Those of us women who own our own businesses in Nakina will be devastated. Who will be left to buy our commodities? Selling the business in a Northern Ontario community such as Nakina is impossible, in view of the economy, as well as the disruption of the C.N. "run-througl It will be a direct financial loss, absolutely unrecoverable. 3. Our children will lose the opportunity to grow up in a secure ark open community environment, as many of us did. 4. If the C.N. employees decide tc "pack-sack",which means we - the wives - live in Nakina while our husbands work elsewhere - the resul will be devastating to a stable f amily life: i)two living accomodations to keep up(ii)raising childrer on our own (iii)the burdens encountered of keeping the home front a alone (iv)where to turn should sick ness arise, as it will (v)the agony of being separated from our spouses (vi)will it lead to drinking proble (vii)will it lead to marriage break down (viii)lots of stress and its self-destructive'ramifications We refuse to adjust to being a "C.N. pack-sackers widow". The vice-president of C.N.,Mr.Var Water, is an example of the type of intelligence of the people running this company. He suggested_oommutir C.N. "gives a 2 hour call andit.wot take 4 hours to drive to HornepaynE The mathematics of this intrigues t ,Since there is no 4-lane, paved hig way from here to anywhere, this prc posal is totally ridiculous. The road is bad enough in summer, what with loose gravel and potholes. In the winter it is extremely treacher ous,with lots of snow,-30 C. weathE hard-packed glare ice the majority of the time. C,N. does not care that they are c stroying our livelihoods, our homes our marriages,our families and our community. Should C.N. have such cc trol over its employees and their families? It certainly owes us hum-. ane consideration. We are not robot Already we are going through unhe able anxieties and mental pressure; tie really do not know if we can endure any more heartache and stress. The thing that is keeping us sane .right now is anger and the need to fight this corporation. And fight will! Help us fight this giant! A poputaft. 6aying an Atdeuon went as 4ottowz: "They wotk u,o tike a houe, 4eed tike a biA.d, tteat u4 Zile a dte,s4 La -Eike a man - and then expect UZ to act tike a lady ". (nom the Atdeuon Stoty) PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �- GRENADA The Destruction of Hope by MARGARET PHILLIPS I am waking down the beach, the Might Cakibbean sun wakming my weary 4out. A young Gkenadian gikt puts het smart back hand in mine and we waltz togethet, joyiutty, in hakmony. It Lo Apkit,1981. I am marching through the streets of Thunder Bay, joining millions throughout the world who unite to demand the end of this nuclear madness that will destroy us all. We march and sing and shout NO MORE WARS. It is October,1983. Wendy Loofas dot me each a4tetnoon. Fot a kew minutes she teaves azide het motfz to visit and tett me o4 hen day. My day is btightet because a4 het welcome. We sit in silence in the Cathedral, each one of us maintaining our own vigil. Our lighted candles a flickering ray of hope for PEACE. While at that moment the Americans finalize their plans to invade Grenada. I come to Grenada exhausted - mind, body, spitit weany and wokn itom yeaA4 o4 iutite e44ott in my quest 4ot social justice in my city, my countty. Fok a 4ew weeks I am escaping my inability to countetact the in4titutionat viotence ditected against women, against pock people, against minotities in our ZOCiety. Fkom the moment I step o44 the smart LIAT ptane,a sense oi excitement 4,1-US me. Grenada is a country tike no other Cakibbean countky I have visited. Pethaps it is the quiet steady activity mo4t sttiking. And the sense o4 pkide, that 0,4 dignity o4 thepeopte. The cteantiness, the ondettine44, the absence o6 petty ckime, the absence oi pAostitution. The peopte oi Grenada ate peak, but they have hope, I come to Grenada when thein nevaution is just two yeak4 old. Grenada, most beauti4ut o4 att. the -Lands, yet one o4 the pootest countties in the would. Its histoAy one o4 4tavety, cotonization expZoitation, and in tecent yearns the despo:tic teadet- The media gives confused reports about Grenada... ., a coup .. a military takeover. Demonstrations supporting Bishop. Then the news - Maurice Bishop has been murdered. I visualize the panic, the despair the Grenadian people must feel. I exptote Grenada - what Lessons can this tiny, undekdevetoped countty pkovide? The 4ocus thA4 yeah tis on agkicuttuke - getting 4eAtite but Long -idle Land back into pkoduction - ensuting agticuttatat set4-su44iciency. So development stresses agticuttute, education, titekacy, health cake, co-op development, the new aitpott. They cektainty 4eem to have their pkiokitim ztkaight. Vet behind the hope and excitement is a constant sttain o4 4eat. Des abtization and invasion. It 4takted eakty with the te4usat 0,4 Ameticaneconomic aid, and when economic sabotage didn't wokk, the onset of phoicat viotenCe. It i4 commonly undeutood thtoughout the Ccv)ibbean that the tepeated attempts on Mautice Bishop's ti4e ate CIA inspited. The 1980 bomb exptosion, intended 4ot Bishop and his Cabinet membeko, but which instead ztat in people's kitted thtee young women, minds. The need to de4end theit tevotution ptompt4 the devetopment.o4 a stAong militia. With each achievement o4 the kevotution the thteat oi in- vasion gum 4tkongen. In an interview in 1981 Prime Minister Bishop replied to a question about the Reagan administration's outlook towards Grenada: "We are also concerned in fact about the increasing talk about 'linkage', that is to say linking developments in other parts of the world; let us sak in the Middle East, with what is happening in this region and direct threats that under this system of linkage some country in this region could be invaded as a result of what may be happening in a different part of the world" (Maurice Bishop, Caribbean Times, March 19,1981) zhip o4 Ekic Gave y. Grenada, the 4.ik.st Engtizh speaking Cakibbean nation to expetience-a 4ociatizt kevotution, Lead by Mautice Bishop and massivety zuppokted by ate sectou o4 the poputation. A tevotution o4 HOPE. "All the indicators are that it was to 'avenge' the Marines killed in Beirut that the American president decided to take the step [the invasion] and carry out plans that had been ready for a long time. But here again, the message is ambiguous as it is tantamount to an admission that the U.S. Our March for Peace is not allowed to assemble on City Hall property. City Council succqmbing to the Legion pressure. Do I really live in a city that believes it is subversive to protest nuclear war? "If peace fails; the plan is to run the Government of Canada from an aging underground bunker for about two weeks. The emergency planners, whose task it is to think about 'the continuity of government' during a nuclear nightmare, feel that after about two weeks the radioactivity levels would drop sufficiently so that the Governor-General, the can do nothing in Lebanon. As one U.S. senator put it on learning of the Grenada invasion 'You win the wars you can win'". (Manchester Guardian, Nov.6/83) I receive the news of the invasion of Grenada without emotion. Like the numbness one feels on the expected death of a friend. Several days later, war filming released, the agony fills me. Gunfire pounding the beach where I walked, bombs blasting the countryside I travelled. I scream. Prime Minister, a war Cabinet of at least three other ministers and the bunker support staff could emerge to see what was left and decide whether it was worth trying to carry on. For the first time I acknowledge the inevitability of nuclear war. The bunker Government would not have the niceties of parliamentary almost all isters and would have democracy. The leaders of the opposition parties, other MPs, senators, a majority of Cabinet minalmost all of the civilian population of Canada to fend for themselves on the outside, among the nuclear fireballs, flying debris, radioactive mushroom clouds and whatever other horrors the next war could bring." (Globe and Mail, Nov.18/83) The Leader o4 the nevotutionaky goveknment, Maukice Bishop, is enokmoustypoputak. I marvel as I heat the chems tesponding to Bishop's speech to a wotket's tatty. I ponder how it must fleet to have a potiticat teadek that inspites such Love and adMinationo "The U.S. Federal authorities have stockpiled 71,000 pounds of opium (morphine is a derivitive of opium) for critical civilian use, and have recently requested 59,000 additional pounds. The Pentagon has asked the National Funeral Directors' Association of the United States to prepare to handle mass burials; the president of the Association has asked for a training course in embalming radioactive corpses. One thing is certain -- unburied, buried, incinerated or vapourized, the dead will continue to be radioactive -- forever." (Wallenius, NWJ Sept./83) continued on page 14 NORTHERN ra OMAN pa ge 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �- Grenada continued nom page 13 "Perhaps the worst crime that Colonialism left our country, has indeed left all former colonies, is the Education System. This is so because that system was used to teach our people The Grenada peopee welcome me - as they welcome evetyone - be they tomists - mainly BAitish and Eutopean, on wonheAs - the U.N. oiSiciats, intetnationat aid people, and the Cuban wotkeu who have come to help build the new aitpott. And the 1000 Ametican mectLcaL students. Finding an Ameti7 can medical schoot in Gtenada a a shock - seAiouz young men ensconced on Lounge chants on the beach, a stack oi medical jouAnats beside them a an unusual pictute, but they soon become pant oi the landscape. I ask how many Gtenadians ate enAotted at St. GeoAge's Medical School ...someone thinks maybe two on there. an attitude of self-hate, to get them to abandon our history, our culture, our values. To get them to accept the principles of white superiority, to destroy our confidence, to stifle our creativity, to perpetuate in our society class privilege and class difference. The colonial masters recognized very early on that if they get a subject people to think like they do, to forget their own history and their own culture...then they have already won the job of keeping us in perpetual domination and exploitation" (Maurice Bishop, quoted in Grenada, The Peaceful Revolution, EPICA Task Force,1982) People taL(a iteety to me aboUt thein countty, -c-t4 idtute, and about theit peAsonat goats. The news analysis shifts. Criticism emerges of Reagan and the Pentagon. But not criticism of the invasion. Only criticism that journalists were denied access to-report the war first hand. A valid complaint, no doubt, but hardly the most basic issue. I'm pleasantly smoised at the openness. Most peopLe suppont the &evolution, although I meet sevetat ctitia - they miss the big U.S. to $. Reagan's mounted a huge ptopoganda campaign and scated okii the Ametican touAist.s. The legality of the invasion is moderately questioned. An occasional voice ponders the morality of the world's most powerful nation invading one of the smallest, poorest nations in the world. Not once, have I seen any analysis of the racism that underlies this invasion. The Peat point of the peopLe'4 optomism is the new international aiApoAt. Without exception Grenadians agree the new aitpoAt means iutute pAospetity. The aitpott a also the peas oS Reagan's patanoia... who confutes up a pictute oS a Soviet-Cuban mititaAy base. Obsessively, I read and watch reports about the invasion. I grow increasingly distressed about the inadequacy of the Canadian reporting of the GrenadiEln tragedy. Is it incompetence, ideological-fervor, laziness or fear that prompts Canadian journalists to simply regurgitate the political propoganda issued by Washington. If our journalists had deigned to visit Gtenada in the past four yeats they might have gained the insight needed to provide a thoughtful analysis. But war is news, while social development is not. So, in the first few days journalists are content to pass on the .distortion, the lies, the scare tactics, effectively manipulated by Washington. And some Canadians accept it as truth. Others know better, but they cannot, will not (understandably) think through to the real meaning of this atrocity. "While I was building neat castles in the sandbox, the hasty pits were filling with bulldozed corpses Each time I hit a key on my electric typewriter speaking of peaceful trees another village explodes" ********************************************* Heath cake, along with education was the Iiitst pAioAi-ty oS the Bishop goveAnment. I Leann about health carte advances since the nevotution: the estabtishment oS heath centres and dental ctinics in each paAish, the medical stations in each village. I think oS the yeaAz oS Sutiee eiSoAt we spent ttying to secute a community health centAz in our downtown cote. That aenada's poputation a 110,000'4.... - the same ass Thunder Bay's --a a iAony that does not escape me. T e ood and NutAition Council pAovides heath and nutAition education. TheiA program to encouAage new motheAs to breast Seed putts our Seebte eSSoAts oS a Nestles bouycott to shame. The initial rationale for the invasion -the safety of the American medical students gives way to Reagan's absurd assertions of saving Grenada from a Cuban take-over. After days of misinformation the U.S. military officials admit they exaggerated the number of Cubans in Grenada. They acknowledge the numbers provided by Cuban authorities were correct. (Margaret Atwood, The Animals In That Country, 1968) "The news seems vague and far off, not as if it were really happening. It sits on us like an ache. We are trying to ignore it lest the pain become unbearable" The only statistics on war casualities give the number of Cubans killed. No figures are provided about the Grenadian who died. Cuba seeks to return the Grenadians whose bodies the Americans shipped to Cuba. (Hundreds and Thousands, the journals of Emily Carr,1937) ******************************************** The beach a Wendy'4 woAkptace. VendbAs, oi att ages, daily mad set theit nags, thein pro duce, woAking ditigentey to meet that Samities needs. BeSone the tevotution Wendy and other 12 yea/ old (an even younger) chitdnen would be vending Suet-time. But now shealso goes to school. Ftee education, schoot Lunch oognams, mean the children Adam even the poorest Samities have a chance Son educa- A friend just back from Central America tells of the horror and tragedy she witnessed. The unbelievable violence in El Salvador, Guatemala, Hor duras. The desperate refugee situation. The increasing armed aggression of Nicaragua, the systematic destruction of the Nicaraguan economy. For Central Americans there is no doubt that GrE nada is only the first step. tion. Not only the children ate educated. The adult titeAacy campaign a one (IS the SiAst pAogAams of the Bishop govetnment. In one yeas adult ittitetacy a almost etiminated. Many analysts believe the U.S. will invade Nicar aqua before the end of the year. My friend talks about the fear. But also the determination. The courage. continued on page 15 NORTHERN W OMAN page 14 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �continued VLOM page 14 Women Step Fonwatd ... the biZZboatd on the outsk-i_Juts og St. George's inttiguez me. What's hap- The idea o4 braiding my ha-ijt 4dscinates Wendy, so one day I ,indulge het. I am newatded by the pening with women in Grenada? The National Women's 0Aganization L busy keeping women organize Local groups in vittagez ass wat as Zamet tawns. Day cane, school projects, tecteation, small economic gentle smaez oi the aZdet women on the beach who watch out puject with interest. I ignote the co -ops ate the pro jee to women otganize atound. Basic gitaiss tootz stu66. One especiatty hot day we wend out way to the ice cream stand, then Sind a shady spot to enjoy the cootLng tteat. We tdek about het Suture. "I want to be a nurse" Wendy tettz me. I learn about the ZegizZation aggecting women: equal pay, putection Strom sexual harassment, and a very ptogtessive matetnity .leave law. I visit the NatAona2 Women's Otganization oigce. I keep my 6eminism in check - recognizing that Caribbean women view ieminizm as a white, middeeceazs Amettican woman's luxury, But I'm anxious to discovet how they see women's tole. Despite the teatity that men dominate. the leadership, the women ate canvinced that they wilt. achieve qua.ity within the goats oi the revolution. My head tettz me it wiZZ never happen. My heant wishes it might be so. states (IS the other tourists, Huge military vehicles pound through the streets of St. George's, the American soldiers jeeringly brandish their powerful guns. The venom of their contempt seeps into me ... corrodes my very core. I think of the horrors forced on women in other wars. Women's bodies the victors reward. Prostitution inevitable for sheer survival. That rape occurs even more often in an occupation than in war. The U.S. military embark on a "witchhunt" in,Grenada, seeking out officials and supporters of the Bishop government. Grenadians are co-erced and bribed to inform on other Grenadians. Everyone with any association with the revolution is branded subversive, criminal - militia, development workers, co-op leaders - anyone. Kendrick Radix, the former Attorney-General is picked up without a warrant and detained in a 10 foot barbed wire and wooden crate. I think particularly of the American veteran's testimony at a forum on the atrocities witnessed and committed in Vietnam "It wasn't like they were humans.... they were a gook or a Commie and it was okay" (quoted in Against Our Will, Men, Women and Rape, Susan Brownmiller, 1975) The military is joined by U.S. AID who charts Grenada's. future. Health and education are to be re-structured. All education materials developed by Bishop's government to be destroyed. The director of the Food and Nutrition Council is I think of Wendy --- a young woman now. fired. Headlines of the Grenada invasion fade - to be replaced by more visible wars in other areas of our world. But war is only the most extreme form of organized violence. Just as insidious is the violence of poverty, of imperialism, of racism. The physical war in Grenada may be ending, but the U.S. invaders have ensured that the silent violence of imperialism will be Grenada's future. The Psychops (Psychological Operation Battalion) are in charge of "communications". The new airport is expected to become a permanent U.S. military base. The National Women's Organization, the National Youth Organization are eliminated. The Grenadian provisional council, sanctioned by the U.S. military has banned all public gatherings, all group meetings - except for the Rotary Club. ********************************************** ******************************************** U.S. "aid" to Grenada includes distribution of baby formula. The violence is just beginning. I Zook Sot Wendy to say good-bye. I encourage het to stay in school, putsue het goats. She asks me iS I wLU come and It tis my last day in Grenada. CUSO workers returned from Grenada hold a press conference. They attempt to focus on the social implications of the tragedy, as well as refute the distorted militarycontrolled information that has filled our visit again. I tetZ het Yes, yes, I veit# much want to come back to Grenada. media. They confirm my fear that the social developments of the past four years will all be stamped out. They also express their fears for the safety and freedom of the Grenada people with whom they worked:. the women who organized a food-making co-operative, women working in programs to upgrade education, to encourage non-traditional jobs. "We are concerned about those people because they will be identified as having associations with the revolution. We are really concerned, we are seriously concerned about this." Grenada, that tiny island that evokes in me such strong feeling. It is not likely that I will visit you again. But how grateful I'am for the privilege of being a welcomed visitor for a few brief weeks - to a country that tried against insurmountable odds - to build a social revolution. I cry - for a country that dared to dream of justice and equality. I cry - for a young girl who dared to dream that she might be a nurse. (Marlene Green, transcript of CUSO press conf.Oct.31/83) I cry. And I fear. The human and social consequences of the invasion that the CUSO workers describe receive little coverage from the mainstream Canadian media. NORTHERN WOMAN page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �THE CONFEDERATION COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY THUNDER BAY DISTRICT WOMEN'S PROGRAMS WINTER '84 In conjunction with Divizionz oi the CofJege, Women's P/Logums initiates, develops and Sacititatez subjectz, seminau and con6etences in response to changing needs in. education and in employment. Women's Pnogtams ptovides tesounces Son educators, students, individuals and community gtpups who tequite consultation about 6emini2 t -issues. Women's Programs Curriculae GENERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE DIPLOMA PROGRAM emphasizing seeking training for a future career through is designed to be of particular interest to women It offers subjects that develop an awareness of issues general study prior to career selection. field(s) relevant to women in the work force combined with the opportunity to explore career through additional subject selection. AVAILABLE POST-SECONDARY CREDIT SUBJECTS: GS GS GS GS GS GS 010 026 052 136 143 159 . PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING WOMEN, SOCIETY AND CHANGE WOMEN IN MANAGEMENT WOMEN & STRESS MANAGEMENT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION-EQUAL OPPORTUNITY For further information, contact the Program Co-ordinator at (807) 475-6390. BUSINESS DIVISION--EQUAL OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Pending Council of Regents Approval) will prepare the student to be a manager, emphasizing program analysis, development and coordination of Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity for women, ethnic and racial minority group members and for people with disabilities, in government and non-governmental organizations. Foe further information, contact the Program Co-ordinator at (807) 475-6140. SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS * TECHNICAL UPGRADING PROGRAM (T.U.P.) _ technical T.U.P. facilitates the entry of individuals, particularly women, into the workplace or -- Career Counselling provides a The program has two components: or trades training programs. technical or "training path" outlining the training necessary to enter the intended workplace or provides 8-40 weeks of upgrading in related -Academic Upgrading trades training program; certificate and diploma programs in technology or business programs as well as selected apprenticeable trades. Associate Registrar-Adult Training & Special Programs For further information, contact the at (807) 475-6302. INTRODUCTION TO NON-TRADITIONAL OCCUPATIONS (I .N.T.0,) I.N.T.O. is an 8-week program that helps women to Students study job search skills, goal setting and plot a career path. traditional jobs. Work placement gives women real job experience. Arts at (807) 475-6210. For further information, contact the Chairperson of Communication Win- (W.I.T.T,) WOMEN INTO TRADES ANDTECHNOLOGY practical trades W.I.T.T. is an 18-week program designed to expose women to all aspects of training and the world of High-Tech. the Chairperson of Industrial & Motive Power at (807) 475-6215. For further information, contact * ZW These programs are supported by the Canada Employment and Immigration Commission, under the Canada-Ontario training agreement of 1982. the Women's Employment TO REGISTER, contact your local Canada Employment 8 Immigration o66ice, on (Phone 807-623-2731). Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C IC7 Centre, 130 S. Syndicate Avenue, 036 TOMORROW'S WOMAN New conliidence .through seti-awareness and zeq-esteem wia be achieved .through the exetcisez, group discussions, and skits. Each individevelopment o6 this subject in peAzonat gAowth. dual witt acquire a ptoSite o6 ate/Lutz and goats, _a sense o6 new options and a ctati6ication oS values. DATE & TIME: START DATE: COMPLETED: INSTRUCTOR: FEE: $30.00 GS Wednesdays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. January 18, 1984 March 21, 1984 Liz Poulin 362, Shuniah Building ROOM: 99 026 ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING Provides the student with the skit Ps necessary -to negotiate honestly dot the things 4/he wants - on the job, at home, in Assention is not to be contused with aggression. the community. Aszettion takes into account the nights and ieetings o6 othets. DATE & TIME: START DATE: COMPLETED: INSTRUCTOR: FEE: $30.00 ZA Mondays 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. January 9, 1984 March 12, 1984 Pat McInnis 342, Shuniah Building ROOM: 99 119 FIRST STEP - COMPUTER PROGRAMMING FOR WOMEN An intAoductoAy subject in computer iundamentatz designed to give women an understanding o6 the capabititiez and tun& notogy associated with computers. Upon.compZetion, students wilt be able to design some o6 theft own "BASIC" ptogumz Students such as budget on mortgage payment calculations. GS 99 136 WOMEN IN MANAGEMENT This subject wia. deal pAimanity with the totes otc women in management, and the patticutat shift's needed by women -to e6iectivety iut6itt manageniat 6unctionz under constraints which are 6nom within themselves, as wett as those imposed by the otganizatipnz. DATE & TIME: START DATE: COMPLETED: INSTRUCTOR: $45.00 FEE: GS Mondays 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. January 9, 1984 April 16, 1984 Betty Chalmers 265, Shuniah Building ROOM: 99 143 WOMEN & STRESS MANAGEMENT This subject is intended to examine situational stnezzez in out tivez - 6amiey, job, social tetationships, congict, change, developmental ctisez, etc.; as weLE as potential sources 06 stress they biting to every situation because ob theiA personality, theit own betie6 system, their hits rhythms, and theit style (16 problem A ti6estyZe and attitude approach to changing their stress solving: response will be developed by each individual. DATE & TIME START DATE: COMPLETED: INSTRUCTOR: FEE: $30.00 Wednesdays 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. January 11, 1984 March 14, 1984 Walter Martin 265, Shuniah Building ROOM: will have hands-on experience with computers. DATE & TIME: START DATE: COMPLETED: INSTRUCTOR: FEE: $45.00 Tuesdays 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. January 17, 1984 March 20, 1984 Marlene Walther 362, Shuniah Building ROOM: FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT ALIEN'S PROGRAMS (307) 475 -6232. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Second Class Mail Registration No. 5697 ************************************* LABEL?? IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION ************************************* Collectively produced RETURN TO: THE NORTHERN WOMAN 316 B BAY STREET THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7B 1S1 byNoreen Lavoie, Teresa Legowski Michalchuk, Donna Anna McColl, Joyce Rosalyn Phoenix, Sara Williamson, Phillips Taylor Perrett, Margaret Return Postage Guaranteed Northern Woman Journal 316 Bay Street Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 1S1 (Six Issues) $5.00 Business or $10.00 Institution PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 8 No 3 Description An account of the resource Vol. 8, No. 3 (1984) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: Armed intervention by Guatemala, Honduras, and US against rebels in El Salvador Violence against women Reopening of Toronto women’s bookstore after fire Women & technology workshop Confederation College free courses for women entering the trades Dr. Henry Morgentaler Ontario Native Women’s Association Women and Pensions Committee Thunder Bay United Nations World Conference on Women, Nairobi Political cartoon Feminist book store opening Thunder Bay Sudbury Homemakers Conference Nipissing Transition House Daycare Conference Dryden women’s conference Women’s interagency meeting Poetry Women’s relationships & power Rape Women & pensions Womenspace events Women & Therapy Conference, Toronto Nuclear war Confederation College programs for women Authors/Contributors: Joan Baril Dale Mansfield Nancy Bishop Diane Parise Jeannie Mascotto Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Joyce Michalchuk Lal Sarson Joyce Thierry Susan Collins Hawkins Diane Stein Judy McMartin Teresa Legowski A. Rapper Geraldine Van Cram Margaret Phillips Noreen Lavoie Anna McColl Donna Phoenix Sara Williamson Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1984 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2780/1984_Vol_8_No_4.pdf a6f0ec2844d8e7412ac6b119f6d522e9 PDF Text Text Northern Woman Journal VOL.8, NO.4 THUNDER BAY, Ont. \\ PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Editorial escalates, As the right-wing British Columbia political violence against the powerless Status of Women Council, and the we learn of the economic attempts to silence the Vancouver anti-woman lobby potential demise of our sister newspaper, Kinesis. While in Saskatchewan the women's options are being gets support from that province's leading politicians. In Ontario witness the legislated out of existence (see Day Care story). And, in our own community, we and grant the funds attempts of certain City Council members to abolish Women Centre's funding $1000 to an instead to the anti-choice lobby. (Willie this attempt failed, Council did provide anti-o_hoice group.) Any lingering misconception that women are merely the coincidental victims of a national/ policies evolve not from global economic recession must quickly be put to rest. Misogynist (male) policy-makers ignorance, but with the deliberate intention of forcing women into dependency/poverty situations. The backlash against women multiplies in direct proportion to the knowledge, the analysis, the articulateness and the strength of the women's movement. We dare not pause to take a breath.... lest oxygen itself be denied us. ************************************************************!********************************* become a Political On the flip side of the coin we suddenly find that wife-battering has with a score of issue in Ontario. The cause of battered women presumably a high priority Cabinet ministers. A victory for women's groups one might think. But let us not be deceived. What we are about to witness is the institutionalization of this urgent women's issue into a provincial/municipal bureaucratic morass that will create the illusion of service to women, harmed than at but will, in fact, leave women poorly served, perhaps even more seriously present. While bright young Toronto civil servants compete for brownie-points on the backs of battering in battered women, and as a gaggle of southerners trip over each other to research The years of effort the north, our Transition Homes are still scraping for funds to survive. communities, and sensitive by community groups to provide services relevant to our northern the depth of experience and to the particular situation of battered women is being eroded; instances, ignored. pioneered these services, in many the wisdom of the women who have intrusion of the provincial government with its There is no doubt that the poorly-planned pre-designed conditions, its lack of consultation, has caused a major set-back for the Transition'Home movement in Northwestern Ontario. The community support, so painstakingly nurtured, by community hosquickly eroded because of provincial largesse; replaced, in some instances, issue. While montility. And what assurance is there that battering will remain a Political ies may flow freely in a pre-election year, no guarantees exist that such funding will remain appeal, it will again There is great danger that, as battering loses its Political available. the trust --- with a legacy be left to women --- but without the community support --- without start all over. to of inappropriate service to overcome -- and with the reality of having will become an institution The even greater danger is that services for battered women controlled by men. --in the fossilized bureaucracy -- will become a "profession" battering remains a women's issue. strength to ensure that wife It, will require enormous a breath We dare not pause Dear Women: I'm just writing to say thank you for printing Josie Wallenius' article (in Sept. 83) Hold Your Children You Can't With Nuclear Arms, and thank you to Josie for writing it. If any woman wants to receive the Greenham Common newsletter to copy and shares write to Annie Butcher at the camp. gitaphic by Cakot love and strength Carol Newbury Berkshire England con.anued on Page 6 PDF compression, page 2 web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN :4T OMAN OCR, �by JOAN BARD, be investigating the implications of the new provincial policy in its Day Care Project, Slated to start in April. Through a combination of interviews and surveys it will also analyse existing day care services and accessibility ooe see Spring and International Women's Day,.was celebrated March 8 by a luncheon of immigrant women at the Circle Inn, organized by the Multicultural Association. Then on March 10, the fourth annual Women's Day social at the Strathcona clubhouse, with pot luck food, and dancing .41, On the 15th was the official opening of the Northern Woman's BookStore (316 Bay St.), with music and poetry readings so. March 9 and 10, the feminist feature movie "Born in Flames" was shown at Lakehead University 000 which brings us to City Council. March is also the month the Women's Centre, the Physical and Sexual Assault Centre, the Social Planning Council approach for funding. Chief opponents of the Women's Centre are Aldermen Polhill and Reid, as well as former Progressive Conservative candidate Al Laakonen and P.C. party stalwart Dick Waddington. Picking through an impressive list of Women's Centre activities, Laakonen pounced on some pro choice talks as a reason to deny funding. Later he asked Ald. Betty Kennedy "What is pro-choice -anyway?" Uncomfortably straddling the fence is another Tory, Ken Boshcoff whose grudging support is belied by bhis iefprivate momentcomments ofslensf in sympat y or i a IA lora who hope to make the P.C.'s more sensitive to women's is- eee Ever get anxious about cancer - about losing a breast? What woman doesn't? But worry no longer. Two Montreal doctors have hit upon the "perfect preventative" and a sure-fire method to deal with the worry. They cut off healthy breasts. Now, that makes sense, doesn't it? It's all logic to surgeons Gaston Shwartz and Norman Beliveau at Montreal's Royal Victoria Hospital. "We're treating women's fears", they say. In the U.S., more than 11,000 of these "preventative mastectomies" have been performed. A typical victim, according to a report on CBC's Market Place is a woman who has experienced cancer in her family, perhaps her mother or a sister. Reasonrr means, her fears vr.e...mmlmrtm!r s-.2es) ! About FAce c'e.. *oe° eels No fault divorce the tiniest social benefit announced with the biggest government fanfare. Now we can flash dance into court, say our marriage has broken down, wait one year and voila: end up as poor as ever. Unless, some sort of country-wide mechanism is in place to enforce maintenance and support orders, the enormous problems of mother/ child poverty are-not going to dance away sloe and just to. make sure that mothers know their place, the Ontario government is dismantling the daycare subsidy system. The effects will be to turn day care into a charity for the poor, and force low and middle income married women into the kitchen.... Women's Centre will - to the point where she agrees to what is, in effect, a,mutilation. 000 People: Nova Scotia midwives Donna Carpenter, Charlene MacLelland-Brent and Linda Wheeldon have had charges against them dismissed at the preliminary hearing into the death, six months after birth, of baby Darah Bracket on July 18, (1983. The case has been seen las an attempt to discredit midwifery in Nova Scotia 000 Laura Sabia, founder and former president of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC), has decided not to stand as a Conservative candidate in Spadina riding. Sabia, who ran .for the Tories in Spadina, lost to NDP Dan Heap. Her recent decision is probably due to ill-health ee ,Ann Cools, former student radical, black activist and founding member of the Toronto women's refuge, Women in Transition has been appointed to the Senate. She was an unsuccessful feder'al Liberal candidate arse the Kristina Potapszyk fund has collected more than $2000 to help her legal expenses in a complaint of sexual harassment against her former employer, Liberal M.P. Al MacBain. Her complaint, upheld by the Human Rights Commission, will be reviewed by tribunal April 9. The fund has a goal of $30,000 to help victims of abuse and harassment. All victims of harass- ment need moral support for they are often under stress. The immigrant women who bravely took on Commodore (and won) endured months of stress, including job loss and marriage problems oeo If you are in the market fora home computer, by-pass Commodore., The company is appealing the Ontario Human Rights Commission decision against their foreman, Rafael De Filippis who, after a long history of blatant sexual harassment of the immigrant women who work for the company, was convicted and fined. The company has also promoted De Filippis to assistant manager. The boycott of Commodore Business Machines is supported by many groups including NAC and the Ontario Federation of Business and Professional Women. In the meantime, new charges of harassment have been made against DeFilippis 000 eel, The Doctors' Trial has been called "the largest single constitutional court battle in Canadian history". Defense council, Morris Manning, for Doctors Henry Morgentaler, Robert Scott and Leslie Smolling has presented a massive amount of evidence and a long complex legal argument during a mini-trial before the trial, in an effort to have the charges quashed on the grounds that they are unconstitutional. on eleven points inc udng the assertion that the committee system is arbitrary and causes delays which may lead to medical complications. Even if Manning wins the motion, the federal government will undoubtedly appeal. 000 On the cover, a naked woman is spread-eagled and hung up in what looks like a complicated dog harness. A strange looking gag is stuck in her mouth. Inside are more women, all bound into grotesque positions. Always a gag. Some are being beaten, some not. Page after page. Ads for videosbondage: torture: chains! Fiona Karlstedt of the Women's Centre stuffs this magazine along with other exhibits into her briefcase. Another talk on pornography, this time to the United Church Presbytry. "There is no use talking about it without showing people what we are talking about. Some people still think we're talking about Lady Chatterley's Lover. These iliagazi-les are the kind found in transparent wrappirrgs, a lot of it at kiddie level." es. Meanwhile the Fraser Committee on Pornography and Prostitution is wending its way. NORTHERN V OMAN pa ge PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Update The issue of pornography pivots around definitions - the difference between sado-porn and sexo-porn. ACTRA (Association of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artist) sees sadoporn as akin to hate literature, It stated its members will refuse work in productions which advocate sexual torture or rape or where children are sexually exploited. The key work here is "advocate". Other groups would extend the definition to inelude dehumanization and deg- radation which brings us to the question of censorship. Should sado-porn be censored? If so, the problem is one of precise definitions in language woman and an outdoor fire, a woman stooping over a cooking fire. And there is something mythic about the place, Greenham Common Peace Camp where in spite of arrests, brutality, slander in the press, and the destruction of tents by local bailiffs, the protesters still remain after three and a half years o word about other women's peace camps filters in from feminist magazines. A small group of women have set up camp near Cole Bay, Saskatchewan, near Primrose Lake weapons range, where the first cruise missile test in Canada was held March 7 There are now a score of camps world wide at places like Pine Gap, a U.S. air base in Australia, Seneca Falls, New York State, Arizona, and even Sicily. The places are different but, "The women and the energy are thb same", Sue Harker, a peace activist who has visited several camps, .states in Kinesis (Feb. 1984). Women try to speak with their bodies; they lie in front of trucks, scale the fences and .dance on the silos, or link hands to encircle as 30,000 women did at Greenham in December. Women use their symbols; they make and exchange banners, that has specific legal clout. No one wants to close the library to get at a single maga- zine o What about education? Yes, but in a wider context. The enjoyment of cruelty is not a perversion. It is a potentiality in all of us, easily pandered to in a sado-machismo world. "Whips and Chains" videos give a "cruelty high". The plots of B-grade horror movies are series of mutilations and grotesque deaths. Outside the movie theatre lurks the 20th century where the most appalling deeds have been done by normal people o Internationally. Women voted for the first time in Jordan o A Swiss organization hang children s pictures and craft work on fences. At Greenham, the women crocheted the fence. The themes of spinning, webs, s,iders, the suffragist colours of purple and green give depth to the deadly seriousness ' of the cause o Quote: " My people up in Canada tell me the test went i very well -- a U.S. Strategic Air Command official referring A to the cruise test of March 7, "Sentinelles" has been set up to rescue Middle Eastern women who are in danger of being kil1984. led by their families in cases of "family honour". They cite, V00 as an example, a woman doused with gasoline and set afire for Cf4ILPIENTvi/ being pregnant. She spent two years in a European hospital recovering. Another young woman who was helped to flee her country after her father and brother had made plans to bury her alive for smoking a cigar- ette in a public place Another bombing by anti-choice supporters of an abortion clinic occurred in February in Norfolk, Virginia. No one was hurt. Anti-choice supporters provide the most active terrorist activity on the continent with over a dozen bombings in the past decade. epee There was something mythic about the tv scene, a Coerced to Conceive by anna mccoll Romanian president Nicolae Ceausescu, leader of the Socialist Republic of Romania, has decreed that the degradation of women is to be practised, sanctioned and enforced by the state police. In the article, "A War on Abortions" (Maclean's April /84), Sue-Masterman reports that in a new edict proclaimed on International Women's Day, Ceausescu states that every married woman employed by the state shall submit to a pregnancy test once a month. If her test is positive she will be held accountable should she be found not pregnant the following month. Should a woman claim to have miscarried, she will be required to produce written proof from her doctor. If a woman continually fails the conception test, that too will have to be accounted for birth control devices are not available. If a woman is declared to have chosen to abort, she is liable to a prison sentence of up to one year; a doctor performing an abortion may be sentenced to from two to five years. Ceausescu's hard line, anti-abortion stand is intended to raise the average number of births to at least two to _three per family from the present 1.43 per family. Women who fail or refuse to bear children for the state are unlikely to receive promotions, and may even lose their jobs. Romania is known for the strong links in the past of its ruling class with Nazi Germany. Could this be what we see surfacing-- fascism within a comI think not; it munist state? is merely a continuation of the subjugation of women regardless of which male ideology prevails. The Romanian regime, in a singular, simplistic and callous attempt to alleviate its economic plight through the physical and psychological oppression of women, proves once again that only we feminists can achieve the autonomy, the dignity and the self-determination that is the right of every human beinc, C. A. R. A. L. MEETING 14hesdav, May 23 8 P,M, 4ronspace page 4 web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAN OCR, PDF compression, �Update Coerced to Conceive `.The issue of pornography pivots woman and an outdoor fire, a woman stooping over a cooking around definitions - the difby anna mccoll fire. And there is something ference between sado-porn and mythic about the place, Greensexo-porn. ACTRA (Association Romanian president Nicolae ham Common Peace Camp where in of Canadian Cinema, Television Ceausescu, leader of the Socialspite of arrests, brutality, and Radio Artist) sees sadoist Republic of Romania, has deporn as akin to hate literature, slander in the press, and the creed that the degradation of destruction of tents by local It stated its members will rewomen is to be practised, sancbailiffs, the protesters still fuse work in productions which tioned and enforced by the state advocate sexual torture or rape remain after three and a half police. years oeso word about other woor where children are sexually In the article, "A War on exploited. The key work here is men's peace camps filters in Abortions" (Maclean's April/84), from feminist magazines. A "advocate". Other groups would Sue-Masterman reports that in a small group of women have set extend the definition to innew edict proclaimed on Interup camp near Cole Bay, Saskatelude dehumanization and degnational Women's Day, Ceausescu chewan, near Primrose Lake radation o which brings us states that every married woman weapons range, where the first to the question of censorship. employed by the state shall subcruise missile test in Canada Should sado-porn be censored? mit to a pregnancy test once a was held March 7 oeo There are If so, the problem is one of month. If her test is positive precise definitions in language now a score of camps world wide she will be held accountable at places like Pine Gap, a U.S. siould she be found not pregnant air base in Australia, Seneca the following month. Should a Falls, New York State, Arizona, woman claim to have miscarried, and even Sicily. The places are she will be required to produce different but, "The women and written proof from her doctor. the energy are the same", Sue If a woman continually fails Harker, a peace activist who the conception test, that too has visited several camps, will have to be accounted for states in Kinesis (Feb. 1984). birth control devices are not Women try to speak with their available. If a woman is declabodies; they lie in front of red to have chosen to abort, trucks, scale the fences and she is liable to a prison sendance on the silos, or link tence of up to one year; a dochands to encircle as 30,000 tor performing an abortion may women did at Greenham in Decembe sentenced to from two to ber. Women use their symbols; five years. Ceausescu's hard line, they make and exchange banners, anti-abortion stand is intended that has specific legal clout. to raise the average number of No one wants to close the libbirths to a_ t least two to three rary to get at a single magaper family from the present zine 0.41 What about education? 1.43 per family. Women who fail Yes, but in a wider context. or refuse to bear children for" The enjoyment of cruelty is the state are unlikely to renot a perversion. It is a potenceive promotions, and may even tiality in all of us, easily lose their jobs. pandered to in a sado-machismo Romania is known for the world. "Whips and Chains" videos strong links in the past of its give a "cruelty high". The plots ruling class with Nazi Germany. hang children's pictures and of B-grade horror movies are Could this be what we see surcraft work on fences. At Greenseries of mutilations and grofacing-- fascism within a comham, the women crocheted the tesque deaths. Outside the momunist state? I think not; it fence. The themes of spinning, vie theatre lurks the 20th cenis merely a continuation of the webs, s,iders, the suffragist tury where the most appalling subjugation of women regardcolours of purple and green give deeds have been done by normal less of which male ideology depth to the deadly seriousness people ees prevails. of the cause 000 too. Internationally. Women The Romanian regime, in a 000 Quote: " My people up voted for the first time in singular, simplistic and calin Canada tell me the test went i Jordan 000 A Swiss organization lous attempt to alleviate its very well* -- a U.S. Strategic "Sentinelles" has been set up economic plight through the Air Command official referring A to rescue Middle Eastern women physical and psychological opwho are in danger of being kil- to the cruise test of March 7, pression of women, proves once 1984. led by their families in cases again that only we feminists of "family honour". They cite, BEAR oUR can achieve the autonomy, the WILL as an example, a woman doused YOU cOME HEu dignity and the self-determinawith gasoline and set afire for CYILDREN I tion that is the right of every WATFA being pregnant. She spent two NIGH human beinc, OR years in a European hospital recovering. Another young woman who was helped to flee her coun.,01) try after her father and brother had made plans to bury ,4. .4 her alive for smoking a cigarili__ C. A. R. A. L. ,v_.. ette in a public place 000 *oil Another bombing by ---> IV MEETN; anti-choice supporters of an abortion clinic occurred in 4-. wo Mui 23 LipWectesdav, February in Norfolk, Virginia. ,c_c_-. No one was hurt. Anti-choice ,ii))) (111, 8 Pin, supporters provide the most active terrorist activity on io G_Ii lArinspace the continent with over a do,c-. zen bombings in the past decade. 000 There was something VVOTY1/41,"1/41PVP CO (LIP") mythic about the tv scene, a o SIT reatAt406%(Atiht40 1.til___,.. c- - PDF compression, OCR, NORTHERN W OMAN page 4 web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �by FIONA KARLSTEDT & !TARGOT BLIGHT Obscene Use of Power form of clear plastic wrappers was found in only one store and only on some of the magazines. It was obvious from the brutal and violent representations on the covers why. Magazine displays were generally visible and accessible to all customers. An example is a bookstore in downtown Thunder Bay North. Of five magazines displaying full covers at the eye level of the average thirteen year old, three had nude models on their covers. One showed a woman clinging to a parking meter with the caption "Sidewalk Slut: Two Bits Will Get You Two Tits." There is agreement among psychologists that changes in behaviour GG/LNS can be brought about as a result of exposure to the symbolic models porThere is no denying that we trayed in books, films, television live in a violent society. The images SURVEY OF LOCAL STORES and advertising. The fact that childare pervasive; the statistics stagWhen we learned that the Commisren learn much about the world through gering. According to recent national sion would be coming to Thunder Bay, such observation is well founded. estimates, 25% of girls are sexually the Northwestern Ontario Women's Centre And what are we telling our children abused before they are eighteen years sampled 22 retail outlets in the comwhen they see magazines such as the old, and at least one in ten cohabmunity. These included candy and smoke one mentioned above? We are telling iting adult women is battered. Sources shops, bookshops, drug stores, gift them that women's bodies can be bought for these figures include reports from shops and corner stores. The rule (with and sold. the police, courts and health care two exceptions) was that if a store In a corner store located across workers, rape crisis centres, transicarried any magazines at all, from an elementary school, Playboy a portion tion houses, and surveys done by acaof their stock was pornographic. There and other similar magazines are disdemics and agencies. Our own community was a large variance from store to played in a four foot rack placed which many once considered a haven store as to the number and type of magaimmediately to the right of the enfrom the type of violence and crime zines, display, and attitudes trance. It is the first thing a child toward charactericstic of larger urban centhe sale of pornography. sees when he or she enters the store. tres, has recently witnessed several With the exception of one store It is a silent form of conditioning. brutal assaults on women, one of which surveyed, all receive their stock In a gift shop located in downfrom resulted in the death of a 15 year old one area distributor, who provides girl. town Thunder Bay South, we found the whole "packages" to the outlets.Infor"Family Reading Centre" which conWe have been conditioned to mal censorship is practiced by tained such magazines as "Big Boobs", some accept violence as a mode of enterstore operators who systematically re"Girls on Girls", "Hot Ass", "High tainment. It is the stock-in-trade of view all the magazines provided Heeled and Dominant", "XXX Movies", to them the mass entertainment media and is by the distributor, returning just to name a few. The top racks those evident everywhere you look: in magathey find personally objectionable. hold most of the pornogrdphyrinIT-# zines, on television, in movies, in One drug store manager refuses to handle titles spill over into a section holdadvertising, and on record covers. any pornography in her store. ing computer magazines. Immediately Hard core pornography, in which we see adjacent to the magazine display are the female body stripped, bound, raped, What we have is a situation two video games. At the time we were tortured and murdered, could not have where store owners or their employees in the store, we noticed a boy of happened without the way being paved decide from their own value base what about fourteen casually leafing through for it through the seemingly antiseptic magazines will or will not be sold, one of the magazines, oblivious to the objectification of women in advertising and how they are displayed. sign in front of him indicating that and in such soft porn magazines as Not once in our discussions with those magazines were restricted to Playboy. store owners/employees was the issue persons "16 and over". For too long, we have ignored of freedom of expression mentioned Most of the store owners and the viciously sexist nature of pornowith regard to the sale of pornography employees spoken to claimed to sell grapy. One reason being perhaps that What was consistently mentioned was pornography only to adults, but one the producers and protagonists of the revenue it generates, and the commented that "anyone who could pornography often used the words porperceived unemployment which would reach the magazines" (on the top nographic and erotic interchangeably. result if sales were curtailed. One three racks) could buy them. Another This confusion has lead to the obscurbookstore owner advised that "skin" claimed that he didn't sell to thiring of the reality of violence against magazines accounted for over 50% of teen year olds "unless they had a women in favour of civil libertarian his magazine sales, and that they in moustache". arguments such as the right to freefact "paid the rent". A corner store It is quite common to see young dom of speech, expression and sexualoperator commented that she and her female clerks working in these outlets. ity. But pornography is not about husband would be retiring in a couple We have difficulty believing they sexuality or freedom of expression. of years and had to sell those magawould challenge a prospective customer It is about the obscene use of power zines to make a living. regarding the purchase of pornography. - the physical or psychic violence Many of those canvassed were There is no question in our minds done to one human being by another. uncomfortable talking about pornothat pornography, at least in printed The pleasure of the powerful in the graphy. Some were openly hostile, form, is easily accessible in Thunder humiliation and dehumanizing of the demanding to know what we thought we Bay. Overall, there were in excess of powerless. were doing in their store; others 100 different titles in the candy/ For our purposes, pornography were defensive and evasive, telling smoke/drug/gift/book and corner stores is defined as "a presentation, whether us to contact their head office in we surveyed. In one bookshop, where live, simulated, verbal, pictorial, Toronto for clarification of store half of its space is allocated for filmed or videotaped, or otherwise policy. pornographic materials, we recorded represented, of sexual behaviour in Several female clerks expressed the titles of 116 other publications. which one or more participants are embarrassment at having to handle Time and the hostility of the owner coerced overtly or implicitly, into pornographic materials. prevented us from recording titles participation; or are injured or abused In all but two stores that we displayed on numerous other racks. physically or psychologically; or in visited, pornographic magazines were which an imbalance of power is obvious not separated off from other types of or implied by virtue of the immature publications and in some cases overage of any participant, or by contextflowed into racks containing other ual aspects of the presentation, andin categories such as computer or sports which such behaviour can be taken to magazines. Special packaging in the be advocated or endorsed." continued on page 6 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN -IT OMAN pa ge 5 �PORN continued Ptorg Page 5 Many people in our community are tired with being confronted with pornogrEphy wherever they look. While awaiting more substantial measures at the federal level, a recommendation will be made to city council that a municipal by-law, similar to those already in place in other Ontario communities, be established requiring that pornographic material be placed at least 1.5 metres from the floor and behind barriers of a size and nature that only the titles are visible. A symbolic gesture but not much more. It is our conviction that we can no longer continue the pattern of paralysis by analysis awaiting conclusive scientific proof of the link between pornography and violence against women in the real world. We need immediate action. It is clear that without government assistance, the pornography industry will continue to grow. We support, as does the Canadian Coalition Against Media Pornography, the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code put forward by the Minister of Justice, and endorse the recommendations of the Coalition respecting further changes to those amendments. We also endorse the Coalition's recommendations calling for: (1) inclusion of specific provisions in the Criminal Code related to the protection of children; (2) the establishment of guidelines on sex-role stereotyping and pornography for all govei-nment-funded communications and cultural agencies; (3) amendment of the Broadcasting. Act to include protection on the basis of gender; (4) removal of the exemption for broadcasting in the hate message section of the Canadian Human Rights Act; (5) monitoring by the RCMP and other police forces of the use of pornography in sexual assault, wife battering, incest and sexual murder cases; (6) departmental directives to Crown Attorneys to regularly ask about the use of pornography in sexrelated crime hearings and trials to establish the connection between the use of violent pornography and crime; (7) reform and strengthening of customs procedures and policies, which emphasize the government's intention to stop the easy flow of pornograph into Canada; (8) the removal of pornography from stores licensed in government buildings and airports; (9) increased funding for sex education groups that teach a healthy alternative to young people. Your Voice continued N.WOJ Good news from the Thunder Bay delegation returned from the April 15 Project ELF demonstration in Northern Wisconsin! We succeeded in accomplish ing 411 our objectives on the weekend and there were no arrests and no violence! This is certainly an affirmation of much positively persistent work since last fall's demonstration when there were 150 arrests as well as an incident of physical confrontation by the area's pro-ELF'ers. It was an extremely reinforcing experience having had the opportunity to share in the positive energy generated by feelings of trust in people, hope in a loving world-sharing visions of peace, affirmations of life. We walked the cross-shaped network of power lines in all four directions (including very wet marshlands) planting seeds - peas and sunflower seeds which will grow up along the power line poles (and outlive their presence). The hopes of our symbolic gestures had already been realized (in part) before we planted our seedlings along the access road to the site. Where trees had already been cut down by the navy to build the lines we witnessed dozens of little ones already growing to replace each larger one removed. We sang and we shared. We invited the site workers to join us in breadbreaking. They came out and witnessed our celebration. A fence still separated us and they avoided sharing bread in our presence. We left a loaf by the gate. Several large holes were dug in the gravel in front of the main gate of the transmitter station and the trees were left (with notes of Peace and Love) for the site workers to plant. The work continues. C.A.T.EO (organizers of_this Celebration of Life) hold vigils at sundown, first Sunday of each month. Dialogue with security, ELF workers and area citizens continues. A Women's Peace Presence to Stop Project E.L.F. is beginning this summer (Chequamegon National Forest). All women and children are warmly invited to visit and share in the search for new beginnings from this part of our world, thereby joining in spirit and action with other women's groups internationally. Transmitting Love Thunder Bay Delegation to Stop Project E.L,F. Hi: I want to thank you for sending us a copy of NWJ. I find it to be one of the finest feminist (enlightened) publications anywhere. I'm not sure why/how, but it gives me very genuine feelings of sisterhood -- an essential part of everyday life and hope. I'm enclosing the most recent issue of our publication - Echolocation - I wrote the piece on Feminism in an attempt to appeal to people who support the motions but shy from embracing the word itself, thereby denying themselves a great deal of valuable works. The response has been wonderful. The feminist content of submissions has escalated and many misconceptions have vanished. The aim of Echolocation is to motivate creation/art/love of our planet through examination of the present ongoing Rape of the atom, Rape of the planet and Rape of woman. It really serves as a disguise to unify the collective which focusses on it. Our theme is 'Dare to Hope'. And we do. Thanks again. Dear NT,TJ: I allowed my subscription to the Northern Woman Journal to expire some time ago but I've had a renewed interest Mainly due to the Women in Transition Conference held in Dryden over the weekend... sot many people recommended the Journal that I've decided to renew. Please send me your next issue. Thanks. Patricia Johnson Dryden HELP PREVENT RAPE! SISTERS GIVE RIDES TO SISTERS photo by Joyce Michalchuk PornogrAphy should not be allowed to flourish as an accepted part of our society, To do so is to deny women their fUndamental human dignity.* CONGRATULATIONS Anna and Ma:A4atet on the opening o6 the NoAthetn-,. Woman'a Booh4toke. NORTHERN 17 OMANOCR, pa ge 6 web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor PDF compression, �FACING It .(16 cteaAing The waxing moon is high ctouds shAoud its tuminezcence but a cold White tight seeps through the smoky baAtien Snow 6atting gentty means a warm night for a change my anxiety witt be at tow tide. I steep with moontight bAeaking at each dAeam's end awake ioA only a iew minutes between waves. On cleat, endless nights when stars petionm macabre dances Aeceding and pAoceeding within ocean 04 coldness the moan's tight Aeveatz iaces contoured opposites shadows oi mottatity and death. The hunten and the kitteA Aeitect the horror 04 my exposed ptimat darkness Waiting images surround my steeping presence Visions 04 gamed destruction 06 bloody carcasses invade my dreams. I sweat with banning I Freeze with tetton Atone, awake I stare at the lunar tight STEPPING OUT I WI out o6 myseti sometimes the gatheAings o6 my ti4e hurtling around the room -ciActes spinning 'bound a 6utt moon I ctimb out, dAowsiness swept aside goat and istAetch to touch the night I glare at he pate Aegection hen bloodless moontit 6ace stiding into hen: eyes and backing out when nothing theke I'm strong and witd but she's a4Aaid tugging at me, imptoAing she's a dusty shell without me I'm the 6iAe in hen Love the passion she strangles rarely sets ikee her angers never lost yet seldom teteased I climb Qat 06 her and Galt back in I'm she Rosalyn TaytoA PenAett OUR BODIES Out bodies ate owl. own Time wanders away I am .600ttess to 4ottow When it is so cad that trees crack When noises snap the soundtess night When otystat rainbows whip the alit I hear ate movements completely Like animatz seeking zhetten The liaceis crawl under my house and begin to ctimbwith footsteps echoing deadened thunder I Listen in bed gAipping Who are they? Neat? Where ate they? From? What do they? Want? Too ctose. So close. the blackness breaks to grey My day 6ace Aises as the sun The other visages As hide beneath theiA shetteted clutch Read -LLy awaiting the moonlight. Have we become too com6oktabte with ouAsetvez When we 40Aget the natunatness and independent beauty 04 our bodies? Have we become too com4oAtabte with ouAzetves When we 60Aget out bodies anent accustomed to being themzetves? OA - have we nevelt become com6oAtabte enough? ExpAession and movement, unencumbered deliy harm in any Iiinite zen4e When ineety gowing, size and shape need not - not can they, have boundatiez on end We must become comioAtabte with outs bodies They one OUA own - our tempoitat home. Out bodies ante our own Bean they another t16e - on 2,5 (as some think they ought to) - on mare an none They ate out own. They'te gipz given us to wean. on the occasion 06 our eaAthty biAth They'Ae auto to nuttute, Love and enjoy and to share IF WE CHOOSE Untit the day we Leave this earth We must temind out sisteAs and otheAs, too OUR BODIES ARE OUR OWN: Judy MdfaAtim Tenesa Legowski FUR WOMANSPACE; FOR WOMEN'S DREAM There must be this ptace to dream Where shared successes and support nuttute And discontent angers to act -ion claimant disquietude There must be this burning ground CauteAizing coniusion planted by the threatened In theit wry 6iebds Overturned by the damp and womb -Lush women With theiA most and seating speech Those who don't understand may never know Butning 6iads tike these I smite inwaAdty at our coLLectcive "secret" Which we do not keep concealed We hide nothing here but woman's dream, revealed. Joyce Michatchuk PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION NORTHERN PDFCompressor WOMAN page ; �Women Making Changesthe military component of the popular tures of the Death Squad. Military repression in El Salvador coalition. When the choice is to die by JUDY McMARTIN is genocide. The number of massacred of starvation or to die fighting to villages has risen in direct relation (Fading Backdtop) We aee a peAzon with keep them alive - it's impossible not to escalating U.S. military'aid'. Accora hand held out, waiting - one amongzt to make the connections: You do whatriing to reports by Amnesty Internationever- within your own individual capahundteda, thouaands on mittionz o4 otheAa. Waiting 4on the chance to have bilities- to help bring down the mighty al, America's Watch Committee, Human Rights Commission of El Salvador,etc. /Lice on potatoea military monster and to re-create a a meat - Aome beau the slaughtered masses have been, for strong foundation for the survival - whatever, /cot a tittte noutiahment. the most part, unarmed civilians, and and continuing life of your people. (Super-imp,ned) btuAting thin image, mostly women, children and older people. An important aspect of A.M.E.S. tinked up to brother Chattenget, we In El Salvador, repression comes in many work is continuing to increase their ee CanadaAm- waving -.to coateg mitivery ugly forms of inhumane treatmentinternational connections, by partitaAy hand in outer apace. Canada, women always being subjected to atrocicipating in conferences and other ztitt a co- onized eaAthting, atteady ties that go far beyond'simply' being attied with isupet-impeAiaUism pAoctaim- events of Solidarity with Central American Women, as well as touring Scankilled or threatened with death. ing a aupet-technoZogicat diapt.ay o4 Working within this framework of dinavian and European countries, the 4oneign aid' - Sotat Max tea cued! a military regime-fortified by more than United States and recently Canada. $1 billion US dollars worth of American Estela Ramirez, as person reseconomic interests- Estela states simply ponsible for A.M.E.S.External Rela"Killing is not the solution to our sotions Commission, visited Canada on a cial problems." An obvious fact to women two month educational tour, sponsored by the Inter-Agency Committee on Women -to grassroots workers-obviously, not a and Development. Estela came to us as concern to be considered by the military a connector - to educate us - to heigh- -money makers. Estela reminds us that ten our consciousness, in the hopes of A.M.E.S. is a social organization-women working together to improve social conincreasing our solidarity with Women ditions of all Salvadorean people. So, in El Salvador. The educational tools with these pictures, Estela does not companera Estela brought to Canada want us only to cringe at the horrors, were her person-emanating great strenbut to get a feeling for her people. gth of spirit (womanspirit herSelf) Pictures of children to remind us that - and two sets of pictures - brought the numbers of dead we read about in the from El Salvador (her native home) newspapers are human beings that deserve and from Nicaragua (where she is livthe attention and respect of their ing as a political refugee and working for A.M.E.S.). With these pictures, rights to survive as people and to selfdetermination as a nation. Estela shared with us the contrasting Self-determination in the 1980's dynamics of her reality - a reality, does not mean we can close our eyes to which as a member of A.M.E.S. she is this situation of extreme crisis and let working very hard to keep changing positively, through social development. them take care of their own problems.It by bharati mirchandani in manushi does include demands that foreign miliThe pictures from El Salvador tary intervention be stopped. told the horrors of the current situWomen know that the Crag Lc ahuAdity It does include economic support ation much more clearly than this artoi the contAazt -(16 inexcuzabte. Women from the international community to icle could possibly express. Amongst know that the)se two exttemez 0,6 out neighbouring Nicaragua whose people are the innumerable atroscities were dechanging teatity o441et a_ wide tanoe 04 struggling to maintain their successful picted dead bodies floating in a river, teaponaibititiea to chooise 4Aom. Thete'a social revolution. Respect for human children who could not swim, drowned much dynamic movement - women'z movein attempting the "river crossing, fleerights and national self-determination ment - going on .1n between - women ing the too well known horrors of the in the 80's does include opening our making connection. - making choice. eyes to genocide in Guatemala which by military, the security forces (of making changu woAtdwide. 1982 had already claimed 83,500 lives which there are 7) or the Death Squad. Being able to swim did not ensure the (13,5('0 in 1981 alone). It does include FOCUS ON EL SALVAVOR safety of others -- shot down by heliremembering that tiny Grenada's peacecopter fire from above. Others who do ful,social revolution, which was just A.M.E.S., Salvadorean Women's beginning and already showing signs of succeed in river crossings are met by Association, is transforming her socV6sitive growth, was tragically halted Honduran soldiers on the other side. iety within a framework of similar by the U.S. invasion and is-being in(Honduras'is the U.S. military base in extremes. A.M.E.S. was born in 1978, terrupted by continuing U.S.military this regional war, with 6 major airlegally recognized in September 1979 occupation. It does include withdrawing fields U.S. constructed or improved, in an assembly entitled "Isaura Gomez" of political and economic support from Canadian tax dollars helping with road in honour of a companera and her 12 the Honduran government which is involimprovements too.) (C.A.U. March '84) year old daughter who were assasinated Mothers deaths are multiplied, as ved in "unprecedented joint military by the repressive forces. A.M.E.S. is exercises with the U.S.Defense Dept.... they often attempt crossing several a democratic organization of strong, times, trying to save lives of their determined women, working within El children. We see one woman whose breast Salvador, externally in Nicaragua and has been cut off, after having survived abroad, organized and mobilized to imthe ordeal of torturous rape. plement social change. Repression in El Salvador, the A.M.E.S. educational role - "their smallest and most densely populated continuous effort to eradicate estabLatin American country, has 'displaced' lished feminine and masculine values" 1/5 of its 5 million population, has is an integral component of the revo'lost' another 3,000 desaparecidos -(unluntionary process. Simultaneously, accounted for human beings)and has taken they are working together with the more than 45,000 lives in the past 4 popular movement of peasants, shantyyears. Guerillas, left-wing rebels, intown dwellers, housewives, students strgents,or just plain"commies"-as poinand other workers, represented by FMLN_ ted out by the U.S.military(Washington FDR, to ensure the survival of their via training centres in -anama-U.S.Soupeople. thern Command)for 'disposal'by El SalWomen in El Salvador have made the vador's military regime- include any connections and are making positive religious worker who has taken to heart changes. More than half of the broad their commitment to social justice, ed-,coalition of social and political groups ucators, young children, foreign volunthat comprise the FDR (Frente Democrateer health workers, pregnant women cartica Revolucinaria) are women. Women rying "communist fetuses" and anyone are also actively participating in the courageous enough to offer a meal or a arms struggle as members of the FMLN night's shelter to a refugee from a (Farabundo Marti Liberacion Nacional), neighbouring village, fleeing the torNORTHERN W OMAN page 8 continuerl_ nex. -v,n( PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Focus on Women in El Salvador which has in effect made clear that they are establishing a permanent U.S. military presence in Honduras."(C.A.U. , Mar.84) The increasing support of international human rights groups, church groups and women's groups is vital to El Salvador's survival. The continued efforts of AMES, working on the struggle against machismo- a struggle within and at the very root of the struggle against a patriarchal, militarily-focussed world- is doubly vital. Women in El Salvador, sexually enslaved in 'modern times' (Past 415 centuries,since arrival of Conquistadors) via "pleasure of the master"-still commonly practised against women employed as domestics.Women and their children, economically enslaved as migrant family workers(not entitled to a salary)- 3 to 4 months work paid at $3/day/man. Women industrial workers( earning 25% socially productive, LIVING,WORKING less than men) have to leave their chilWomen.. Women are working as literacy and dren at home alone. health brigadiers, nutrition counselYoung girls becoming young women lors, giving assistance to refugees; becoming young mothers-11-13 year-olds caring for orphans. Women are working giving birth alone often lose their in self-defense training and educababies, if not their own lives first. tional workshops and production colGirlhood'being killed by rape, simullectives. Estela proudly tells us that taneous to assassination."Assassination a member of A.M.E.S. has been elected is the first cause of death amongst president in one of the FREE ZONES children. Formerly, it was diarrhea (FMLN-FDR controlled) in El Salvador. and anaemia."(E.Ramirez) A.M.E.S. women are making changes. Market and, street vendors can Faced with continuing genocide, organbring their children to work with them ization has had to become very soph-but only because they work at homeisticated. The Free Zones are growing on the streets- selling by day-sharing in number and strength. A.M.E.S. 'protheir cardboard box homes by night. paganda' of feminist democracy demands Repression/oppression pushing more and a basic right -- the responsibility of more women to city streets-many women full participation by women in creating including their young womenichildren' a new social order. The fundamental are working nights, as well. "Society changes needed urgently to transform encourages prostitution...but, repressociety for humanity's sake are being ses the prostitute!" (E.Ramirez) directed in El Salvador by A.M.E.S. European women imported to El SalTheir educational directives are emvador by the colonizers for economic phasizing the development of social reasons -as a primary commodity of relations-44 among this generation of trade-to create a new race of Salvadochildren, preparing them for tasks and rean people to become a class eligible responsibilities that await them in to inherit the property of their conthe new society that is being recreated quest and its wealth. This, only after Salvadorean women are not naive in the indigenous population had been detheir struggles -- undoing centuries creased drastically, native women and old repression and deeply ingrained their offspring having been raped and cultural traditions of sexual oppresworked to death. sion. They are not educating a generSlave trade of European women was ation of innocent children in isolation a prerequisite to ensure inheritance of a generation of adults who still of land, to keep up payments to the need educating. This determined women's Crown and to perpetuate exploitive work is not to preserve motherhood and profits. Rape of native women, which innocent childhood -- most of the worearlier needed no justification other ld's young people never knew the image than to satisfy whims, became'justiof innocent childhood. fied' in the name of economics- as it This perseverance of women is to became necessary to create a race to ensure that future generations will be deemed eligible as the working class know a balanced world. Respect for An over-simplification of,a multibasic human rights and social work ethnic society, created by empire-builare considered threats to national ding,but, women's problems today are security. the same, universally, borne of the economic structure of patriarchal domination. Women to satisfy sexual desires -women to bear the pains of childbirth - to supply workers and inheritors were prerequisite to the creation of an unbalanced economics system. Women and During her visit to Thunder Bay men bearing the pains of the resultant Estela Ramirez provided information oppression. about a project for day care centres Today, the creative powers of Salin the El Salvador Free Zones. A vadorean women-fortified by hope and Thunder Bay Committee formed to obperseverance, encouraged and enriched tain support for this project. by women's solidarity internationally. A.M.E.S. hopes to set up two -are transcending their ethno-economic day care centres in each village. class structure, having unified to reThe day care centres are essential create society. Testimonies of social to enable women in these areas to change being made by AMES women became continue their revoluntionary work evident in the pictures from Nicaragua - teaching, health care, community that Estela shared with us-pictures of development. Each day care centre . Regionally, reflections of similar mentality are evident in the plight of (lack of) day care facilities in Northwestern Ontario. Locally, echoes of the same insecure mentality are heard in Thunder Bay, where maledominated decision making withdrew funding from the Lakehead Social Planning Council. Yes, we are connected. * Knowing that we share common problems and that the fundamental causes are the same, in El Salvador, Northwestern Ontario and elsewhere. th * Knowing that it's natural to have fears, living in a world teetering on the brink of technological modernity (flames flicker some" times). * Knowing that women are strong and really holding the key to making the most vital changes this world has ever needed. * Knowing that women's groups are making positive changes all over the world to ensure equality as a' social base, and working from there in the direction of quality life. * Knowing that we're connected not marginally, from the outside world in, but from our very core outwardly reaching in solidarity. * Knowing that the same clock ticking on at 11:57 trying to tell us Doomsday's arriving in 3 minutes is telling some of our sisters that it's approaching noon. In knowing our strengths, sharing our hopes and dreams, overcoming our fears, sharing our problem-solving, learning together, re-creating -- women are con-. tinually growing in strength, making connections, persistently making woman changes. (Faded backdtop, pha6inq out ... vomanAi6e image phcusing in-women ap- uAoaching 4o/Leguund Wm many new ditectionz Day Care Project will be equipped to care for 50 children. It is estimated that each centre will need $1000 to purchase teaching materials, sleeping' mats, bed clothes and a basic kitchen inventory. The Thunder Bay El Salvador Day Care Support Project hopes to fund two lay care centres in one village. Please send your donation to: El Salvador Day Care Support Project, c/o NWO Women's Centre, # 4, 204 Red' River Rd. Thunder Bay. For more information please call Judy McMartin at 623-2894 or 623-9214. .,1ORTHLRiv W,../21(AN paye 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �PROJECT EL GREENHAM COMMON Recent news reports showed pictures of women at Greenham Common being evicted by bailiffs backed by hundreds of police. In fact, there are six or eight camps around the perimeter of the missile base. Although one camp at one gate was closed, those women will move to other camps at different gates. An interesting exerpt from the Green and Common newsletter: IumeGrigam lopment of offensive firststrike capability greatly in creases the risk of both int tional and accidental nuclea Nuclear alert...Practice wer. Runs? by MIRIAM KETONEN There have been four alerts so far. A siren sounds to recall USAF personnel who live outside the base. On three occasions, wives and children went in the cars with the men. Children in their night clothes were taken from houses on the base into the bunkers. Flags at some of the gates change from yellow to red (BOMBING IMMINENT) to black (FOUR-MINUTE WARNING). There is considerable activity inside the base. Presumably after the black Health Effects Recent studies in the U This summer in Wisconsin women from the midwest of theSweden and Britain have show: that exposure to ELF electroU.S. will come together to form magnetic radiation is direct] the Women's Peace Presence to linked to increased cancers Stop Project ELF. The presence birth defects. The U.S. Navy will open May 28, 1984 and will claims that exposure to ELF continue throughout the summer poses no unacceptable risk tc to call direct attention to ELF However, they cancel] as a first-strike weapon, tohumans. its a proposed human study of the effect on the environment and to the destructiveness of theeffects because the results c arms race. a monkey study indicated risk ELF stands for ext;emelyto the human sub4e:-s. If exto ELF is too dangerot low frequency. Project ELF isposure a U.S. Navy proposal to build for consenting human subjects a giant one-way radio transmitter in a laboratory setting, how in northern Wisconsin and thecan it be safe for non-consen flag ,has been flying for upper peninsula of Michigan.ing An and unwilling citizens of four minutes, those of us Michigan and Wisconsin? ELF test facility was built in not in bunkers are dead The people of Michigan a Wisconsin in 1969. It consists i.e. the British soldiers, of two overhead lines, each 14 Wisconsin have been opposed t the M.O.D. police, the the ELF facility from its inmiles long and crossing in the pe'Ace women and the local ception. In public referenda middle for a total of 28 miles population. of overhead wire. At each end80% of voters in the upper pe is a buried component of 1 toinsula of Michigan oppose ELF 2 We feel that attention miles in length. This system The is Governor of Michigan clai needs to be drawn to the to oppose it. Marquette Count now being upgraded. In Michigan fact that the Americans the Navy is currently constructsued the Navy to prohibit the are practising for a nufrom building ELF in Michigan ing a larger facility (55 miles) clear war. We are plannThe Navy used expropriation Together these two transmitters ing to demonstrate in powers to obtain title to 900 would transform the bedrock of Newbury when the next a acres of antenna corridor wit the Lake Superior region into a alert happens, but the out notifying the Governor, giant antenna. 2500-mile long rest of the country should ELF waves would be sent deep Attorney General, Michigan Co be told about the war ty or the citizens of Michiga into the oceans to be received games being played here. by Trident and modified Poseidon The resistance continues submarines. At present there CATE are (Citizens agailt Triden How will we know when the 5 Trident and 31 Poseidon subELF) has performed a series o alert is real marirles but the U.S. Navy has"alternate surveys" at the fa Who is cruise defendplans for 26 more Tridents. Each ility. On Palm Sunday CATE he ing Trident carries eight times a as "Celebration of Life" dun:: which they planted trees alon much explosive power as was used Jill and Ann by all sides during World Warthe 11.antenna lines. Some membe Orange Gate of the Thunder Bay Coalition Each Poseidon has the explosive for PeSce and Nuclear Disarma equivalent of three entire World War lls. ment travelled to Wisconsin t take part. We hope that a gro With the current communication system using VLF (very low of Thunder Bay women will be able to join in the Women's frequency) submarines must surface to receive commands. ThePeace Presence sometime durin ELF system allows subs to approthe summer. ach very close to the Soviet coastline undetected. ELF could "In an age of nuclear pro then summon all subs at once to liferation, women are equ Project Ploughshares meets the surface, where existing VLF with men in the threat of the second last Wednesday of signals could give them the fire annihilation. Nuclear wea each month at Wesley United order and targeting information pons do not discriminate Church on Brodie Street at 8:00 ELF signals, according to the on the basis of sex. But p.m. U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Kaufmann women are not equal in in Senate Armed Services Comr-t- the decision-making power Thu'er Bay Coalition for ,tee hearings testimony, are de- to reverse this destrucPeace and Nuclear Disarmament cessary to Trident subs attemp- tive trend. The arms race meets the last Wednesday of ting to strike "time sensitive" underscores the horrible every month at Confederation (i.e. military) targets. Trident fact that women are equal College at 8 p.m. missiles are first strike wea- in death, but not in the pons because there would be no power and means to choose Thunder Bay Peace Council point in firing missiles at siloslife." meets first Tuesday of every unless "enemy" missiles were month at 8 p.m. at Ogden School still in those silos. The deve--Patricia Mische 4 ) i ' 1 PEACE NEWS NORTHERN PDF compression, OMAN page 10OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Profoundly Prejudicial: edited by Teneza Legow4ki These ate exe.A0 4ADM a ispeech by Stephen Lao-vs to the annual genenae meeting, Manch 13, 1984, o4 the Lakehead Sociat Phumng Council!. in Thunthm Bay. (2) Of single parent families which are women led, 43% live below the poverty line. Men (who are legislators,too) cannot identify with unemployment and poverty. (3) The need for child care space for children of various ages ranges from 300,000 to When we discuss child care it is essential to understand the two basic concepts that have dominated political thought in Ontario for a long time. The first is that "the root of all social and economic evil is big government". How typically simple minded to put the blame on one, and- only one, aspect of a complex society. There has always been money for the private sector. The Tory wrath of political expedience is continuing this attack on the public sector. \ action The second essential concept is "nothing changes". The first push for child care was voiced in the Ontario legisla400,000 spaces in Ontario. ture in 1963 by Ken Bryden. In Right now across the province 1974, responding to pressure there are 41,000 full time day for child care services, Margcare spaces available. Of these aret Birch expounded her general theory that child care is an 20,000 are partially subsidized, indulgence of the middle class. 33,706 are filled by pre-schoolers, 4,088 by infants, 2100 by In 1984, a major revision of school age children. An estima= all legislative acts related to ted 120,000 spaces exist at children, child welfare and homes of relatives and private family welfare was conglomerated baby sitter arrangements, the into the Children's and Family type of service which is inciHowever, one, and Services dental and at times mediocre. only one, act was excluded: The Staggering facts! Day Nurseries Act, which deals (4) This society has a numwith provision of services for ber of repugnant and profoundly pre-school children. What kind of attitude does prejudicial features concerning. the following elementary issues. this indicate existing in the Where are Tory legislative assembly? It (a) women's rights? certainly demonstrates obtuse(b) birthing rights? ness and insensitivity. (c) midwifery rights? Now child care is left out in a fragmented limbo. (d) children's rights? Bearing these concepts in (e) maternity leave rights? mind, a brief review of facts (f) affirmative action is necessary. The actual cost rights? of child care presently hovers How can equality in income, around $21/day per child. By in politics, in health, in opp1986, a $30/day per child miniortunities be achieved with mum is projected. The Ontario "voluntary" guidelines? government funds 310%, the fede(5) There is enormous value ral funds 50% and the municipal in child care. The basics for funds the rest. any child care program are music, Women working with childreading and play, in a caring ren under 16 yrs. old represent environment that facilitates affection, curiousity, creativ-35.8% of the labour force. Broity, awe and wonder. ken down further, women with Here the children under 3 years of ages poisonous consequences and culworking in the labour force, tural deprivation of hours and hours of television --- brutalhave increased 26.7% from 1975ity, sexism, racism, -- are 1980. Women with children bediminished. tween 6 and 15 years old have A st.uong learning componincreased labour'force particient is necessary, bringing a pation by 19.8% during the same thoughtful, artful and conscious time period. continuum, It requires imaginIs child care at risk? .tive design and application. Lets examine eight issues to' ,As .demonstrated by World answer this question. (1) The need is overwhelm-, War II, where women were active ing. Income is the rationale for Iy recruited into the workfovce, female participation. in thework exigency exists when society is force. The majority of women Pressed to respond to a need. with children under 6 work;. It's `Child care was set up in a matnecessary for economic survival. ter of months with no money Does the present child :are ap7 paratus speak to social needs? .(6) There has to be a ranWhat are the implications of ge of child care: infant care, this? young children and ore- school \ daycare Childcare in Ontario nurseries. Child care workers must be licenced an receive adequate pay. Without this, children are put at risk. General guidelines and minimum standards are required. Private, profit making child care is not necessary. Child care for shift workers, on a 24 hour schedale is needed, at the site of employment. Recently, the United Auto Workers negotiated a contract for a Stratford plant employing 90% women, to supply child care at the work place. Child care should be universal and non-compulsory. It should be an extension of the Ministry of Education at the lower level, as universities and colleges are extensions at the higher level. (7) Is there a plot that lurks in the legislature? Here's the rub, which puts most people requiring child care in the "legislative bind". By 1986, the only way a person can get a subsidy for child care is if that person fits the Tory legislator's definition of "need": (a) You are on Family Benefits Allowance, (b) You are on General Assistance (welfare) (c) You submit yourself to a needs test to prove financial hardship. Partial subsidies will no longer be applicable. Eligibility does not guarantee availability of space. So either you're so poor or you're so rich that you can afford child care. Is this a conspiracy directed at children? Why is there this unrelenting passivity, this gratuitous neglect, in this society? (8) A crusade could be legitimately mounted on any is sue and concept mentioned. There is a need for advocacy in child care. So what are you going to do about it? NORTI.ZrAT OMAN page 11 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �The Lockup of Sexual AbuseVictims 'Blaming Women for Anti -Woman Violence by JOYCE MICHALCHUK Over the past winter, a disturbing trend has been developing in the courts of this women are being imcontinent: prisoned for refusing to testify against their sexual abusers/ attackers. For whatever reasons (second thoughts about personal safety; publicity; intim4dation by the attacker or the imposing legal system et al.), women are dropping charges although initially motivated to begin proceedings. I agree with Elsa Schieder who wrote in her article, "Victims on Trial" (Broadside-Feb. '84) that such women are being viewed by some as "crying wolf" and, in her words, as 'conforming "to the stereotypic image of the unreliable rape faker...so, as the myth goes, how are men ever going to be ;sure they're safe?" Hence, the reason for the continuous and widespread publicity in the mainstream press: men's reputations are at stake. Alscr, here is yet another chance for those who are inclined, to play on yet another woman's "weakness" and on her inability to proceed with the grueling court action. Give a women her day in court and she can't go through with it. Further fuel to fire up redneck render ineffectual) the woman who is considering laying charges. ' This is not helped by the prevailing attitude of some critics who have publicly decried women who stop proceedings at some point. This is unnecessarily harsh judgement against a woman who is one of the 10% who chooses to prosecute her attacker. The system that blatantly continues to perpetrate violence against her is further victimizing her by incarcerating, and threatening to incarcerate, her. Although by refusing to testify, it may be true that "She isn't showing a high level of sisterly concern", as Ms. Schieder believes the legal sys- tem is essentially punishing her. What emerges is the fact that central to the judicial system is its authority, which, when threatened, exhibits vicious Justice and compassion teeth. flee when faced by a questioned authority. The legal system has now, ultimately (and in the name of common law; perverted its mandate and jailed the victim of the crime, while allowing the attacker/molester/rapist to go free. There is a grotesquely screwed up sense of justice in operation here, regardless of any tongues. procedural adherence demanded by What we really have here the judicial process. is yet another intimidated woThis becomes no more evident man--and isn't intimidation what than in the recent case of a 12this whole issue is about? Sexyear-old Fairfield, Calif. girl ual crimes are perpetrated unwho was recently jailed for nine der the threat of it and 90% days (in solitary confinement, of women do not report incidents no less) for refusing to testify because of it. Now, the le-al against her stepfather, whom she system is further threatening to intimidate (and in this case, alleged hat' sexually molested 210061101,0417" her. After she had refused the oath to testify, Deputy D.A. al prosecutor Kenneth Kobrin said "She is of the incarceration: a member of society. She is no being beaten. She is not being tortured. She has. been told to go to her room, as society requires of her, until she tells the truth." (What makes this case even more incredible is that Califo nia law requires that Nthe char be reported to the authorities This society which perpetu ates sexual molestation, -Ian( a victim of molestation; likewise, the society we have whic perpetuates rape, jails the ra victim in the name of judicial process. If the courts continue thi practice, what is assured is even lower percentage of rapiE brought to trial and convictec moreover, this insensitivity the courts toward women who hz fallen victim to this special crime against body/spirit wil] continue to provide the secon4 6. Did you stay be.cause you felt part of what amounts to doubt( responsible for the other person ? victimization. 7. Were you afraid of loneliness ? Obviously, not all of us 8. Did you stay because of the go the full route of prosecut children? to conviction (90% don't). If 9. Did you have gnawing doubts that she attempts to deal with thi you could not make it on your own in violation (by prosecuting), a the outside world ? woman can now look forward to 10. Were you afraid that ybu couldn't jail if the ordeal at some po earn a decent living and manage the breaks what may be a fragile The Problems of Assaulted Women are the Problems of ALL WOMEN Any4women who doubts this statement need only ask herself these questions: 1. Did you ever back down from an argument with a man because you felt intimidated ? 2. Did you feel that if you said anything more the situation might get out of hand ? 3. Have you ever felt threatened by children by yourself? a man's superior strength? 4. Were you afraid that if he became any angrier he might strike you? - Marya Grambs, cited by Del Martin 5. Have you ever stayed in a in Stopping Wife Abuse by Jennifer relationship longer than you should Baker Fleming, Anchor Books, 1979 have ? strength. But although it may be di ficult for some to see beyond the fact that she may be allowing a rapist to go free, s must not be blamed and punish for anti-woman violence,..esp ially by due process. 24214242000404000120030017 NORTHERN W OCR, OMAN page 12 optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor PDF compression, web �Books. Hard Earned Wages, by Jennifer Penney. Toronto; The Women's Press, 1983. Still Ain't Satisfied: Canadian Feminism Today, edited by Maureen Fitzgerald, Connie Guberman, Margie Wolfe. Toronto; The Women's Press, 1982. Reviewed by Susan Heald It is hard to read Hard Earned Wages without feeling that you are right there with Jennifer Penney in the kitchens, backyards, and workplaces of some very interesting women from all across Canada. The book is a collection of personal stories of women's struggles in the workplace, especially in unions, told to Penney apparently over large pots of tea, coffee or stronger brew. With only a brief introduction, each story is written -- or so it seems -- just the way it was told. As such, it makes for interesting, easy reading. While covering the experiences of only 16 women in 12 locations, it speaks broadly of the kinds of issues most women face in most workplaces. There is a lot of vivid detail about the skills and/or tasks involved in these jobs, which is a real asset of the book. Added to this are the stories of how these women tried to change the circumstances in which they worked. Two women talk about working and organizing a union at Lizmore Seafoods, a Nova Scotia fish packing plant; two Ottawa women talk about doing the same for daycare centres. Experiences with two other unions --Canadian Union of Postal Workers and the Association of University and College Employees in the Vancouver area are also discussed. All tell not only of the joys and frustrations of learning about unions, but of the larger issues that make union organizing both necessary and difficult. Two telephone operators from B.C. talk with exhilaration about the workers' takeover of B.C. Tel, and with anger of returning to work without having achieved substantial gains. Women who have entered 'non-traditional' occupations also--of course--have interesting stories to tell, and Penney provides us with the experiences of women in Inco, Stelco, as mechanics, in bush camps, and as squidjiggers. What is striking--though not surprising- is how similar are the trials of women in all-male workplaces to those of women in 'female' jobs with--usually--a male supervisor. It is a gift of the book, rather than a fault, that the reader is left with the sense of wanting more. I felt I could have read stories like these forever. And I realized I know a lot of women who could tell Besides more stories, it more analysis would have been helpful. I would have liked to hear more in the way of editorial comment from Jennifer Penney about the common threads and lessons learned. But then, perhaps it's already there. The understanding comes off the pages with the smell of coffee and the warmth of laughter as women try to make sense--for themselves and for us--of all the things that happen when you set out just to make your own work a little better for you and those around you. It is another example that 'the personal is political'. though, I think a Those who have been part of--or even paid attention to --the women's movement in_the last 20 years are not likely to find much that's new in Still Ain't Satisfied. But as a refresher--of both mind and spirit--it is just about perfect. Still Ain't Satisfied reminds us that we still aren't satisfied, but that doesn't make the road women have travelled and the struggles we have had any less interesting, exciting, and worthy of our notice, and our pride. It's like taking stock during a spring cleaning--realizing that some things are all used up, some have been on the shelf too long, some are there to remind us of the lessons we learned, and others just for memories. The book is divided into three main sections: "Out of the Bedrooms", "Into the Work Force", and "Onto the Streets". Under "Out of the Bedrooms" fall topics such as reproductive rights, violence, sexuality and feminist services. Kathleen McDonnell traces the rise and fall of abortion as an issue of the women's movement. As with most of the articles that follow, it attempts to answer three questions: where are we? how did we get here? and where could/should/ might we go from here? Another common aspect of the articles is the recognition of the connectedness of issues and the need for new ways of tackling problems. - Yet we already have developed new ways, as is discussed in another article which looks at the evolution of three Vancouver-based women's service organizations in search of the lessons we can learn from more than a decade of "Providing Services the Feminist Way". For me, outstanding among the articles in this section is Joanne Kates "Once More With Feeling: Heterosexuality and Feminist Consciousness" which, as the editors say "speaks of the complexity of combining a conscious angry feminism with love for a particular man..." (p76). It also demonstrates once again the power of a personal statement to speak to the experience of many women, which is another common feature of the articles in this book. Part 11, "Into the Work Force" tackles such topics as domestic labour, day care, sexual harassment and other occupational hazards, union organization, women in trades, etc. For my tastes, there were a few too many accounts of organizing in specific unions or specific workplaces, often without an analysis that connects these struggles with wider ones. There are a lot of new publications on women in the workplace -- such as Hard Earned Wages -- so that less emphasis in this area might have been preferable. And yet, they are all interesting tales needing to be told. When we get "Onto the Streets" we look at women experiencing 'double oppression': lesbian, immigrant and rative women, and then at "Tools for Politicization". This last is a fascinating and much-tooshort collection of articles on feminist publishing, education and art. The book begins with Naomi Wall's tale of her experience in the women's movement, and ends with a discussion by several women about options for feminist organizing. An introduction by the editors of each section and each article comp-7 letes the package. In the Editors' Introduction, they say "... we wanted to provide an overview of how feminist perspectives have changed. Both as editors and activists we were concerned to offer an analysis of how these changes have influenced our practice, the major obstacles to overcome, the successes that have been won, and the possible directions for the future... This book was undertaken to provide a comprehensive resource for both activists and those new to feminism trying to understand what this movement of ours is all about (p14)". A worthy goal, worthily met. them. NO-7.itiERN WOMAN page 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �_Books The Women's Workbook, edited by Patti Schom-Moffatt & Cynthia Telfer, illustrated by Deirdre Chisholm, Between The Lines, 1983 Reviewed by Margaret Phillips Comprehensive yet concise, practical yet analytical, easyto-read yet thought-provoking, the Women's Workbook provides a most valuable resource. That "women have the right to work, and to do it without paying a social penalty" require s awareness of the realities that Canadian women face, requires information about issues specific to women workers. Through a thoughtful examination of the issues the Workbook provides this necessary information and offers concrete suggestions for individual and collective action The Workbook, however, goes beyond being a practical guide to women's healthier, more secure, more satisfying access to the paid labour force. A recognition is made that "to change the nature of women's work is to attack the foundation of the whole sexist structure of society". This premise is well-integrated throughout much of the book, and as Helen Levine states in her excellent, article on stress. "Feminism helps us refuse tie guilt trip laid on us and begin to claim full 'citizenship at home and in the world at large". Resulting from a series of workshops held in 1981-82 the Women's Workbook is a compilation of expert articles that thoughtfully examine such issues as stress; women's double/triple workload; the effects of sexual harassment; the problems of obtaining quality child care. A new analysis of health and safety of "women's workplaces" is provided; the benefits and barriers experienced in union organizing, in non-traditional jobs, part-time work and jobsharing discussed; and the potential (positive and negative) of microtechnology examined. examples: how to analyze your stress; how to determine quali child care; how to job share; how to prepare for non-traditi, al jobs. Collective strategies to eliminate harassment in the workplace are suggested; a wor. place safety checklist provide The book is nicely balance with well-researched informati( interspersed with personal accounts. The unique illustratiot Provide a distinctive approach to feminist symbolism, In the final article Judith Merrill suggests three possible scenarios for the future - but real: she is challenging us to build our own future. The Workbook concludes with a very useful r( source section. I would like to see the Workbook in every high school/ college/univers*':y counselling The series is skillfully edited to provide recurring themes: the myths that restrict and inhibit women's equality; the invisibility of women's work, women workers - "In a socoffice, in every labour orr,.aniety where women are considered ization office, as well as wo less significant than men, much 'men's employment, health and of our real work has been rensocial centres. The Women's Wo. dered invisible" (Levine p 23); book deserves 7.P.,,dership and the particular experience of women in the paid labour force "In a society where much of women's work is unseen, and its value unacknowledged, its hazards are also invisible" (Jennifer Penney p51). All books reviewed this issue As an information source the Workbook is greatly strength- are available at the Northern Woman's Bookstore, 316 Bay St ed by the inclusion of "how to" . Who au these women? What au they 'doing? 14 you can anwen coktectty, a 4/tee subscAiption Oh gi4t sub L you x6- photo by Joyce Michalchuk The NORTHERN WOMAN'S _BOOKSTORE reports that to date the "best_ sellers" are: Non-Fiction Women and Male Violence: The Visions and Struggles of the Battered Women's Movement; Susan Schechter; South End Pornography and Silence: Culture's Revenge l'-,ainst Nature; WomeqamlEm4,mm01lits Susan Griffin; Fitzhenry and Whiteside Women and Children First; Michelle Landsberg; Penguin Salvador; Joan Didion, Paperjacks A Feminist Tarot; Gearheart & Rennie; Persephone Look Me In The Eye: Old Women. Aging and Ageism; Barbara MacDonald with Cynthia Rich; Spit ster's Ink Fiction The Color Purple; Alice Walker Paperj acks Obasan; Joy Kowaga; Penguin Durer's Angel; Marie-Claire Blais; Talon Books Moons of Jupiter; Alice Munro; Penguin Sarah Jane of Silver Islet; Elizabeth Kouhi; Queenston 7ani! Audrey Lorde Crossinc IVORTHERN -1.7 OMAN page 14 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Pensions Update Year of the Women Adequate pensions for women remain an issue that must be pursued. The pension reform implied in the federal budget speech announcements will be insufficient, and will not, in any significant way, address the concerns women have been raising for ANC DECLARES "YEAR OF THE WOMEN" In its new year message the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress declared this year the "Year of the Women". ANC President Oliver Tambo stated: "Our struggle would be less than powerful and our national and social emancipation could never be complete if we continue to treat the women of our country as dependent minors and objects of one form of exploitation or another." It will be ANC's special task this year to "organize and mobilize women into a powerful, united and active years. The Women and Pensions Committee is continuing its work and encouraging pension discussion and awareness (with recent meetings in Kenora and '-ryden as well as Thunder Bay). Monitoring of proposed pension reform' is an on-going task. As well the Committee is continuing to recruit "case histories", and would welcome submissions by NWO women who are willing'to share their pension exper- force for revolutionary change ". Since 1980, and particularly in the last year, mass-based women's organizations have been formed in al- most all the main urban centres in South Africa. No such organizations had existed since the banning of the Black Women's Federation in 1977. Although there is a strong cooperative relationship between the various women's organizations in the country, so far there have been no major moves towards the formation of a national united women's organization The ANC's call for a politically and organizationally united women's movement indicates a growing concern inside South Africa. that such moves should begin. from Solidarity News Service No. 2/84 ience. ATTENTION: WOMEN AT WORK! Attention: Women at Work is an exciting new film about successful women in "non-traditional" trades and professions. This 28-minute documentary profiles four women -- a search-andrescue Coast Guard Hovercraft pilot, two general construction journeywomen and an architect. Each offers encouragement and sound advice to young women choosing a career -- and mature women returning to the workforce. Between profiles, nine teenaged girls express their views on women and work. The film is an excellentaion 71111111111P BOOK SALE The Faye Peterson Transition House is holding a BOOK SALE at Victoriaville, SATURDAY, MAY 26/84 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. starter for many different kinds of educational settings. It probes such issues as the importance of selfreliance for women, the combination of work with family life, and the challenge of tackling new and unique career possibilities. Produced by NFB's Studio D, the film is available from the National Film Board. NATIONAL CAMPAIC4N TO RELEASE CLAUDINA CALDERON Write a support letter (as per sample) TO: PRESIDENT ALVARO MAGANA CASA PRESIDENCIAL SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR CENTRAL AMERICA YOUR EXCELLENCY, I and many other Canadian citizens are seriously concerned and distressed by the constant reports of Salvadorean government violence and inhumane activities against women and children. On June 29, 1983, government security forces abducted fodr women, three of them pregnant - including Claudina Calderon - and along with them four children (two months-old infants, a one-year-old boy, and a four year old girl). I respectfully urge you to release Claudina Calderon and the other women and children immediately. Sincerely yours, in do CLAUDINA CALDERON * 29 years old pregnant, mother of a two-month old boy * fourth year psychology student at the National University of El Salvaldor * abducted from her residence on. June 23, 1983, along with her infant son, three other women and three children, by government security forces * recently seen in a clandestine government prison * subjected to constant torture Considering the pension reform recommendations advocated both locally and nationally, which have been re-enforced by our recent discussions with women throughout Northwestern Ontario, the Women and Pensions Committee is focussing on the following issues: - expansion of the CPP income security for immigrants inclusion of homemakers in CPP mandatory and automatic creditsplitting - income security for women aged 60-64 Representatives of the Women and Pensions Committee will be happy to meet with any NWO women's group interested in continuing the discussion. For more information contact Women and Pensions Committee, #4 204 d River-Rd.i, Thunder-Ba*,345,5444 ****** IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR LABEL? PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION ****** Dryden Conference Enthusiasm prevailed when over 100 women from 15 NWO communities met at the Bicentennial Women's Conference in Dryden, April 6-8th. Keen interest was evidenced in the workshops that were ably conducted by resourceful NWO women. Family Law (Lynn Beak), Microtechnology (Joy Fedorick), Financial Planning (Lauretta Johnson), Women and Aging (Betty Chalmers), The multiple Roles of Women (Gloria Meredith). Liz Neville, vice-president of the Ontario Business and Professional Women's Clubs was Conference guest speaker. Following a delicious Sunday morning brunch, the Conference determined action on the workshop recommendations - with resolutions concerning equal pay for work of equal value; equal pay in replacement situations; improved retirement security provisions; inclusion of pensions in family assets; and the provision of crisis housing for women in their own communities; were adopted. Support was also given for the Ontario Day Care Coalition recommendations and for the Kristina Potapczyk Trust Fund. The energetic, hard-working Dryden women who organized this successful Conference are to be commended. NORTHERN ?OMAN page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �radian Women's Movement Archives PRIEEDOM OP CHCI)ICIE The Archives has 4-10TH grown out of, and is part of, the women's movement in Canada. It is ours. It belongs ca -a' to all of us engaged in every struggle with other archivists, and is accessible to all unless donations have specific conditions to be closed to the public. Send us your material (clippings, photos, documents, posters, buttons) and use the resources. consultation I support the statement of purpose of CARAL and wish to become a member. Klurwe , Address: Postal Code: Phone: Occupation Office hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm or by appointment P.O. Box 928, Station Q, Toronto. Ontario M4T 1P1 Tel. (416) 597-8865 3 alAill to safe, legal abortion. Our aim is the repeal of all sections of the Criminal Codce dealing with abortion and the establishment of comprehensive contraceptive and abortion services, including appropriate counselling across the country. "We regard the right to safe, legal abortion as a fundamental human right." It is an organized archival collection through ASSOCIATION CANADIENNi POWs Li °BOIT A L'AvORTZICINT po...vA) The Purpose of CARAL is to ensure that no woman in Canada is denied access which gives us more autonomy in our lives. maintained CANADIAN ABORTION RIGHTS ACTION LEAGUE (CABAL) Name of Federal Riding' Individual Member Limited Income Family Sustaining Donation ==-4 30==4N=4 $10.00 'MO $15.00 $25.00 S___ RETURN TO: CARAL, Box 935, Stn. 0, Toronto, M4T 2P1 RESOURCES FOR !MEN IN THUNDER BAY Beendigan (Crisis House for Native Women) - 622 -5101 Women's Health Education Project, #4 Ste.17, 8A N._ Cumberland 345 -1410 physical and Sexual Assault Centre, #18, 214 Red River Rd. Off.345-0894,Crisis Line 344-4502 JPAC Welfare Advocacy Group Maureen - 345 -_6777 ********* WOMANSPACE * Single Parent Support Group Eve Ojala - 76 7-4190 Free Clothing Depot, CNR Station, 9 Water Street - 345-9222 Women's Programmes, Secretary of State, 3rd Floor, 28 N Cumberland St., Lisa Bengtsson 345 -2316 Women's Programmes, Confederation College, Box 398, P7C 4W1 Ruth Cunningham - 475 -6278 Women's Bureau, Ont. Min. of Labour, 435 St. James St. ,P7E (E3 not luck MAY 16 guest JEAN CHRISTIE - from Intemares tonic: JUNE 6 Women and International Development - guest entertainer singer KIM ERICKSON Joy Fedorick - 4 75-169 1 Human Rights Commission, Ont. Min. of Labour, 435 St. James St., P7E 6E3 4 75-169 3 Northern Women's Centre, #4,204 Red River Road, P7B 1A4 Fiona Karlstedt - 345-7802 Faye Peterson Transition House 345-7456 IC=4 54=X3 4=X Northern Womangs BOOKSTORE PUBLIC TETINP, "RIMING FROM WAR" Refugees in Central America speaker: 316 BAY STREET THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO 344-7979 Jean Christie Direc or - Inter Pares Thursday, May 17th, 7:30 p.m. Ogden Cbmmunity School \)0i3" e,\""\s 00 1111'6)r /2(7 Sselot, .104 and much more ! OPEN Thurs-Fri 11:30-7:] Sat 11:30-4:] PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Second Class Mail Registration No. 5697 ************************************* LABEL?? IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION ************************************* Collectively produced RETURN TO: THE NORTHERN WOMAN 316 B BAY STREET THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7B 1S1 Anna Noreen Lavoie, Teresa Legowski, Michalchuk, Margaret McColl, Joyce Phillips, Donna Phoenix, Rosalyn TaylorPerrett, Sara Williamson with help this issue from: Kristin Richards, Siobhan Farrell, Wendy Anthony Return Postage Guaranteed Northern Woman Journal 316 Bay Street Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 1S1 (Six Issues) $5.00 $10.00 Business or Institution PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 8 No 4 Description An account of the resource Vol. 8, no. 4 (1984) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: Government cutbacks to women’s centre funding Canada wide Economic recession & women Wife-battering & municipal policy Thunder Bay Multicultural Association International Women’s Day event Preventative mastectomies No fault divorce Midwifery Immigrant women in Canada Dr. Henry Morgentaler Pornography magazines Abortion in Romania Women vote in Georgia Norfolk, Virginia abortion clinic bombing Violence against women Pornagraphy availability in local shops Poetry Women & war in El Salvador Childcare in Ontario Victim blaming & incarceration of sexual assault survivors Feminist book reviews Year of the Women Women & pensions Dryden women’s conference National campaign to release Claudina Calderon, El Salvador Womanspace potluck events Canadian Women’s Movement Archives, Toronto Thunder Bay women’s resources Authors/contributors: Joan Baril Anna McColl Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Judy McMartin Teresa Legowski Joyce Michalchuk Miriam Ketonen Noreen Lavoie Margaret Phillips Sara Williamson Kristin Richards Siobhan Farrell Wendy Anthony Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1984 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2781/1984_Vol_8_No_5.pdf 026d94993a419eb1b0ce07731b30c9b8 PDF Text Text X0rifet ttorAtra Voinal April- A.2y, 1975. R)0 rola. S. NMS, 5')e'acitirocX - 1trrn ttorilern Vona?: 4rrtic 3 - " r dOttrri Jot 141IMINNIM "MOO 5/.5 021,0,110 11.505 400.5 KILLER fart' ART. 5(5,5551011 .5.105.1//145 511£1,20 .411 I /111,03Mrst ,P0 .1 55r lot SEE 1NG OURSE THE NORTHERN c,.), It1014A14 Cei1:11157' 1,501 the 1 111.51, miaryallem talloc51.. Item one. 1151.1,1, e. 0,511,a1 .111.d.lactser dm We) ...No Otortme aa dimmed. Ad S Waste. to .6 TM noon are 4 a.m.. relIrth Yrtado ...Maw el semodo vLstae ea , \ 417":1/-%. 74,4 ' numb Wows . ten.mnsma. .1 la.1.46.1,rtas poi Swam awl "Its Mar.-Apr.1981 Vol.6.No.5 Vol N I /el tis. '0a- afj4 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Editorial To the Women of the Northern Women's Centre: July, 1974) Survivors! Determined, persevering, resilient Survivors. As the NORTHERN WOMAN enters our twelfth year of publication we conclude that we - that Northwestern Ontario women - that all women - are survivors. Preparing this Anniversary issue and consequently reviewing all our past issues, has prompted our mixed emotions! A joyful nostalgia for the excitement, the optimism, the birth of awareness that the early Journals evoked. A sense of pride for the creativity, the courage, the excellence of Northwestern Ontario women writers. A disheartening recognition of how little change has occurred in the institutions/attitudes/actions that oppress women. Be it 1973 or 1984 the issues remain - violence, reproductive rights, economic equality, health care, day care - and on and on. Thus as we observe our anniversary we do celebrate the courage, the strength, the survival of women; yet we understand the need for unrelenting analysis and constant vigilance. This NORTHERN WOMAN is primarily reprints and excerpts of original articles by N.W.O. women that appeared in Journals from our first ten years. (Current news/information is given on the centre pages). Our choice of reprints was difficult, as we discovered an impressive quantity and quality of original submissions. We have chosen material from each year and representing a variety pf topics. We also rediscovered wonderful poets in our midst, and their works will be reprinted in a future literary issue. We hope as our readers join us in reflecting on our herstory, a renewed analysis will be inspired, our determination strengthened, and that individually and collectively we will all be empowered. * + _ RS . .**************ic********. ,t .i. - Dear Sisters: A few days ago I received four copies of back issues of the Northern Woman Journal from a friend in Thunder Bay. Reading those issues was a very moving experience. My emotions ranged from anger and sadness to joy and exhilaration. The Northern Woman speaks the truth, not only of the anguish of women but of their strength and courage. I was struck by the incredible honesty of the accounts of women's experiences. This journal marks an important step towards overcoming the isolation of women which has prevented them from realizing and working to overcome their oppression. The Northern Woman is one of the best journals that I have seen. I intend to pass the copies on to the women in my consciousness raising group. I am sure they will be as excited about them as I was. In sisterhood, Stephanie Holbik May, 1978 ON THE. OMEN'S LIB SYMBOL -May/June, 1973) I thought I'd write and throw a "Yea" vote in the pot for the women's lib symbol on The Northern Woman. Just a few short weeks ago, I'd have said to forget the clenched fist in the symbol because it looked too radical. I figured it might scare off a few women, including myself. I thought a middle-of-the-road attitude might be best. As I said, that was how I felt a few weeks ago. I've discovered since then that there is no middle of the road as far as the rest of society is concerned. Either you are for women's liberation or 'you're not. Even if you don't consider yourself a radical, you get a libber label pinned on whether you like it or not. No amount of explaining changes it as I discovered. When some "conventional" people I know discovered that I was for women's liberation, they began to inspect me with their eyes as well as their words. One man looked me up and down (I wonder what he was looking for?) and said, "You talk as though you didn't have a husband or kids." Another man offered me a drink, and then watched to see how fast I'd drink it. When I didn't gulp it right down, he raised his fist in the air and bellowed, "If you want to fight with the men, you've got to drink like the men." To these people, I had suddenly become that strange, frightening phenomenon--a libber. My feelings hadn't changed, and I didn't feel any more radical than I had before their discovery of my feelings. The difference was in their eyes and their minds. Quick as a blink, I was labelled. And my "Nay" vote changed to a "Yea" vote. We are women; we are for women's liberation; therefore, we are women's libbers. It is said that the best defence is offence--and we're offensive because we're women for women. Up with women: I am absolutely appalled by The Northern Woman's suggestion, in its June issue, to buy the poster, "Kill a Man for Motherhood". The rationale behind the slogan itself or buying the poster escapes me entirely. How could it possibly benefit anyone to kill a man for motherhood? Do you believe in dividing the human race into two warring camps: male-female, us-them, for-against? That seems to me to be a rather simplistic approach. Women are oppressed, to be sure, but not by men alone and NOT BY ALL MEN EITHER. Believe it or not, men too are oppressed--in their jobs and in roles which they are expected to fulfill just as much as women are expected to fulfill theirs. I personally do not find a man's position in this any more enviable than a woman's. I would not want to grow up believing Chat, as a man, I was responsible- no matter what--to take care of the needs of my wife and children, any more than I would want to grow up believeing that, as a woman, I had to stay at home and take care of the house and children while my husband was out supporting us. The bind works both ways. If women have finally awakened to the problems facing them and are beginning to take action--fantastic. If men and women both began to tear apart the structures confining ALL OF US, I am convinced that overwhelming changes would occur--and much more quickly than if one group attempted to overturn the status quo alone. I do not believe, as does Valerie Solanas, that all men are SCUM; nor do I believe that all women are radical feminists. At one point in my involvement with the Northern Women's Centre, someone told me that the group did not want to drive anyone away who might be interested in coming to the meetings. Well, you have driven ME away. I do not wish to receive the newsletter anymore. I absolutely refuse to support a group which accepts--or even tolerates--such a reactionary viewpoint as killimg,a man for motherhood. Susan Campbell REPLY TO MS. CAMPBELL Dear Susan: Thank you for your letter regarding the poster, Kill a Man for Motherhood. It may interest you to know that many women reacted equally strongly to the item and have expressed their views to us. We feel that your letter expresses well the reaction of most women. One small point I wish to make is that it was not put in as a "suggestion" and nowhere did we try to give the impression that we were condoning it. As you know, the newsletter is an open forum to which all women may contribute. This does not mean we either "accept or even tolerate" such reactionary viewpoints, but we do publish what is submitted. The one thing the editors reserve the right to do is comment on submissions. I hope that this month's editorial will make our position clear. Deanna Kappel In sisterhood, Helen Halet WOMAN page 2 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION NORTHERN PDFCompressor �SHADES OF REGRESSION EDITORIAL-- by Teresa Legowski August 1982 Birth to get a driver's license. Legally, equality underisthe control practices an constiarea where Are we still back in 1975? From tution is essentially a paper tiger. Medical the sounds of the recent swing to many men are uncompromising. Provinces play the major role,in practices continue to abuseenthe woman. liberalism in the women's movement, fOrcement of human rights. Socially, And then there is physical beating, with the publishing of Betty Friedan's women are losing their traditional even during pregnancy, when a woman The Second Stage; and the unsuccessIN power sources, but are NOTthe GAINING iconsidered to be most powerful attempts in the U.S. at E.R.A., TRADITIONAL MALE POWER STRUCTURES. less. one would think that feminism has These economic hard' times are makbeen stagnant for the last eight years. ing the feminist take a back seat. The liberal feminists in Canada, This is are reality. These things hap.,. Welfare mothers being forced to on the other hand, have made their pen to us, our economic mothers, markets our sisters. find work in jobless presence felt. TO them, women's opabhorrentofconditions still-with noThese availability child care. pression is a twofold manifestation: exist. Men as a class are coming down hard legal and societal. On the legal feminists dopoor not shareon women The as aliberal class--especially battlefront, women are now officially the feminist viewpoint of male women--because we still are basically power equal in the eyes of constitutional structures. ;So how do we, as femin-powerless. Socially, men are beginning to law. inists,there get this to Of course, are areality few of across us participate more and more in the other who women? lucky women "know some reallyraising of their families. The conThen again, there are mice men". ventional female domain of home and those of First, us who we think that all men( must-stop compromising. family is slowly becoming a shaied continue to be be the epitomeWeofmust machisWe must vocal. make our responsiblility of both the 'mother" mo. What is needed is a balanced perstance unequivocal. For this, all woand the 'father'. This perspective maintains spective. Secondly, we must draw attention to men need heartily express our gratithat men, matter how "nice", conthe no injustices that continue to exist, tude to the liberal feminists. tinue as a class to perpetuate their despite our token legal and social However, we have a suspicious feelpower over women as a class. gains. Perhaps the loss of the E.R.A ing that these "libbers" think that As feminist women, changing ourshake own the in the United States will What the battles are finally won. The personal situation is not enough. liberal- Betty Friedanites. Perhaps they do not perceive are the realities "nice" they men we live and love with may will realize that there is more of power. lead ustotofeminism a selective perspective, than role stereotypirii* women's Men as a class are taking over one that shuts out the madness and equality in the law. of traditional strongholds, but they are reality. Thirdly, we must offer SuppOrt to not sharing their realms of traditionThisour gruesome reality sisters on an maintains individual basis. al power., Politics, economics, eduthat control over women by men ranges Alienation is not advisable at this cation and the military continue to in degrees. Some men may not necespoint in time. be heavily dominated by-men. sarily 'Fourthly, approve of we violence as athe means must show wide Women still earn 40% less than men. of control, but do look for some kind extent of support that feminism Women are still herded into pink job of control over women. can noeperbe ceives from women This who may Women still hold no deci.,ghettos. deprivation of-economic independence. ceive themselves as feminists. Women sive political' positions. It can be isolation together by limiting time Ultimately, we progres6; educatstill are not influential in spent with divided, friends,, we regress. the kinds of still hold friends, or by Women not "allowing"the-wqmen ional institutions. only token positions in the military. - - . my biseXuality hai done to my relations with my friends and-family. have an awful feeling of isolation because can't really get close_to,' family or be completely Wenest and confide in them. ,1 haVe friends bui discuss bisexuality whIC how can them when they openly lOkeand= - I I I ile I this (Time ridictile gays.' - Sure have liberel-lriends who consider themselves oPih-isinded but even so, I know if confide in thorn, even if they don't prejudliceJ themselves I a ur each t ril's ner t but it an I Although it is the policy of this collective not to print letters that are unsigned, from time to time we receive a letter that cries out to be heard, -not just by the ears of I would feel-thatoevery time joked with them or put my arm around their shoulder in sfriendshtk_-, agiinst me, I they might feel uneasy, as to it symppthy and understanding,' but by,i know guess. Pin trying to my situation__ What motives. say is that tha"general public who are all, I - ion obscene o stop d ready d there some fact he nd enity. alive - and who would can hardly-be u too eager to dismiss from their minds any subject that doesn't fitof into A lot my problemi could have _ the lifestyle-of their been choice. gotten rid of a long time ago if The subject matter of the Northern could only have spOken tb'someone in Woman Journal is "Women who isDistresS", bisexual and learned to deal and we feel this letterwith fitsit. well" There is- counselling ser4ices within that frame. for just about any problem an ' - I adolescent can come across except Drugs, family problems, alcoholism, you with name it, the high-school counSellor am writing this letter is prepared sincerity, hoping you do not thinktoitdeal with it, but how can homosexualrty don't even knowyou if cure my ridiculous. can't think of myself as-being Sick. problem will be of any interest Unfortunately, it is hard to maintain,, truly hope it does for to,you. homosexim s this belief when one is told, feel you are the individuals who will plain are sick and deprived and just be able to do something positive wish the Northern Woman queer. about it. couldstudent set up a place where kids/could go am an 18-year-old,female freely, without being slandered or who is finding it extremely difficult Kids-in an identity crisis, ridiculed. to deal with m_y bisexuality. are the most vulnerable of all andhave never had relations with the ones most in need of help. another woman, - my lack of lovers is not the problem, the problem is what NORTHERN V OMAN pa ge 3 Ditr Sisters; I I - I I I I I I PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �AN OPEN LETTER FROM _KATHIE February 1981 Dear 'Women: This is one of those intense, emotional-moments when I yearn for that warmth of the northern women. It seems I've spent the last two years in a struggle against oppression, and have discovered that effort being scoffed at-by those around me. Do you remember the line from Desiderata: "Avoid loud and obnoxious people...they are vexations to the spirit"? I have just spent the last "two hours with "loud and obnoxious people", and they have managed to suck the energy from,me. It was one of those "friendly" Grey Cup parties of "in-laws"--they had had a few to drink, made a few disgusting sexist jokes, and the men decided to bring out some "girlie" magazines to present as a gift to one of the men present. Everyone thought it was a great joke; consequentlY, the magazines were flipped through with much vigor and commentary.,Some men even haa-the gall to ask me--upon seeing the look of disface--what were "wrong" may on with some of the pictures. 'And so, the inevitable question is: ii What does a strong feminist, sitting in the midst of intoxicated, yet rational "in-laws", do? I could feel the anger build, and wanted to scream at them: WE ARE NOT. SEX OBJECTS!- WE DO MOT WANT TO BE DISSECTED INTO BREASTS ,AND ASV- WE ARE PERSONS! an But alas, my, mouth was "in-law" happily stuck a grotesque, I nude picture in front of me. I could t only mumble, "I'have an opinion too" and give him a cold stare. - The question is, "How can wecon6 front--and do It effectively (even if we can't convince these morons of their shortcomIngs)--how can we 'confront thei4 alleviate our pent-up anger, and feel good about it? Upon leaving this mess of affairs, a,fewmoments later I blew up in front of 4 male companion. Oh yes, he agretd,it was "awful", but was . n't I "over-reacting"? This is the inevitable reaction. 1 Goddamnit, I was mad, and still. am--not just at that pakticutat 44uation, but at our society that taughs at women being victimized, and then tnies to make women feet vittq because we "oven. -Aeact". (Ed. italics) ' I was also accused of being "judgemental" and "moralistic'. But alas, when men make similar kinds of condemnations, they are being "rational", and are condoned for attacking the root problem and the evils in -society. So what if I am being "judgemental"? I am trying to stop violence and oppression. If we all merely shrugged our shoulders and made excuses for people's behaviour, women would still not have the vote, and blacks would still be enslaved. Why mat I accept everyone? Why must (Ed. I Love my Op01440A4? 1 can't. itatit4) That brings me to another point: people claim "the oppressors are oppressed themselves". How can. this be so? They have the wealth, the power and the tools to liberate us all, but they will not--their world is too comfortable. They are not oppressed- they are content. We are in the Tidst of a battle to save our local Planned Parenthood from the terrible onslaught of Campaign Life. Campaign Life has "requested" City Council to withdraw funding from Planned Parenthood, because they are manti-chuch, anti-state and antifamily". I use the phrase "request" loosely-.-the Knights Of Columbus, as well as private citizens in Saskatoon, have threatened to withhold taxes, both municipal and federal, if the governments continue funding. The Campaign Life group has money to pay for a "campaign", while they print information out of context and publish pictures of alleged "abortions". They are free to distribute their information through-the mail because they have "paid for it". They are free to make false allegations in city council briefs because they have "contacts" who can get them on the agenda. Meanwhile, where is the rest of the population that disagrees and wants continued support for Planned Parenthood? The press gives them no time, and they have no funds to help them organize. Despite this, we are trying and we will be damned if a few boisterous, wealthy, misinformed, misguided individuals will have their way. How can 1 Love these people and be non-judgemental when I must-Aight so 6eveti6h- ty to Atop the 't opimiAAive match? (Ed. itaticA) I cannot even be accused of emotion aliam, although I am angry and will occasionally erupt, for I've studied the reasons for the oppression. We feminists have analyzed the social, political, economic and psychological structures of society, and know from our historical analysis who controls these structures. We know that the male obsession with power, wealth and competition is destructive and unhealthy. We want these structures changed. We are not interested in replacing the men in their positions of power. Simply put, we want egalitarianism- equality based on co-operativeness, and that is not "emotional". The questions for me, as I am sure it is for other women, are: Where do we put our energies so that eventually our ends are met? Do we surround ourselves with those who agree and live in our own constructed, co operative world, or do we fight this monstrous "system", multi-headed, strong and wealthy? If we choose to' . fight it, how do we fight it, and from what vantage point? Do we ocasionally compromise working within the system, turning its own tools upon itself to gain power to change it, or do we fight from without, attacking and invalidating the system when we can? I am not sure I know where to place this energy ready to erupt. I am still young--even an infant in the feminist movement- -but I am not always content to-follow the advice of more vell,seasoned feminists. It if inevitably, a personal choice, and I guess in order to satisfy my own curiosity, I will try both at different times in my life. As long as there are women like yourselves who are there for support, there will be solice, even if only occasionally. I can remember hearing other women talk about "the struggle" and wondered what they were talking about. Itcs all beginning to take form; slowly, I am beginning this journey of struggle. Thank-you for taking my hand. In sisterhood, Kathie 1 THUNDERCLAP THUNDERBOLT (Vol. 2, Issue 2--April, 1975) To the banquet manager of the Royal Edward Hotel, for perpetuating the stereotyped, false image of a "women's libber". He was overheard spouting off, during the I.W.Y. Women's Centres Conference held at the Royal Edward Hotel, about the braless, intimidating, jean-wearing females that invaded the hotel for the weekend. During his derogatory comments, the woman involved in the "conversation" with him asked with trepidation if they were all from Thunder Bay--and sighed with relief at his reply, that no they were from all across Canada. To further mention perhaps for our ... protect your eyeballs from strain, Mr. Manager--not to the hotel'S "reputation"we will choose another hotel next conference. And we all know what happened to the Royal Eddy in '84. P.S. For Danalyn MacKinnon,Margot Blight, and Mary Rakowski who have been active on women's issues in Thunder Bay and are now headed for Law School. August 1984 photo credits Many of the photos on page 21 were taken by Joyce Michatchuk. Uniontunatety, we ate unable to ckedit the othelt photogitapheA as they ate unknown. NORTHERN WOMAN page PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �roman Jourtict(ay Editorial: Our Heritage True to her Taurian nature, the paper has stubbornly persisted, bouncing back into publication from innumerable bouts of self-criticism, colic, fractures, diversity diarrhea, and funding influenza. Her health has stabilized for the time being and we, the bright-eyed collective, hope, from past experience, to have learned the proper perscription to ensure the well-being of the Northern Woman. Since May 1973, her birthmonth, the paper has changed in her intent. Originally conceived as an attempt to keep communications open among those who attended the Northern Women's Conference at Confederation Collegeduring the previous month, the Northern Woman's Newsletter served as a "bulletin board of events". The first subscription list (approximately ZOO in number) was, in fact, the list of registered conference women. A donation of one dollar was requested from the readers. With the help of a feminist government employee_, the paper was able, to get free paper and nostage, as no funding was available. By October of the same year, the collective publishing the paper had grown to ten women and a decision was made to use the publication as a fortm for "free and open exchange of the views and opinions" that unified women of Northwestern Ontario in their attempts for political and personal emancipation. During that first year, the Northern Woman had already begun to display the first signs - teething pains then - that eventually lead her to death's door three times. The major problem, demonstrated by the Journal's turbulent health status, has been the functioning of the collective. In June 1974, September 1977, and once again September 1979, the collective had not been able to resolve the contradictions of "collective development" and journal "publishing". For the most part, a lack of balance developed./ Women were using the collective for support to offset problems not related to 'publishing the paper. There was a strong need for the collective to equalize the consciousness of its members through discussion of feminist, socialist issues. Some women felt intimidated by these concepts and could not accept them. Yet the needs of the readership (receiving the newspaper to which they subscribed) were not met, as a result. These different levels of consciousness also lead to a conflict of opinion on content. How can we not threaten the conservative feminist and yet still be radical? The collective wanted the Journal to reflect feminist opinions with as much original material as possible, but these varied greatly ' in scope and perspective. Achievement of consensus took a lot of time and energy. As well, the various collectives that were born and reborn, did not have an understanding of the group process, Many women experienced the inability to develop bonding and mutual trust. Many did not know how to give and receive constructive criticism, and ' there was no vehicle to facilitate this type of expression. A lack of continuity in membership emphasized the problem. Originating from the background of a patriarchal society, the collec'Ave had a tendency to delegate power to one or a few people, and expected strong leadership from her (them). This added a case of acne to an already chicken-poxed situation. After operating out of members homes, the Northern Woman moved to the newly established Women's Centre located at the YM/YWCA building on Archibald Street in Apri1,1974. By October of the next year, the Journal moved again to her own, larger space at 316 Bay Street. The collective felt inhibited by the Women's Centre, seeing it as a place for women just beginning to consider feminism. These women would feel intimidated by a radical feminist paper. (In May 1977, the Women's Centre joined the newspaper at Bay Street.) Additionally, being so closely related to the Women's Centre, many lastminute decisions fell into the hands of the Centre, with no collective consensus possible. Time pressure manifested itself in other forms, too. The long and tedious process of developing the collective; equalizing its members' awareness; accomodating consciousness raising; all these contributed to burning the midnight oil before the printing deadline. -And we all know what lack of sleep can do for one's health. Volunteers had other commitments also, and could not spend all their time nursing the newspaper. In the past, government funding was seen as heaven-sent. Paid staff were viewed as the necessary blood transfusion that alleviated the sparcity of volunteer donor time. The Northern Woman has received government assistance on four .occasions : in October 1973, $1,200 from the Ministry of Community and Social Services; in April 1974, $10,000 granted to the Women's / Centre from the Secretary of State's Women's Program, shared with the newspaper collective and helped fund the purchase of a Gestetner machine; in January 1977, L.I.P. paid salary and expenses for two workers for six months; in October 1978, Canada Works paid for one salaried worker plus materials and supplies. Unfortunately, accomodating a combination of volunteers and paid staff followed with too much responsibility being placed in the hands of the salaried women. The volunteers saw no need for their services now that someone was being paid. to do the work. - Furthermore, the old problem of al accepting government legiance arose: money in one hand, and being a thorn in the government's posterior in the other hand. This, no doubt, is the dilemma for countless community ggen-: cies and_organizations attempting to stay alive and well. The present collective is hopeful for the continuing livelihood of the Northern Woman. We shall continue, in the past tradition, our editorial policies: encouraging feminist awareness seeking articles of particular relevance to Northwestern Ontario women, portraying women in a positive light and promoting the development. of feminist analysis in writing. Throughout our herstory, the recurring maladies of the collective have been twofold: not enough women were involved, and, there'..lever seem- ed to be anytime to spend on the collective (as opposed to the production of the paper). From June to December, 1980, the collective regained its stamina. advertisements for midwives to assist in the rebirth of the paper were sent out. The born-again collectivist worked on issues of the fainily, sexuality; was urged to read feminist books; and basically got to know herself and- the other members. 44101W Based on this, and our former experiential knowledge, we have attempted to introduce some positive developments. We are not accepting any government support (for the time /being) and are promoting financial independence. - We are sure that feminist publications in the journalistic never -never land have experienced similar illness es, if not'the same epidemics. Hopefully we will be able to share their experiences and remedies for the encouragement of sisterhood in better health. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISIONNORTHERN PDFCompressor AT OMAN page 5 �Health Dear Readers: This is the second issue of the Northern Woman to be put out by her newly formed collective. It is also the first paper for 1980. The collective is very busy both studying feminist issues as well as soliciting articles and writing for the Northern Woman. The major focus for this paper is Women and Health. Our intent, through these health articles, many of which are personal experiences, is to begin a process of women sharing - sharing our concerns, our anger, our fears - and through this sharing obtain the strength to take control of our bodies, our minds, our health, our environment. The issues are broad and the implications far-reaching. Women, when dealing with their bodies and their health must realize that they are facing patriarchy at its worst. Male myths about the female body, the female psyche, have subjected women to mistreatment that we can no longer ignore. The medical profession and the drug industry is a powerful force which claims to own a body of knowledge that the average lay person is unable to comprehend. To do this they have convinced the general population that-our untrained minds are not prepared to deal with the many complex problems of our bodies. Women must question the existing system -- a system that centres on curing illness, rather than on promoting wellness. In this system, which forces us to rely upon hospitals and doctors, drugs and drug companies, the victims are more than often women. The documented evidence of the damage to women grows every day. We are shocked and distressed by the thousands of thalidomide babies, and the millions of women who were given the drug DES. We roar for the thousands of women who have become sterile from the use of male-oriented birth control, as well as dozens of other severe problems. We rage at the control the phallotechnicians have over our reproductive power. They have taken birth, a celebration of life and turned it into a medical/surgical procedure and have done this with great pride. In earlier times healing was a traditionally female domain - female lay healers operated within a network of information sharing and-mutual support. With the onset of modern medicine - male doctors have hoarded knowledge, restricting access to an exclusive minority. They have created in scientific and medical knowledge, a valuable and limited commodity to be traded on the market -place. The wisdom of women is growing and thus our power is increasing. We must now allow the destruction of our minds and bodies to continue. It is crucial that women take responsibility and reclaim our rights/knowledge. The few articles in this journal only scratch the surface of this important subject but we hope they will cause women to question and learn and be strengthened. February 1980 In Sisterhood and Strength, the Northern Woman Journal Collective. 91011111111111111111. Power As the Women In Transition project moves inexorably to disclosure, and we in turn play our full part in exposing the magnitude of violence against women in our community, we have a strange feeling of relief that is echoed over and over again in the personal documentations, Thank God the secret is out, no longer any reason to pretend, as one minister who said, "There are no battered women in my congregation, Our women fear the Lord." One can readily see how difficult it would be for a woman to ask for any kind of help_ It is not easy for society to face up to its own violent instincts. It would be so simple to believe that only the base and deprived had cultivated the art to its present form. So simple to say, it's the drink, it's ' the drugs, its the money, it's the nagging, it's the woman's movement, it's the moral permissiveness, if we didn't know in every case it's the stronger against the weaker, the independent against the dependant and whether it is man against woman or woman against child it is rooted in the drive for independence on the one hand and the need to control on the other. It was inevitable that one day the lid would fly off and we would be forced to recognize and deal with the cycle that pits social pressure against men, men against women, and both men and women against children who in turn:are at war with society. In the past woman has dealt with this brutal part of her reality by turning inward, going mad, protecting the source of her dependence and whether she has done it out of fear or love, the deterioration of her spirit and her loss of self-worth has been reflected in the family. Perhaps this first real break in the cycle comes when women are no longer ashamed to say, "This is the way it is in my life and I see no good and sufficient reason to conceal it or continue to endure it." Our Society has an obligation to provide 'an option, a place of refuge in the immediate and the support structures that encourage her to believe she can make changes that will restore her This is short term for self-worth. the fundamental change has to come from a re-examination of the power structure 'as it applies to personal relationships, and more specifically Gert Beadle May, 19 78 the sexes. I.U.D. P.I.D. Dear Editors: Thank you for the complimentary Enclosed copy of "Northern Woman". Please enter me as a subis $4.50. scriber. Thank you for printing Sandra Steinhause's article on the I.U.D. I had a similar-experience and have been very lonely in the anger and frustration I feel with the medical establishment. I am also a woman who is very conscious of her body and health care in general. Before my decision to have an I.U.D. (CU7) inserted in 1973 I had a lengthy discussion with my gynecologiSt..,I felt fully informed on the pros and cons of this method of birth control. I was told there is a high rate of 'infection' but was not told that this meant pelvic inflammatory disease -- a fertility threatening infection. Nor was I told to contact a doctor upon the first sign of abnormal pain or bleeding. On a Monday in November, 1976, I experienced abnormal bleeding. As I live 10 miles from my gynecologist and planned a trip to town on Friday, I decided to see him at that time. He did, when I saw him, give me a full explanation of all possible conditions that could be causiiig my symptoms. However, he instructed me to check into a hospital on Sunday for a laporetomy This (exploratory surgery) on Monday. three day delay allowed the infection I had to ravage my reproductive system that much longer. On Monday my condition was diagnosed as pelvic inflammatory disease and I was prescribed a high dose of antibiotics. The infection did clear up and my doctor suggested that after I was completely healed I have d test done to see how badly scarred my fallopian tubes are. I had this test done and learned that my tubes are totally blocked with scar tissue, preventing However, he also informpregnancy. ed me that there is surgery that can be performed to remove this scar tissue, which would increase my chance of becoming pregnant to 20%. As I said, my reaction to this whole nightmare is complete horror I feel like a vicand indignation. As I am a woman who prides herself on being in control of her life, this was an extremely demoralizing experience. I am left cynical and bitter towards the entire medical profession which, in the long run, may be better for my health. I must, however, say that Sandra Steinhause's experience surprised me in that I have always felt the best medical attention is to be found in the larger centres. Though,I am not satisfied with the doctor who inserted my I.U.D., the doctor who attended me during my infection, laporetomy and testing is to be highly commended when compared with Sandra's medical tim. team. Thank you, Northern Woman, for allowing me to tell my story and to relieve some of the anger I feel. Sincerely, Marsha Michael Cunningham May 1978 NORTHERN WOMAN page PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �the DES story February 1981 by Louise Nichols 9 ** For a full account of the story of DES - including why it took so long to stop doctors and the drug companies from promoting its use in pregnancy, I highly recommend the book "Women and the Crisis in Sex Hormones" by Barbara Seaman, available at the Co-op Bookshop and the Northern Women's Centre Library. But be prepared to become very angry as you read. This book also goes into, in more detail than I have space for, the various treatments and followups for those womenare whofound, are found to a careful colposcopic exhave cancer or abnormalities of vaamination yearly should be sufficient, ginal and cervicalalong tissue. also crap test. FortuwithIta is yearly one of the best information sources nately, Thunder Bay has recently acon birth control and menopause that quired a colposcope, and a local I have found - important reading gynecologist isfor able to perform this all women. procedure. In 1966, a doctor in diagIf Boston adenosis is present, many docnosed a case of adenocarcinoma inconservative a tors feel that management 15 year old girl. by In frequent the next re-examination three is all that years he found sixis similiar cases in necessary; others feel that any women aged fifteenabnormal to twenty-two. tissue should be cauterized He conducted a careful search and or biopsied. In any case, it would be finally made the connection - alla the safest to find doctor who is a DES mothers of the women had taken specialist to DES follow through any during their pregnancies. Since then treatment - this is no time to trust there have been over 250 family cases of in the doctor or any old gynvaginal cancer, the youngest in a ecologist. 7 year old girl, the Since oldestthis in aadenocarcinoma 29 is being year old women. All their found in mothers such young women, checkups received DES during the first should begin 18 by age 14, or earlier if weeks of pregnancy.any symptoms such as abnormal bleeding Adenocarcinoma or is bloodstained a previously discharge between rare type ofvaginal cancer that ocperiods are present. curs in glandular tissue (adeno = And the mothers should be aware gland, carcinoma =that cancer). northere The is suggestion of a slightly mal vagina has no higher glandular tissue; risk of breast cancer or canDES interferes with the of of the uterus in cer offormation the lining normal genital tissue of the fetus. women who have taken DES; this makes Up to 90% of DES daughters have for glanit imperative them to have regular dular tissue (adenosis) in theirexams, vagynecological and to learn and ginas, and a smallpractise percentage of monthly breast self-examinathese have cancer tion. of this glandular tissue. It is not known whether There is some encouraging news. It presence of the adenosis is a many signal seems that cases of adenosis heal of a precancerous state. Incidentally, themselves gradually with time. But it has been found there that male children are also other considerations for exposed to DES in utero are also DES daughters, showwhether they have noring effects. Theremal is checkups a higher or incinot. It seems clear dence in these males of no undescended that DES daughter should further testicles, semen abnormalities, expose herselfand to hormones in the form possible sterility.of birth control pills, post-menopausal Now - assuming that you've talked estrogen replacement therapy, the to your mother, and"morning that sheafter took pill" (which may be DES during her pregnancy you, DES:), with or the hormones used to dry up and that she was told what it reallywhen the woman milk after birth was - what should you do from doesn't wishhere? to breastfeed. And the There is a veryIUD specific examina-complicate the chroncould further tion procedure that be followed icmust cervix inflammation many DES in checking DES daughters - anything daughters have. On the other hand, the less is not good enough. Because jellies the contraceptive used with the adenosis and/or cancerous cells of diaphragm seem to the have a healing efvagina are not visible to adenosis, the naked because of their fect on eye, a special instrument called a acidifying effect. So there is availcolposcope is used. This is in essence able a non-harmful method of birth a kind of magnifying instrument control which speccan actually be benefiifically designed for microscopically cial. examining the vagina and cervix, Finding out and that you are a DES will show up any areas of abnormality. daughter, or that you have taken DES A regular pap test, while excellent for yourself, is a frightening thing. detecting abnormalBut changes of the cerit is important that you become vix, will miss such changesabout in the informed the problem so you can vagina. Colposcopic examination is necbe sure you will get proper care. essary. In addition, many doctors Knowledge helps also you to deal with fear. use an iodine stain solution to paint I am a DES daughter. If anyone the vagina and cervix, since any would like moreadeninformation, or needs osis does not pick to up talk the stain and about her own sitto someone can thus be distinguished from normal uation, or necOs to.know where to go The woman's movement has had an incredible effect on the way women approach the health care system. No ;longer passive consumers, women are learning how their bodies work, demanding information, finding out about alternatives, confronting patronizing and sexist attitudes, and asking lots of questions. One of the important questions for many women however, those born from the late forties to about 1971, is one they should be asking their mothers. In the last five years or so, there has been some media exposure of the discovery of a rare type of vaginal cancer in young women whose mothers took the synthetic estrogen DES (diethylstilbestrol) during their early pregnancies. First used in a study of 632 women in Massachusetts in 1943, DES was thought to be effective in treating threatened miscarriage, enabling the woman to continue her pregnancy to term. It was subsequently used to treat an estimated six million women in the US., Canada, Australia, Mexico, Belgium, France, and Britain. The story of DES is truly astounding. The earliest studies, despite the claim that the researchers felt it could be effective in maintaining pregnancy threatened by miscarriage, undertaken on women who were were having normal pregnancies; none of the women were informed that they were receiving DES -- some recall being told they were being given "vitamins". A subsequent study in Chicago in 1952, comparing a group of women receiving DES and a control group receiving a placebo (an inactive substance), showed that not only did the DES group not have healthier pregnancies, but that twice as many DES mothers had miscarriages as the control group; they also had more high blood pressure and smaller babies than the mothers receiving 0.acebos. Another study in New Orleans confirmed these results. So as early as 1952 it had been shown that there was no value to using DES in pregnancy. It had also been proven as early as 1940 that DES caused cancer in mice. But DES continued to be used until 1971 to treat pregnant women, exposing a possible 25 to 30 thousand women per year and their fetuses to a hormone which by 1969 was clearly proven to tissue. be carcinogenic in humans.** If no adenosis or abnormalities ' , . foLa -'... up, I can be contacted through tiiis paper. NORTHERN WOMAN page 7 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �HORMONES so much for miracles? by Gert Beadle they encourage, such as fluid reten- February 1980 tion. The questions I ask myself are My personal experience with hormones for menopausal distress began as I neared fifty. After having a hysterectomy at thirty-four for fibroids, I had, it seemed to me, a never-ending condition of hOt flushes, nervous exhaustion and continuous nausea. I was employed full time as an R.N.A. and although I am an energetic person mentally, I found myself struggling to maintain that posture physically. When it was suggested to me by a doctor that hormones might solve some of my problems, and I was assured that a refusal at the time of my surgery was no longer a factor, I gratefully began to take 1.25 Premarin in the prescribed small price to pay for this new health, but no one told me what the consequences of going off them would be. After taking them for fifteen years, I felt that they were contributing to fluid retention, which had become a problem. At the same time I became more aware of the dangers inherent in birth control pills, and so, without consultation with the medical authorities, I took my last pill and said, "That's all". The results of this decision were catastrophic. I went into shock of withdrawal and was delivered to Emergency without body temperature and cyanosed I had begun to perspire in the morning in no ordinary way and throughout the day continued to try to soak up the perspiration with towels, but by 7 o'clock I was flaking out,and was sure I. was having a heart attack. I am now taking o.625 Premarin which is equivalent to half of my former prescription and have gradually cut the need to 2 weeks out of 4 but I was reminded just this last month that to cut it further is'to revive all the old symptoms of hot flushing and depression. At sixty-four, I have come to the realization that I may well have to take them as long as I live, regardless of any other symptoms a ' dosage. Hormones at this time were enjoying a period of approval by some medical men. I was, for instance, given a book to read on its magic powers. Good for the bones, good for the nerves, an elixor of life. If it couldn't save your marriage, it would go a long way to making your husband happY. So I was prepared for a miracle and it seemed to happen. The difference in my physical wellbeing was spectacular. I ran cool, energy returned, mental stress and nausea abated. I was told once starting that I would probably have to take them all my life and at the time I felt it was these. 1. Had I not taken them, would the cycle of discomfort have come to an end in a short time and made them un necessary? 2. How much did my needing to work for financial reasons pressure me in to the decision?? 3. How much of my battle with weight gain do I owe this magic pill? 4. How much blood pressure and fluid retention? 5. If I had known what I know now, would I have made the same decision? I have learned since that having had a hysterectomy some of the danger inherent in the pill is not a threat to me, but we ought to know more about chemical imbalance and the withdrawal that accompanies what we often think of as common medication. It is not in my nature to be depender, and hormones are one dependence I have had to settle for. One plus that I have granted the pill is that I shall be a pensioner before my hair turns grey. 4;117::Ittii.treArC->Q)....44kitO. ) ';' , ottril Vracif trpoe N11" f/44'01,ficlif 4<4./V/flY (itt Wo+ Wee, ,X 9Le ty/6, o MIRROR MIRROR ON THE. CERVIX o JC_114 gRc911-t&M At the Duluth CER4g.9( before Community Health with myrestrictio government Centre I was expertly no fitted use ain Canada. own cervical cap by Jan, nurse pragtitioner. During the As twowehour proceeded, I pl fitting we discussed my reasonsinfor speculum my vagina an the wanting the cap -- mainly to avoid mirror positioned betwee of extensive (also expensive) use could watch as the nurse spermacides when-using routine my diaphragm. pap smear and pe The American Food & Drug Administraamination, (as reguired tion (F.D.A.) recommends one drop of The pap results are sent Non Oxynol 9 spermacide in the cap family doctor or you may and to leave the cap on the cervix the clinic, whichever yo effective for three days as it is US,cervix clea for that peroid of time. To In see the my since July 19, 1981 cervical caps the flashlight onto the m only by those proThe nurse deliberately c may be dispensed viders who have obtained Investone an size smaller than ex and igational Device Exemption number fit and placed it on my approvedmystudy. are conducting an FDA Feeling cervix with m So to comply with the FDA regI could tell that the ca ulations I had to sign a consent form PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Midwifery : a labour of love The following are excerpts from a conversation between Barbara Kemeny and interviewer Melissa Tefft. so the midwives role was one of support and reassurance For most North Americans midwifery is a very unfamiliar concept. Would you describe your work and the heritage of being a midwife in Europe? In Germany the midwife has maintained her tradition for hundreds of years. She is first of all a woman. She is educated in and responsible for the physiology of preg-, nancy, birth, and post natal care of the mother and child. In the old days, birthing was an accepted part of life and the midwives were healers and highly respected members of the town. The midwives role was one of support and reassurance to a natural process. Once the child was born she supervised the expulsion of the placenta, tied off the umbilical cord and cared for the mother and infant during recovery. She based her work on the idea of permitting the birth to unfold with little or no interference. Once the child was born she supervised the expulsion of the placenta, tied off the umbilical cord and cared for the mother and infant during recovery. She based her work on the idea of permitting the birth to unfold with little or no interference. During the 1500 and 1600's leaders of Christianity linked the midwives with the witches and proclaimed them demons of the church. The atrocities.. committed to ensure the elimination of the women healers often left a village with only one woman. Through these extensive burnings continued over centuries, the babies continued to be born and the women continued to secretly teach each other the birthing process. With the rise of medical schools and medical technology, doctors made themselves available to deal with complications of delivery. With the invention of forceps in the 1720's, the midwife/doctor debate began as to who was to have control over attending births. Fortunately, in the mid 1800's in Europe the importance of the midwife was finally recognized. Training became subsidized by the government and midwifery was now part of the medical profession. The midwives maintained control as overseers of the births and doctors were called in only for pathology or a very high risk birth. Such high risks and/or pathology were exceptions and not expectations. Today in Germany because of the technology and urbanization the midwife's connection with the commlunity has changed, but she still delivers most of the babies in hospitals and at home. The doctors are available for crisis situations but the midwife still makes the decisions. Legally a doctor cannot even examine, much less operate on la birthing mother except in the ;presence and with the approval of ithe midwife. tiMISISMISIISRWSGT How would you describe the midwife's work with one mother? First of all, especially with the home birth, the midwife is involved with the whole pregnancy. Visits start early in the pregnancy and become more frequent as the birthing time arrives. The midwife takes the time not only to do physical checkups but to advise and talk about nutrition, exercise, sexuality, fears, wishes, relationships; whatever is most on the mother's mind. The midwife develops a relationship with the partner or coach who may be assisting with the birth. When the birthing time arrives she aids the mother in labour and birth. Following the birth, the midwife stays as long as it is necessary and then comes daily to help with the adjustment, breastfeeding, questions, and any possible complications. You see the principle of birth is the same for every woman, and yet each woman's unique and,body how and she baby dealsare with her pregnancy too is unique. So here is where the midwife beside having her technical skills must learn to be very open minded and critical so that she may respond,torrespect the needs of the mother. 4416MMI00-4 With a birth by a midwife the woman has the opportunity to take full responsibility for her choices, her actions, her birth, and her child. She is not strapped down, drugged, cut up or rushed through the birth process. There is such an opportunity here for bonding and for the mother and father (should he choose to participate) to really know where this child has come from. Most important, the midwife does not deliver the baby, the mother does. The role of the midwife is to simply help and support using the power of her knowledge. How do you see birthing in North. America today?' That they have taken the control away from women is evident in most births in North America today. This is a system of maternity care which first of all forces most women to deliver in hospitals. The prenatal visits are quick and the pregnant woman has little opportunity to be informed of the process that she is part of. She becomes part of a dehumanizing, institutional assembly line where, instead of being part of a family drama where her work and wishes are respected, she is stripped of personal possessions and placed in stark, sterile surroundings as someone ready to undergo an operation or imprisionment. After her by APrii,a19,8,0,, hard work and pain of delivering, her child is whisked away. She faces routine shaving of her pubic hair, routine episiotomy, anesthesia, routine use of forceps and a rack like delivery bed. Only a few years ago it was routine to strap a woman down if she got too 'excited'. All of these procedures - rather than aiding the birthing woman, serve only the interests of the medical profession in pulling out the child. They are completely counter to the birthing process. They have transformed it into a feared ordeal. One has to ask why the doctors have fought so hard for control over our basic female function and can onl conclude they must be compelled to interfere with our birthing out of jealousy and fear of women's generative powers. You see the responsibility of birth i taken away by the doctors. We must take this power back and assume the responsibility once more both for our selves and our children. Because we have no training fac -. ilities in Canada for midwifery, many women have become lay midwives by apprenticing or training with each other and setting up in effect their own intimate schools. How do you feel about these lay midwives? On one hand it is so good that women are refusing the hospital and creating their own births. In British Columbia there is a group of women who organized themselves to learn birthing. They set up an extensive study group using medical books and had nurse midwives come and teach them and then they began delivering their own children. These kinds of actions are what kept midwifery alive during the witch burnings in Europe. The only warning I would have here is that even though birthing is natur there are ways to help a mother birth and there is much knowledge and experience that a midwife acquires after training and delivering babies. It is an art and great respect should be given to the training involved. There are some who think because they have attended a. few births they know all about it. Although their experiences are valid, the long experience is necessary to give the birOing mother the best care possible. I am always for personal responsibility and people being strong with themselves. In the case of birthing I would suggest that only a midwife with good experience and theoretical knowledge should attend the mother. I respect the technology that medicine has developed but in the hands of most doctors the technology is abused and over used. In the hands of conscious women or men this butchery would not happen. I would like to see willing/progressive doctors and nurse midwives open to sharing their knowledge and experienc with the lay midwives. I do know that the lay midwives are starved for more knowledge. My vision and hope is that women will take their power back and that the doctors will be forced continued page 14 311,11MIIIM111111111110, NORTHERN WOMAN page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Findings & outcomes of the ROYAL COMMISSION . May 19 79 life in a small town Remember when the Royal Commission on the Northern Environment came trapsing through the north? If so, you may be interested in the background paper expresses the cumulative opinions the expressed at the various hearing held in the small towns throughout the region. The entire publication can be acquired by writing The Royal Commission on the Northern Environment, Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor St. West, Room 801, Toronto, M4W 1A5. However, to deal with it in part, the following is a representative portion of Chapter 5 from the section entitled WOMEN IN THE NORTH SEEK JUSTICE: ...the Commission learned that traditionally, it would be left to the native women to break camp, move family and belongings and set up another home following the seasonal pursuits of hunting, trapping, fishing and gathering. Trapping has often been a male-female team effort among native people, with'the women helping to set traps and retrieve the catch and invariably scraping the furs and tanAing the hides. Today in the north, trapping, commercial fishing and wild rice harvesting are usually partnership efforts for men and women. At the turn of the century, white women came to live in the north in some numbers during the second phase of "civilizing" the country, the period after the wilderness had been mapped. Traders' wives, missionaries, teachers--they all contributed to life in the north. Later came the miners' wives, the bullcooks working in the lumber camps and the women of easy virtue in the mining boom towns. For women, the north meant adapting themselves to a rough and narrow lifestyle created and dominated by men. It was not a comfortable life nor a familiar one... While there was some contact between native and white women over the years, close friendships were unusual... The division still exists to a considerable extent today in northern towns, i.e. white people live in towns, native people mainly in shanties on the outskirts or on reserves.... In recent years, some younger women of both cultures have been learning to recognize feelings and life experiences that they share in common, goals which can bring them together as women... Issues raised by women in the north were basically similar to those voiced by their sisters in the south. They need facilities for pre-school children to allow mothers freedom to seek employment or pursue cultural interests. They want interval houses to allow them protection from beatings or abuse. They want job opportunities to give them greater economic independence and allow them to have a greater say in the devel opment of the area. The problems northern women share with their southern sisters are compounded by the realities of living in a remote community. Isolation, inadequate housing, lack of cultural and recreational facilities and a shortage of activities and occupations outside the home all serve to make life harder for women in the north: "Fear, isolation, lack of financial resources, transportation and child care are all factors that make living in the north a very difficult place for women to grow and participate as citizens of Ontario." (NWO International Women's Decade Co-ordinating Council, Nakina) An almost total absence of paid employment opportunities for women characterized a number of communities visited by the Commission. One reason for this lack, the Commission was told, was the dependance, typical in the north, of an entire community on a single employer, generally a resource extraction industry: "In single industry communities... the majority of jobs will be male oriented and the traditional female employment opportunities will not be as prevalent as in a more diversified southern community." (Timmins Women's Resource Centre, Timmins.) In part, there are few jobs for women, daycare services and facilities are inadequate and costly; and without daycare facilties, the new jobs for women are further out reach... With few opportunities for employment outside the home, a northern woman is restricted to her home and family. Concern was expressed about: "...the alarming increase of mental illness of young women attributed to the never-ending stress associated with caring for small children in cramped company houses, trailers or mobile homes." (NWO International Womens Decade Co-ordinating Council, Nakina.) Not only do women experience the psychological strain of isolated northern communities. Men too suffer the tension of an unstable way of life. Tragically, the victims of their frustrations are often their wives and their children: "...The top priority expressed by women in the communities we visited was the desperate need for crisis or interval housing. Small communities lack even the minimal social support services.,;." The stresses of women living in' isolation are compounded for those who come to the north later in life, perhaps following a husband who has found employment: "Those of us born here are accusto ed to the conditions. We value our environment four independance, selfreliance and pace of life while recog nizing mutual dependency in times of emergency...TO newcomers...the weathe conditionsi can be debilitating, inadequate hoOsing...demoralizing, the ab sence of medical service close at han frightening; and recreational and educational facilities virtually nonexistent for women, depressing.... (Kenora Women's Coalition, Kenora) Many women are concerned that expansion and neat development would caus further probler-s. An influx of worker both single and married, imposes a bu den on a community which may not be a to support it. Once bgain, those who suffer most tend to be women and chid ren: "The social impact of (development) will effect all members of the commun ity, but it may have a particular impact on women, their children and their communities. Aggravated housing problems, the pressures of overcrewdi and the deterioration in the public ptilities...would fall mainly on wome who, during the long northern winters are often alone at home." (KenoraRainy River District Health Council) Native women in particular feel the negative impact of development. Sometimes an isolated native communit is forced to absorb an influx of people without any preparation or assistance... The Commission was reminded that development, with its influx of transient workers, creates other problems for native women: "We are concerned with the sexual exploitation of our native women, through the availability of alcohol and out communities being close to the camps; the evidence of violent attacks on women, rape, illegitimate pregnancies, unwanted children, prostitution and venereal disease wil rise beyond a social problem.(Ontaric Native Women's Association, Geraldton) Generally, the women of the north, both women and non-native women, recognized that industrial activities of some sort are inevitable. Consequently, they were determined that continued page 20 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN VOMAN page 10 �--- by JOAN BARIL "I've had a terrible, terrible winter", the young woman told me. "My husband was unemployed and he became very despondent, very low. It affected all of us. He's got a job now, thank heavens, so it's a bit better." These remarks could be seconded by many local women who are seeing their family happiness and stability being strangled by the economic system. This Second World Depression has women by the throat. In Canada, it has also caused the "feminization of poverty" - the growing tendency of poor people to be women and it has caused an increase in the number of poor. More than a quarter of Canadian households now live in poverty, states a report released in June by the Canadian Council on Social Development and young single mothers, their children and elderly women are the chief victims. The average Canadian family of three earns $30,000 a year. Women headed families earn much less, often under the $15,000 poverty line for a threeperson family. Mothers on welfare spend most of the money on rent and often do without food for the sake of the children, the report found oo The third annual conference of local and regional francophone women of the Comite des Femmes du Nord Ouest, held at the Ramada Inn in mid-May, started off with a dynamic address by keynote speaker Jacqueline Pelletier of Ottawa. At the pornography workshop, which was co-ordinated by Line Jolicoeur of Sudbury, the women discussed the movie "Not a Love Story" and a slideshow called "Sticks and Stones" which was prepared by Sudbury women. Also of interest was a workshop given by Blanche Doucette of Canada Employment which introduced the francophone program "New Start" to the women. Conference organizer. Carol Ann Collins, believes that the policy of giving money directly to mothers to pay their day care allowed several women ments June 11, 1984. Doreen Boucher of the local Physical and Sexual Assault Centre testified for the crown. She claimed that less than half of rape victims report their assault to the police at present and that publication of the victim's name would further deter the reporting of rape. The next day, Judge Coulter Osborne ruled that the relevant section in the Criminal Code was not unconstitutional. However the decision is being challenged by tilt- Chronicle- Journal in the Ontario Court of Appeals and will probably come up this fall. Because the victim's right to anonymity is important to all women, the Thunder Bay Physical and Sexual Assault Centre has begun fund raising to defray legal costs. (Send donations to #18 - 214 Red River Rd., Thunder Bay, P7B 1A7) hers of city council to frame a bylaw restricting availability of pornography to children. A draft of sue a by-law is now being studied The Decade Council in con- junction with the Ontario Advisory Council on the Status of Women is holding a "Women's Forum" in Dryden, September 15 & 16 at the Best Western Hotel. This is an opportunity fol northern women to present their concerns either orally or in a written brief. For information call Leni Untinen at (807) 345-3631 or 683-523( During the past winter, it became clear that the Ontario government's massive cut-backs and changes to the day care system will make quality day care less and less available for most children. Only the children of the rich and the very poor will be eligible. The local Women's Centre is studying the issue through it project Pro-Daycare. Part of the work is a survey of local needs using a random sample from the voters' list. Ruth Wells and Cary Marshall will co-ordinate surveyors Beatrice Donay, Jo-Ann Himes, Simone Desmoulin, Kaija Voulilainen, Karen Aylward and Cathy Arthur. In early August, two community forums will -be held to inform the public. Mary Rakowski and Margot Blight are asking women to get involved here to The Faye Peterson Transition House will be moving to Fort William because of zoning problems in their Port Arthur location. We need an alternative mode] for health care in Northwestern Ontario - a plan to focus on education, self-help, and prevention. This is one conclusion of the survey on Womer Health Needs in Northwestern Ontario done by Jane Ramsay for the N.W.O. Women's Health Education Project. Fif teen northern communities participate in the report which was released in early June. The report shows Northerr women suffering from many forms of isolation - isolation from their families and from other support systems. Many communities lack doctors, nursir homes, birth control clinics, obstetrical and childbirth facilities, day care centres, battered wives refuges and healthful environments free from pollution. As a long term goal the report recommends "Well-Woman" clinics run on a self-help model. In the short term, the Health project has offered several well-attended public forums and workshops. In the works are workshops on Patient's Rights and Responsibilities, Birth Control, Breaking the Diet Habit and help formulate methods to ensure our children and our sisters' children have access to good quality and available day care woe to attend who otherwise would not have been able to. She also credits Sylvie Gagnon, Secretary of State and Lise Provost from Atikokan for a successful Conference A recent conviction for sexual assault on June 15, 1984 marks the first time in Thunder Bay a husband has been convicted of raping his wife. The couple were separated at the time. He was sentenced to seven months with a day pass to continue his job plus a year's probation. The case is also notable for the constitutional challenge made to the section of the Criminal Code which can forbid the publication or broadcast of the name of a rape victim. Prior to the trial an application was made for non-publication of the accused's last name as well as the victim's since, because they were married, publication of his name automatically would make public her name as well. The Chronicle-Journal countered with an application that section 442.3 of the criminal code which allows the anonymity of victims, violated the Charter of Rights. A special assize session heard the argu- Pre-MenstruIl Syndrome a change in Prime Minister During the spring, Fiona Karlstedt of the Northern Women's Centre spoke to several community groups including the Rotary Club breakfast, the Women's Institute, various religious groups, classes at Port Arthur Collegiate and Confederation College including the WITT class (Women in Trades and Technology) On June 19, Fiona and Margot Blight presented the Centre's brief on pornography to two members of the Fraser Commissiot at the Red Oak Inn. They also presented the results of a survey made on local stores which showed that pornographic material was widespread and within easy access of children. Among other briefs was an excellent presentation by the Thunder Bay Police Department which pointed out that pornographic videos were widely available. The Women's Centre supports the attempts by mem- . and cabinet but still very few dresses to be seen in the suit and tie brigade. P.M. Turner says his party welcomes women candidates and Brian Mulroney says the same thing. The actors change but the river of political rhetoric flowing over women never ceases. Can we look forward to any concrete action from these parties? The provincial Conservatives whose activities to encourage the advancement of women in the party ar( just about nil,and whose commitment to affirmative action and equal pay for work of equal value is less than nil, now blame women for not becoming candidates. "They are" says Premier William Davis, "too sensitive for politics". It's the old one-two so familiar for feminists. One: keep women out of the old-boy club and two: claim it's the women's fault goo continued on next page- PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN :47 OMAN pa ge 11 �OUR TIME IS NOW woo If Canadian women as a whole are awash in a river of patronizing political platitudes, consider Native women who have survived NORTHERN WOMAN'S a Niagara of words on the question of status and still the whole issue is dead in the water. Late in June, much too close to the end of the parliamentary session, the government introduced several bills and, fighting for recognition among them, was a long awaited measure to allow her a status Native woman to retain non-status status if she marries a the the bill hitFriday 11.30 - 7.30 man. By the time open Thursday, short that it 11.30 - 4.30 Senate, time was soSaturday needed unanimous consent to pass. It was shot down by one vote. The Prime Minister has the ability to and start to SEPT, 8th ask the Senate to return 23rd AUGUST BOOK STORE . debate. Will he? The Canadian Women's Music and Cultural Festival will be held in Kildonan Park in Winnipeg, Sept. 1 & 2. An event expected to draw Over 20 acts from across the country, the Festival will feature women performers from diverse regional and cultural backgrounds whose musical styles range from folk, rock, blues and jazz to traditional. Art displays and children's entertainment also will be featured. The theme of the Festival - Our Time Is Now - refers to the great wealth of artistic and cultural expression emerging as women's voices start to be heard. Because it often deals with themes of particular concern to women, 'Women's Music" has begun to develop a distinct identity of its own,.similar to the way cultural groups have established their own musical traditions. 10% off all FICTION For further information contact: Kris Anderson or Joan Miller, Festival organizers at (204) 786-1921 20-40% off selected titles trizotpi 316 Bay St. 344-7979 Studio D, the women's pro- gram of the National Film Board have FOR catalogue CON COLLEGE been sending out HURRAH their new of women's films called "Beyond the set up a course Ruth Cunningham has Films about Women Image: A Guide-: to how to develop and to train people on excellent catalogue and Change. This Affirmative Action or co-ordinate NPR office, is available,at the localan Programs for Women, It's a must for Equal 900 Victoria Avenue. disabled people racial minorities or educators and organizations in government or private organizations. of the New If more folks know how to do it, mayould give Canbe it will get done. It is seldom ed of the feuation of the vealed. The ethnic pride evaluate women. Good news and happy reading for n the four women in Northwestern Ontario. m O'Young gave So that readers in the district of the belief communities may have access to responsible the wonderful feminist books said, "No, available, the Northern Woman's , and whatever Bookstore is offering a Mail been accepted Order service. The Bookstore is n males ... are presently preparing an annotated ... women are catalogue describing the varen. They are not ious books in stock: feminist a vindication theory, women's issues, health, ad endured two peace and non-violence, interstood through national women's concerns, etc., estimony. The and a listing of fiction, scid and although ence fiction, biographies and wn, her identity The catalogue will be poetry. became a scapeupdated (at least) semi-annually. atred. Ten thouThe Mail Order service is exmarched in suppected to be op erational by claiming their October. To re ceive a catan was "an attack logue, please s end $2.00 to ge". The fact Northern Woman' s Bookstore, self was Portu316 Bay St., Th under Bay, Ont. he state prosceP7B1S1, phone ( 807) 344-7979. an nothing. Beand death threats, New titles recently obtained hiding. A feminby the Northern Woman's Booker" reports that store include: ed in New Bedford Women Who Do and Women Who Don't ey to hire a hit (Join the Women's Movement) WOMEN IN COMMUNITY A three-day conference exploring communal life as it affects the lives of women, August 31 to September 3. Workshops on women's culture, women and work, feminist therapy, communal childrearing, relationships, women's health, etc. Facilitated by women living and working communally. Fees on a sliding scale $35 to $75. For information or to register, write: DandelioRgqinggauAwR-. 1, Enter(613) 358prise, Ontarid KOK'1Z0 2304. Mail Order Service edited by Robyn Rowland epression in women: Writing Women Women Writers functional to and Women in Literature Medire of 'depeval to Modern, by Sheila concept Delany use 'oppression' enraging factors in Girls Are Powerful Young Woperson". men's Writings from Spare Rib the ein PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using Sexual Violence The Reality for Women, London Rape Crisis Centre Office Work Can Be Dangerous to Your Health A Definitive Guide To A Better Workplace with the latest information on: video display terminals, indoor office air pollution, the hidden effects of faulty office design, and more by Jeanne Stellman, PhD and Mary Sue Henifin, M Ph. Women of Ideas (And What Men Have Done to Them) bv Dale Spender Intruders on the Rights of Men Women's Unpublished Heritage, by Lynne Spender Growing Up Free Raising Your Child in the 80s by Letty Cottin Pogrebin Shadow on a Tightrope Writings by Women on Fat Oppression edited by Lisa Schoenfielder and Barb Wieser, foreward by Vivien Mayer The Northern Woman's Bookstore also carries a quantity of femin ist peridica is including HERiz ons, Broadsi de, Kinesis, Voice s, Healthsha ring, Room of One's Own, Women and EnvironFireweed, Canadian Women ments , Studi NORTHERN WOMAN page 12 a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �The Lesbian Archives magazines. Few of these collections are complete, so if anyone has any to donate, please contact us. We need your assistance and ongoing support in the form of materials, free advertising, or money. We would like our existence to be made known to all lesbians who are living in, or who once lived in this area, so please spread the word. We also appreciate assistance from The Lesbian Archives of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario will officially open in September, 1984. It will be This prolocated near Kenora. ject is coming into being through the efforts of many women who have preserved our holdings some of them for over a decade, and through the efforts of lesbians in Kenora and Winnipeg who are working to combine all these collections. ATTENTION ALL NATIVE WOMEN Fireweed, a quarterly feminist journal in Toronto, has invited a guest collective consisting solely of Native women to edit a special issue of material by Native women. We welcome lesbian/heterosexual, unknown and established writers to submit short stories (5000 words maximum), poetry, biographies, storytelling, songs, drawings, photographs and articles. "Sister." The word comes easily to most. Sisterhood. What holds us to that word is our commoness as Indians - as women. We come from different Nations. Our dress is not the same. Our stories are not the same. Yet we are the same." Beth Brant/83 We want this issue to exist as an extension of not only our own lives and struggles, but also those of our grandmothers and the spirits that continue to guide and walk before us. Please send all manuscripts/ artwork with a self-addressed envelope before August 1, 1984 to: The Native Women's Collective c/o Fireweed Box 279, Station B Toronto, Ontario M5T 2W2 NUCLEAln elsewhere, especially publications, books, tapes, records, jurnals, posters, art - and The goals of the founding archivists are to preserve, honour and share the herstory of gay women and to make this herstory accessible to both rural and urban lesbians. Too often there is no accessible community or recorded herstory so a lesbian mistakenly feels she is the only one. For too long cities have absorbed most of our lesbian energy, but in some parts of this continent the trend is now beginning to reverse. We acknowledge the importance of this change by housing the archives in a RURAL location. It will be easily accessible to many urban women since we are located on the Trans Canada But if there is to highway. be an imbalance in accessibility, we have decided that for once, it will favourrural les- WEAPON visits: From lesbians in this region we are asking, in addition to the above, for journals, autobiographies, and other unpublished writing or art, organizational records, buttons, posters, t-shirts, photographs and any other memorabilia. If you are cleaning house, don't throw things out: Instead, give us a call. In Winnipeg, call Erin Cole, (204) 256-7740, in Kenora call Isabel Andrews (807) 5484325. bians. Our present collection consists of publications, books clippings, unpublished papers records and memorabilia. The holdings include a number of Canadian lesbian and women's periodicals published in the early 70s (Pedestal, The Other Woman, Long Time Coming, Belly Full, Velvet Fist, and newsletters from across the country.) Also there are lesbian and women's publications from the mid and late 70s from Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Vancouver, Thunder Bay, Toronto and Montreal. We alSo have a number of American papers, and HERB CLASSES FOR WOMEN - Field trips, fundamentals of herbal medicine, preserving herbs. Will travel to your area. Contact Isabel Andrews,R.R.#2, Kenora, Ontario P9N 3W8 (807) (807) 548-4325 , Donors may categorize their materials as 1) open, 2) restricted access (specify) or 3) no access for a specified time period. In the case of photographs and other unpublished material which identifies individuals, donors should ob-' tain the permission of these individuals before sending this to us. We plan to publish a short newsletter listing our holdings. The first issue will be mailed out with VOICES and to newsletter subscribers later this year. All donors will receive a copy listing their contributions to our holdings;. please let us know if you are agreeable to publishing your name with these acknowledgments. Subs will be $5 for 5 issues; sustaining,subs $20.00. For more information or to make a donation, contact: PEACE PETITION CARAVAN CAMPAIGN The Peace Petition Caravan Campaign is in full swing. If you haven't signed the petition, please do. Canvass your street or your workplace. Let's show our politicians that Canadians want nuclear disarmament. Petitions are available at Northern Women's Bookstore and Women's Centre. Call Miriam at 345-2432 for more information. 11-1-"in Cole, L.A.W.R., P.O. Box 147, Winnipeg, Man. R2M4A5, or Isabel Andrews, R.R.#2, Kenora, Ont. P9N3W8. Please make cheques payable to L.A.W.R.(Archives). reprinted from VOICES NORTHERN WOMAN page 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �my vision and hope is that women will take their power beiG.% midwifery continued from page 9 to rethink their whole approach to birthing and stop flashing around in their white coats like gods, being paid extra for every complication. I would hope that women go beyond this fear ye have been taught around birth and learn to see it not as a disease but as our own birth right. When enough women take the responsibility and control, there will be fewer victims of the hospital drama. elude that these northern regions would not be economically profitable for the doctors, so they do not exercise their power there. What is the legal status of midwives in Canada? Legally we do not exist because we are not a registered profession. It is under provincial law. In February. I attended a midwives conference in Vancouver and the B.C. midwives are the most organized in Canada. They are growing in number and they are united in their goal to legalize and regulate midwifery in their province, hoping the other provinces would follow them. They are publicly gathering respect for themselves and have the nursing association backing their proposals to the provincial legislative for legalization. As yet though, a midwife attending a birth without the presence of a doctor is practicing medicine without a license. Nursemidwives who train overseas can only get jobs as obstetrical nurses, which means they are assistants with very little responsibility. Most refuse to assist in the normal North American type births and some have gone up north where midwifery is legal because This there are no doctors available. law states that below a certain ged-: graphical parallel, the midwives are once again illegal because doctors are So we -)conavailable in these areas. t ' A C4' I LY ;'\t" . `irC .0 . Z.:-\--41:---..; ' 1.." what could a woman in this region ..do if she wanted a home birth? 'So A ." ; .).- c) . 1.5 (.4 L....) ). CONGRATULATIONS r SEPTEMBER to Elinor Barr on her recent publi tion "White Otter Castle". men's Centre regular meet.,for location ph.345-7802 Elections,8a.m.-8p.m., he party for CHOICE! Canadian Abortion Rights eague,Womanspace,316 Bay h:Dryden Date,Northwestern Women's Forum with Advis ncil Status on Women. elcome. Contact NWO Decade Council, ntinen,R.,11.#16 Mitchell Rd. Bay. Forum will be at Best Hotel,Dryden,noon to noon. Potluck,Womanspace 316 Bay . "Stories from North & South" ion film, Womanspace, 7:30 p.m. 29th: Women and Affirmative Red Oak,Thunder Bay,(see this page) v.6th,& Dec.4th: Women's regular meetings, 7p.m. ation phone 345-7802 First the woman and her partner have to examine their choices. They shoul talk to a good doctor or gynocologist if one is available, read as much as possible and talk with a midwife. Th have to take on the responsibility of the birth and know that they have no legal support. If a home birth is chosen it is important to have an experienced midwife and other supportiv mothers around. The pregnant woman considering a home birth should make sure she has a healthy pregnancy. This is one of the most important fac ors going into a home birth. If she can get backup from a progressive doctor that is good. Women with tom emia, over weight, diabetes, breach, any serious problems with inner organl or any pelvis pathology should not ha' a home birth without good medical bad up. Women with previous abnormalities or frequent miscarriages should consi( a hospital birth. I personally would recommend a hospital birth for all the above pathological conditions. Women with previous ceasareans should consu: their doctor. In most of these cases i.e. ceasarean cases, a spontaneous delivery is possible, but it is considered a high risk birth and would need medical supervision. When the woman is healthy and is prepared for birth, a home birth is a very real and available alternative. Women and Affirmative ActionWhat does the future hold for affirmative action. Date: September 28-29 Place: Red Oak Agenda: Friday, September 28 Registration 6-8 pm. Keynote Speaker Wine and Cheese Saturday, September 29 Panel 9.00 A.M Workshop Buffet Lunch Workshop Adjourn 4.00 P.M. Fee: Registration is $20.00 The Workshops Are: 1. Basic Affirmative Action 2. Mandatory Affirmative Action 3. Equal pay for work of equal value Support systems for Affirmative 4. Action Further Information: using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor PDF compression, OCR, web optimization irth Education and Support Thunder Bay & District Labour �May_1979 Findings & outcomes of, the ROYAL COMMISSION life in a small town Remember when the Royal Commission on the Northern Environment came trapsing through the north? If so, you may be interested in the background paper expresses the cumulative opinions the expressed at the various hearing held in the small towns throughout the region. The entire publication can be acquired by writing The Royal Commission on the Northern Environment, Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor St. West, Room 801, Toronto, M4W IA5. However, to deal with it in part, the following is a representative portion of Chapter 5 from the section entitled WOMEN IN THE NORTH SEEK JUSTICE: ...the Commission learned that traditionally, it would be left to the nativewomen to break camp, move family and belongings and set up another home following the seasonal pursuits of hunting, trapping, fishing and gathering. Trapping has often been a male-female team effort among native people, with'the women helping to set traps and retrieve the catch and invariably scraping the furs and taming the hides. Today in the north, trapping, commercial fishing and wild rice harvesting are usually partnership efforts for men and women. At the turn of the century, white women came to live in the north in some numbers during the second phase of "civilizing" the country, the period after the wilderness had been mapped. Traders' wives, m'issionaries, teachers--they all contributed to life in the north. Later came the miners' wives, the bullcooks working in the lumber camps and the women of easy virtue in the mining boom towns. For women, the north meant adapting themselves to a rough and narrow lifestyle created and dominated by men. It was not a comfortable life nor a familiar one... While there was some contact between native and white women over the years, close friendships were unusual... The division still exists to a considerable extent today in northern towns, i.e. white people live in towns, native people mainly in shanties on the outskirts or on reserves...: In recent years, some younger women of both cultures have been learning to recognize feelings and life experlances that they share in common, goals which can bring them together as women... Issues raised by women in the north were basically similar to those voiced by their sisters in the south. They need facilities for pre-school children to allow mothers freedom to seek employment or pursoe cultural interests. They want interval houses to allow them protection from beatings or abuse. They want job opportunities to give them greater economic independance and allow them to have a greater say in the devel opment of the area. The problems northern women share with their southern sisters are compounded by the realities of living in a remote community. Isolation, inadequate housing, lack of cultural and recreational facilities and a shortage of activities and occupations outside the home all serve to make life harder for women in the north: "Fear, isolation, lack of financial resources, transportation and child care are all factors that make living in the north a very difficult place for women to grow and participate as citizens of Ontario." (NWO International Women's Decade Co-ordinating Council, Nakina) An almost total absence of paid employment opportunities for women characterized a number of communities visited by the Commission.' One reason for this lack, the Commission was told, was the dependance, typical in the north, of an entire community on a single employer, generally a resource extraction industry: "In single industry communities... the majority of jobs will be male oriented and the traditional female employment opportunities will not be as prevalent as in a more diversified southern community." (Timmins Women's Resource Centre, Timmins.) In part, there are few jobs for women, daycare services and facilities are inadequate and costly; and without daycare facilties, the new jobs for women are further out of reach... With few opportunities for employment outside the home, a northern woman is restricted to her home and family. Concern was expressad about: "...the alarming increase of mental illness of young women attributed to the never-ending stress associated with caring for small children in cramped company houses, trailers or mobile homes." (NWO International Womens Decade Co-ordinating Council, Nakina.) Not only do women experience the psychological strain of isolated northern communities. Men too suffer the tension of an unstable way of life. Tragically, the victims of their frustrations are often their wives and thei-r. children: "...The top priority expressed by women in the communities we visited was the desparate need for crisis or interval housing. Small communities lack even the minimal social support services.:." The stresses of women living in' isolation are compounded for those who come to the north later in life, perhaps following a husband who has found employment: "Those of us born here are accustom ed to the conditions. We value our environment four independance, selfreliance and pace of life while recognizing mutual dependancy in times of emergency...To newcomers...the weather conditionsi can be debilitating, inadequate hodsing...demoralizing, the absence of medical service close at hand frightening; and recreational and educational facilities virtually nonexistent for women, depressing.... (Kenora Women's Coalition, Kenora) Many women are concerned that expansion and new/ development would cause further problems. An influx of workers both single and married, imposes a bur den on a community which may not be ab to support it. Once again, those who suffer most tend to be women and child "The social impact of (development) will effect all members of the community, but it may have a particular impact on women, their children and their communities. Aggravated housing problems, the pressures of overcrewdin and the deterioration in the public ptilities...would fall mainly on womer who, during the long northern winters are often alone at home." (KenoraRainy River District Health Council) Native women in particular feel the negative impact of development. Sometimes an isolated native community is forced to absorb an influx of people without any preparation or assistance... The Commission was reminded that development, with its influx of transient workers, creates other problems for native women: "We are concerned with the sexual exploitation of our native women, through the availability of alcohol and out communities being close to the camps; the evidence of violent attacks on women, rape, imate pregnancies, unwanted children, prostitution and venereal disease wit. rise beyond a social problem.(Ontario Native Women's Association, Geraldton) Generally, the women of the north, both women and non-native women, recognized that industrial activities of some sort are inevitable. Consequently, they were determined that continued page 20 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN VOMAN page 10 �toours by D. Winko,(based I14:20,;i! on an actual rape case), from Issue 12, August 1974 Thoughts seered through my brain. This couldn't be happening to me! I looked toward the door. They must have sensed my intention as I was informed that no one was in the house and it would be useless to try anything. That was a joke! I might have stood a chance with one man...but three? What utter helpnessness can compare to this! They started taking my clothes off. My brain, somewhat overloaded with the weight of my situation, repeated over and over that it was an impossible situation. I didn't hear anything...just their voices that seemed to echo from a different realm. This was indeed hell. I try not to think about that night (was it that long?) but it's hard to forget within the closed boundaries of this courtroom. It's a crazy situation, you know. I find myself questioning the reasons behind it all. Was it my fault? Did I, in fact, deserve it? Had I encourazed an attack? I have to stop degrading myself! Do people actually believe I wanted to get raped? As a native woman, should ."'" I have been fully aware and prepared Kinesis am a %Omar% for the consequences taking into conApr/77 and IF I Live sideration I am a woman, especially an Indian woman. and iGht God damn: Self-doubt is so cruel. Why must I feel guilty? I did nothing! Those men did it...they did it I must tell you what happened aLL woman Although you might not believe women to be innocent of inviting rape, is bon.% even in please try for your own sake to put yourself in my position. You might have found yourself at one time or another in a similar circumstance, (Editor's Summary: Despite begging to but only a slim line separates what be let go many times throughout the happened to me from what can happen ordeal, our sister was forced to have to you. oral, vaginal and anal intercourse It was getting late...the bar by the three men. Bloor suggested was going to close soon. I had been shoving a bottle up her and killing waiting for a girlfriend who didn't her. He urinated on her and boasted show up. I had a few beer but I was that he had scalped an Indian after not drunk. he had cut her hair. He then beat her A man Came over and we began to with a rope strung with bells and talk. I can't remember if we'introdukicked her head until she was bleedced ourselves.; but his name is now ing and nearly unconscious. Caine well-known to me. Bloor. stopped the attack.) He seemed nice enough. He asked My mind hesitated in acknowledif I would like a ride home, as he ging that the ordeal was over, but lived close to the home where I was my main compulsion was to run even to staying. I said yes. What would you the point of begging for help from have done, truthfully? the rapists. We went out to the car alone. I begged Caine to walk out with I remember feeling a closeness to me. Bloor was evil...a sadist, more him; the kind that accompanies a kind so than the others. My body warned me, gesture toward you. Everyone enjoys my mind warned me. Caine knew and being a matter of concern to someone .1 iF I richt I Coritri6utet. the Lilerat ion of and so victorY else. A matter of minutes later, he asked if I would come to his house for a drink. The night was pleasant ...so was he. I consented. Was that wrong? Are all women hopelessly naive to man's intentions? Are you asking if I had intentions myself? I am not a child. My sexual drives are as any other woman if you are truthful about it. I can assume the responsibilty of wanting to sleep with him...but not that which actually happened. Is there some codified law or language of man that ensures sexual access to any woman by any man within the range of 500 miles merely by accepting a drink in a man's apartment? I must go on. We stopped at a house and I followed him down to his basement suite. I sat down on the bed and seconds later I heard footsteps approach the room which Bloor and I occupied. Then they walked in. Many of you might recognize the rush of fear that envelops you.I felt as if someone had kicked me in the 1 stomach. There was a reason for this fear...instinctive...rational? No matter. It was there. One man whose name I did not know then but I do now, Cotter, said "Shall we strip her and rape her?" .t. complied. I remember looking for my clothes,_ but I don't recall when I dressed. Caine and I somehow ended up in the street. He walked me to the end of the block. I started to run. How long I ran I don't know. I stopped and looked behind. What if they followed me? Perhaps they changed their minds about killing me. No one was there. .My lungs were bursting; my body wracked with feelings indescribable. I ran toward the bushes and there in solitude I sat on a rock and cried. The emotional release was painful and yet welcomed. Somehow I knew that I should and had to do something. Feeling alone and yet determined nevertheless I decided my course of action. I phoned the police. The ordeal had lasted 21/2 This is only one of the legal loopholes present in our legal system. The one that hurt the most was "the question of consent". In plain language that might be interpreted as ...was she asking for it? Women can comprehend to a point what happened to me...but I am sure you cannot begin to imagine the full extent physically,.emotionally and mentally that this experience was then and is even now. - These atrocities have occurred before and will happen again. Women must get angry; they must be made aware that according to the law only vaginal penetration constitutes rape. If you can prove you did not consent. In accordance with this, in my situation, only one man raped me in the eyes of the law. But emotional, spiritual, mental rape is possible. A Anal, oral penetration, whatever, it is still rape. There are four different strands of hair on that ornament. What happened to those victims? How they must suffer in their silence! Were they made to believe that they asked for it? Is it better to remain silent rather than lay your guts on the table and hope to hell that it is treated with respect and dignity? In this society, any situation is a come-on for rape and only one criteria seems necessary...be a woman. Regardless of your past, your age, race, etc. AS A WOMAN YOU ARE A POTENTIAL RAPE VICTIM AND THE SOCIETY THAT IS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT YOU INSTEAD ASSUMES THAT YOU TAKE THE1RESPONSIBILITIES OF BEING WOMEN, OPPRESSED WOMEN. I can still hear the crown attorney's words --"Now, Mrs. C, you're a married woman with two children... you knew what you were doing when you accepted a ride from this man and agreed to go into his home." Indeed the onus is on us. The crime committed was not against the state, it was not against me; it was a crime against women...all women. We can fight these men, but that is not the answer. The laws governing women and rape and the interpretation of rape must be changed. For OUR sake, in the name of humanity and sisterhood...UNITE! (The above was based on an actual rape case. The laws have since been changed to reflect the degree of violence rather than vaginal penetration. Proving lack of consent is still an issue.) . May 1979 Live new knagwhat you have done teatize you have aiiected a tiie mint. nememben my tmonizing moments the emotionat pain wite .asst iotevet. in yam sick mind . hours. Those men are in the courtroom now. I. just heard that they have been acquitted on the rape charge. They have been sentenced on the lesser charge of "gross indecency and common assault with intent to wound." So this is justice! These men who raped and defiled me are to be let off that easily. They say that the jury was trying to establish some kind of terms by which they could charge the men if not with rape, then with a lesser - 'aims tovemaking simpte iucking 4:twas much mote. ct "was opptession degtadation humiliation violence. knao this. understand. and then with you' conscience i date you, tive. gayte o'hanton crime. NORTHERN :a OMAN page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �A FE LIKE STONE ( by Joatilkitll November 1982 It's-a,"Tilot Project" and - .many- people fear we'llrbe -taken for a ride. In-October 1982, lured by the carrot of provincial money and the stick of provincial pressure (and ultimate power), the City of Thunder Bay has agreed - 'to,:-take on financial respon- sibilityforsole-support 'mothers who are at present ;receiving .provincial Family ene-tits lar "mothers' allow,snces". -The pilot, project is expected to fly well for the first eighteen months but it is feared that once the City takes it over it won't be able to hand it back. it is also feared that the province will eventually pull back funds and the whole contradictionridden structure will come crashing down, right in the middle of the City's budget. A spokeswoman from the Single Parents' Coalition of Toronto outlined to me what is happening now in Toronto when a woman-just can't hold on.- She calls it the Toronto Scenario input into themay be the of the an&At the brunt scenario of economic crunch is especially In the United States, one idea the future. There are five make sure that is to cut the living allowance steps, all leading down. in welfareOne: policy as support soon as mother the child reaches A solen conditions in two years old. finds she just cannot manage In various er, it should American states, provinces, and she on the be bone- scraping money he present "pilot officials are considering many gets. Perhaps an emergency; eme was adevised ways to cut back, cutoff, or rent a cessation input at all from make ineligible funding to of a husband's support money, ost affected... mothers. a combination Of port mothers. In reasons, Ontario, the new program Two: She-loses her apartwill allow mothers to be ment. issue has been classified as "employable". Three: She gives her childded by sincerity The province claims that this ren to Children's Aid. She g, rhetoric and is for "statistical purposes Moves or awill friend's compassed in ato a hostel only and not affect the place. ,,Without an address she itico-babble. benefits." Single parent orat the can't Vale get benefits. ganizations, such as the Mothers Four: 'Sht Action shows up at the ntre, organized Group of Toronto, don't legal the Manpower ofrned. Moms in clinic,belieYe it for a minute. People the women's centre, he localfice, Family classified as "employable" re6socialTservice office trying icials sincerely ceive much less in benefits Shelabeled says, "unemployable mothers to'find that thea solution. than those "When I get a place... if:I would not reduce Privately, the women were told could only find something so might even prothat "by the Fall of 1982; there I could place...".1. services. Yet get a would be no further referrals kids are tw.foster 982 COMSOCFive: Her of mothers to Family Benefits ", dare. goes on--she ank Drea, stoodAs time andshould that during the reclassifiwonders just let of Queen's Parkif she cation period, only, those them at get adopted. She thinks, nd screamed "obviously unemployable" or who "-If they I could just get a place..." others that insisted on family benefits There is a bizarre footnote s who didn't want would be referred (for. more, to this story. In Toronto, estions from the .see P.26 Our Own," there is a shortage of"Protecting foster the availablity report of Mothers Action Group, which and jobscare. were Our province, Available at Women's Toronto. cannot afford to keep mothers . Drea continued Centre). and together, Thistheir type children abuse. In fact, the difference beis spending a: lot of money on the part of tween what the on a women promotional campaign togovernment is makes many saying publicly, andwhat offoster parents. e "Pilot attract Project" ficials are saying privately are This opinion the has chief been exep to dismantling cause of the confuby many citizens, owances pressed in Ontario. sion and fear surrounding this including theissue. sole-support owance is based on mothers, who call Butthemselves underlying all is a deadly fought "the for-by the Concerned Moms", who like stone in the fear--a fear S movement: tried - unsuccessfullyhearts -. -of the mothers I talked have to turn bring up ity to to at Vale Community Centre and their own need Other the women at Queen's Park--the pport. ng some Just fear of losing their kids. esent economic changes in scraping by on Mothers Allowance ore and more system are people now, what will happen if their for city ting the welfare. benefits are reduced-through is goingbelieve, to be a , they such ploys as a reclassificaU.I.C. claims ed and there tion as "employable" or a the same time change-over to the lower city evenue is declining. welfare rates... how to holda various schemes PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using on then? ontinent that would watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �-Women in the Trades April 1980 second is Great West Timber and then Canada Car. Roland, one of the instructors is responsible for digging up these placements and has gone out of his way to try to sound out people Joan: (admiring a wooden table Kay has to find what kind of reception they made) Do you think all the carpentry give women but also to consider my you did has helped you in the millhave a light build j personal needs. wright course? and this is often considered a heavy labouring position and I'm older too No, not really. Living out in Kay: and both will militate against me the bush did, because you became famfinding an apprenticeship opening in iliar with tools just because you had millwright work. think it's But to get things done. (Kay describes meeting a woman more having to get things done and welder working in the trade). It was having to do things by necessity, a real lift. She is such an inspiraShe is a welder and has been tion. found that my personal life Kay: working'in the field for a few years has been enriched by the course as and thoroughly enjoys her field. They do what they can to help Kay: I'm introduced to various things Speaking to a person like that is very That's really the My perspec- you find a job. such as the use of tools. exciting particularly because I'm hardest part - looking for a job but can tives immediately grow because trying to get into the trades, too. from what I've heard and seen, the can do see all kinds of things that guess a lot of women did Joan: was College is really excellent. want For example, if for myself. Have you these jobs during the war. talking to Lillian, the Student Awards to build something or have someever met any? have so much more Officer at the College, and she told thing constructed me the girls that are in technology can make tools for information. don't think so. Kay: and by and large very successful and instance. sure would like to interview Joan: giving the boys a real run for their Is that what a millwright does, Joan: one. money and everyone is really pleased make tools? Not just Kay: the These are the people we have to with what's happening. people in the College but the employThe millwright course is for That Kay: hear from now as a voice. ers who hire them seem to be tickled malty listed as industrial maintenwould be terrifically supportive. ance, mechanics and so on. On the job, too. But in a lot of ways it was Joan: there are a lot of things that might I'm really glad to hear that. Joan: easier for them because there were have to be repaired. Some things can a lot of women in the plants and a be constructed, welding construcOh, it makes so much difference Kay: lot of support. Just It's so encouraging. tion, fabricating supports and so on. to me. Depending on the plant-you are working hearing about other women in the Kay: Oh yes, the nation needed them That's the and industry needed them. trades and their experiences makes in you might send some of the,jobs to key. Industry needed them and made it you feel you are not isolated. It a machinist or you might be doing welcomed them. as easy as possible, raises your morale a bit. most of it yourself, Is there another woman in Joan: your And then afterwards ... Joan: Joan: So in other words you have to course? learn how to repair almost anything. Do you know afterwards it got Kay: remember in In our program we are getting Kay: Yes, there is one other in so thebad for women that Kay: was living there was an exposure to the different basic She's very successful. the She town where program. a reluctance to hire a woman teacher skills and anything beyond you would has had some background already and if she was married. learn on the job. This course is one so she's familiar with some of the of the pre-apprenticeship programs, work, but it's a little bit differDo you find being in school Joan: It's an introduction to the basic ent for me being an older person relaxing. and skills and if a person is lucky they being in a group that has the assurwill find an apprenticeship opening Self No, being in school is not a ance and the certainty of youth. Kay: and then they will work with a jourrelaxing experience. It is stimulaconfidence is one of the most essenneyman. ting. It is rewarding because you can tial things to being successful. see things are happening, but never So how many hours do suppose you get this applies no matter what Joan: relaxing. In many ways it is stressyou do. I've noticed that if you subtracted from your apprenticeship feel ful and so every now and again don't know how to do something that, by taking this course? think, "Why does it resentful. if you have.the buoyancy that selfhave to be such a burden, why couldn't 1800 lout of 8000. Kay: confidence gives, you can deal with the because they a person feel uplifted problem The course is forty weeks andin a very positive manner. Joan: and that's are learning new things - it's the key. after you have to find your Self-esteem own apexciting." But it's that fact that prenticeship? What's next in the course? Joan: everything is being learned and everything is new which causes the That's right. Kay: After this section of the proKay: stress. It's no light undertaking. gram will be a field placement Do you think that will be there a Joan: was ever had, Every single job and then a section in the welding problem? winging it and it's just such a reshop and then in the machine shop. freshing change to walk into a situaThere might be a few openings Kay: How long is the field placeJoan: tion where you are presumed to be Otherwise around the countryside. ment? untrained and that it's all right can find a regular job and bide that is such a relief. time until you find an- ,apprenWe are all scheduled to go to Kay: My classes start at eight in the There was a woman in the ship. three different local plants and we'll ram last year and she was offered spend three weeks in each and it will morning but some of the trades courses b as a millwright at two local start at seven. If a person had to be my first time I've ever seen-ints. So it isn't impossible loside an industrial plant. (Laughs) I'm take a bus they wouldn't be able to don't know y such a complete greenhorn It takes me an hour to get there. what questions to ask to find out about How about moving? Would you get to school by bus. The buses don't feel pretty silly a lot to go out West? things. run that early. of the time. That's why the field Oh not just now. My two daughSo you would have to have a, Joan: placement will be such a valuable thing are both in high school and car if you had to start at seven? think a move would be good Joan: Do you know where you're going? Right. Kay: hem. Is the math the same as you Joan: The first one is going to be Does the College help you try Kay: had in school or is this all differthe machine shop at the College. The t an apprenticeship? ent math? continued page 19 Kay Andrews is a student in the Millwright course at Confederation College. here with Joan Baril. She talks I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copyNORTHERN of CVISION PDFCompressor WOMAN page 17 �Sexual Harassment By Kathie Cram Edited from original in April 1980 "Sexual harassment is any repeated and unwanted sexual comments, looks, suggestions or physical contact that you find offensive and which occurs on the job or in a classroom situation. Sexual harassment can also occur during a job interview, where sexual favours are expected as a condition of employment." This is a definition of sexual harassment used by a committee formed to study the problem of sexual harassment in Northwestern Ontario. The exploratory study has three purposes: 1. To investigate the extent of sexual harassment experienced by women in Northwestern Ontario. 2. To raise the consciousness of women regarding the definition of sexual harassment and to inform them that they are not alone. 3. To determine whether the extent of sexual harassment in the region justifies the establishment of Northern Women's Centre as a place of complaint and support for victims of sexual harassment. The responses have yet to be analyzed, although a few initial observations may be made. The majorityof respondents consider the problem serious, SQ serious that most women quit their jobs. Most experienced the harassment at a place of employment. The majority are employed as secretaries. When asked if they reported the harassment most responded they had not and cited the major rea- .--- son for not reporting it as being "would not be believed". The harassment was ongoing, experienced at least once a week, and lasting as long as four years. Several of the women added letters explaining in more detail their plight. One woman told the story of how she was sexually harassed by two men at different locations. The harassment began as the occassional pat on the shoulder, an was "even a bit fatherly". But it soon became blatantly sexual. One man began grabbing at her breasts and t-cied to kiss her. When she responded, getting "verbally abusive", he reminded her of his friendship with the supervisor. "I was told", she said, "to be a good girl because he controlled an evaluation report". The woman was emotionally and physically affected. "I felt physically ill that I could be so intimidated and handled. I got edgy, cried at home to my husband, depressed", she said. The abuse is still ongoing; her only recourse she believes is to quit. Another woman tells of her sexual harassment experiences with a boss, boyfriends and married men. She tells of her loneliness in trying to handle the problem. Her friends would listen, but it was of no help. She thought of confiding in her parents, but "all they would say is that I probably deserve it, or it was my Both of these women had a sense of self blame, almost guilt for accepting the abuse. It is a sad comment on our society when the victims are the "guilty", and the guilty have the power to control. McKellar Hospital, as well as McKenzie Forest Products in Hudson, refused to dispay our questionnaires, The director of employee relations at McKellar, simply stated, "No such behaviour is practised nor tolerated at this hospital and I do not believe that we should suggest such practises exist by displaying your literature." His comments are indeed interesting considering that some of our volunteers are ex-employees and have witnessed sexual harassment on the premises. Sexual harassment is a serious problem. Women suffer physically, emotionally and economically. They are forced to quit well paying jobs primarily because our patriarchal society view it as a joke and thereby condone it. A few years ago rape and wife battering were neatly swept under the carpet; our society claiming that "good girls don't get raped" or that the beaten wives yearn for physical punishment. Sexual harassment, like rape and wife beating is an aggressive, powerful act, meant to humiliate, degrade and control. Stand up, gather your courage, organize and fight: rmrn WOMEN AWST VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN December 1981 by Joan Williams "Take Back The Night is a protest against the victimization of women. The fear of being alone on the street in the darkness that has been engrained in us since we were small children is a constant debilitating aspect of our lives. It is a necessary response to the omnipresent violence against women which pervades our society. Women are vulnerable everywhere- in public and in private, in our homes and at our jobs. We must fear for ourselves, our mothers, our grandmothers, our babies. We fear in our dreams. On this night we take back the right to be safe. We who have -survived, march in the memory of those who have not and for the thousands of women each year who are raped, mutilited, assaulted and battered. We march for criminal justice reform, which will protect women from the convicted rapists who walk the streets. We strive to eliminate the causes of this hatred toward women. We fight for the right to live and grow in dignity and safety as strong, . surprise4 20 all: unirl nearly 100 women ..,aout their anger and cel- their power in unity. A power which was no doubt felt by more than one sneering passerby who squealed his tires or muttered insults before retreating to the more familiar stale airs of local taverns. The attitude of most men was summed up rather succinctly by Dan Pilton of the Times News who asked at the onset of the march for a "pose of the 'girls' before the race begins". Of course Mr. Pilton's perspective did seem somewhat limited when he could only count 19 of us for his report in Saturday's paper. Perceptual handicap perhaps. Our uprsing was long overdue. Rai and assualts against women are on a Steady incline in Canada and ThundeBay was no exception this summer. Our march was meant to bring this grievous violation of human rights those who have accepted this victimization of women as something beyoni their control. It was evident by thi resonating echo in Thunder Bay's streets that Friday, that we did have control. On a personal level, the express. Ion was exhilarating; a reaffirmati, that we have a strong, active base of sisterhood on which to build. t healthy women without fear. WE WILL WIN!" The above was an introduction to the first annual 'Reclaim the Night' march on October 2nd, 1981. Thunder Bay women came out in numbers which PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAN page 1 �women in the trades continued from page 17 never had much math in school. Anyway it was so long ago that it never had a wouldn't matter. But decent math background. All my former education was for a different purpose. It was in a different area.-It was in the arts and so it developed a more intuitive type of thinking. There was evaluation and critical analysis and things like that but it isn't the type of learning have come that is involved- in math. to appreciate a lot about learning think things Today mechanisms. I: are taught better in school to give a person a spectrum of math and science would have and not just the arts. liked to have had some kind of shop training in high school too. Kay: I I I How many women are in trades training at the college? There are a few in welding. Kay: There are lots of women in the technology courses and surveying. There are a lot of omen in auto parts. About a third of the students there There is a woman going are women. into diesel mechanics. There are two in cutter and skidder. But this is a course that is reluctant to accept women because there are so few people willing to employ women. got mine on sale, so I had a bit of luck. Joan:-, What about the Women's Credit Uriiop?t haven't gone to them and I'll ammgetting tell you. 4le reason. didn't so little tb live on that dare to even try to get a loan becouldn't pay a loan back cause you see how stringent my situation is. And some weeks my money wouldn't arrive and then we had some pretty lean weekends. Kay: I I I I I I The girls in high school have believe. that opportunity now, Joan: I My kids had that option but was asking them and the girls still tend to pick domestic science. guess home economics is just something that is already familiar. Even now for girls some things are more familiar than others. Kay: I What made you decide to go back to school? Joan: It's been about five years left university and I've done different jobs since then. It became fairly obvious to me that the only people who were making a living wage were skilled tradespeople and that's what a person has to do to survive and provide a decent environment for their family. Precious few women have had the opportunity. So might be out in the forefront but it's necessity. The trades -- that's the only hope for women. Your daughter is an apprentice, isn't she? Kay: I I Yes, she's an apprentice printer. She was working as a clerk and she moved from the clerical side .of the business to the trades side and that's a move a lot of women don't even think about. Joan: awartroompermik April I 1980 Isn't that a catch-22 sltuation for women? Joan: Oh, yeah. The women ekey will accept are those with any possibility of becoming employed, there was one woman who was working with her husband and they could be employed as a team. always thought that this course Joan: should be cutter and/or skidder, so that people could have the opportunity to just learn to run one machine. More women could do that than do both. Do you think it would be helpful if all the women at the College in the trades could get together to talk? Do you think the women would There are a few,fee payers. But the other students are on,unemployment insurance and all of then, even those who are single, get more do. money than Kay: Kay: I Joan: Do you regret going back to school? I I since How do the other students support themselves? Joan: just can't beNo, (.don't. lieve it. It has been a wonderful Ka y: I experience. Everyone is so encouraging. It seems that the people at the College have gone out of their way. No, it's the right move for me. be interested? think it would be helpYes, Kay: ful. Some people aren't as outgoing as others and again you feel the need Somefor a little moral support. things that haptimes people tal- the ,st their lot pen to them as that's what people do - they do their course and try to survive not realining that things can be changed. (They discuss finances which Kay deI scribes as a tight s,,eak.) The first day of class you Kay: become aware that you have to get safety boots and you have to get coveralls so in those first weeks we were living hand to mouth. Joan: Kay: How much are safety boots? Around thirty dollars but I Because you are a woman you must follow proper etiquette at all times. You can't phone men and you certainly cannot ask them out. You have to stay home and hope they call you. When you do go out with a man, you worry about how you look, what you should wear. The iottaging atticee was on distotay ' And your hair must be clean and in a Local Ahopping matt in an ed'utationat exhibition ptmented by the shining all the time. As a woman you have to wear dresses UP_ztgate High School. ztudentz o that make you self-conscious and stupid It was written by Cyndi Otway a student panty-hose which make you itch all evenin Mo. Sancha Peteeniek's sociotogy ing. And you have to put up with men aa,54 talking about the car they ownor the porno flick they saw last week. physical features As a woman your This is pointed A woman always has to worry about her from men. are different during life. You reputation and she has to watch that out to you constantly clothing than men to men don't take advantage of her. A have to wear more (defects). As a woman has to know how to cook, how to hide these features make clothing, and how to do the you can play woman you have to prove just as well monthly budget. She has to make a good hockey, basketball, etc. You can't dive off a home for her husband. She must go throug as any man can. of fear of the pain of having a child and staying high diving board because he/she is sick swimsuit. up with that child when falling out of your talk back to and when he/she awakes in the middle As a woman you can't people (like parents, friends, teachers) .of the night. As a woman you are pushed into You have to be nice and take in all As a woman you going to those boring parties men want the yelling yourself. is school what I mean to go to. Or you go shopping with a man, must be good in desks or and he can't tell the difference bebehave. You can't stand on tween a slip and a bathing suit. tell obscene jokes; you have to be But yet, what would a woman do withgoody-two-shoes. out her man? 41=F What it Means to be a Woman NORTHERN WOMAN page 19 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Social Workers Dilemma late 1975 The high cost of being a professional social worker is not something the average person thinks about. That the cost is less for those mtoivated by economic status, professional recognition and other 'power trips is evident, but for the truly committed, those with a real desire to meet hu.man needs, who have to jettison many an ideal for a computerized formula, the price is exorbitant. As the young nurse is conditioned to examine every case in the cold light of reason, so the social worker can expect to be programmed to fit the system, to move among the victimized portions of society without questioning the criteria that has been formulated by a hierarchy that has in many cases never been touched by the desperation they have presumed to have all the answers for. The good and caring social worker doesn't last, she burns out, not from a heavy caseload but from the day-to-day struggle with a system mired in its own impotence, a system that gives neither the case-worker nor the case a right to their own individuality. What do you do, a caseworker asks, when ybu see a woman under the care of a psychiatrist with countless bottles of pills on her table, counter top, fridge and wherever else you could imagine. When her total income is. $179 and her rent is $170, when her psychiatrist is not even aware of her financial predicament. When the road she has travelled has been so bitter and cruel and so familiar to you for you have been down it, what can you do when you see what, for the Grace of God could have broken you, has broken her. When you know food is hard to come by but pills are in plentiful supply. What do you do, she asks, if you are a single parent mother, possibly handicapped, when you are faced with the departure of your last child and you realize with its leaving your basic source of income and security is gone. Would it be strange if you felt panic, fear, resentment for the years you played the role of mother? Could you be excused if you played sick to keep your child with you? What can you do if you can't work, for the pension, if your disability allowance is $130 and you have a notice of eviction? Where can you take the furniture you lovingly cared for, because it's the only thing you have ever owned? The answer lies in the hands of the social worker. She will find you the kind of place society thinks you deserve. She's a little handicapped, of course since if you are to eat she must find a place'for not more than $75.. If she is unable to do this, she must consult the big computer and it will tell her to be objective- in other words, forget it. The big computer is also the keeper of virtue it seems, and what goes on in the bedroom of a recipient of mother's allowance is a matter of grave convern. Straying from the straight and narrow may get you'evic_ . ted if you live in low-rental housing. Your mother's allowance may be cut off, you may have to pay back a suitable amount retroactive to your fall from Grace or endure the humiliation of signing an official document stating that you solemnly swear that you will not engage in common-law hanky panky. Although this machine is impervious to sentiment of any kind, gossip and innuendo will light up all its buttons and send it vomitting out eviction notices without having to justify its actions. Unfortunately we are not sufficiently civilized to have an appeal board that will hear your defence although, I understand there's a half-assed promise of one laying round somewhere. Information which is not'generally made public is the following criteria used to establish eligibility. for tenancy in Thunder Bay low rental housing. We believe it should be public knowledge, and perhaps it will be of interest to our readers. Ontario. Housing Corporation's (OHC's) Point System Upon acquiring enough, one can acquire an OHC housing unit. (The numbers listed represent the maximum number of points. Judgement of the interviewer determines the maximum or less.) PRESENT CONDITTION.50EEM45IaG: There wa's an ad woman who tived in a 'shoe With at -hip, 'Led tape, what epe coutd --he do? The good and caring social worker must challenge the system. When she ceases to question she has become a robot and hence a liability to human progress. We can help if we are informed as to the role she uble plays and the _things that her about that role. If you ar social worker in Northwestern .'Ontsal404,-if ,youxs7area of corteevaies_ overcrowding..... ......0...5 points disrepair........0. OOOOO ....5 points people, you have something to contribute to this dialogue. inadequate bathroom facilities ..................5 points lack of recreation space..0.2 points other unsatisfactory conditions ..................2 points (must be specified) Receiving the maximum points for the above can total 30 points. Other ways to gain points: Residency in Thunder Bay (up to 10 years), (1 year =l point, 2 years=2 points; etc.) Notice to vacate other than cause (cause being drunken parties, damage etc...30 points) 0 to 25% ....... ............no 3 26-29% 30-34%...... OOOOOOOOOOOO ....5 10 35-39% points points points points ......... 15 points 50% or over.... ...... ......20 points Abnormal financial 15 points committments Separated,families because of lack 15 points of accommodation Aggravated health factors because of present accommodation......15 points The waiting period can be used to gain points if there has been no offer for accommodation--extra points for waiting: 1 2 3 4 year........0. ..... ...... / point years ......0 ....... ....2 points 6 points years 4 points years.. ...... .............6 points 5 points Small Town continued from page 10 future undertaking not bring with them problems comparable to those experienced in past developments... "Traditionally, economic development in single industry northern communities has not included the experience, knowledge and concerns of women. This has resulted in male oriented communities at all levels, economically, socially and politicall The needs of women and children have been given only marginal recognition.(Kenora Women's Coalition) From their submissions to the Royal Commission, it was clear that northern women want the opportunity t be involved in decision-making, to help determine the future of the communities in which they live and to secure equal rights for their sex. The story being told by the women in the preceeding report may not be exactly encouraging....But there may be hope. NORTHERN WOMAN page 20 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Celebrating 11 Years of Journal Women NO PHOTOS AVAILABLE Maition 8abcock Lyn Sihvonen CanAie Have en Catot. McCote. Pat Graven Pat Ryan Kathryn Brute Peggy Smi-th Shanon Lund ScoanDatzLin IF WE MISSED YOU WE'RE SORRY NORTHERN WOMAN page 21 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Memoirs of a Striker much for the good doctors to accept the fact that mere staff had decided to publicly stand up to them and horBy now, I guess the local women's rors! Women, at that! While waiting strike is past history - filed away to get into the mainstream of traffic in dusty archives. I won't ever forone day, one of them astonished us get it because I was involved in this all by suddenly throwing his car inmuch-publicized dispute which was to to reverse, when in his rear view become known as the "battle of the mirror he caught sight of a few of women versus the doctors". It was one us scurrying to safety behind his of the most frustrating, hilarious, car. The ecstatic look of pleasure inspiring revelations of my life. My on his countenance, made us positive determination and devotion to our that he had an orgasm every time he cause surprised me more than it did terrified us. A good many days theremy family and friends. I will never after looked like scenes from the regret it, and I would do it again. "French Connection" with tires squealThe grandmothers, widows, wives, moing as they chased picketers all over thers and daughters who spent six the parking lot. months on that line, through the heat We harboured no grudge against of summer, refreshing fall winds, and the patients - we accepted their need freezing gales of winter, pitted agfor medical aid. Many a day was spent ainst one of the richest, most powerlistening to elderly patients' tales ful establishments in the country, of woe, their loneliness, and their would all agree. I never once heard concerns over their illnesses. Perhaps any one of them express regret over they felt that no one listened to them the wisdom of their choice. inside. One day in particular, a very How did this conflict take that nice old gentleman stopped his car, little flame of feminism I think was rolled down his window, and in the always flickering inside of me and middle of the entrance to the parking feed it with a fuel so great, that it lot, launched into a sad tale of his is roaring furiously now, never to be past three operations. As cars piled quashed again? In retrospect, it was up on the roadside and the main thora pattern of slow plodding growth oughfare became bottlenecked, we starover the months, of struggles, of ted to get obscene gestures accompanigaining a painful new consciousness, ed by furious mutterings and shaking and then a gradual joyous affirmation - one which will never be denied again. fists, all of which we couldn't understand through closed windows. Despite repeated pleas from myself and fellow Perhaps the first that picketers to proceed, he would not shattered my sense of self-worth ocmove, for he had finally found a symcurred during the course of my daily pathetic ear. He was finally persuadduties when I heard one of the 'healed to move on when a very angry young ers of humanity' confide to one of his most learned colleagues - "I don't woman pulled up, rolled down her window, and promptly went up one side of know why they want a union, after all, us and down the other, for harrassing we hire monkeys here, that's why we and intimidating such a sweet old man. pay them peanuts!" Oh well, --- you win some and you Our polite, apologizing picket lose someJ line started with everyone feeling We did have one pet peeve, however. nervous and ill at ease, suffering The mockery that organized men and from that chronic disease called guilt women had of their own union member- an affliction particular to women. ship when they crossed our picket As we tried to hide behind our picket line..many themselves were on strike signs from a group of annoying reporters with popping flashbulbs, I reflec- at the time. Perhaps they would have been more appreciative of the benefits ted on how difficult it was to ignore they enjoy by belonging to unions that drummed-in bit of sexism. After if they had all experienced our strugall, nice girls live in an eternal gle. state of subjugation - they accept I think perhaps the action I felt without question, and HOLY MOSES most difficult to accept was how wonice girls lust DO NOT parade around men could betray other women by crosswith picket signs plastered with big yellow tweety birds under the captions ing their co-workers' lines. Many of the striking women were single, widowof "No quack-quacks here! Just cheeped or single parents. Perhaps the cheeps!" To quote Robin Morgan from women who crossed the lines to work "Rights of Passage"-"...we DO need to throughout the duration of the strike create a new code of ethics for women, would have joined their sisters on the we DO need to create a new women's picket line if they had experienced morality..." so women won't have to living on one source of income suffer that soul-shattering pain of clinic wages. Women must learn to realization when confronted with the realize they will continue to be segsituation we found ourselves in. regated in dead-end low-paying job The hostility of the doctors beghettos until they can express solidcame evident on the first day. It arity and support for women who are must have been difficult for them to enlightened enough to fight for change suppress their fury. After all, M.D.s We can't waste our energies fighting are notorious for barking orders and each other. having them followed promptly and As the months wore on, we didn't without question. Come to think of it, cry as easily as at first. We got used in all my years at work with the profto being called bitches,whores and ession, I can't think of a single inphrases like "Go home to your kitchens stance when a doctor had the courage you sluts!" rolled off our backs like to treat male staff as condescendingly water. We became adept at dodging pop as female staff. To get back to the cans, beer cans, fire-crackers and first day, I guess it was just too even human spit. We learned what the by a former employee, late 1976 obscene gesture for every finger on the hand meant. We were bumbed by cars, knocked over by trucks and flipped onto carhoods. One day, a huge brute stopped his truck, leaned on the horn and bellowed his desire to drive over the two feet of sidewalk we were standing on, because the fifteen feet of entrance just wouldn't do. These day-to-day happenings just strengthened our convictions. We could not and would not give up because we were right. If in the event of a first contract dispute, no settlement is reached at the end of a six month strike, the employers can legally hire new employees to fill in the strikers' jobs. We wouldn't give them this satisfaction ancl retuned with no protection whatsoever and needed all the toughness and tenacity we had acquired on the picket line. Laws prohibiting discrimination against employees for union activities were all but -trampled by these dedicated humanitarians, A book could be written on the repulsive behavior of some of the employers on our first two days on the job. Half of the thirty-six returning were driven out, and the remaining could easily be outvoted in a decertification vote. This did become a reality a few months later. I don't feel any bitterness any more, only pity, and the realization that they aren't gods after all, as they would have us believe. One year later, the remaining dozen or so remember their struggles in silence, but their presence acts as a reminder to those who labour inside. Working conditions and salaries improve daily, although they still have not achieved parity with other women doing the same jobs elsewhere. It has been made a better place for those who follow. My deepest sorrow is for the women who gave their all for what they truly believed in, and had their careers smashed as a result. Revenge is sweet to those who had their absolute power challenged. Despite the scars accumulated by a long battle fought and lost, I still believe that women will never achieve economic equality in the work force until they employ the clout of collective action. Earning a decent wage is perhaps one of the most fundamental issues in the women's movement. The shortest route to achieving that end is to organize. My energies will forever be devoted to preaching that litany. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISIONNORTHERN PDFCompressor WOMAN page 22 �In It Together 011 BROTlin Not an ,Ordinary by Penni Burrell, January 1979 Dear Viola: 1Movie by Joan Baril, Feb.-Mar/84 (excerr,t) Group discussions were shown in i which men described how porn dehumanized them as well as women. These particular scenes might well have never been if one reads the reviews by male critics who condemn the film for not mentioning how pornography dehumanizes them as well as women. I - I wonder if these men "saw" the film at all, or only their own fears. Their shrill attacks makes one wonder, as Judith Finlayson observes "Why masculine aggression and violence against women seem far more socially acceptable than female anger"The difference in perception extends to the viewers. At Lakehead !University some.male members of the !audience sniggered and whistled; the !women were visibly moved. At the 'showing I attended at the National Film Board offices on Victoria Ave., the audience (mostly women) was silent ! as it filed out. As in all showings iof this movie, some,women wept. "Not a Love Story" is not an' ord- i , linary movie. , i In response to your request for written support regarding a name change for the Lakehead University's "Man In Society" course please allow me to explain that the'term "man in the'phrase "Man and Society" is in this instance, the generic term mean-, ing "all people". Similarily, the pronoun "his" can also be used generically as in the common phrase "Man and His World". We must never forget that the word "man", when used generically, includes, the female, I have not seen the course outline for "Man and S-ociety" but I imagine it covers-all the aspects of a man's life. No doubt it deals with basic anatomy. For example, under the heading "Man's Body" (which of course refers to male and female -) one could study man and his heart, man and his ovaries, man and his fallopian tubes, the breasts of man. The life stages of man would be included. Topics would be: man at puberty, man's menstruation, man as father, man as mother, man as husband man as wife, the end of the-childbearing years-the menopause of man. As one man to another, Viola, I am interested in all education which promotes the brotherhood of man. I have disCussed this with other men of good will including my sister. I.am a man of tut minds about this question but I am also a daughter. I will abide by my mother's opinion for I believe that, when tinkering with the language, all generations should be consulted. Besides, isn't it true that We are' not the men our mothers were? If_I could consult her man to,maii, I know that she would firmly state that the use of the word generically to mean all people somehow--illogically perhaps -- leaves out half of alf Mankind. Yours sincerely, Joan Baril a meeting Friends, you really knocked me off guard. Here I thought I was attending a meeting that would slot each person for a particular assignment. I thought for sure I would just observe the procedure like a behavioural scientist. I even came to the meeting with a notion that I would be a curly-headed, bespectacled stranger. I expected to offer the occasional timid suggestion but only if I didn't have a scratchy voice. I did not have much time to feel left out. After my sketchy, clumsy introduction, I realized I was more than initiated, I was feeling part if not all of the emotions charging up inside us all. Damn it people, such raw honesty. I haven't discussed any issues more vital than my shopping list. I'm out of practice, rusty. My feminist leanings have been stuffed into 'cushion covers and naturally I've dusted off and flicked away anger or My picture is in this issue with a group of women from Women's Place. At first, I thought it didn't belong. I'm new in this area -- a woman, yes, but not a Northern Woman. And I certainly haven't done anything for the Journal, except buy it at the odd time. A fifth anniversary issue should congratulate all those who saw the Journal through its rough low energy times. Me?, then, in the picture? What right, what place have I? Wait a minute, I thought to myself. I may be new to the district, but over the past five years, I have been around the women's movement. Not one thing consistently. Not even one city. I've travelled into different places and groups to suit my needs and mood at the time. Like the movement itself, I've grown, lost initiative and gained it in other ways. So, what is the point of this issue? For me, it's to commemorate not just the existence of one journal at one place. It's to celbrate that it, and many other offshoots of the movement still exist, still function, and still give birth to other projects and and groups. Just think of the conversations you've had (or may have, if this is your first introduction to the movement) because of the Journal ... or that co-worker who got fired for asking for equal pay or that mouthy woman that really said a couple of true things. Think of the ,growing, painful and joyful feeling that's come about after you decided that you wouldn't put up with that guy (who thought you were cute when you were angry) ANY MORE. How far have we all come? I know I won't go back. And I've got the Northern Woman Journal and my friends and the other groups, both existing and gone, to thank for the last few years. My picture could be that of anyone ..a of you. March 19 82 any healthy soul-searching. Everywhere around me, friends and acquaintences have settled into a set routine. I don't keep proper hours. I am becoming a neighbourhood pest. I'm suggesting to some of my friends that keeping house and feeding baby might be fine right now but later they will have a gut feeling that somehow, somewhere, they missed the great variety life has to offer. Lately, I haven't been asked over for coffee. I began to think that I was ungrateful. I have my healt1, I think.I have a fine husband and a loving mut of a dog. My well-meaning friends think I'm acting like a whirlwind because I'm frustrated. I haven't been in a 'family way'. I have been kept at a distance. No one wants me to rock the boat. It has been light years away since a friend has really opened up, showing ho' vulnerable she can be, asking for help. I have suddenly grown proud, not wishing to weep on anyone's shoulders. Naturally I was not prepared for women even more intense than I ever could be. I understand how important it is to reach a common meeting ground regarding the journal and each individual involved. The feminist issues should never be abandoned. I'm still searching for a dictionary definition of a feminist. Let me say that it is the healthy emotions that should never die. Don't ever hide anger or sweep it under the rug because it will explode inside of you instead of on the outside where it counts. Don't be afraid of losing your guts because you'll find them again. Just don't lose your perspictive. Just don't lose your mind. Thanks for waking me up. I was beginning to think that women could not reach this plateau of conversation with each other. My other friends made me look twice at myself so I spent mon ey I couldn't afford trying to find out what was wrong. Now I know that searching for the ingredients of inner peace is part of growing up. December 1979 Rosalyn Taylor Perrett PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAN page 23 �Ft O R. A WOMEN & STRESS MANAGEMENT EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS The Confederation College of Applied Arts & Technology This elective post-secondary credit subject is intended to examine situation stresses in our Thunder Bay District lives-family, job, social relationships, conflict, change, developmental crises, etc., as well as potential sources of stress they bring to every situation because of their personality, their own belief system, their life rhythms, and their style of problem-solving. A lifestyle and attitude approach to changing their stress response will be developed by each individual. DATE & TIME: Wednesdays 7:00-10:00pm INSTRUCTOR: FEE: Bert Hopkins $30.00 BUSINESS DIVISION -EQUAL OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM (Post-Basic) START DATE: September 12, 1984 COMPLETED: November 14, 1984 ROOM: 258 to begin in September 1984, offered part-time through Continuing Education Division. THIS IS BELIEVED TO BE GS 159 99 A FIRST IN CANADA. For further information, contact the Program Co-ordinator at (807) OPPORTUNITY 475-6140. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION-EQUAL Upon successful completion of this elective post-secondary credit subject, the student will be GENERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE DIPLOMA PROGRAM emphasizing Women's Programs Curriculae able to participate effectively in the planning and development of an Affirmative Action Plan. may be taken full-time during the day, or part-time through Continuing Education Division. DATE & TIME: INSTRUCTOR: Mondays 7:00-10:00pm FEE: Mary Fedorchuk $30.00 These subjects are identified as "GS" START (elective credit). DATE:post-secondary September 17, 1984 COMPLETED: November 26, 1984 ROOM: 260 For further information, contact the Program Co-ordinator at (807) 475-6390. WT 843 99 MOTOR VEHICLE (WOMEN KNOW YOUR CAR) SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS (Ministry of Colleges & Universities) In this elective post-secondary credi t subject, students will learn the basic procedures of TECHNICAL UPGRADING PROGRAM (T.U.P.) car maintenance and general operation T.U.P. facilitates the entry of individuals, particularly women, into the workplace or technical DATE & TIME: INSTRUCTOR: Mondays 7:00-10:00pm FEE: Don Young $20.00 The program two components: -- Career CounsellingCOMPLETED: provides a October 29, 1984 or trades training programs. STARThas DATE: September 17, 1984 ROOM: Auto Shop "training path" outlining the training necessary to enter the intended workplace or technical -- Academic Upgrading provides 8-40 weeks of upgrading in related or trades training program; ZW 004 99 certificate and diploma programs in technology or LIVING business programs EFFECTIVE FOR WOMENas well as selected apprenticeable trades. A practical course based on sound psychological principles and finds. Women will be helped to For further information, contact the Associate Registrar-Adult Training through & Special Programs of solving personal problems, enchancement achieve greater life satisfaction techniques at (807) 475-6302. of sexual satisfaction, controlling bad habits and learning desirable ones, stress reduction, increasing learning effectiveness and helping other women through active listening skills. & TIME: 'Thursdays 7:30-9:30pm INTRODUCTION TO NON-TRADITIONAL DATE OCCUPATIONS (I .N.T.0.) INSTRUCTOR: Bert Hopkins FEE: $30.00 I.N.T.O. is an 8-week program that helps women to explore opportunities for employment in non- November 22, 1984 START DATE: September 20, 1984 COMPLETED: ROOM: 258 traditional jobs. Students study job search skills, goal setting and plot a career path. Work placement gives women real job experience. ZW 026 99 For further information, contact the Chairperson of Communication Arts at (807) 475-6210. TIME FOR LIVING 99 Are you drifting from day to day?' Are you ready to do something about it? Come and catch hold WOMEN INTO TRADES AND TECHNOLOGY of (W.life I .T.T.) by learning and applying practical management skills to your daily living. This goal W.I.T.T. is an 18-week program designed to be expose women to allthe aspects practical trades will reached through use ofofinstruction, exercises, films and discussions. training and the world of High-Tech. DATE & TIME: INSTRUCTOR: FEE: Tuesdays 7:30-9:30pm Ivy Cook $30.00 For further information, contact the START Chairperson Industrial & Motive Power at (807) 475-6215. DATE: of September COMPLETED: 18, 1984 ROOM: 346 November 20, 1984 CANAllk EMPLOYMENT & IMMIGRATION COMMISSION ZW 044 WOMEN HUMANTRAINING RIGHTS SKILL DEVELOPMENT (B.T.S.D.) Canada Employment & Immigration may offer& BASIC Do as youa know what your rights are as a to person? As a woman? This subject will enlighten you to Academic Upgrading Grades 8-12; English Second Language; Introduction Non-Traditional yourand rights are in(W.I.T.T.). the work force. Combat unfair treatment with the knowledge of where Occupations ( I.N.T.0.) and Women Intowhat Trades Technology rightfully stand'. For further information, contact youryou local Canada Employment & Immigration Office, or the DATE & TIME: INSTRUCTOR: Irene Mitchell FEE: $30.00 Women's Employment Centre, 130 S. Syndicate Avenue, Mondays Thunder 7:30-9:39pm Bay, Ontario P7C 1C7 START DATE: COMPLETED: November 26, 1934 September 17, 1984 ROOM: 346 (Phone 807-623-2731). REGISTRATION DATES: Non Post-Secondary Subjects (ZW) - August 7th (5-7:30); Post-Secondary Subjects (GS, WT) - August 8th (5-7:30); Keskus Mall - August 9th (12-7); County Fair Mall August 16th (12-7); Intercity Mall - August 23rd, 24th (10:30-9:30). For information about these subjects outside of Thunder Bay, contact your local Confederation College Office or call Toll Free: 1-800-465-6961 or 1-800-465-6962. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS AT (837) 475-6232 ZW 045 99 CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROGRAMS The students will develop an awareness of different strategies in managing conflict and will 99 GS 010 learn how to take responsible effective action in confrontation, both in personal and profesPERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING sional relationships. This elective post-secondary credit subject will give the student practical instruction in perTIME: Bonnie Satten INSTRUCTOR: FEE: Thursdays 7:00-9:30pm $30.00 sonal economics, the art of handling DATE money& and managing one's financial affairs. Topics covered START DATE: COMPLETED: November 8, 1984 ROOM: 331 20, 1984 and car ownership, include budgetting, banking and investing, credit, September housing, insurance together with other topics in which the student may express an interest. FEE: Lauretta Johnson DATE & TIME: Tuesdays 7:00-10:00pm ZW 047 99 INSTRUCTOR: $45.00 THE TRAVELLING ROOM: 258 COMPLETED:WOMAN December 11, 1984 START DATE: September 11, 1984 Due to popular demand, this new subject is being offered to help today's woman plan her business: or pleasure trip effectively. Topics include passport, visa and health requirements, the "do's" GS 052 99 and "don'ts" of travelling alone, planning and packing a business/pleasure wardrope, travel WOMEN, SOCIETY AND CHANGE insurance, consumer rights for travellers, coping with customs, popular travel destinations, best buys and travelling with special needs. Consideration will be given to individual needs and interests. DATE & TIME: INSTRUCTOR: FEE: Iva Wright $30.00 Thursdays 7:30-9:30pm START DATE: November 22, 1984 ROOM: 161 COMPLETED: September 20, 1984 post-secondary credit subject will provide an opportunity for participants to diss the rapid changes in society and to discover how these changes affect women in family life, sexuality, economic development, technology &,community involvement. FEE: INSTRUCTOR: $45.00 Oz Poulin Wednesdays 7:00-10:00pm ROOM: 265 December 12, 1984 COMPLETED: September 12, 1984 AGEMENT 84 post-secondary credit subject will deal primarily with the roles of women in manageparticular skills needed by women to effectively fulfill managerial functions under s which are from within themselves, as well as those imposed by the organizations. FEE: INSTRUCTOR: $45.00 Betty Chalmers Mondays 7:00-10:00pm ROOM: 342 December 17, 1984 COMPLETED: September 10, 1984 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 8 No 5 Description An account of the resource Vol. 8, No. 5 (1984) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: 12th anniversary issue of the journal Reprinted articles from first 10 years of journal Women’s liberation Heritage of the Northern Woman Journal Birth control Women in transition project (1978) Women & health Menopause Midwifery Rural living for women Marital rape Canadian Women’s Music & Cultural Festival Mail order service for feminist books Lesbian Archives of Manitoba Fireweed journal, Toronto, call for papers from Native women Peace caravan campaign against nuclear war Women & affirmative action Sole-support mothers Women in the trades Sexual harassment Women against violence against women Social work Labour striking Confederation College programs for women Authors/Contributors: Teresa Legowski Kathie Louise Nichols Gert Beadle Donna Phoenix Melissa Teffi Joan Baril D. Winko Penni Burrell Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1984 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2782/1984_Vol_8_No_6.pdf e1f8af8dff3892356f2777564dcd513c PDF Text Text $1.00 Northern Woman Journal - December 1984 VOL. 8N0.6 THUNDER BAY, Ont. MMMMM MMMMMMMM MMMMM EMMEN MMMMM MMMMMM MMMMMM MMMMMM MINIUM MMMMMM MINIM MAME MMMMMM MMMMMM MI PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Sudbury News STICKS & STONES TIME OUT FOR MOM A WOMEN'S THEATRE COLLECTIVE by CAROLYNN CAMPBELL ...invented in 1982...a mixture between theatre, popular education and community development... We work at: ...researching issues like violence the home, pornography, stereotypes, teen sexuality... ...experimenting with different forms of theatre and popular education techniques... (our pet project being theatre of the oppressed) We produce: ...skits (that make fun and sense) ...plays (about real stories) ...workshops (for conferences, classrooms and kids) Special Moments in '85: ...a play to come out in March ...a community festival to happen in May Sticks and Stones - A Stage on Rocks C.P. 622, Station B Sudbury, Ontario 675 -5591 PORNO THE PORNOGRAPHY ACTION GROUP is a collective of women who are concerned about pornography in Sudbury. We meet regularly to discuss the issues and plan actions around the issues. We feel that public education and lobbying government officials are important aspects when confronting the issue of PORNOGRAPHY in Sudbury. _ Every woman with small children knows that she puts herself last when it comes to getting family needs met. Well on September 29th we finally took About 50 women a day to ourselves. and 20 children joined in the Sudbury Women's Centre first retreat for homemakers. We laughed, we shared, we listened to one another and reflected. (We ate well too - Thankyou Val Caron Pathfinders.) To begin with we discussed some of the factors that led us to feel In small overwhelmed "on the job". groups we shared plans for feeling more powerful, for lifting that feelThe afternoon was ing of oppression. devoted to our sexuality. When we do get around to meeting some of our needs as individuals, that's the one we usually leave to the last, or never get to at all. This was a day of personal action. We don't have plans for a lobbying action, no minutes of the meeting, no resolutions or other products left the Centre des Jeunes at 5:00 p.m. Saturday evening. What did leave with us was a more enduring feeling of solidarity. How many times did I hear the comment, "Gee, I thought I was the only one who felt that way"? Well we would like to keep that spirit of sisterhood growing. We want to keep the Women's Centre actively involved in our needs as women who work in the home. If you were with us on the 29th, or would like to be so now, please check with the Women's Centre (Sudbury) for details of the first Homemaker's Your Voice Dear NWJ: It was with greatinterest and appreciation that I read your paper, Vol. 8, No. 4. Having lived most of my life in Thunder Bay, I'm pleased to know that your collective is striving to inform, as well as achieve goals that are so pertinent to women's lives. I now live in the small northern community of Chapleau, where the prevailing attitudes of many are basically non-committal towards women': rights and issues - by both men and women themselves. There is very little knowledge in some cases, of what is happening outside of the community wit} regards to women's issues. It is also difficult to capture women's attention to these issues. I would now like to subscribe to your Journal, and enclose a cheque in the amount of $5.00 for six issues. Thankyou for making it possible for people to read about the pertinent issues affecting our lives. If I can be of help to your group in any small way, please let me know. Sincerely Donna (Salo) St. Amand Reunion. OUR PORNOGRAPHY SLIDE-SHOW consists of material we found in local corner stores in Sudbury and area. It is available to be shown to any interested groups. Contact Sudbury Women's Centre 106 Beech St.(available in English and French) On behalf of the committee of homemakers who organized the "Time Out for Moms", and from myself as a participant, I would like to send a loud THANKYOU to Kitty Minor and Mercedes Steedman, for giving us themselves, their time and their sensitivity as leaders. Thanks as well to all the group facilitators and to the folks who helped with the child care. PREEDOM OR CHOKE CANADIAN ABORTION RIGHTS ACTION LEAGUE (CARAL) ASSOCIATION CANADINNNS POU/6 Li MOLT A L'AVORTZMINT (Aus,A) The Purpose of CARAL Is to ensurithat no woman in Canada is denied access to safe, legal abortion. Our aim is the repeal of all sections of the Criminal Codes dealing with abortion and the establishment of comprehensive contraceptive and abortion services, including appropriate counselling across the country. "We regard the right to safe, legal abokion as a fundamental human right." I support the statement of purpose of CARAL and wish to become a member. MAIL ORDER CATALOGUE is now available Name: Address: Postal Cods: Occupation' Name of Federal Riding. $10.00 Individual Member Limited income ' Family Donation Sustaining 13.00 Send $2 to Northern Woman Bookstore 316 Bay St., Thunder Bay, Ont. 71'7B 1S1 515.00 125.00 RETURN TO: CARAL, Box 935, Stn. 0. Toronto, M4T 2P1 NORTHERN WOMAN page 2 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �What's Up? by MARGARET PHILLIPS owls Bookstore advises the very work at Women's Centre. Fiona's enerpopular Everywoman's Almanac is availand her gy re-vitalized the Centre, skillful media presence has given able - other interesting calendars also in stock. New titles recently women's issues a positive, high-proreceived include Feminist Theorists, file in the community. Thanks, Fiona, edited by Dale Spender, Gender Gap by for a job very well done, and best Bella Abzug, New French Feminists, Ashes in all your future endeavours. We welcome Women's Centre newedited by Elaine Marks and Isabelle staff Carol Ann Collins and Karen de Courtivron, and Andrea Dworkin's Right Wing Women. Also new fiction Maki who are jointly sharing the coordinator job. Karen and Carol Annby Dorothy Bryant, Iris Murdock, invite you to stop in for a coffeeNadine Gordimer and Alice Walker. (decaff.) and meet them, also to The Bookstore's mail order service is now operational providing access attend NWC regular monthly meetings. to our great feminist literature to The Centre will be presenting an evenwomen from across Northwestern Onting of film at Lakehead University ario "row, Centre Theatre on Wednesday, Dec. 12 tom Linking women internationat 7:30. The three films to be shown ally. It is this concept that proviare: UP THE CREEK, SHIFTING GEARS, ded NWJ collective member Margaret and DECK THE HALLS. These films are Phillips a most remarkable experience part of the gamily Violence Preventhis summer. Under Inter Pares spontion Programme and deal with the sorship, Mary Ann Haywood, of Ottawa, men who commit the crimes. Presentand Margaret travelled to Bangladesh ations from local groups providing and visited women's, health and rural aid and counselling to the victims community development programs. will also take place. Admission is It all began in 1982 when Inter free and everyone is welcome. Pares organized a visit of two BangThe Centre needs women who are ladesh women, Khushi Kabir and Shirinterested in helping distribute een Huq, who met with over 40 Canaanti-war toy leaflets. This is part dian women's groups. These meetings of the nationwide boycott being oran era. identified a common concern about the ganized by Women's Centres and peace Nostalgia aside, we're now viewissue of women and pharmaceuticals, groups. The main target is the GI-Joe ing this necessary move as an excitwhich in turn prompted a women and doll. Not only do they promote vioing challenge, and we've found a lence and war but they are racist.pharmaceuticals workshop(see Heather great location which will house NWJ, (All the 'bad guy' companion dollsWoodbeck's article NWJ Vol.8#2). Womanspace, Bookstore and Northern in the series have non-caucasian Resulting from the workshop is the Women's Centre. Our new Space is at formation of Women's Health Action features.) the corner of 'Court St. N. and CameNetwork which will continue to link Women's Centre will be starting lot Sts. (formerly Goliger's Travel) health concerns of Canadian and Third work on a project dealing with single and we'll move January 1st. We're World women. The Network has produced parent issues using participatory really happy about re-uniting space a very fine educational kit on women research techniques. If you have any with Women's Centre and look forward F Health APO,to making thi s o con ac please call the Centre at 345-7802 or For Pro it for N.W.O. feminists even more vibthis kit). Their other exciting pro rant and interesting ject is, in co-operation with Great me New faces at Decade Council A very interesting weekend ocCanadian Theatre Company, the protoo with Pat McInnis and Dawn St. cured Sept. 14-15 when the Ontario duction of "SIDE EFFECTS", a play Amand joining the staff. Decade CounAdvisory Council on the Status of portraying women's experience with cil is now sharing offices with LSPC Women met in Dryden.. the first time drugs, doctors and health care. Plans at 221 Bay St. phone 345-3606rne the Council has met in Northwestern are to bring the play to Thunder Bay woes Were also, plipsed to note Ontario. Taking full opportunity to in the spring (for more information Brenda Reimer's appointment to the express the concerns, interests and about the play contact Kam Theatre, LSPC staff. Items of interest from needs of NWO women more than 20 Women's Health Education Project or LSPC include the recent publications briefs were presented to the Council. of a Fundraising Manual which con- Northern Woman's Bookstore.) We commend Decade Council, in partFor people interested in purtains useful information about souricular Leni, for the fine job done suing this important subject Conces of funds and how to access them. in co-ordinating this session. The federation College is offering a This manual will Le very valuable to excellence of many of the briefs course WOMEN AND INTERNATIONAL DEVEall community organizations in need presented was remarkable. The JourLOPMENT during the winter term.(see of funds. nal will print a number of these ad this issue for details) soli issues. Another LSPC service is the briefs in this and subsequent me On the broader scene, the A summary of the Dryden meeting apCommunity Information and Referral best news in years is the acquittal Centre., which will help you in locapears elsewhere in this issue moo by a Toronto jury of Dr. Henry MorAll of Northwestern Ontario, ting the agencies and organizations gentaler and his colleagues who were along with her many friends across that can assist with housing, educafound not guilty of conspiracy to the country, will join us as we tion, health services, child care, perform abortions. This acquittal, enthusiastically cheer Gert Beadle, services for seniors, recreation,, as the Quebec acquittals ten years who was one of the five recipients counselling, etc. Call them at 345ago, demonstrate conclusively that of the 1984 Persons Award, you done 4009 . the present abortion law is inopera-= osoo Planning for the very us proud Gert: Gert was accompanied tive. The issue remains, however, special decade celebration of Interto the Persons Award ceremony by that women's right to reproductive former Thunder Bayite Paulah Edwards, national Women's Day has already choice is being denied by our poliwho has recently opened her law officebegun. For more information call ticians who are still refusing to in Windsor. Joan at 767-9582 (evenings) oem, repeal the 1969 abortion law, a law While we're speaking of Gert and which effectively denies equitable her accomplishments may we suggest services to many Canadian women, esthat Gert's poetry SALT AND YEAST pecially rural and poor women. While and RISING would make fine Christmas rejoicing at the Ontario decision we presents, and would also support NWJ must not lose sight of the horrendous and NWC who receive the proceeds financial cost of the trials, the from these sales, eto notential continuation of appeals on Staff changes at Women's Centre. the Ontario case, as well as the posFiona Karlstedt, Women's Centre Cosible Manitoba prosecution. A cost ordinator for the past two years borne by Canadian people concerned has returned full-time to University. about justice and dignity for all We all owe Fiona a tremendous debt women. That such sums must be poured of gratitude for her exceptional NORTEERN a OMAN page 3 What's happened to UPDATE many of you may be asking. Well, what's happened is that our Update reporter Joan Baril has taken off..for a year's perJoan is sonal study, rejuvenation. spending her year away in Toronto.. doing lots of writing (we think) and availing herself of all the fetinist stimulation she can find (we hear you loved the Dale Spender evening Joan). Joan's promised to continue the national/international Update reports.. while the collective keeps tabs on local hapwe'll hear from Joan apenings..so gain next issue 'mu Lots of happenings, issues, problems, and some joy, of interest to NWO women. Most serious problem is that Womanspace, the Journal and the Bookstore are losing our home. Yes, the little Finn Hall building has been sold...a sad loss to our community.. not only because of the nostalgia we feel for this building that has been our SPACE for the past nine years, but also because for many in Thunder Bay the recent and long-term history of the Finn Hall symbolizes the progressive movement we associate with Bay St. Perhaps we are witnessing the end of . I 1- PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �BIRTH WITH A DIFFERENCE by Carol Ponchet The birth of my first son, Jeremy, on August 8, 1980 in Victoria, B. C., both changed my life and my attitudes toward the medical profession forever. My husband and I had planned on a homebirth and we had a midwife giving us pre-natal care. My midwife stated that if I went two weeks past my due date, she would insist that I deliver in the hospital. (I discovered later that this cautious attitude is rare among midwives. In general, due dates are not reliable, and mine was no exception.) I did go overdue and we had to re-adjust our plans. I was very despondent about entering the hospital. My physician insisted on inducing my labour three weeks past my due date. It went downhill from there. The oxytocin caused strong contractions two minutes apart, immediately. I was on my back with two straps around my belly. Labour was not progressing. I was continually intruded upon by my physician and an obstetrician who examined me internally. All of this proved very discomforting for me. Evetyone seemed concerned zotety with the monitor_ and my cervix, but not with me. (ed. italics) There were no soothing or .encouraging wards. After seven-hours of this, it was decided that a cesearean was necessary due to failure to progress and cephalo-pelvic disproportion. That was that. My dreams were shattered and I fell into a deep depression. It took seven months before I felt strong and secure again, not to mention the long recovery period from major surgery. Luckily, Jeremy was born healthy and suffered no compli cations from the surgery. When I became pregnant the second time, all the old fears and concerns crept up. We moved to Thunder Bay when I was four months pregnant. For some reason, I felt it was necessary to seek out an obstetrician. At that point, I believed I would never have another chance to deliver vaginally. Then I became involved with the Childbirth Education and Support Group of Thunder Bay. We were astounded to find that five out of eight members had had previous ceseareans and were very concerned with the high rate of ceseareans being performed in Thunder Bay. The name of a midwife was brought up and I decided to pay her a visit and discuss my concerns. She was a wonderful person, very supportive of VBAC's (Vaginal Birth After Cesearean). After an external examination of my pelvis, she felt I would have no problems delivering vaginally. My hopes were rekindled. I continued to see my obstetrician regularly and discussed my idea of a homebirth with him. He didn't support me but he respected my choice. His main concern over VBAC's was uterine rupture. I then asked him several questions concerning this is"What percentage of your sue, ie.: patients have VBAC's?...What are the indications of uterine rupture?... What percentage of VBAC's have uterine rupture?" (I learned later that the highest rate of uterine rupture is among women who have had previous ceseareans,) I found the bulk of the obstetrician's responses evasive and general. At one point, he admitted to me that he used scare tactics to influence women's decisions. After that admission, I didn't take my doctor's warnings very seriously. I decided to attempt a homebirth. I knew that if I set foot in the hospital, I would be allowed only five hours in which to labour and deliver my child. A cesearean was certain. Homebirth was my only option. I had also learned that all of Thunder Bay's obstetricians had gotten together last summer and decided they would collectively not allow VBAC's in Thunder Bay. As the time approached, I worried whether I would begin labour spontaneou"Sly or not, so I called my midwife often. One-and-a-half weeks past my due date, my labour commenced. It began Wednesday evening (Feb. 1/84). The contractons were very mild and 5-10 minutes apart. I fell asleep in the night and awoke with no contractions. Feeling a little disappointed, I got up to shower and labour started again! All day long, the contractions continued to be mild and 5-10 minutes apart. I phoned my midwife at noon and she arrived shortly after. She was very encouraging, and she suggested I move about and keep busy. She didn't "do" anything to me. No exams at all. She listened to the baby's heart and that was it. So I busied myself with laundry and ironing; I had difficulty suppressing my excitement. As the evening wore on, the contractions became stronger and closer together. At about 11 p.m., I felt it was time to go to bed and rest (ha ha) . Then, the work began. My midwife massaged my shoulders and feet and coached me in my breathing. What doctor or even nurse would (Or could) do that for me? She encouraged me to get up and walk about, and at 4 a.m., after another walk, my waters broke. Labour became much more intense, and I found it painful and didn't hesitate to ho4ler whatever words popped into my head. I began pushing at 5 a.m. and at 5:45 a.m., Devon Lee was born. Dad wiped the blood and vernix from the baby's eyes and nose, and cut the cord under the midwife's supervision. Jeremy awoke at 5 a.m. and watched his brother come into the world. He was very quiet and attentive. He held my hand and told me, "It's okay, mommy". I was exhausted after the birth, and suffered mild shock. I was bundled up, stayed in bed and nursed` the baby for 20 minutes. When I got up, the placenta came of it's own accord (there was no need to pummel my belly to get it out). The midwife and I examined the placenta to make sure it was intact, and it was. I had a few superficial tears, and goldenseal powder was applied. (Goldenseal is a natural antibiotic.) The difference between the two births is obvious. With Devon's birth, there were no: episiotomy, drugs, bright lights, foreign environment, restrictions of food or drink, solver nitrate drops, I.V.'s, fetal heart monitors, or strangers. There were only my family encouraging me, my own bed to lie in, my midwife and my baby nestled in my arms. There was no horrible rupturing as my doctor had warned. Devon was born healthy and pink, and nursed immediatly. As far as I'm concerned, my midwife beats any obstetrician hands down. She sensed my needs, knew me well, encouraged me, and most importantly, believed in my abilities and strength. My midwife has delivered over a thousand babies in her career, and I had complete confidence in her. If anyone has any comments or questions, I can be reached through the Childbirth Education and Support Group, P. 0. Box 2387, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E9; attn. C. Ponchet. or phone Diane Lai'at 475-4563 or 683-3880. NORTHERN WOMAN page 4 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �REPORT FROM Northwestern Ontario Women's Forum with the Ontario Advisory Council on the Status of Women held September 15th and 16th, 1984 Dryden, Ontario On September 15, and 16, the Northwestern Ontario Women's Decade Council invited the Ontario Advisory Council on the Status of Women to the area, to participate in a forum. Area women in the past have been afforded little oportunity to present their concerns and positions to those bodies whose decisions and recommendations have had impact on the quality of their lives. The forum allowed a unique opportunity for representatives of regional women's organizations to present briefs to the Council and as well was an exciting time of sharing and getting together. The excellent calibre of the many briefs as well as the quality of the presentations generated feelings and enthusiasm and pride, mixed with concern and sadness for the multitude of issues which will need so much work before great strides are made. Departing from the seriousness Gert Beadle entertained the group with some of her best sensitive as wellas outrageously hilarious poems Noticeably absent from the forum was any representation from the Ministry of Northern Affairs, which Decade Council had especially wanted to have in attendance, in order that the Ministry be made aware of women's concerns in the North. The briefs once collated in report form, will be forwarded to the Honourable Robert Welch, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and to each minister responsible for the subject of the brief. Copies of briefs as a full Forum Report will be available in December from: Ontario Status of Women Council, 5th Floor, Mowat Block, 900 Bay Street, Toronto Ontario M7A 1L2, The following is an overview as recorded by Sandy Peltonen, Regional Status Convenor, Women Teachers' Association of Ontario. IMMIGRANT WOMEN'S CONCERNS LEENA PESONEN Immigrant Information Centre Thunder Bay Observations - Immigrant women face exploitation and alienation. - There are few alternatives and few support systems available. Recommendations - Ensure more immigrant women the chance of taking the English as a Second Language courses available through Employment - Employers provide women to learn English on the job by providing 1 hourAday to. take classes. SOUTH EAST ASIAN IMMIGRANT WOMEN IN NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO JOAN WILLIAMS Down to Business TrainiAg Program, Thunder Bay Observations - Women not eligible for many benefits under immigration conditions. Women become exploited and develop low self-images. ecommendation issues to be dealt with include racial descrimination Sexism and basic human rights WOMEN & EDUCATION (Post Secondary) MARY FEDORCHUK Confederation College, Thunder Bay Observations Female graduates from high school demonstrate a lack of self-confidence, feel powerless, see limited optiOns, feel dependent, see themselves as followers anckx supporters. We seem to be educating our women for a life of poverty and continue the passive dependent socialization in our school system. Recommendations - School experiences need to be equal - Re-education of teacherstounsellors on gender biases and career development - School Boards need official policies and actions to change practices - Faculties of Education need courses in women's studies WOMEN & EDUCATION Trades & Technology ELIZABETH WEIBEN ELIZABETH POULIN Confederation College, Thunder Bay Observations Women must broaden their fields of occupation to get into better paying positions. Girls in High School are still making the same choices and ending up in job ghettoes. They do not seem to feel that they CAN DO. We must dispel myths with facts about pay, skills and opportunities available. -4111111Mfr Recommendations - Government must give incentives to employers to hire women in non-traditional roles Re-training of high school guidance counsellors to better assist girls in making choices for futures - Mandatory Professional Development day on employment patterns PORNOGRAPHY FIONA KARLSTEAD Northern Women's Centre Observations - No firm definition of pornography - Issue appears as maleifemale power domination. - there is a politics of pornography which involves social, economic and human values. - Men have established this industry and the results objectify, degrade and attempt to destroy women. - Restaurant owners seem to consider breastfeeding in public to be offensive yet down the street it is acceptable to be served by topless waitresses. - Legal definition of obscenity related to community standards. - Judges are forced to decide what the community will tolerate. - Now, more and more pornography is available, but many ignore it because of disbelief. - Pornography is a BIG business. - Taking it off the shelf forces it underground and makes a martyr of the salesperson. Recommendations - Higher consumer knowledge of issues. - Change regulations PORNOGRAPHY Recommendations from F.W.T.A.O. YVONNE HASTINGS Dryden Federation of Women Teachers Observations - Pornography has an effect on women and children - Effects of pornography are seen in the classroom Recommendations REGIONAL HEALTH NEEDS SURVEY A,IARGOT MORGAN NWO Women's Health Education Program Observations - 3 year project with funding from Health & Welfare Canada - 13 communities were visited and 5 workshops have been presented. - Women do not seem to be satisfied with present health care. - Women and children are the largest consumers of health care. - Situations in the Northwest place extra stress and heighten the problem. Recommendations - Women must increase their knowledge of health care and promote good health. - More medical services must be made available. - Reimbursement for travel due to medical reasons. - Establishment of medical hostel in Thunder Bay. WOMEN'S HEALTH ISSUE HELEN SCHUMACHER, R.N., M.Ed. Registered Nurses Ass'n. Lakehead Chapter Observations - Emphasis in medical profession is on sickness, not health. - Doctors are performing services that nurses could be providing. - Mental health has been given a low priority - Senior citizens are being forced from their homes Viand into institutions, rather than being accommodated at home. Recommendations - Improved mental health services must be initiated. - Media should be used for preventative health ideas. - Nurse practitioners could help with patient diagnosis. - Homemaking services should be instituted to reduce hospital costs. WEDUEDONG MEDICAL HOSTEL BERNICE HEALD Thunder Bay Annishinabequek Observations - Native health care is inadequate - Gaps in services are evident - Increased expenses are incurred because of long stays away from home. Recommendations - Establish a lodge in Thunder Bay to make better use of medical dollars. TRANSITION HOUSE SERVICES IN NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO MARE KOWALSKI Violence Coalition Northwestern Ontario Observations - Lack of understanding of wife-battering - A report is available Transition House Services - Some police are not laying assault charges and are counselling women out of laying charges. Recommendations - Child Care workers are needed for homes - A follow-up program must be organized to support women after they leave the home. - Increased funding be given by government agencies. - A program for staff training is needed. continued on page 12 - F.W.T.A.O. supports change in legislation and laws governing pornography. -AIOMAN page 5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISIONNORTHERN PDFCompressor �Celebrating 11 Years of Poetry No Iteuion Ode to The Nottheu Woman Too o4ten, a sense o4 time passing This best -Eike time west spent. I was put back in touch with something nametess; you know the thing that threads through us -The abstract chemi6tAy that drew 116 even box just that short time ...4nom time to time... Until van daity Lives intAuded, neither detuded. No gentle gowet, yon tugged Fem. She stands het gtound, against the cuttent and the tide. She may be.4ound. Contender eat the tights oi ate on ptivitege eot none. She 4hurt4 dependance ass a ititt, a beggvus bone. She has known the icy btazt ,96 duty's sodden Meath, the degtadation o4 the kept that peots the spitit's death. She moves into the storm's red eye to sing a diiietent 'song, ban in the custody (16 man the nights were tong. She sees the tives oi battened wives built only on a kiss, and yearns to build sustantuaety on iitmet gtound than this. Joyce Michatchuk July '84 Love stat may peay a magic itute and tenderness con6ound het. But bittet is the evidence oi &token dreams around het. Fox men must Learn and women wait and zttuggZe box the changing. The Notthetn Woman standing 6itm compassionate and caking. taken itom Gents' book RISING 19 80 Do The Dishes I watched how my mother tied in hut steer: And said no bucking way mister. 'Lose bows woittd a manic -depressive existence petalz and thorns submerged in societat wateAs I made pots Wen washing them bowts big as your head Mugs - Kam Riven jugs And I kept washing them. that give tie as they threaten to 6f/town. viola nikkaa They have to shine and the sitvetwoau con Wen the glasses And then the mud - the inctedibte mud Soaping into cones Ice -cream droppings. Mud Con4enences The toutibte message "That's a tot oi wonk" Some penance o4 mine. The attennativesDo I tike doing dishes oxwomen do dishes! Anyone can do dishes! I'm stilt doing dishes Women one dishes! I'm dtawing them Tatting them Touching them Emutating them Remembeting them. Eaten alive Food on plates Dipped in suds Slaughtered in thein steeping wake Mountainous waves o4 warm. I did the dishes! What did you do? Genatdine Van Cxam 19 82 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN OMAN page 6 �To My Fitst Love Hey sister! Zook at me I know how you 4eet, I know you. how you Love me I know you so weU because you ate me and you're exciting and beaui4ut and sttpngo Yet you choose not to be, you choose to Let your strength be drained, be you choose to Let the man tett you not to what you want to be, I know he's good and kind and gentte, but you took at me with sad eyes and say, I have to tty to work it out, while you end the way of tiie you Love to Live the way 4 tiO, you Love to become the kind o6 wqe he Loves and tty to give your space to him and abandon att gout dreams to him, white you took so tited and worn and sad. Zook at me Hey Sistet! I Love you, I Love what you heel, I know your sttength, the woman you ae, I know you so well and I'm waiting ion you. Mattoty Satigaction Guatanteed 1976 For once, I was dtessed to the teeth I watked down McKibbon Stteet So, a cattoad o4 statheting boys Decided I wowed be theit evening toy They showered me with hoots and jeuts Something that's happened to me 4ot years When they once mote citcted the block I planned o them to make a mock As the can putted up to the cunt) I wars comptetay ready to distutb Quite catmtg I raised my 4ace Innocentty stated, stowed my pace I just wanted to express with ptose How I gAossed them out with my {singer up my nose. As Stiged Dteamet They were divided, people say, tike btind 6ish in a bottomless cave. He had hopes, dreams, aspitationz; Which he expounded, votubty, with the 4otee o4 a ctesting wave. Bev Pudaz She had hopes, dteams, aspitations too! With no oppottunity ion expnession. They wete concerned 1977 Cat4ight We Zive in a and, socia! net Prom which we draw sitty, chitdish, no account! How could she be AO tacking in disctetion! The cat that 4ights The cat that Aiwa's And the cat removed o4 claw Joyce Michatchuk 19 79 She Zi4ted het hand, tentatively, as though to banish het exptession. She sighed, resumed het task; once mote she woad sttive to wand o44 recut ting deptession. Irma Johnson 19 82 41.40-44f NORTHERN W OMAN page PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Growing Up We were kids catching 6Aog ctimbing toweA3 ptaying baseball thtowing rocks by the /civet we we to young. Some oi us began to tove and we dtank in out wits on dash. 'Liven toad's. Then we wete no .longer kids. One day &A-Oa-y-1 The Fatm , V (-7)651:1 Daybteak sunAise baAntoo4 gins pine Hayweed buttetcup dungteek hooPLot CatOiAth buttAing 4anspin kittendeath EiTsnest caput axebtade chickenneck Stoppait domstep catte6t tatcotpze rloodmoke waxbean tonduemeat bteadbuAz uttetkni.6e teacup wandi6h womenOt(2. 9ungpite pitchOtk wagonload .Kietdpath S,Padeto dunamuck 6eed6uet ef_dcteek °Iotkdone cteanctothez kccesctape caAztatt TownAoad hymn zing ptayetbook homecome !itk4toth 4tootusttaw dog6teep hamoon Suzan Cottin 19 82 we went to UniveAsity the cop told Sata to move Ptom the (midge where she sat Tetty tan hi4 through a gta44 door Gary went to Nam And I, I threw tacks atone at tatgets that did not cate. Nancy J. Zabitka Timmins 19 82 O The Ctinic StAike JUNE You, who once wete beauti6ut whose taughing eyes bAightened up the seasons; whose smite gave me reasons to keep 4ttuggting up that mountain, whose 4o6t beige shin invited kisses, whose eyes now ate toying whose tender gtance gave me iutiitement. Now as thin as chatk on a slate. Recall out Laughing Looking {got yout cat, tecatt you ttying to wake me up {got school, recall out hopes so we and great hopes powered out souez. Now my eyes with ice,.they do {jade, now we've chosen, s P.i.pped pat, have gone. Now I'm a 6tAanget, now a stranger -(1)5 my 6ong. Love you Sammi Kakeeway 1980 Outs sisteu stand outzide the warm with tips and 4ngeAs [lecke no chance Lt seem ion justice now they bend beiote sacked cow that hot& OUA health at tansome Out sisteu city into a wind that shatteu human Aitence and ponder well a s pit it catt to viotence. Break them, smash them to the watt they ate unwtitten pages, 4ot Leh and blood ate pittotied upon the etas o6 need when even sacred cows have Leave to tide a house gkeecL Gott 1975 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN: OMAN page 9 �Battening m The Stats ate tetting the oince cis dangerous a loaded gun without a war to go to. He 4-tat .insisters he L6 the Ptince and can Aide MOONFACE hits hoAse At 4choot without a saddee. there wa.o a giAt whose ace war, clouded tike the moon, He wilt 4mazh out iaces i6 the market place tett4 him he only human not Aiddted with laugh tines on co- toured red {tom the wind. She claimed 'she had many Wends. He does not joust with othms above his zt.ation as once he did, to win a tady'6 4avout with a lance They bon/Lowed het notez and misplaced hen name, because at times she was invisible, ctinging to watt.S tike nestless ivy. his tove is his excuse 4ot violence he must be OA/Led Ro.satyn Taylors Petnett 1980 by zomone he can handte,. The padded cat oi home the haiA ttigget 04 ter tor, '14 the last ztand o6 ego We have the 4caA's to oove it. Gent Beadle 1981 .C.nriec Links Us . "9 b Licu3 Ia- Cher-ruzA/51 You wean you/L. inAecuAity taAhLng toudty with your. cootne44, Something u, dead in this house She seatches, tuning everything upside-down I wonder what it Ls? She catchez hen breath, tucks hetset4 in As though at witt She could be a watt Awitehing 4tatement4 with the duptieity that ia4ition nuktuxeA u4ing iftivotity a4 a nancotie to aneAthetize gout mind and deaden thole demons that want to know why. Shatyt Thompson 1981 on a 6hetic where the .laundry tells it all I'm a miAAon and I'm good at ties I pretend to know What cis on the °then side But I have these questions and most o.6 art I wander why thLs home ShAink4 hen titt she's 6matt? Routtyn Taylor Pettett 1981 - -NORTHERN 11 OMAN pa ge 10 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �she woke dungarees, a gannet zhiAt hairs loose eazy banding on a soap box Satutday aAteAnoon in the patk. 4-tkov.Y.11-16% aftiOLO glances znide tematkz pazzetz-by passing heating but not Ziztening. ON PERFECTION In man's woAtd oA skin °ay 6ace and 6okm 'damn 6eminiztz' 'zhez ptobabty gay...' 'someone zhoutd zhoot 'em att' 'she ptobabZy can't get a man...' wand oA inequatity, tomq individuatity, zocial zteteotyping, lost tike yeztetday'z Ootztepz. Viola N,%fzf2 a 1981 Let Us Fey How we can ei6t each other Like dreams, we can dti6t so high How we can be chained to one another Like iences, we can cease and encumber Ate tetevant, When choosing 1n fiend On doe. And man has sad d That I am beautiia, "So ctoze to peqection." He has said, That I should be Placed on a pedeztat And displayed Az in an auction Where the countance Counts and gold, And 6eceing4 Aait to Sett. But do not azk me "What ,ice pet6ection?" Fan I do not know, Vet in man's wottd OA zanity, Only mind-oven -matters Is Aetevant, Let us gy When choosing sane OA insane. And man has said That I am hideous Joyce Michatchuk 19 82 DeAmmity, one he Danes not Aace. "So out oA Zine" He has said That I zhoutd be Gotten Aid (56 Like a pAizonen, a yeah oA teeth threatening to Aatt out a Aniend'z pout and a tot oA doubt one (IA my ttuty haAdezt years What Happens When What happens when you want to my and undetziand youn Zi4e, when alt around you 'they azk why you ztitt ate not a w- e. - What happens when you my to tett them and ztitt they wonders why, It makes you want to sump and yeti and maybe even cky. FADM what I heat and what I tead husband anent that great, I don't want to sound too cruet but I think I'd tatheA wait Eve 1976 i've grown zo much sown a Zittee haven't gown Cat into a dungeon Where tiving L Lying to cteation And zpeaking iz Sinning againzt PeAAection But do not dzk me - "What ins penAection?" Fors peqection Tz inane. and Aeet zo very atone and yet have known Kate Patkkati at timez the teazon why i 6-tilt Zook up to see the zky and hope and breathe 1975 and city' a Zot it'z aft on comze the zttuggte which Aew can zee iz dust me atone 'sometimes in lave sometimes my music box and when i stop a ,chaivactet o 3 to eis ten, ti 6eee - caught a pant ok.ei6e - thought was missing Pam Wibson 1979 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAk page 11 �Women's Conference in Dryden WOMEN AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LUAN WALL ELIZABETH POULIN Economic Development Comm. NWO Women's Decade Council Observations - Report available Women's Work - Mandatory Affirmative Action and Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value is the only way to change situations all around. Few women are in decision making roles or represented on boards. There is an insufficient amount of time spent on analyzing social implications of financial/ economic decisions Recommendations - Boards must have more input from women by having women representatives PROFESSIONAL NURSES CONCERNS RHODA DICKSON Registered Nurses Ass'n. Region 12 Observations - Job satisfaction in the nursing profession is low. - There are many part-time nurses - Hof the nurses drop out after graduation. - Salary is V3 of physicians. - Many nurses are under-employed. Recommendations - Improve the in-service component for nursing re-education. - Travel expenses to be given for travel to conferences. - Improved salaries are needed to ensure that high quality nursing care continues. - Appointments on committees should have a cross- section from the community. - Child Care options must be in place to allow women to attend meetings. RURAL WOMEN'S CONCERNS JACQUELYN HUNSPERGER JANET OWEN Rainy River District Rural Women Observations There are myths about farm wives and their roles on the farms. Family incomes reported in 1980 were well below the poverty line. Isolation and its effects are compounded for rural women, men sometimes take a second job leaving their wives responsible for the farm and the children. Recommendations - More appropriate courses be offered for farm women in dealing with running a farm. - Day Care plans should- include overnight care because of distances of trave RURAL WOMEN'S CONCERNS ENA SKENE Oxdrift Women's Institute Observations - The home economist stationed in Rainy River spends more time travelling than anything else. - There are medical gaps because of transportation shortages and lack of services. Recommendations - Establish area home economists - Provide courses for women over the television - More localized health care. WHAT'S UP continued from page 3 into costly _legal proceedings rather than the Provision of adequate health care facilities for women, is yet another 'reality check' of our society. We can make our concern known by writing the Hon. Roy McMurtry, Attorney-General, 18 King St. E., Tor onto, and stating our opposition to any appeal of the Ontario acquittal, and recommending the Ontario government refrain from prosecuting the Morgentaler clinic when it reopens,, We should also continue to impress upon our federal politicians (cc the Hon. John Crosbie, Minister of Justice that the federal government must repeal the abortion law, ern WOMEN AND DISABILITIES WINNIE MAGNESSON LUAN WALL NWO Women and Disabilities Comm. Observations - Physical disabilities face an attitude barrier which costitutes double discrimination. - There is high unemployment in this group of women. - Where a woman becomes disabled 99% of the time the marriage will end in divorce while only 50% end in divorce if the man becomes disabled. - A conference, in April 1985 is being organized in this area. Recommendation More attention must be given this area of Women and Disabilities. WOMEN AND PENSIONS LYNN BECK Pensions Committee NWO Women's Decade Council Observations - Need for pension reform - Pensions are insufficient for elderly women - Any changes in Federal Pensions must be accepted by the provinces. Expansion in private pension plans will not be adequate for all women. Recommendations - Pensions are needed for homemakers - Institute income security program for women. - Place part-time workers into the Labour Code. - Examine the credit splitting issue EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING NEEDS OF NATIVE WOMEN IN ONTARIO CHRIST! BANNON Ontario Native Women's Ass'n. Observations - A report is available through the Ontario Native Women's Ass'n. - A survey of 23 communities and interviews with 250 native women has led to a report with 10 recommendations. Recommendations - Some of the recommendations of the report include 24 hour child care and providing specific training in the women's own community. UPGRADING WOMEN JOAN BARIL Confederation College, Thunder Bay Observations There are many programmes at Confederation Col lege to assist women. B.S.T.D. - Basic Training for Skill Development Adult Basic Education Technical Upgrading INTO - for non-traditional occupations WITT . for trades and technology Some of these programs are difficult to get into with waiting lists and limited choices. Day Care costs take V3 of the women's salary Recommendations - The Unemployment Commission should change some of its regulations to help women continue their education without losing their benefits. - Day Care should be established on campus and be subsidized - Legal system, in protecting women, should be examined more on pages 13 I( 14 eve. Most frightening news is the threat to universal social programs posed by recent announcements of the Mulroney government. There really is little doubt that the Conservatives want to abandon the concept of universality of family allowances and old age security. In the name of fiscal restraint women again will be the victims-denied the small measure of dignity and integrity that universal social programs provide. Watch for UIC change! too, The economic statement the Conservatives put forward merely calls for examination of the unemployment insurance system with possible access to benefits restrictions. Translation: no more maternity benefits! Rest assured this is only the beginning. The small gains women have made the past ten years could easily be totally eradicated in the next four years. The need for women's vigilance was never greater PDF compression, OCR, optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor page web 12 NORTHERN OMAN �by JOAN BARD, On a first walk through the fields of education one can easily trip over a tangle of initials, -B.T.S.D., A.B.E, T.U.P., C.E.I.C., and so on. I would like to start this paper by introducing you to the BTSD program and it's students and at the same time clear a path through the alphbbet jungle. I am the Coordinator, at Confederation College, in Thunder Bay, of the Basic Training for Skill Development program which is usually shortened to B.T.S.D. and often still called by its former name "Upgrading". (In many other colleges BTSD is listed under the heading Adult Basic Education or ABE.) BTSD offers basic skill training for adults in mathematics, English and science in Levels 11, 111, and 1V. The colleges and other educational institutions recognize these levels as covering grades 7-12. We do not offer literacy training which in Thunder Bay is looked after by the local school board. I am also Coordinator of the TUP component of BTSD. TUP means technical upgrading and, in brief, it is a free tuition program sponsored by the province. Many BTSD women students are graduates of the I.N.T.O. (Introduction to Non-Traditional Occupations) and W.I.T.T. (Women Into Trades and Teachnology) courses. I am also the Coordinator of E.S.L. (English as a Second Language). Immigrants and especially immigrant women have their own set of problems which I have discussed in another paper. In this report, I intend to deal with the concerns of BTSD women students only. BTSD goes on all year round in a continuous loop. Oft any Monday, new students are arriving, on Friday, successful graduates are leaving. On average BTSD has 130 students including full and part time. About half are women and 20 of whom are CEIC (Canada Employment & Immigration Commission) trainees. A typical BTSD woman student is in her twenties, of a working class background. She dropped out of high school before graduation to take a job in the "female ghetto" perhaps as a waitress, a clerk or a counterperson. She may be single, married, separated, perhaps raising children on her own. She knows that her service job was a dead end, low paid and subject to lay-offs. In many cases it was a lay-off which was the catalyst which sent her back to school. These women cannot be classified as "re-entry" women who have been out of the paid labour force for some time and need help getting back in. Upgrading Women BTSD women are familiar with the labour market. They know what it means to live on minimum wage o-Family Benefits. They want to be able to support themselves. They do not count on a husband for support. They are not dismissing marriage but they know a family needs two pay cheques to survive. Almost all women arrive at BTSD with a goal in mind and a game plan of the steps to obtain it. The goals are varied and, in my opinion, generally realistic.Most plan to go on to some sort of occupational training after graduation, usually in a post-secondary College program although a few aim for university. Some women, mainly graduates of the INTO or WITT programs, are committed to non-traditional occupational training. In order to prepare this report I\ met twice with the BTSD women as a group of approximately 50 students and asked them to discuss any difficulties they may have getting an education. I also taped 40 private interviews with women students and 10 male students. What follows is a precis of the information they gave me. The Difficulty of Getting Into BTSD A woman, a hospital worker is laid off. She begins to collect Unemployment Insurance. She decides to take the opportunity to go back to school, upgrade to Level 1V (Grade 12) and apply for nursing. But there is a barrier. A person collecting Unemployment Insurance is not allowed to attend school without permission and that permission is very difficult to get. Over the past year several students who enrolled without UIC's permission had their benefits cut off and they were forced to drop out. Some people decide to forego UIC benefits. Students without family support would not be able to come to school except in exceptional cases. BTSD students are not eligible for Ontario Student Loans, Ontario Student Grants or Canada Student Loans. Many families take a severe drop in income to send a student to school. A person can get into BTSD by becoming a CEIC trainee. In order to do this she must choose as a goal one of the designated occupations specified by CEIC. There are 10 such designated occupational courses given at Confederation College. With the exception of Microcomputer Manager program which will start next year and the Food Preparation course, these CEIC designated courses lead to non-traditional occupations such as heavy duty equipment mechanic, welder and millwright. CEIC will then, pay tuition and allow the student to collect U.I. while remaining in BTSD only long enough to reach the grade level necessary to enter the occupational program. Usually this is Level 111 (Grade 10). One program, Electrical Engineering Technician requires Level 1V (Gr. 12). If a student is not on UIC, a training allowance is paid. Through the National Training Program administereby CEIC, many women have been given the financial means to obtain a Level 111 (Grade 10) who would not otherwise have done so. In November 1983, the College started the Level 1V (Gr. 12) BTSD program and CEIC has sponsored women .up to Level 1V enabling them in practical terms to get their high school graduation. Although the CEIC training program has been beneficial to women, there are local problems. First, there are only 40 places for CEIC trainees at Confederation College. About half of them are women. There is a long waiting list. Students wait two to eight months to get in. Confederation needs more CEIC places in BTSD. There have been a few reports of hostile attitudes from CEIC counsellors. One woman was told "that's man's work" when she said she wanted to be a welder. Another felt she had been given several weeks of testing to divert her from her goal. The students say they encountered counsellors who were reluctant to have them make a career change to a non-traditional field. On the other hand there was praise for the local Women's Employment Centre, and the College WITT and INTO programs. The BTSD women complained of, the limited choice of CEIC designated occupations available to them in Thunder Bay. There are 10 courses here contrasted to the 450 in the Toronto area. Toronto, with ten times the population, has 45 times Thunder Bay's number of designated programs. Students who are not able to become CEIC trainees, may pay their own fees amounting to $60 a month for full time study or $600 for 10 months which is the average length of the program. Many students have signed up in the TUP program which pays free tuition but no living allowance. In theory, TUP and full-time fee paying students may apply for a bursary, the Ontario Special Benefits in order to get some help with transportation and other costs. However the criteria are so rigid, few people qualify. Students who want to attend parttime cannot qualify for the CEIC program of the free tuition of TUP. Many women prefer part-time because of family and work commitments. We recommend TUP be available for part-time as well as full-time students, and also recommend that the Province, through the Ministry of Education, recommend to CEIC that training allowances and UI benefits (either partial or full) be made available to women who wish to attend BTSD part-time. We also 3 z continued on next page NORTHERN WOMAN page 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �continued from page 13 -UPGRADING WOMEN by Joan Baril recommend that the Province set up a study to consider the effect that. the UI regulations has on education. In a time of high unemployment, adults should be encouraged to use their (involuntary) leisure to upgrade their skills or participate in the life-long upgrading of education that to-day's fast changing society makes necessary. But the rule which prevents UI beneficiaries from attending school puts a brake on all education. Admittedly there are many ramifications to changing these regulations; however social benefits might result from a controlled change The Difficulty of Staying in BTSD The student interviews deliniated three areas of concern: money, day care and male oppression. Money Many students both male and female'make financial sacrifices to come to BTSD. But there is some discrepancy between the sexes. Women CEIC trainees on unemployment insurance receive less than their male counterparts since U.I. is calculated on 60% of wages (up to a maximum of $450 a week) and because female wages are lower than male, their U.I. benefits are correspondingly lower. One BTSD woman has U.I. benefits of $43 a week, another $61, $54, $89 and so on. None of the men students I interviewed were receiving benefits as low. Women students who have been waitresses received U.I. based on minimum wage excluding their tips-which, if they were working in an expensive restaurant, could double their hourly rate. All students have a difficult time managing on CEIC training allowances which are $25 a week for a trainee who lives with a working spouse or parent and $70 a week for a student living independently. Surprisingly many do manage to scrape by on $70 a week with stringent economics and often some evening work. A student is allowed 24 hours a week's work without prejudicing the CEIC training allowance. The 24 hr. figure is the same for both men and women but 24 hours of work done by a man usually brings in considerably more money than if done by a woman. The fact that women attempt to live on such small amounts is a tribute to a determined ambition to get an education. Not surprisingly some women can't make it. They drop out. Even though women on family benefits also speak of a great deal of difficulty making ends meet, there is usually a strong determination to get off benefits in spite of the difficulties. Typically the solesupport mother receives $550 a month This is offset by a day care subsidy Her fee for day care is $25 a month. Life so close to the bone has no safety net. Typically BTSD women are in debt, often for children's clothes. They become discouraged and drop out. We recommend that family benefits be increased. Day Care Women with children find day care the biggest barrier to getting an education. Private day care costs about $220 a month. Municipal care starts at $300 a month for one child. NORTHERN WOMAN page As stated, women on family benefits get subsidy. However a time limit may be placed on the number of months. In one instance a woman could not graduate because her subsidy for day care "ran out". CEIC trainees with children are in a difficult situation. In June 1983, the Federal Government increased the training allowance for a woman with one dependent to $150 a week, or $600 monthly. This fairly substantial increase was gobbled by the municipal day care which then charged these women $200 a month for day care, an amount which is onethird of their monthly allowance. It can be stated that a woman with a child cannot go to school and make ends meet on $400 a month. We recommend that day care subsidies be completely redesigned in order that low-income women with pre-school age children can be eligible. We also recommend that innovative and flexible approaches be considered to bring day care to the campuses of Ontario. For example, z. Confederation we have a full-time nursery school on campus. It is used as training for the Early Childhood Education students. However the high fees make it far too expensive for BTSD students. We need to subsidize the children of needy students. Perhaps co-operative models, or work sharing arrangements would reduce the costs for campus day care. Male Oppression In the group meetings with BTSD women, problems with money and day care emerged as the focus. In the private interviews a third area of difficulty became evident-- which can be called male oppression. Here are some examples of the information I waS4given. M.'s boyfriend beat up her 12-year old daughter. She has asked him to move out but he refuses to leave. She is too terrified to move to a hostel. (Later she dropped out of school) K's husband drinks heavily and beats her. She said that after a beating last year she phoned the police who told her they could do nothing "because you are married and living at home". L's husband beat her so badly she had to be hospitalized. T's husband is a compulsive gambler- even the family allowance cheque is not safe. A common theme was the harassment suffered by separated women. Harassment by the husband after separation almost seems the rule rather than the exception. Whatever the truth of the matter is, BTSD women do not believe that the local crown attorney's office or the local legal system is serious about prosecuting for assault. In many of the assault or harassment accounts the women told me they believed it was no use to call the police or try to lay charges. They say the men know they can "get away with it". I would recommend that a preliminary study be done to discover if the problem of harassment of separated women is widespread and if so an in-depth investigation should be made. A study should be done to see how assault cases, especially assaults on women, are treated by the local legal system. Provincially the government should look at ways whereby the battered wife could remain inher home and the batterer would be made to leave. Perhaps we need hostels for men, with re-educational counselling or jail terms. We need to make men aware they "can't get away with it". Women need to validate each other. The strength and life experience of many BTSD women can be shared. One of the most revolutionary things a woman can do is to speak the truth about her life. This type of networking is built into the INTO and WITT curricula. BTSD men often make sacrifices to come to school but BTSD women climb more mountains than most of us will ever know. Let us not underestimate their ability to help each other. INTERMEDIATE WENDO COURSE Jan. 5 & 6 call Teresa 935-2371 14 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Pr allA=A1A-ik & ik C. , ' 0,_ OH, O .., ,S 0°0"cil'" A Y & POTLUCK FRIDAY DECEMBER 14th E -41 ..,,,q -4 1 :3 at 6:30 WOMANSPACE, 316 BAY ST. C LLOW" v "4 144-VVIVI-ke WOMEN IN DECISION MAKING C C. C. r. THAT THE NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL An interesting, new booklet enWOMANSPACE titled Women In DeCiion-Making has THE NORTHERN WOMAN BOOKSTORE just been released by the Economic THE NORTHERN WOMEN'S CENTRE Development Sub-Committee of the NWO Decade Council. The pamphlet are all moving to 69 North Court St., and expect to be settledWomen's by focuses on women's lack of input into January 1st, 1985 major developmental decisions in Northwestern Ontario. It outlines the present situation in which only 13.6% of municipal council members and 12.2% of economic development committee members are women. The barriers preventing women from becoming actively invol ved in decision-making bodies are described Part of the next step in encouraging women to become actively involved in decision-making bodies will be a workshop. Decade Council is sponsoring Women "n Decision-Making WorkshoP-s throughout the region in the winter of 1984. The workshop will take participants through a process in which they examine how decisions are made in their communities; the impact of these decisions and the value of women's experience and perspective to community planning. A major portion of the workshop has been set aside for participants to look at the barriers which keep women from being involved and to decide what skills they need to develop in order to become involved Women in Focus is a women's alterin decision-making bodies. The worknative arts and media centre in opershop will be presented in Ignace, ation sonce 1974. Involved in presentUpsala, Dryden, Siou- Lookout, Vering the varied expression of women's million Bay, Ear Falls, Red Lake, imagery through the production and disKenora, Rainy River, Fort Frances, tribution of videotapes, films, slideAtikokan, Nipigon, Geraldton and Thunsound productions, workshops and a der Bay. women's art gallery, Women in Focus Fcr more information about the offers many facilities and services Pamphlet or workshop, contact Pat which are not duplicated elsewhere in McInnis, Res-,a---.-h Co-ordinator, NWO We are Moving Vancouver Women in Focus Society Canada. Women's Decade Council, 221 Bay St., Thunder Bay, P7B 5N1. 345-3606 Arts and Media Centre Suite 204-456 West Broadway 3 Please send me ( ) copies of RISING @ $5.00. Enclosed is a cheque or money order for ( ), which includes postage, payable to: 72-2250 NORTHERN WOMAN'S JOURNAL, 316 Bay St., Thunder Bay, Ont. P7B 1S1 Vancouver BC Canada Northern Woman page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor GWinter 84 unity Canada Employment & Immigration may offer BASIC TRAINING IN SKILL DEVELOPMENT (B.T.S.D.) Academic Upgrading Grades 8-12; English as a Second Language; Introduction to Non-Traditional Occupations (I.N.T.O.) and Women Into Trades & Technology (W.I.T.T.). For information contact your local Canada Employment & Immigration office, or the Women's Employment Centre, 130 S. Syndicate Avenue Thunder Bay, ON P7C 1C7 (Phone 807/(123-2731). CANADA EMPLOYMENT & IMMIGRATION COMMISSION rmation ns Tuesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. January 15, 1985 March 19, 1985 Margaret Phillips ROOM: 258, Shuniah Bldg Tuesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. January 22, 1985 February 26, 1985 Mondays 7:00-10:00 p.m. January 21, 1985 February 25, 1985 INSTRUCTOR (Both Sections): Al Bonazzo FEE (Both Sections): $20.00 Auto Shop, Dorion Bldg ROOM (Both Sections): : : SECTION 98 DATE & TIME: START DATE COMPLETED : : SECTION 99 DATE & TIME: START DATE COMPLETED In this elective post-secondary credit subject the student will learn the basic procedures of car maintenance and general operation. MOTOR VEHICLE (WOMEN KNOW YOUR CAR) WT 843 : nts : DATE & TIME: START DATE COMPLETED INSTRUCTOR FEE: $30.00 This elective post-secondary credit subject will expand awareness of the role of women in development (economic, social, cultural and political) by: - exploring activities, concerns and issues regarding WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT in the Third World, and - examining links between development issues affecting Third World and Canadian women. : g and,, Thursdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. January 17, 1985 March 21, 1985 Pat McInnis ROOM: 267, Shuniah Bldg WOMEN & INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT GS 144 (99) : : : DATE & TIME: START DATE COMPLETED INSTRUCTOR FEE: $30.00 Tuesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. January 22, 1985 March 26, 1985 Anna Melville ROOM: 362, Shuniah Bldg Thunder Bay Mall-Dec. 11,12 (loam -8pm) Intercity Mall-Dec.13,14,15 (9:30am-9:30pm) County Fair Mall-Dec. 7 & 8 (loam -8pm) MALLS: Registrations for all subjects will be taken commencing December 5th from 9am7:30pm Monday to Thursday and Fridays 9am4:00pm in the Registrar's Office, Shuniah Building EXCEPT on days when registration is in the malls. Post-Secondary (Credit) Subjects: December 4, 1984--5:00pm-7:30pm Registrar's Office, Shuniah Building Non Post-Secondary (General Interest): December 3, 1984--5:00pm-7:30pm Registrar's Office, Shuniah Building REGISTRATION DATES: EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS WELCOMES YOUR SUGGESTIONS, CALL (807) 475-6232. : : : DATE & TIME: START DATE COMPLETED INSTRUCTOR FEE: $30.00 FIRST STEP-Computer Programming for Women An introductory course in computer fundamentals designed to give women an understanding of the capabilities and terminology associated with computers. Upon completion, students will be capable of designing some of their own "BASIC" programs such as budget or mortgage payment Students will have hands-on calculations. experience with computers. This elective post-secondary credit subject is intended to examine situational stresses in our lives-family, job, social relationships, conflict, change, developmental crises, as well as potential sources of stress they bring to every situation because of their personality, their own belief system, their life rhythms and their style of problem-solvin g. A lifestyle and attitude approach to changing their stress response will be developed by each individual. ZB 293 (99) 331, Shuniah Bldg : GS 143 (99) ROOM: Ivy Cook : : DATE & TIME: Mondays 7:00-10:00 p.m. START DATE January 21, 1985 COMPLETED March 25, 1985 INSTRUCTOR Mary Fedorchuk FEE: ROOM: $45.00 234, Shuniah Bldg PRE- REQUISITE: Assertiveness Training Pt.I WOMEN & STRESS MANAGEMENT : : : Wednesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. January 16, 1985 March 20, 1985 This non-credit (general interest) subject has been developed in response to growing requests from participants of Assertiveness Training Part I. It provides an opportunity for review and develops advanced assertive skills. DATE & TIME: START DATE COMPLETED INSTRUCTOR FEE: $30.00 ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING PART This elective post-secondary credit subject will provide the student with the skills necessary to negotiate honestly for the things he/she wants--on the job, at home, in the community. Assertion is not to be confused with aggression. Assertion takes into account the rights feelings of others. I I ZA 350 (99) GS 026 (99) EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING PROGRAMS mploy helps PATIONS dge ons e- hts ing WOMEN INTO TRADES & TECHNOLOGY (W.I.T.T.) is an 18-week program designed to *pose women to all aspects of practical *ides training and the world of High -Tech. For information contact the Chairperson Industrial & Motive Power (807) 475-621S. INTRODUCTION TO NON-TRADITIONAL OC (I.N.T.O.) is an 8-week program th women to explore opportunities for St ment in non-traditional jobs. study job search skills, goal sett plot a career path. Work placemen For in women real job experience. contact the Chairperson Communicat Arts (807) 475-6210. ( Ministry of Colleges & Universities) TECHNICAL UPGRADING PROGRAM (T.U.P.) facilitates the entry of individuals, particularly women, into the workplace or technical/trades The program has two comtraining programs. ponents: --Career Counselling provides a "training path" outlining the training necessary to enter the intended workplace or technical/trades training program. --Academic Upgrading provides 8-40 weeks of upgrading in related certificate and diploma programs in technology or business programs as well as selected apprenticeable trades. For information contact the Associate Registrar Adult Training & Special Programs 807/475-6302. SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS may be taken full-time during the' day or part-time (evenings) through Continuing Educatio These subjects are identified as "GS" (elective post-secondary credit). For information, contact the Program Co-ordinator (807) 475-6390. GENERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE DIPLOMA PROGRAM emphasizing Women's Programs Curriculae ' What 16 The Future in Tka Atea? The Charter of Rights & Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Provincial Human Equal Opportunity Program Managers will be required to im Codes prohibit discrimination. ment policies arising from legislation or governmental directives. Equal Opportunity Management Program subjects will also be of interest to p PLEASE NOTE: already working in personnel and management, who need to further their know and skills in the area of Affirmative Action-Equal Opportunity. For information, contact the Director of Equal Opportunity Programs (807) 475-6278. Why Do You RequL'te Levet4 3 And 4 Engei4h? The emphasis of your work will be writing reports and other publications, as well as desi You will also be required to do considerable public speaking. and conducting seminars. You will be a people person with analytical, interpersonal and organizational skills; you cipate a leadership role in a changing environment. What Penzoiutt Chanactem-i.st-i.c_a Do You Need? What Ate Typical. Job Reoon4inititie4? orkYou will be providing expertise in the area of Affirmative Action; planning and organizin shops and seminars, and developing and maintaining effective liaison with policy-makers in the public and private sectors, as well as labour organizations. Affirmative Action is a set of planned active strategies designed to identify and elimina barriers to the employment, promotion, training and development, as well as compensation women, ethnic and racial minority group members and people with disabilities. Equal Oppo is the end result of an effective Affirmative Action Program. What Is A15641.11matLve Action -Equal Oppottunity? QUESTIONS YOU MAY ASK BACKGROUND During the past decade, organizations have recognized the need to introduce programs toward equality for persons disadvantaged in education and employment. The new Equal Opportunity Management Program is unique in that it provides students with the skills to take advantage of employment opportunities developing in Human Resources Management that requires specialized training in this area. JOB AVAILABILITY The Equal Opportunity Management PrOgram will prepare the student to work in program analysis, development and coordination of Affirmative Action -Equal Opportunity for women, ethnic and racial minority group members and for people with disabilities; in government and non governmental organizations. BUSINESS DI yrs ioN---E9UAL OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM (Post-Basic) at present offered part-time (evenings) through the Continuing Education Division. --NEW-- Thunder Bay District The Confederation College of Applied Arts & Technology �Second Class Mail Registration No. 5697 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: PAGE 3 - WHAT'S UP! PAGE 6-11 - POETRY PAGE 4 - BIRTHING HERSTORY PAGE 5 - DRYDEN CONFERENCE PAGE 13 - UPGRADING WOMEN ************************************* IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR. LABEL?? PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION ************************************* Collectively produced RETURN TO: THE NORTHERN WOMAN 316'B BAY STREET THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7B 1S1 Noreen Lavoie, Teresa Legowski, Anna McColl, Joyce Michalchuk, Margaret Phillips, Donna Phoenix, Rosalyn TaylorPerrett, Sara Williamson with help this issue from: Sally ClorLdenning Return Postage Guaranteed Northern Woman Journal 316 Bay Street Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 1S1 (Six Issues) -$5.00 $10.00 Business or Institution PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 8 No 6 Description An account of the resource Vol. 8, no. 6 (December 1984) Title: Northern Woman Journal: Poetry Issue Topics include: Women’s Theatre Collective Pornography Action Group Midwifery Northwestern Ontario Women’s Forum with the Ontario Advisory Council on the Status of Women Poetry Art Gender roles Battering Women’s conference, Dryden Education for women Women in Focus Society, Vancouver Confederation College programs for women Authors/Contributors: Carolyn Campbell Margaret Phillips Carol Ponchet Gert Beadle Joyce Michalchuk Viola Nikkila Geraldine Van Cram Mallory Irma Johnson Bev Pudas Susan Collins Hawkins Nancy J. Zabirka Sammi Kakeeway Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Sharyl Thompson Kate Parkkari Pam Wilson Eve Pykerman Noreen Lavoie Teresa Legowski Anna McColl Donna Phoenix Sara Williamson Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1984-12 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/5/2783/150908-003a.jpg 8a3d9377f03a24763e4eee848dd873ff Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource General Archives Description An account of the resource Archival records that don't belong to another listed collection. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Goetzman's first studio, Dawson Subject The topic of the resource Mining People Description An account of the resource Sepia-toned photograph of one of Dawson's downtown streets. Businesses that are identified in the photograph are: the Dominion Hotel, E.T. Wallace & Co., Chemists & Stationers, and Goetzman's tent photo studio. Caption on image: "Goetzman Photo". Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource H.J. Goetzman Studio Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource circa 1898 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Donated by Mrs. Cochran Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public domain Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Photograph Type The nature or genre of the resource Still image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context A0014#136,Z/13 scan#150908-003 1899 Dawson City E.T. Wallace Goetzman Royal Road House Studio tent https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/5/2784/150908-001a.jpg 599ad7525ee45295f268f9d941e8b0cf Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource General Archives Description An account of the resource Archival records that don't belong to another listed collection. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Yukon rail road Subject The topic of the resource Mining People Description An account of the resource Sepia-toned photograph of rail road in the Yukon. Captions on image: "The only rail road in Yukon Ter. near Dawson:, "Goetzman Photo July 1902. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource H.J. Goetzman Studio Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 1902 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Donated by Mrs. Cochran Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public domain Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Photograph Type The nature or genre of the resource Still image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context A0014#136,Z/13 scan#150908-001 https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/5/2785/120908-006a.jpg 962064c8652cb94017bd361bad1ac20c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource General Archives Description An account of the resource Archival records that don't belong to another listed collection. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Coal mine near Dawson, July 1902 Subject The topic of the resource Mining People Description An account of the resource Sepia-toned photograph of coal train crossing a trestle. Captions on image: "Scene at Coal Mine near Dawson", "Goetzman Photo July 1902. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource H.J. Goetzman Studio Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 1902 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Donated by Mrs. Cochran Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public domain Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Photograph Type The nature or genre of the resource Still image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context A0014#136,Z/13 scan#120908-006 1902 coal mine Dawson July Railroad trestle https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/5/2786/120908-002a.jpg 698082e618f37469f0de8ddc334862b9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource General Archives Description An account of the resource Archival records that don't belong to another listed collection. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Dawson Public School Subject The topic of the resource Schools Description An account of the resource Sepia-toned photograph of Dawson's first public school erected in 1901. One of six buildings built by Thomas Fuller in Dawson City. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource H.J. Goetzman Studio Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1901 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Donated by Mrs. Cochran Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public domain Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Photograph Type The nature or genre of the resource Still image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context A0014#136,Z/13 scan#120908-002 1901 Dawson City Goetzman public school Thomas Fuller https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2787/1985_Vol_9_No_1.pdf 0c10f68bcf3a35b12d7eead35b6733fb PDF Text Text $1.00 Northern Woman Journal June 19 85 VOL9N0.1 THUNDER BAY, Ont . THE STRENGTH OF WOMEN PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Editorial This isn't an editorial. It is simply an apology for our tardiness - we realize that this issue of the NORTHERN WOMAN is long overdue. Journal energy has been low - however, we are encouraged by the new contributors that are emerging, and by the volunteer help we've received for the production phase of this issue. We're also hoping that the Feminist Periodicals Conference which Anna McColl will be attending later this month will provide the inspiration to re-energize the Journal. We must, however, discuss with you, our readers, the problematic financial situation the Journal along with other women's groups is facing. To be precise, with the publication of this issue the Journal's financial resources will be totally depleted. Our revenue - sub- criptions and sales - is never enough to cover our operating expenses. The surplus we've happily had for the past five years resulted from the profits of Rising and the initial printing of Salt and Yeast which author Gert Beadle donated to the Journal. Each publication we've dipped into this reserve - and now it is gone. It is urgent that we find new revenue. The following article by Women's Centre explains their situation their financial shortfall - and the need for all of us to become involved with and supportive of Women's Centre's fund-raising efforts. It should be noted that the Journal's financial dilemma could exacerbate Women's Centre's money problems. Let me explain. The rent for our new collective home is shared by Women's Centre, the Bookstore, the Journal and individual Womanspace women. II the Journal can't improve our finar cial situation, we will be unable pay our rent, placing even more bui den on Women's Centre and other Womanspace partners. The Journal could become finar cially secure if each subscriber brought in five new subscribers. Is that an impossible task? We anxious ly await your response. i We aite happy to in4oAm you o4 the tecent pubt.ication o4 THE RESISTING SPIRIT, new poem by Gent Beadle. Avaitabte at the Nokthenn Woman'4 Bookistone Ctedit Coven photo by B. Linduty WOMEN'S Well, it's been a while since our last Newsletter so we thought we'd take part in this issue of the Journal to let you know what's happening. To start with, I'm sure most of you are aware what's been going on with regards to $$$ from City Council. We were cut back close to $5000.00 from last year's allocation. Needless to say it hurts. If you are interested in seeing the letters that all the great women out there have sent to the local papers in support of us and support of a woman's right to choose, we have copies in the office. What this set back calls for on our end, is a need to do some fundraising and some serious profile raising. Is there anyone out there that would like to sit on such a committee or maybe has some great money-making ideas? We don't want to start being part of the 'boogie' crowd, we don't feel like making money getting people drunk and disorderly. We need help, if you can't make a financial donation, your time and energy is just as valuable to us. On the positive side, we are having Pot Luck meals every first Wednesday of the month, and so far they have been successful and lots of fun. Also, every Wednesday starting at 7:30 p.m. has been set aside for discussion group nights. The topics are usually chosen at the Pot Luck, if you'd like more info just call the Centre. We are in the process of forming a support group for Women who are separated or divorced, the group will meet once in a while and according to need. If you are interested call the Centre and leave your name. It has come to our attention at the Centre that school age children are sniffing PAM to get high. Please stop buying this product and urge your area storekeepers not to sell it to kids. There have been a few deaths in Canada since 1978 and the company has refused to change the product. The ingredient that causes-the trouble is Freon-11, a coolant that is in most aerosal products and inhaling this product causes lung damage and eventually lung collapse. PAM had test marketed a water based product as early as 1979, but felt that it wouldn't sell, SIDE EFFECTS was a sell-out and a hit in Thunder Bay!! All the Women that worked on it sure did a great job of ticket sales and talking it np. A big thank you to Pat M., Heather W., Margaret P. and the people at Kam Theatre. We have planned a follow up meeting to continue work on this issue in Thunder Bay. By the time you read this, it will have happened. We have a few $$ for start up of this committee (earned from the play!) If you want to get involved, give the Centre a call or get in touch with Pat at Decade. We've been doing some speaking engagements and getting involved with other local groups. We took pa in the Women and Disabilities Confe ence at the Ramada at the beginning of the month and not only had a goo time but had our eyes opened quite a bit. The key note speaker was a woman writer named Gwenyth Ferguson Matthews who put out a book called "Voices from the Shadows". She was an incredibly powerful speaker and set the pace for that whole weekend The Bookstore has a copy or two lef and it is well worth taking a look Please stop in and have a visit We are looking for new ideas on hou to use our space and its always so nice, to see people!! NORTHERN WOMAN page 2 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Better Strident than Silent by the Working Group on Sexual Violence A FEMINIST MANIFESTO nepAinted pLom BAoadside Vo2.6 No.7 At some time during the past ten years, the word "liberation" disappeared from the Women's Liberation Movement. Our analysis was softened so as to reach the ears of those who govern even before we said it out loud to each other. Our demands became polite requests, and our reality became a negotiable position. As the strategy of lobbying governments for legislative reforms became the movement's primary (if not its only) strategy, the task of articulating the requests has been increaingly undertaken by women situated close to the seat of government and women who speak the language of power. These liberal lobbyists seek Jthe small reforms which enable the state to maintain an appearance of addressing the subordination of women. The primacy of these women lobbyists is not a new problem. As one feminist collective noted in 1975, "... they talk about women's oppression as a legal question, as if getting some legislation passed will solve our situation. For them t.t is always a social (societal) question or a legal question. Never is it a question of power, real power economic (who owns), military (whose physical strength) and _ political (who rules). It is never a question of what it means to take that power and distribute it among us all." (From 'The Liberal Takeover of Women's Liberation', Feminist Revolution; Redstockings, New York, 1975) Today as pressure increases from the right and from a declining economy, a perception has developed that it is necessary for feminists to be "reasonable" and to accept the legal/ legislative framework of the state. These pressures are from the small but powerful sector of society which would send women back to the hearth and home, to the promised bliss of unquestioning obedienne to "nature", man, god and the state. In comparison with the threat from these forces, the state can be seen as a friendly and benevolent patriarch whose allegiance we must maintain, whose wrath we dare not incur lest he decide to pay greater heed to our "R.E.A.L." opposition and their brothers on the right. It is in times like these that the call to unity, the invocation of sisterhood, is most often heard. Criticism from "within the ranks" is silenced. Centralization of power is defined as "practical" and "necessary" The basis of agreement becomes the lowest common denominator. Our collective voice is heard, from behind a polite but slightly nervous smile, to utter statements devoid of content or commitment, words without emotion, and demands without conviction. Just as our perspective has frequently been lost in our approach to the state, so has the left frequently co-opted the feminist voice. However sympathetic many of us are to some of the issues raised by the left, it is undeniably true that ending the subordination of women is not a primary focus - regardless of how well they have learned the rhetoric of feminism. To paraphrase one feminist writer, while liberals abandon us to the state, the left abandons us to batterers and rapists. (From 'Feminism, Marxism, Method and the State: Toward Feminist Jurisprudence' by Catharine A. MacKinnon, Signs, Summer 1983). A truly feminist voice accepts neither, and is wary of false alliances with the left as it is of co-optation by the state. The process of analysing women's oppression and acting to end it is the work of the many feminists working at what is sometimes fondly, sometimes condescendingly, (and all too rarely respectfully) called the grassroots level. This is the work of the transition houses, rape crisis centres, women's centres, and the many other women's services which gather together the wide range of experience of Canadian women. Words such as rape, pornography, battery, incest, racism, poverty, homophobia and abortion are not polite words in the vocabulary of those who have power. Talking together, breaking the silence, is a conspiracy to effect fundamental change. Articulating our experience is a radical act - words such as rape, pornography, battery, incest, racism, poverty, homophobia, and abortion are not polite words in the vocabulary of those who have power. Translating these words (e.g sexual assault,,obscenity, family violence) may sound more polite, but it will only disguise the problem and serve to temporarily obscure the ugly reality of patriarchy, a reality which feminists have worked so hard to uncover. The struggle to uncover this reality, and to have it heard, has been a long and painful one for countless feminists. We have succeeded in challenging myths about the lives of women. We have collected and displayed a huge quantity of evidence of the injustices perpetrated against women. We cannot afford to have our reality distorted and made more palatable by those of our gender to whom the government We andought medianot choose listen. to betosurprised that those who govern choose to listen. They have an interest in tinkering with bits of the state machine to try to show that, while it is not perfect, it is responsive to our needs. We must recognize, however, that they choose to listen only to some of us: to those who will speak in softened voices, to those who will dress as befits the occasion, to those who will be "reasonable" and "realistic" and never demand "the impossible". It is those women who are chosen, and who we have permitted, to consult, to present briefs, to talk to the media, and to negotiate our experience. They are often not given the time and money, and sometimes they lack the inclination, to undertake the slow and cumbersome process of involving the very women they are asked to represent. ANNIMINNI1111111111" Because lobbyists have often conceded so much for the few gains, the umbrella of protection with which we are left is stripped of all but its frame. The timetables of the government and the media are superimposed upon the process by which women talk together, analyze and decide our strategy. When the others' timetables win out, as they so often do, it is our own democratic process and women's needs which become lost. These timetabling pressures are most keenly felt by those women in proximity to power. This superimposed sense of urgency has created a resistance in them to accepting the slow but essential process of untangling the web of women's oppression. It is the victims of rape, battering, incest, poverty, homophobia, racism, etc., who must live with the compromises made in our name. The terror in our lives is minimized and marginalized. Because lobbyists have often conceded so much for the few gains, the umbrella of protection with which we are left is stripped of all but its frame. Yet to challenge the bargain baSement sale of our experience is to be called strident, idealistic, divisive, man-hating, and, worst of all, "unreasonable". These are labels which are designed to silence women. Yet we know from the history of our own movement that polite deference to power is not an avenue for change. We know that the compromises made in our name are not strides forward, but merely directions to be content with running in place. We know that silence is not heard. Our talking to each other is the strength of our movement and the breadth of our conspiracy. Our differences create the friction which moves us forward. The call to unity, the demands to compromise, to be "realistic", to defer to the government chosen "experts" as our representatives, to develop "efficient" organizations, to be acceptable to the media, are all ways to hush the chorus of voices that is feminism. (continued on next page) NORTHERN WOMAN page 3 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �(continued from previous page) We suffer enormous harm from accepting and adopting policies formulated by "experts" in order to meet the timetable of a government department, parliamentary committee or organization's constitution. We must learn not to respond on initial impulse, fearing that if we refuse to meet the media or government's timetable, we will forever be silenced. None of this means, of course, that we can afford to ignore the state in an attempt to create a utopian feminist community. It is tempting to isolate ourselves and pretend that it is possible to build a world on feminist principles without ever directly confronting the power invested in the state. It may be less overwhelming to turn the focus of work inward, convincing ourselves in the process that the power structure as presently constituted is simply too male, too hierarchial, to be actively struggled against. But to do so is to abandon-, those women whose lives are directly and daily affected by the power of the state, and who simply are in no position to ignore it. However, when we do take on the state, it is essential that our demands for change be grounded in an analysis of power. We must cease to scurry after crumbs we are offered in the name of real change. While we work toward those short term goals that will make the lives of some women easier (and indeed may be literally life saving in some cases), we must not lose sight of the revolutionary change thit will ultimately eliminate our oppression. We must choose our issues and our strategies carefully. Whatever work we do with institutions of the state must not be done at the expense of our organizing work with women, or we will lose not only our capacity to resist co-optation, but also the impetus and base for independent action. We must take the initiative, and not be constantly locked into the timetable and agenda of the state. We are calling for a reclaiming of a feminist voice. It is not the voice of one woman, but of many women doing many kinds of work. It is a voice which does not hesitate to express the breadth of women's experience, the depth of women's subordination, the height of women's creativity, and the power of women's rage. It is the voice not of one organization, but of the work of many women and many women's groups. It is not a voice situated only in Central Canada, at the door of the government, but in many communities across the country. It is a voice which must be reclaimed if we are to succeed in our struggle to end women's oppression. To reclaim our feminist voice means recognizing that feminism and feminist work is the basis on which the Women's Liberation Movement has been built, the grounding that has made the movement relevant, dynamic and effective. This is no time for revisionism, no time to deny our roots or compromise our strength. Reclaiming our feminist voice means defining and describing women's issues, not from a theoretical or legislative perspective but from the perspective of women. It means speaking out as feminists, taking every opportunity to put women first and to tell the truth about women's experience - in the media, in our own communities, in meetings and conferences and workshops, in feminist tions, in public and in private. It means we must analyze and debate the issues and resist attempts to shortcircuit that process. Reclaiming our feminist voice means continuing to build our analysis of the state and political theories - based on our own experience to inform our strategies and actions. It means saying no to demands for simplistic solutions to the complexities of women's subordination. It means demanding what women need, not what the state or our potential allies will accept, Reclaiming our feminist voice means continuing to work for and with women and it means respecting the expertise we have gained through that work in women's centres, rape crisis centres, transition houses,and countless other feminist organizations. It means setting our own priorities, strategies, and timetables for participating in legislative reform efforts. As feminists in the 80s we must - as we did in the 60s and 70s - name our experience, define our issues ourselves, and we must dare to express our commitment and our rage. As feminists we must and we will regain the initiative from the forces that would limit and control us. LU Women's Centr.e by IRIS JOHNSON & JANIS-AYLWARD In February of 1985, Lakehead University once again had a Women's Centre on campus. We decided to run the centre within a cooperative structure although some hierarchy was necessary in order to comply with guidelines established by L.U.'s Student Union. Laura Joy was elected president, Jacky Roddy, treasurer, and Irene Matt became secretary. Recently, the L.U. Women's Centre received a grant from the Women's Program of Secretary of State. This grant is being used to do a needs assessment of women on campus and women who attend classes within communities outside of Thunder Bay. The purpose of the needs assessment is to determine what type of services the Women's Centre can offer to meet the needs of women at L.U. and in surrounding areas. So far, 500 questionnaires have been distributed within L.U. and app. 280 have been returned. These questionnaires were given to Winter session students, faculty and staff. Off campus, we intend to survey approximately 200 students. We feel this is important because L.U. is a regional university and we would like to provide services to the region. These services could range from bil- (The purpose o4 ctitique, pubV./shed conavftentty in a number oi Canadian ieminat petiodicatz, .bs to encoutage debate and dammion o4 4tAategie4 and iimueis. Anyone with queztion4 and comments 4houtd (Amite the Wotking Group on Sexual Viaence, c/o 301 - 2515 Buttatd St., Vancouver, B.C., V6J 336. Membeu o4 the Wothing Group ate Kate Andrew, Ian Batiutey, Megan LL Lo, Debra Le abs and FAanceis WaAsehtein.) ------ ANTI-POVERTY PROJECT leting out for workshops or special events to providing an informal liesion for bureaucratic red tape problems. From our survey we will be developing a resource manual to help those who may not be familiar with Thunder Bay. University can be rather isolating at times and we would like to establish links with the rest of the community. Our manual will also contain the information necessary to implement the services that our results indicate are needed. We will also try to develop a budget and possible sources of funding for those events that require more than just volunteer energy. One of our long term goals is to provide a supportive environment for women who may wish to attend University but need emotional support or practical support in such areas as child care. A child care centre on campus is probably not feasible in the near future but support could be given by establsihing an exchange network between women. If you would like to participate in the L.U. Women's Centre or offer suggestions we would appreciate your input. You can write to L.U. Women's Centre, Oliver Rd., Lakehead University, Thunder Bay. The Lakehead Social Planning Council with assistance from Employment and Immigration Canada has begun a six month project to implement strategies to combat the effects of poverty in Thunder Bay. Bev Cadene, project manager, states that poverty can be defined as insufficient access to certain goods, services, and conditions of live which are available to everyone else and have come to be accepted as basic to a decent, minimum standard of living. Signs of poverty in Thunder Bay include a large growth in welfare rolls, an overflowing emergency shelter and increased usage of various free food centres. On the basis of the research already done by the L.S.P.C., strategies being considered include a survival handbook, co-ordinating a group around the issue of housing and supporting existing poverty-related services such as the Emergency Shelter on Simpson Street. Participation by those affected by poverty will be a key component of each strategy. Anyone interested in being involved in this project or wanting further information should call Bev or Diana at 345-3631. NORTHERN WOMAN page 4 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �G REENHAM DIARY by JOSIE WALLENIUS Much has been written about Greenham and many women have been there. This is a simple record of the days I spent there, what new things I learnt about myself and other women. During this time there was a definite policy on the part of the police and the military to "go softly". There were too any women there who were going to go back all over the world to talk about it. As one woman said to me "they will start again when you go back". Systematic persecution and abuse. Confiscation of shelter, fire and food are the usual rewards of those women who have decided to make permanent witness at the camp. The ten days action in September was planned to coincide with the largest NATO exercise since 1945 on the West German border, Exercise Lionheart, practice for W.W. 111. I had read that a Greenham woman's advice to other women was never to do an action until it comes from the spirit, then it will be alright. Well I felt like it all right. By several quirks of fate I live in Canada with a husband, and the rest of my family live in England, so I'd wanted to go for as long as the camp had been there. I felt I first had to meet Ann Pettit, mother of two, the instigator of the whole thing. She lives on an old farm in Wales. A really special woman who won't admit to being so. She also was working in the group who made Wales a Nuclear War Free Zone and went to the U.S.S.R. to meet people from the Group to Establish Trust. Living as many others do with the minimum of personal possessions because of her commitment, she is still searching for answers. ;We talked and talked. I confided some of my.fears about Greenham and she said to try and get to Orange gate. Saturday, September 5 My brother, with kindness and interest takes me to Ashford to get a seat on a coach that is taking women for the day. I have a lot of help from my family. My daughter lent me her tent etc., my sister-in-law gave me farm produce to share, my little nephew appeared with his camping tin foil, as he didn't want me to be cold. I watched women piling on the bus, leaving husbands holding children in night clothes. I had two ruchsacks, they said bring food and water for ten days. As well as being apprehensive about not being able to stay warm or make friends, I was beginning to wonder if I could even stagger off the bus. The only other woman going for more than a day sat beside me. She is a nurse and a quaker, called Dana, and we are both thankful to be together. The bus drops us off at Orange gate and other women help to carry our stuff to find a site. I felt the need to make a home straight away. The ground is stony and the tents fall down. When up they flap around in'the wind. I feel totally inadequate and am aware other women are watching, but am too shy to ask for help. They are sitting around fires, with odd clothes and haircuts. Feel like my first day at school. We walk round the perimeter. There are concrete posts with thick green wire. Then several rolls of barbed wire and a razor wire I have never seen before. Beyond that more barbed Later I wrap myself in tin foil, and turn on the hard ground. I realize my tent leaks. Sunday Thousands of women come down again from all over England. It is strange how women who can only come for the wire. Police and military patrolling. day feel guilty. Received message I Lots of coloured webs, hand woven pic- was a grandmother. Hope Carol understands I'm doing more for the baby tures, written messages on the wire. by being here. Some quite beautiful. Lots of patched Walking along the wires we talk miles gaps too. The perimeter is nine to a policeman who says he doesn't rocky and muddy in places. See the understand why we don't all break into missile silos. Feel strange when I get the base together. He says that the back and my kneecaps are aching from British police and military are there walking in wellingtons. to protect us from American military Of the thousands of women there who would shoot us as terrorists. Is I bump into Ann Pettit. I wasn't exthis Reagan's war against terrorism? pecting her till next weekend. She says she will bring her dinner to cook I begin to think about organization, at our fire, but on seeing our one jet and fret that we aren't breaking into the base together as a massive exerprimus she'took her wild mushrooms cise. After all shouldn't we be havand dried lentils and us back to her ing more meeting? fire. She is in a big tent with other I talk to other women. Some agree women, and we are drawn into their and others just laugh, and I get fruscircle, sitting over hot coals and trated. We meet a woman who has been eating homemade soup. at Greenham for two years, with spells in prison. She wears a short sleeve shirt, jeans and sneakers. We wear long I HAD READ THAT A GREENHAM WOMAN'S johns, heavy coats and boots. ADVICE TO OTHER WOMEN WAS NEVER TO We have dinner again with women DO AN ACTION UNTIL IT COMES FROM from Quaker tent, who are there to THE SPIRIT, THEN IT WILL BE ALRIGHT hold Despair and Empowerment workshops. Put my name down to attend. There are already many names down. At dusk we start to move and join Dinner is vegetable stew, stewed hundreds of other women silently at blackberries from the common, tea and Orange gate. We sit in complete silsmoke. Sit around fire on bits of ence for a long time. It feels very wood and talk. There is Mary, about peaceful. The police stand watching 30, given up job as a librarian to on the other side. A woman starts to run workshops around the country. hum. Other women take it up in differ- Joan, about 50, given up job as head ent chords. The air seems to vibrate. of social work department. Polly, early 20's, studying drama at London UniIt is very beautiful, and very eerie. versity. Karen, blond and elegant, The police start to move restlessly another university graduate. Then there and we start to sing. The words are easy to pick up though I have never is Blues. Blues, child of our society... heard them before. Suddenly we are all Standing, though nobody has given an Homeless, jobless, intelligent, loving, order, and move to the fence. We start Glasgow accent, leather jacket. We thought if she stayed with us to pull backwards and forwards on the wires, rocking it, you can feel the we could teach her the principals of non-violent disobedience. I talked to concrete posts coming loose in the good earth. Police are on the radio Mary about my frustration to do with the apparent lack of organization. She says she used to feel like that, and pointed out the camp had been there for two years, and the women survived precisely because it was not organized. When you are evicted five rock again. The police look confused and disturbed, they don't know how to times in a night, and reduced to sleep react because we are not being violent .ing in a bag, just to stay there reOnly to the wires. I don't mind being quires all the strengh you have. for help and more come. They come out of the gate and separate us from the wire by throwing us to the ground. As they clear women from one spot others go to another gap and start to shoved to the ground. Its the first time for a long time I have felt whole and unfragmented. We sit on the ground again and start to sing. Some women are crying. A song starts to the strain of 'The Viennese Waltz' De da de de dum Snip snip, snip snip De da de de dum Shake shake, shake shake And then everybody is dancing, whirling round and round, holding each otter, dancing and singing and laughing. How long is it since I have been happy like this. con 't next page NORTHERN WOMAN page 5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �GREENHAM DIARY continued Monday, 5:30 A.M. Woman pokes her head in tent and says "Blockade". Pull trousers and coat on and go to Orange gate. Sit down with other women in front of gate. We sit close and keep warm. The blockade keeps people from getting to work at our gate. Needless to say they are diverted to another gate where police are there in numbers dragging women away to the Newbury police station. This week it is Indigo gate which is being kept opened and harassed. Their firewood is gone and the police have doused their fires. At Orange gate we have some satisfaction in seeing a lot of traffic diverted. I watch with interest the looks on the drivers faces. The women's faces, most of whom are Americans, are quite expressionless. We sit for three hours. Talking to a woman from Mother Jones magazine who said that fifty Spanish women had been turned back at Gatwick when the authorities had found out they were going to Greenham, and she herself was only allowed in because, she phoned a Greenham lawyer. She told me her interpretation of the gates as she had spent some time at each. Orange gate - - cooked well, loving Blue gate,-- jolly, happy Indigo gate - - forgotten, windswept intense, close relationship with guards Green gate - - intensely women only, children, spiritual, imaginative Red gate -r= calm Yellow gate - - rough, on the front line At 9:00 a.m. we go back and build a fire and have breakfast. Bread, cheese, tea and coffee. Learn how to use water. After supper the cooking utensils are filled with water and heated up to clean them. The water is then used to fill the hot water bottles of weak souls like me. In the morning that water is' still lukewarm and you can wash in it. Washing up is a favorite job as you get to wash your hands. Greenham supporters from the nearby town bring firewood. It needs chopping and sawing. We walk round the fences to Yellow gate. These women are always under pressure: Strange women who don't know the base usually go there first. If a woman is a society reject, she is never turned away, no matter how much support she needs. I am suddenly aware how ruthless and sick the outside world is. That night we are 'at the fence and I see a babies jacket that a woman has left on it. The wires guard' missiles, but there is nothing to guard the people. Very few people know that when there is a nuclear alert, American families are bussed in their nightclothes, to concrete bunkers, leaving British police, military. Peace women and local residents to their fate. I feel things for a moment and feel so terrible. I have to pull the blanket over my imagination again. Tuesday Blockade the gate again in the morning. We hear that more women have been arrested at Indigo. We walk round to see them with firewood in our rucksacks. There are less women there but they seem cheerful and confident. We go on round the perimeter and speak to women at Yellow gate. It was very strange. We saw a bus load of American children being taken into school, next to the missiles, their missiles, in another country. We smiled, after all they are only children, but some of them made' nice gestures back, and their faces were white. Boy children, soon to become men. Some of their fathers, one day when they were being bussed in, pulled down their trousers baring their buttocks to the window. I think when I heard about that I felt without hope. THE WIRES GUARD MISSILES, BUT THERE lS NOTHING TO GUARD THE PEOPLE That night we sat around the fire. Talking, laughing and drinking tea. We were told the story of another Welsh woman. (Oh these Welsh people) She was a quiet woman who worked for a small employer who was sympathetic and let her withhold her income tax. The,usual thing happened, after an exchange of letters over a period of a few years she was threatened with prison. So she took a bucket of pigs blood and dropped into it money she owed in small change. She took it to the revenue building, entered it and poured it over the steps. She said she didn't understand why people were shocked at that when they were so indifferent to the dying of the human race. We shared stories of loves and relationships. We held each other in merriment at the way we take stupid things so seriously. We A friend of a friend of Polly's knew somebody in Newbury who would give us a bath. Feeling slightly guilty we set off to hitch a ride. It was a lovely day and after a few miles we were given a ride in a car by a young man in a business suit. He was friendly and enquiring and wished us luck. We had a bath, our clothes washed and much hospitality, but I was struck with how impatient I was to go back, to people who had made the important things the priorities in their lives. I wished that more people understood that once the change is made, everything seems to make more sense. That night after supper we talk about the New Age, the Atlantis age, the second coming of Eve and the sixth sense. We hear that 15 years ago an underground lake flooded and the base tad to close. So we go to the wires and call out to lakes, rivers and Oceans that we love and are dying already to help us. We don't see any tidal waves but it is obvious the police are having to think about it too. I understand that the reconciliation between the military and the police on one side representing one force and the women on the other representing another power, is vital, not only at Greenham but everywhere. I realize I feel threatened by new women approaching and who are going to stay at our site. Will there still be enough space for me, I think to myself, and will we have enough food to go around. I had been welcomed so warmly when I had been alone, and didn't know how selfish I was. Thursday. Today is the day of the "Stop the City" protest in London. A day when Peace people do C.D. at the stock exchange and other centres of power. We thought we should support them at Greenham by blocking the main roads to London. As usual women are not aware of any real plans. I walk the miles to the main road with a lawyer who talks about the crisis of conscience she has about not being arrested. I say she does more for women in court by retaining a clear record herself, but she does not feel reassured. We straggle to Yellow gate and women tell us to go back and blockade near the roundabout. Gathered there we are confused, not many of us have done an action before. Heavy traffic is roaring past and we say we dhould put up our banners and just lie on the grass island. One woman says we don't have the right to stop people from getting to work on time. A Greenham veteran walks up. "What rights do you mean", she says. "That's a Cruise up there." And points to the direction of the silos. A gap seems to appear in the traffic and we all move in accord and sit across the road with our arms linked. We are happy and feel sure of what we are doing. Traffic starts going over the grass island so we spread out and stop that too. Traffic is stopped. Everything is quiet. The police come on motor bikes and horses and drag us off the road. They hold us to the guound with their knees. Traffic starts up and I see Iso- bell, a Swiss woman, standing on the side of the road. She walks calmly in front of a big truck and lays her body down. It stops incheS from her body. I love her. We start to walk along the side of the road, followed by' the mounted police who effectively block the road with their horses which is quite gratifying to us. Cont'd. Next Page NORTHERN WOMAN page 6 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �GREENHAM DIARY continued We sit around the fire at night and decide that we are there to enter the base after all, and plan it for the next day at 2:00 p.m. Mary, Polly, Karen and myself. Blues desperately wants to come with us, but we persuade her to be a lookout. She wears a leather jacket and she is Blues, and we know instinctively that we will be better treated when arrested without her. This is the beginning of the biggest lesson I had to learn at Greenham. Friday In the morning we sit and make rainbow coloured paper flowers. We know already where to go in. We pack bread, cheese and water. We agree we do not know how the wires were cut. We go in the tent to think about why we are doing it. We begin to walk round the perimeter and stop to wait till patrolling police have passed. Blues is happily picking blackberries along the fence. We go through leaving gloves caught up in the barbed wire. We sit on the grass and break bread and hold hands. I ask Mary why she thinks we feel so calm and she says because there are four of us and I feel she is right. The flowers are planted round the Oak tree and balloons are hung from the branches and on we go. We walk over a small hill and start walking towards the centre of the base. After some time we see the airstrip. We., link arms and walk c right down the centre of it. We feel very happy. A motor bike approaches ridden by airforce personnel. He says "How did you get this far/"We say we iwalked, and ffis face breaks into a huge grin. "Cracking" he says "Oh cracking". He rides off rather slowly and we are approached by U.S. jeep and soldiers, and they don't speak but ring for pblice. When we were taken away I wondered if it had happened that a plane had come down the run.. way at the time we were walking on it, and the three young women with me had gone on walking, would I have had the courage to have run off. We are searched and questioned and finally released. They drop us a long way from our gate and as we are walking back Polly is hit by an apple from a passing youth in a car. In the night it rains and we sit and go over it all. Blues disappears and though we call after her we know she is going on the base. Later a woman comes to our tent and says Blues is lying outside the wires. She is beaten and is semi-conscious. We carry her in and bathe her head but she keeps on muttering "I did go in, didn't I". "I did go in." We are very quiet and don't seem to be able to respond. We know we should have let her come with us, and we know why we didn't let her, but still felt it was her own fault. She can't settle, till Joan, who is sitting silently washing her feet begins to sing a Greenham song. "For she's a jolly brave woman....", and Blues drops asleep. There is one law for one class and another for the other, and very few people like Joan in the world. Saturday The Despair and Empowerment workshop is about to start. I sit outside with an American woman and decide we feel too happy to participate. Then we change our minds. I REALIZE THAT WHEN I GO HOME THE HARDEST THING I WILL HAVE TO DO IS TO MIX WITH THOSE WHO REFUSE TO SEE We start with meditation and breathing, and then are told to feel the suffering of the human race. Most of what happened in that three hours is too personal to relate. One woman described her 14 year old daughter coming to her and asking what she should do when it happened. Her mother was not able to answer her for a few days. When she did she told her to just find the nearest person she could and to put her arm around them .... I think of Mr. Reagan and his campaign against terror. A woman from Yellow gate says she heard of a three month old girl being raped by her father. I realize that when I go home the hardest thing I will have to do is to mix with those who refuse to see. We say we feel powerlessness because of authority, governments, logic. Friendships, sharing, creatively, and doing what you're good at makes us feel powerful. So somebody has the definition wrong. When I questioned what right I had to disturb other women whose lives were often bad enough, she says it has to be done. We can empower others by sharing grief% We made commitments to each other for life. At midnight we go to the wires. About ten of us. A young woman starts climbing and using the bolt cutter. We are rocking the posts. Lots of police arrive with dogs. The search light is very bright. A policeman tries to drag her through the hole, ' she is crying with fear of the dogs, who are really straining their leashes. I ask that they arrest her outside the wires, and as he turns to me she runs off crying out "Women don't leave me". A policeman runs after her and throws her to the ground. She goes into an asthma attack. Instantly the scene changes. Helpless person on the ground, policemen hovering over her as though she is a child, which she nearly is, gentle, wanting to be good to her. They carry her carefully to an am- bulance. A policeman says, shaking his head, "I bet her brothers and father are fighting us at the pits". They were. The British police are not trained to do what they are being forced to do now. I think we are all crazy. Sunday Thousands of women come down again. There is a big action at Orange gate. We walk round with our friends, always arm in arm. Everybody is either a sister or a mother or a daughter. We have to go. Better to leave Blues at an action than a?.. lone at the fire. We take her stuff to another group.She is going to stay because she says its better than the outside world. A woman gives me a lift to London. I get on the underground with another Greenham woman. People stare at us. She and I smile and embrace as we part. I see my family. My daughter- in-law gives me the baby to hold and says "I'm glad you were at Greenham". Some people say what have the Greenham women done. This question is actually asked. Well, they are living human lives in a non-human world. They are living a religion of-life, not death. Concern about them has prompted Casper Weinburger and Michael Heseltine to discuss the continued presence of the women around the base. The Pentagon feel that when the British people have become used to the missiles on their soil they might become less emotional about them. Less emotional.Before I finally left Ann Pettit in Wales, she gave me a dogeared book on Chief Seathl's testament to the white man. She would like me to use it. "We know that the white man does not understand our ways. One portion of the land is the same to him as the next. For he is a stranger who comes in the night and takes from the land whatever he needs. The earth is not his brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it he moves on. He leaves his fathers graves behind, and he does not care. He kidnaps the earth from his children. He does not care. His fathers graves and his children's birthright are forgotten. He treats his mother the earth, and his brother the sky, as things to be bought, plundered, sold like sheep or bright beads. His appetite will devour the earth and leave behind only desert." Women, please share your grief. *** ******* ******** ***AAA* **** NORTHERN WOMAN page 7 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �IN TRANSITION She had accepted 4on many yeasts that het stupidity was without question, that she was in 4act a burden and a bone het beauty gone, het motets decadent She knew it was het fault he dnank and bnoke het tooth and eat drum because he spent the 4amity attowance and she oried. She was persuaded she would starve without the crumbs he threw het and the kids he had no time 4ot and the house that totted around het She was zunoised to iind that none o4 the above THE FEMINIST PROCESS was teatty true, that in the bosom o4 14 Eternal, ate we who sip the chnatian society, she was in 4act through the straw of change a sociat nip o6,6", het worth in chtistian sense the tension inioun joutney. dottatz, the 'mice 0,4 a bus ticket. That we can be evenything and nothing simuttaneousty, creating small peaceful .islands in the Gent Beadle game o6 human deli e, measming distance by tecognition truth earned and .learned by painiut insight into the hearts wisdom. We ate the chatted evidence oi human continuity in a sexist society. A laded wish? That process claims us att we ate the common gAit o4 tesiztance There was a time that move's it 4oAlwatd when I thought by the bteadth oi a hait. C t was usetess to Out spiAit has escaped the bondage to betieve in making it's own music in good wtiting it's own scone 4ot common chorus. anymore, FADM sitence to silence Woman's voice because the white knight is nisingin het own deience might win out against att tnaditionat odds but took what the white knight stand/3 4ot these days .... We ate breaking the sound bat/tie/L. 'Gent Beadle Then, the teat rescue begins as the white knight 4ade2 into a rainbow o4 women on a ttait to justice Got the good o4 the people in the days to come j a PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �INTERVIEW because most of the plays we were doing werebythe LIZstandard MARTIN regional theatre repetoire number of the time - the one Shakespeare,the one Restoration play and so on. So you did Tartuffe and you and diddirects Hamlet,and there really wasn't Thunder Bay's Kam Theatre assemchooses the plays,who much scope for the women. bled an exciting and unique producwrites them and what roles are availPATSY:That statistic holds true tion team for their recent play,ALONE. able to Canadian same performers. So,it there,too that is,only 10% of all Based on a true story,the play is a definitely is a rare and welcome occthe roles are female roles. poetic exploration of one woman's asion when a play with a strong female SVETLANA:Right. we had these eight awakening to her own courage and character is written, But directed and women and my first directing project abilities. And for their production scored by women. Kam Theatre should in the first year of the program was of Patricia Ludwick's play,Kam be lauded for having involved three a play called RITES by Maureen Duffy Theatre asked Svetlana Zylin of Torvery talented and interesting women from England. It'sfor a re-working of the onto to direct,and commissioned in this production,and having BACHAE using only women,and set Thunder Bay's Kim Erickson to write given Thunder Bay audiences a chance in a women's washroom. I got an original score. The play ran from to see their work. I also wantall to these women together to do the play,and February 21 to March 3rd,and received thank Kim,Patsy and Svetlana for tak- in terms of their timing,we lucky. It covery favorable reviews. This interview ing time from very 'were busy pre-proincided with a lot-of flow grant took place before the show's opening. duction schedule,to sit and talk of with money from OFY and from LIP and LEAP Patricia Ludwick trained as an me. and a lot of interest in women because actor in London,England,and has been the feminist movement was really burperforming across Canada for the past geoning in Vancouver at that 0 time. So, fifteen years(including two appearout of that play the Women's Theatre ances at Magnus Theatre). In recent Co-operative was born. We began to be years,her major interest! has been the invited to women's conventions and development of new scripts,as actor, seminar type situations to perform. dramaturge and workshop participant, And we began to actively search out especially in association with The material written by women for our all New Play Centre in Vancouver where female company. she was Artist-in-Residence in 1983. PATSY:And there wasn't much of it ALONE is her first play and was proaround at that time. duced as part of a festival of new SVETLANA:Yeah - it was really diffiworks in the spring of 1983. Since cult to find material by local women then she has written two short plays, which forced us into a really good A LETTER TO MY GOD-DAUGHTER,and TRIP situation,in that we had to create our THE LIGHT FANTASTIC,which was produced owl material. It also led us to actiin a programme of works by women wrively seek out women writers and encouters at The New'Play Centre in Novemrage them to write about women. Like ber,1984. the first play by Margaret HollingsSvetlana Zylin has directed proworth that I did was called BUSHED, ductions for Theatre Passe Muraille, and it was about two men in the launThe Great Canadian Theatre Company in dromat. What I found most interesting Ottawa,The Ensemble Studio Theatre in In a fLecent kepont on 'Women in Canin terms of staging possibilities was New York City,Theatre There in Edmonadian Theatne' on the StaAlz oi Wothat while the main focus of the acton and at the Vancouver East Cultural men in Canada, the 4igute4 -o how that tion was on these two men,in the backCentre. She has worked with The New women ate gneatty undet nepnezented ground were all these women doing Play Centre in Vancouver,Theatre Netass aAtiztic dinecton.s,ptaywnigh,t4 laundry. Actually the play was set in work in Edmonton and the Mulgrave and dinectou. In ate thnee categonThunder Bay. Road Co-op Theatre in Nova Scotia. iez.they maize up 10% an tezz o6 the PATSY:Margaret lived here for years. She was a staff member of the Langara people who ate wanking in Canadian SVETLANA:Yeah - this is where the play Theatre Department of the Vancouver theatte - and the majoAity a4 the4e was born. But at that time I remember, Community College,Dramaturge at the women ane with youth theatnez on (and thanks to the encouragement we've Pauline McGibbon Cultural Centre and cottective4 tike Kam Theatne. I'm received in the last decade,she has Director of the New Play Development intetezted in knowing how you managed changed tremendously) - but,at that Series the DuMaurier Since 'minonity'? toin become pant ,q Theatre. time she wasn't writing about women moving to Toronto,she has participated SVETLANA:I had always wanted to be inbecause she didn't find them as interas both performer and director in volved in theatre,but thought - for esting as characters as she did men. RHUBARB the Theatre someat stupid reason -Centre,Brave that my only opWe both chuckle over the fact now that New Works produced by Factory Theatre tion was to become an actor. It never it was a lot our conditioning. For the Lab,Equity Showcase Theatre and Scheme occured to me that I could become THE same reason that I started out in actof Things. She is currently Artistic DIRECTOR,because at that time I didn't ing,she was writing about men because Director of The Ritz Cafe Theatre. have any role models. But after my she didn't have any active role models Kim Erickson is a professional initial training at the Manitoba Theaof playwrights who were successful at ongwriter,musician and composer who tre Centre school,and various workshops writing about women. s well-known to Thunder Bay audiences and lots and lots of amateur and semi KIM:It sounds a lot like music. I was for her appearances at the Summer Sol-. professional- productions,and after just thinking that it's very similar tice Festival,Doodles and the Summer going to Toronto to make a stab at in that it's okay if you're the backin the Parks program. She studied musbeing a professional actor,I found fup vocalist or play piano or flute or ic atthat Carleton University in. Ottawa I wasn't completely gratified something like that;but as soon as I and went on to do .graduate work in el'spiritually' - about being a perforstarted writing, I suddenly had less ectronic music in Holland. She has done mer. There was a graduate program at support for the work I was doing. It xtensive recording with people like UBC that actually specialized in di'was withdrawn - I was on my own: Ian Tamblyn,Sneezy Waters,Rodney Brown In recting and I decided to go there. PATSY:You were telling me about specand Lois Garrity;and has also worked order to qualify for the theatre deializing in electronic music at the ith partment,I the Penguinhad Theatre Company and to do a make-up year post-graduate level - and it's like, e Groupe de la Place Royale in Ottawa. where I did nothing but theatre even I think of women singer/songwriIn 1982 she deVeloped the courses music theatre courses - the acting and all ters as singing plaintive lovesongs. iecethe MARCH,which was performed at the peripheral courses involved with Not that I don't like them - I do ational Exhibition Centre/Centre for of the theatre department - and out but you don't immediately leap to that that most of Indian Artcame and aatrealization Lakehead University. thinking electronic music in relationthe people I really enjoyed Despite gains in status for working woship to women. with were women. Which because men in theatre over the lastisn't ten or SVETLANA:But then who is one of our I don't geta along fifteen yearsnaturally - which to great with ex- men, better electronic musical composers? wereflection happened to a very talententbut is a of have women's incrIt's Ann Southam who's writing increcropand of opportunities women in the department easedted roles in our dible scores for dance. But,I know at that time. Yet they never got a society in general - men still dominwhat you mean about the encouragement. chance to'really express ate Canadian theatre,in terms themselves of who continued on page 10 NORTHERN WOMAN page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �INTERVIEW continued One of the first things my department head told me when he was forced to acknowledge that I had to be accepted into the department because I'd done this qualifying year and gotten straight firsts - he said women do not make good directors. The only woman director he'd ever known was Joan Littlewood and she was an "exception" - read in brackets,bull dyke!(Zatightet) I'm serious - he actively discouraged me from persuing that course of-action. But basically I had the last laugh.PATSY: That has a double edge, you know. I describe myself as having worOnly four people were accepted that ked my way down in Canadian theatre. year - and of course the other three were men. But one man flunked out I started just before that burgeoning when there were only the regional that Christmas,another dropped out- in theatres where you could get paid at February because he couldn't stand the all. The little theatres, the small pace and the third one flunked out at rebellious, Canadian nationalist or the end of the first year. So, I women's theatres hadn't started. So, ended up going into my second year by my only chances of work were in the myself. And up to that point,as far as big theatres. And I got to the biggest I know,I had been the only woman who one Stratford and found that the had actually gone through the direcbigger it was, the less it worked the ting program. They tended to shunt us way I felt the collective art of theainto the dramatic criticism portion, or tre functioned best. So, we are shut into set design. At that time,women out - not only women, but men who are technicians were absolutely unheard interested in projects that are not of probably going to make vast amounts ATSY:Except for stage managers of money because they are pushing the hich is that housekeeping role - the edges of things. But, if all of the other or babysitter. The best stage people like you and Cynthia Grant and anagers I've worked with have very Katherine Shaw and other women direcften been women. But almost all of tors that I've worked with, had ended hem,at some point,got tired of babyup having to cope with that awful, itting. So they go into administrabureaucratic WEIGHTED THING of the ion or leave the theatre altogether regional theatres, we would have lost here isn't enough satisfaction in a lot of that wonderful creative enhat role. ergy that is still here in these small as that,awakening oi lieminat/natio- ati6t conciou6nez4 An the .late ixtie4 and a.anty zeventiez bene6ited omen in theate? VETLANA:Absolutely. ATSY:Oh yeah - it's much different ow than it was before. VETLANA:It was that double push. The eminist consciousness in Canada eached a real flowering at the same ime as our sense of nationalism and ndienous theatre. All the women I now,who are working in theatre, umped on the bandwagon when they had n opportunity to create material and ork with new material;when none of he parameters had really been defined o exclude women from active roles. ut of that time,so many really good omen playwrights have been born,and o many really good projects were iniiated that included women. Some of t has worked as a reverse sexism - a ind of tokenism. For example,in this ituation - as glad as I am to be here nd I really wanted to do this play till,the main reason I was invited as that Kam being 'politically corr- ct' had a play about a woman, written y a woman and they wanted a woman dir- ctor. S three much woAk PA. a Pme-Lance, iemaee di/mato/a VETLANA: Very little. I work two, maye three times a year in situations ike this and the rest of the time I reate my own work. I look at my conemporaries, the people I went to schol with - like Richard Ouzounian, who as my classmate .. nd who has tecentey become puducet t Tounto'4 Centtestage Pkoduction4 .. Where he is now - three or four ears younger than me - and where I m now, are poles apart. The doors to egional theatre are still very closed o women. places. (Vhat'4 going to happen to them zmatt theatAe4 in tUz age oi goveAnment cutbacks and the poputaAity of home video's and movie chavActe PATSY: Well, the little ones are on such a small life-line. There have been many demises across the country in the last 3-5 years and the reason they folded was quite simply that the bank cut their line of credit. It wasn't in fact that they had a huge debt load, but the bank foreclosed on the small one where it wouldn't - or it could be persuaded not to foreclose on the huge debt that Stratford now owes. SVETLANA: That's happening with a lot of businesses - not just in theatre. But there's a more insidious danger in the burgeoning of the video and TV/ film market in that we're losing our best writers to television and film. One of the best Canadian woman playwrights that I've worked with has literally given up writing plays. She will not write them anymore because there is no gratification in terms of a return - monetary or spiritual. She's writing film, scripts and making tons of money, and if she wants creative and spiritual fulfillment, she writes a novel - which she now has enough clout to get published. But, this incredible theatrical voice is lost to us because we can't offer her anything to sustain her. I don't know about you, but as I approach 40, I'm beginning to wonder if I can maintain my sanity existing on this poverty level. It's not that I'm a materialist or a capitalist, but I do crave those material comforts that just sustain you from day to day. Never mind the luxuries: PATSY: We're also starting to face that statistic of how many women in Canada at the age of 60 are living under the poverty level. That's where we've been working - under the poverty level - but with the energy of youth, and the courage really, of believing it will all be worthwhile. SVETLANA: Yeah - it's like I keep extending my five year plans. And when you're 25, you can still go, well I've got until I'm 30. But, the pressure of it - especially for a woman ... Because another part of being committed to the work I'm doing is that it doesn't very easily align itself with the more traditional roles that a woman takes. I haven't veered off into marriage and children. So, I don't even have that central core of a home life to sustain me. We're out there in the cold water, and I've been treading it for a REALLY long time. And the longer the time goes, the less I'm thinking in terms of the 'big break' happening tomorrow or whenever. KIM: I have a hard time visualizing what the big break IS -? If we're talking about what we're going to break into, is it things like Stratford-type theatre, or cross-Canada tours of bars for musicians? I'm not sure if those are worthwhile things - and so, I'm left with the dilemma of going where is the work for me? SVETLANA: Exactly. But the point is that my priorities have changed and a sustenance living with recognition from my peers would be just fine. I'm not thinking Broadway hits anymore! But I am thinking national recognition from my peers - at least among the people I've worked with. An unquestioning acknowledgement of my abilities and status as a director and enough money that I can live comfortably - just that level of survival... PATSY: I think that everybody has the need for respect, a feeling of selfworth. We all need to feel that people recognize that we are giving 'worth' with our work - whether we're running a corner store or writing a play or whatever. And for me it is my actual peers, the kind of people who are interested in the same kinds of theatre I am - new Canadian plays and those slightly off-the-wall things that are not Broadway-bound - that's my support group and that's where I get my recognition. SVETLANA: As a director, I'm more isolated. It's much harder to find that kind of recognition and support. I'm sure Kim and I are more akin in this in terms of the isolation of being a composer or a director. Unless they make a big deal of your name in continued on page 11 RTHERN WOMAN page 10 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �doing the work, it largely goes unrecognized. If I direct a really fab pious show and my name isn't on the poster, the actors get all the credit. The individual little group of actors that I've worked with, love me and support me - but then they go on to the next project and their job is to love and support the next director. Even Kim can wank atone on hex piano, but as a dixectox you can't work without a scAipt and actou. SVETLANA: Right. PATSY: I just meant that the knowledge inside my head that there are people all over the country now, that I may not have seen or worked with for five years - in whatever capacity any of us were working is enough for me to feel that I can keep on going with what I'm doing. SVETLANA: That's great. All I'm saying is that right now I feel a strong lack of that. And the search for work gets more and more frustrating. I don't want it to sound like I'm crying the blues. I want it recognized that these are legitimate concerns amongst all of us. And I do think it's wonderful to have this particular project coming together, with this incredible flow of energy. Maybe we coutd tatk about the p.tay now. It's based on the true stony o6 Maxtha Matt in, who was stranded thAough one winter - pxegnant and atone-- on an isZand oii the noAth pacific coast. I'm ,interested in knowing what appeated to each oi you in thus story - and why you, Patsy, wanted to tuAn 'it into a to me the perfect framework to tell a story that was of interest to all of us; because we all want to find that state of balance and that harmony with what's around us. I wanted to examine the personal, internal experience of a person trying to adapt to changes in their environment - the interior world as a paralell to the exterior one. That's why I chose to fragment her personality into the three actors playing one person, because then you could examine the mental changes, the inner emotional changes and not simply keep it on the exterior level. Also, I was interested in that polarity of masculine and feminine in each of us. It was very much a part of what I was trying to understand about the character. SVETLANA: What I really like about it is that it encompasses several layers which makes it interesting for me as a director. First, it's a story about a woman, set in a very interesting situation - which I liked. Secondly, there were the three aspects of her character portrayed by three different actors, which allows a lot more scope and room for dramatizing that story in an interesting fashion. And thirdly, the whole notion of contact improvisation, which I'd seen but never actually worked with, fascinated me in terms of communicating changes to an audience in a non-verbal way. So, it isn't just another 'saga of survival in the wilderness'. It's a moving, flowing living thing. ptay? PATSY: I originally read just an excerpt from the diary of Martha Martin. It was the end of her diary, and what I found was a woman who was very much at peace with herself and the world she was in. And I wanted to know how she got that way! So, I tracked down the complete diary and read the whole story from the beginning and realized that it had all the classic stages of the mythological journey of the hero - which is the same throughout history and all primitive cultures And it seemed . - ? And contact impAovaation SVETLANA: It's a form of movement relying on centres of gravity and the body's fulcrum points to generate interaction between people. It's more than dance or mime - it's each actor finding their own centre of gravity, and then responding to that in each other. PATSY: It's playing with each other. And how dm the muzicat ctement fit into aft oA this? KIM: I was approached by Kam last spring with the script of ALONE and asked if I could conceive of any music to go with it. So, I read it a few times and wrote down some initial impressions; re-read it and wrote down some more impressions; and eventually a lot of the same impressions started congealing into themes. Musical ideas began recurring throughout. Patsy and I started writing letters and she explained some of the structure of the play and the themes in the writing for her. We realized that we were both trying to re-find women's modes, lost fragments of women's expression - the 'collective unconscious', if you will. Patsy was exploring this in terms of myth and story, and I was doing the same with music. So, I was able to translate those themes into musical ideas.- and the score got written! PATSY: And it's still getting adjusted. KIM: Yeah - it's still 'adjusting'. Now that you'Ae ate here woAking togetheA, ate there changes being made in the scare? KIM: Not too many - it's mostly honing down and pulling in. PATSY: There are some places where you can expand the time length, because as these particular three actors with Svetlana find their way of expressing the physical life of the play, the timing will change. So, different parts of what Kim's got can expand and some will be cut back. SVETLANA: One of the best elements for me in terms of having the music is the ionist on stage who follows the action. Because it is contact improvisation, we can't set it precisely. I'm not dealing with conventional blocking so there's a mutual communication happening between Damon (Dowbak - who .12 doing petcussion) and the actors. They can help each other out and create a much fuller mood. The actors are free to explore the inner momentum of the creation of sounds, as opposed to actually worrying about finding ways in a set that has minimal props, of creating sounds that have to take you into another awareness or create a particular kind of mood or whatever. GODDESS IMAGERY Sasha McInnes is collecting .slides of the art and altars of con-, ,temporary women who are working in :Goddess-related and other enabling/ 3 empowering imagery for possible in:clusion in an upcoming Studio D, National Film Board film on the roots of religion. Please send no more that :twenty slides, including descriptions, ;media, motivation and anything else you want to say about your work. Sasha is interested in all media, including women's traditional arts. Send to Sasha McInnes, 237A Dundas :.Street, London, Ontario N6A 1H1, ;phone (519) 438-5307, 672-2832. And you'ne ptecused with thiz new element that has been added to your ptay? PATSY: Oh - absolutely! It's wonderful - a whole new level of creativity has been added on to all these other ones. SVETLANA: I'd just like to repeat that it's wonderful having this particular project coming to-gether, and I feel quite positive that with the exception of a very few men that I've worked with in theatre, only women are capable of generating such positive feeling out of sometimes what is so little A lot of that is in this play. WENDO COURSE call Teresa 935-2371. -----1111=1111111 NORTHERN WOMAN page 11 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Solstice Summer Solstice '85 will bring together several dynamite women performers from across Canada on June 22 and 23 in Current River Park - admission is free. Clearing by Noon is a Halifax based group of four, Sandy Greenberg, Rose Vaughan, Catriona Talbot, and Marsha Rake. They love to sing their own songs plus whatever inspires them jfrom contemporary songwriters such as Connie Kaldor and Holly Near and traditional folk music. Their music has been dubbed "survival music": they sing "Come on Little Sister" and "Keep A-boin" to cheer their audiences and each other on with humour and bridled optimism. They also sing for survival in the global sense: ballads and marches and lullabies for peace. They sing about bringing-up children, about being unemployed, about starting all over again, about finding new, love. Two of the group, Sandy and Rose also present an engaging show for children called "Rosie & Sora". Edmonton's Bev Ross brings high tech to a folk orientation, accompanying herself on an electronic keyboard computer. She has the gift of being able to drive home a point with humour and unpretenious urbanity. Whether addressing sports, the Eighties or modern relationships, Bev understands the Value of the well-tempered scalpal. It has been said that music is a bridge that links the soul of each person to a vision of hope for the future. Jan Stoody constructs that SCRIPTS WANTED The search continues at Kam Theatre for exciting new Canadian scripts. With an entire season devoted to Canadian work there's never too much of a good thing. New scripts, old scripts awaiting production and ideas for new work are all welcome! Welcoming scripts of all kinds, Kam is particularly known for their interest in plays with a political and social emphasis. In previous seasons Kam Theatre has been allocated funds through the Ontario Arts Council Playwrights Assistance Fund to assist with the development of new scripts. A Playwright's - in - Residence program is also an integral part of the season. Writers with ideas and new writers wanting development assistance may be eligible for funding. To apply, a script synopsis or rough scene by scene breakdown should be submitted to Kam Theatre along with a letter of introduction. Playwrights interested in the residence program should indicate their availability. Kam Theatre would like to thank all the playwrights who have previously submitted scripts. Keep them coming! All scripts and proposals should be submitted to: Co-Director, Kam Theatre, 215 N. Frankin St., Thunder Bay, P7C 4J1 bridge for her audience through songs that she has researched and carefully selected, or written, that tell stories and express the everyday experiences of people throughout the world who are working towards a new vision for humankind. From the uranium mines in Northern Saskatchewan, despair in Chile, to the loving sentiments of an Indian lullabye, her songs link us together Raegena Bueno, newly arrived in Northwestern Ontario from Brazil, will be reading short stories and essays from her perspective as a visible minority immigrant. Madeline Moonis, along with partner George Cook, tells Indian legends of this area". as one. Jan has been singing throughout Saskatchewan for six years, first with a band, then as a duo, and now solo. Originally from Ontario, she has been living on the prairie for eight years. Friends in Thunder Bay will know Jan from her part-time residing at a farm in Kaministiquia. Originally from St. Louis where she sought out and learned from many of the regions fine old time fiddlers Gail Heil is a member of Minneapolis' June Apple Musician's Co-op. She also plays banjo, dulcimer autoharp and guitar. Teaming up with Bob Bovee, who plays a variety of instruments, they perform old time Country music, a raw rough-edged honest kind of music that begs involvement of some 'kind. It's a dance music: a music that makes you want to tap your feet or laugh or do something other than just 9 Wellknown to Thunder Bay audiences, Kim Erickson and Jennifer Garrett will bring their unique creative sound to the Festival. They will be performing separately, together and with other members of Groundwater - Damon Dowbak and William Roberts. The Children's Village will have a performance area with music, a puppet show, juggling and instrument making workshops for the active participation of the kids. For the convenience of parents of young tots, there will be a large tent, especially for changing and feeding. With the cooperation and commitment of over 150 volunteers, this year's Summer Solstice Festival is sure to be a wonderful celebration of the beginning of a long awaited summer. sit back. Maggie McKaig is part of "Lost in the Colonies", a four member group from Calgary. Her fine guitar playing, original songs and strong voice will be much appreciated by festival goers. Other members of the group are Luke Wilson on banjo, Bill Eaglesham on fretless bass and Ray McAndrew adding inspired percussion. WOMEN AND PENSIONS The Northwestern Ontario Women's Decade Council declared April 2,1985, as Contingency Day, a day for couples to sit down together to look at and discuss their assets, to plan for retirement years and make provisions for their spouse and dependants. Contingency Day was sponsored by the Pensions Committe of Decade Council which evolved from a NWO Women and Pensions Conference in 1982. To facilitate the sharing of resources and information, the Pensions Committee came under the Decade Council umbrella in spring 1984. The Committee to date has prepared position papers and presentations aimed at public awareness and pension reform. Both the Committee and Council as a whole have long been aware of case histories of women who have been left alone in situations of inadequate insurance and/or pension support. Confusion regarding the pension issue, along with a reluctance to examine circumstances which could involve the loss of a partner or occupation, have made it difficult for many individuals or couples to make a realistic assessment of their long term financial positions. In 1984 the National Council of Welfare estimated the low income level of single persons living in a city the size of Thunder Bay to be $9403. Statistics Canada states that the average income for women over 65 is $8441. Families and persons living alone whose income is in the bottom 10% of the income ladder devote 60% of their income to food, clothing and shelter. The latest figures on life expectancy is 79.5 for women and 71.9 for men. As long as women marry men who are three years or more older than they are, and whose life expectancy is 7.6 years less than theirs, they should not be surprised to find themselves alone for a good number of years at the end of their lives. Contingency Day focused on a media campaign and a city wide mail of a pamphlet that asked five major questions: - "Do you and your spouse have wills' - "If your spouse dies could you cope and survive tomorrow?' - "What income will you have next week? Next month? - What are your expenses? - Do you know where to apply for financial help?" Contingency Day provided an opportunity for spouses to become informed and to prepare for the possibility of life alone before or after retirement. It is hoped that Contingency Day will become an annual event and will expand to involve more resource persons to develop a booklet to address pension and insurance questions, to focus on the needs of single people, and to increase it's coverage to include the region. If you are interested in contributing to the work of this committee or you would like to know more about pensions please contact Dawn St. Amand at the Decade Council 3453606. NORTHERN WOMAN page 12 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Obscene Use of Power by Fiona Karlstedt As some of you may already know, I have worked with the Women's Centre for the last two years. This fall I returned to school and this may be the last time I will have the opportunity of addressing the issue of pornography in a public forum for some time. And I want to leave you with a strong plea. When I was considering how I would begin today, I came across an editorial which appeared in the May 26,1984 issue of the Dryden Observer. I will refer to parts of it here because I think it shows all too clearly the stage the debate is at for many people. The editorial read: "Not everyone likes to talk about pornography, much less air personal views in a public discussion, especially while a copy of Playboy or Penthouse is sitting on the coffee table at home. Whether to ban pornography from store shelves is a difficult question, simply because for every ten people asked about a given group of magazines... there may well be at least eight different views on which ones... are pornographic. What is one man's coffee table fare is another man's garbage. But if you look at Playboy's or Penthouse's circulation figures, you have to admit these two publications must be OK - both are ahead of Time and Newsweek in sales. No doubt there is some questionable material, visual and written, even in these magazines, but both have remained passable in today's fickle society... The same cannot be said for the skin magazines that are just that - more picture content than anything else - bought by people who don't care about the articles. Pornography doesn't have a firm definition, but it comes in degrees or classifications - OK, bad and ugly - classifications created by the public. The bad and ugly are easily spotted by their degradation of people, particularly women and children. The majority of society is against this level of pornography and the majority does not buy these magazines." (emphasis mine) The gist of the editorial seemed to be that eight out of ten people can't agree on a definition of pornography STOP ! This is Offensive, Insulting. and Oegrading to WOMEN The gist of the editorial seemed to be that since eight out of ten people can't agree on a definition of pornography it would be a useless exercise to attempt to formulate one. And further that since a majority of society is against a certain level of pornography, things will just somehow take care of themselves. The editorial completely ignored the central issue of male/female power relations which we see reflected and accentuated in pornography; and the fact that the sexual objectification of women in pornography is integrally linked to the limitations of women's legal, economic, political and social rights in our society. The editorial could aptly be termed a non-event in journalism. It is high time we moved past the "picture content" and onto the politics of pornography. Without an understanding of the power relations reflected in it, no analysis of pornography will get very far. In the words of American feminist Andrea Dworkin, "The word 'pornography' does not have any other meaning than... the graphic depiction of the lowest whores. Whores exist to serve men sexually. Whores exist only within a framework of male sexual domination. Outside that framework, the notion of whores would be absurd and the usage of women as whores would be impossible. The word 'whore' is incomprehensible unless one is immersed in the (vocabulary) of male domination. Men have created the group, the type, the trade, the commodity, the insult, the industry, the reality of women as whore..." By limiting women to definition as sexual, as whores for the sexual use and abuse of men, pornography objectifies us, degrades us, minimizes us, and finally in snuff pornography destroys us. Nothing is created or exists in isolation and pornography is no exception. The acceptance of a continuum from sex-role stereotyping in advertising to "soft" and "hard" core pornography is essential to the analysis. By way of example, I wonder how many here happened to read an Ann Landers column published several months ago. I am referring to the one containing the letter from the mother who tried to breast-feed her baby in a restaurant and was told in no uncertain terms that such conduct was "unacceptable". In her response, Landers referred to a survey of restaurant owners and operators which revealed a consensus amongst those polled that breastfeeding in public was considered to be "offensive". While reading it, something clicked. We live in a society that deems breastfeeding (and I would ask you to read instead, "the giving of life", "an expression of tender love", "nurturing") in public to be offensive, while down the street customers are having their meals served to them by topless waitresses. We have become so conditioned to seeing women's bodies portrayed only in a sexual context in both advertising and in "coffee table" soft porn magazines that many of us find it difficult, if not impossible, to see women's bodies in the larger human context. It is these innocuous, seeming- ly antiseptic images of women as sexual beings in our daily media which lay the foundation for the further objectification and brutalization of women in pornography. It's obvious that one of the major problems faced in attempting to examine the subject of pornography is arriving at a definition. Some use it to refer to material which is sexually explicit; others would restrict it to material which involves violence and sex. "Pornography" is not a word known to our criminal law. The Criminal Code uses the term "obscenity". Law dictionaries have defined "obscenity" as "conduct tending to corrupt the public morals by its indecency and lewdness" and further refers fo a "shameful or morbid interest in nudity (and) sex". The law's concern with pornography is thus entirely defined in terms of the offensiveness of public sexuality, and not with the dehumanizing impact it has on women. Up to this point, the response of our society to sexually explicit material has been to exclude what is deemed to be beyond the "community's standard of tolerance". The implicit rationale of this response is that pornography may be forbidden because it is offensive, because it offends a standard of taste. In order for a work to be considered "obscene" in Canada under the present law, there must be undue exloitation of sex or of sex and any one or more of the following - crime, horror, cruelty and violence. Whether there is "undue" exploitation is determined by reference to "community standards". It is the judge who must determine what that standard of tolerance is. In October 1983 Judge Stephen Borins determined for the first time what Canadians will tolerate in pornographic videotapes. In releasing his ruling, the judge noted the irony of Parliament requiring judges, who are supposed to remain aloof from the community, to also have "their fingers on the pornographic pulse of the nation: According to Susan Cole, "The business of community standards makes it seem that the pornographer's crime is having the bad manners to have chosen the wrong audience, and that if he only could find an audience that would tolerate his battery of women, then he will be a good citizen of our society". continued on page 14 NORTHERN WOMAN page 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �4144,414#44###*#*#44644#44244W4404#4444#44*#*#*#44*#* Legal definiti-ms do little to further our understanding of pornography, however. Thelma McCormack has examined it on the basis of three characteristics: "First, it deals with sexual taboos: that is, kinds of sexual activities which we (in our society) regard as morally wrong, socially undesirable, improper, "unnatural'. These sexual taboos differ from one culture to another and from one period in history to another, but in all human societies there are rules about sexual activity, and in all human societies there is a kind of underground which mocks these rules. Second, pornography deals with these sexual taboos as if they were common, everyday practice. Pornography does not pass judgment, positive or negative, on the kinds of activity depicted in the story, film, pictures. (And) it is the combination of these two characteristics - the sexual taboo and the attitude toward it that accounts for our shock. The third characteristic is that the characters in pornography do not have any real relationship. They neither love nor hate; they do not think; and they have no regrets about what they do. They simply act, and they engage in sexual activities with any partner(s) who come along. What we see in pornography then, is the sex act devoid of any social context, stripped of all meaning except (physical) gratification. That is why characters in pornography never seem real; they lack any mind or heart; they lack any dimension except a genital one ... Pornography has been with us for as long as recorded history, yet we still do not understand it very well. Social scientists who have studied it - and who have also studied the people who buy it - have offered three major theories. The first emphasizes sexual repression or sexual deprivation. People who have a lot of sexual hangups, who feel guilty about sex fantasies or guilty about engaging in sex, or people who have been cut off from any kind of normal sexual activity for a prolonged period of time are, according to this theory, attracted to pornography. They enjoy it as a substitute for real sexual behaviour. Another theory links pornography to the institution of marriage... Marriage, according to this theory, is an important institution for the survival of society, but it is restrictive, especially for men. Through pornography, men can find an indirect experience of sexual activity without endangering the institution of marriage. Pornography, in this theory, is a substitute for prostitution, which is regarded as a necessary evil. A third theory holds NORTHERN WOMAN page 14 that sexual activity, like any other social activity, is learned behaviour. (For the uninstructed pornography may act as a sex manual.) Pornography, according to this theory, is often an aid to increased sexual enjoyment and, as well, provides partners with fantasies that add further to their mutual pleasure. In this theory, pornography is a stimulant as well as a source of information. All of these theories look upon pornogmapby as ;harmless and even as having a positive function for the individual as well as for society." In developing an understanding of the violence perpetrated against women, feminists have viewed pornography more critically. They began asking whether there was a relationship between pornography and violence against women, between child pornography and incest, between pornography and rape. Because it is difficult to find absolute proof of the harmful effects of pornography, "we are told that the pornographic image is harmless and that it is never translated back to women and children in the real world. This idea that the pornographic image has no impact goes against one of the most critical assumptions of the ad man . However you define pornography, what we do know is that it is more available and certainly more explicit than in the past. "And most of us pretend that it just isn't there. Every newstand is jammed with it. In the back of almost every variety store entire shelves are devoted to Fiona KaAt6tedt peaking at Intennationat Women' S Day CetebAation. Photo by JOAN BARIL Harm is seen to flow from pornography in two ways. First that there is a direct causal link between violent pornography and violence against women in the real world - the belief that such material can and does trigger aggression. Second, pornography has a more generalized effect. It contributes to myths about sexuality and about women which ultimately make violence and degradation more acceptable. It tells us that women like it and want it. Without clinical studies that prove absolutely a connection between the massive distribution of the pornographic image and the incidence of violence against women, we find ourselves up against a liberal scientific mentality that demands strict proof of cause and effect. Some potential sources of proof are available however. It may take the form of police or press reports that a sex offender was a large consumer of pornography or reports from victims themselves who believe their assault was influenced by pornography. There is also statistical evidence which attempts to demonstrate a correlation between the Prevalence of pornography and the rate of incidence of violent crime. Experimental evidence, accounts of experiments which attempt to measure the reactions of individuals to the stimulus of pornographic material, particularly aggressive or violent pornography, is also available. it. Partly because its the worst of our culture, and partly because we can't believe that the fear and loathing of women can be so strong, we try to shut it out. Essentially, we tend to exclude the pornographic image from among those that really matter because the image is perceived to be a fringe phenomenon, part of the underside of our culture. But the profit figures associated with the pornography industry suggest that this is big business and not a series of fly-by-night operations designed to cater to the transient and the furtive." (Susan Cole) Although the scope of their use of the term is not spelled out, police estimates have placed the annual market in pornography in this country at $300 million. Two trends in today's pornography are particularly disturbing. One reflects the amount of violence now part of the mainstream of this material. Women are regularly shown in bondage, in rape scenes, in dog collars; and in much videotape actual scenes of brutality are now commonplace. The other trend is the use or implicit use of children. Incest themes are commonplace and written in such a way that suggests dhildren have the "right" to enjoy sex with adults, thereby setting the stage for the actual sexual abuse of children. continued on next page PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Pornoraphv continued There is no question that pornography is a devisive issue in our society. There is disagreement as to whether and in what way pornography causes harm. We believe that the harmful effects are obvious. At the other end of the pole are those who argue that pornography should only be suppressed when there is concrete proof that it is the direct cause of mrongdoing and that even our present obscenity laws should be repealed. "We are asked to believe that the pornographer is an artist whose vision can brook no restraint." (Cole) However inviting I do not see censorship as the answer. Censorship is to pornography what prohibition was to alcohol. No matter how noble your motives, you can't legislate morality in a vacuum. But you can regulate it. When the Women's Centre conducted a survey to determine the availablity of printed pornography in Thunder Bay as part of our presentation to the Fraser Commission we visited a corner store located across from an elementary school. Playboy and other similar magazines were displayed immediately to the right of the entrance. It was the first thing a young child saw when he or she entered the store. It is an insidious form of conditioning. "ornog,raphv is an indu3trY and as such deserves no more speclal treatment than any other. There is no convincing argument why the pornography industry deserves a hands-off policy, The fact is there does not exist a single social policy that does not, to some extent, curtail individual freedom. The basic tenet of our society is compromise, that we cede our rights in order to live in this world together. (The recognition that one in four women in this country can expect to be raped at some time in her life underlines the fear that women feel daily in their lives) Yet, instead of asking the pornographer to cede 111---- right to exploit and propagandize - (if it sells it must be OK) - we grant to cold:-blooded'entrepreneurs the right to ply their (grim) trade even if in doing so we place our children in danger and deny ourselves the right to walk the streets from fear of violence. Pornography is not about sexuality or freedom of expression. Pornography is not simply a collection of pictures or a videotape we find "offensive". Pornography is about the obscene use of power - the physical or psychic violence done to one human being by another. It is a form of,hate literature depicting the pleasure of the powerful in the humiliation and dehumanization of the powerless. We are being asked to make political decisions about pornography, and they must be informed decisions. Without an anayliss of the politics of pornography as a form of social control, whatever decisions are made by policy makers will be meaningless. We must teach people to be knowledgable consumers: complicate their lives. Force them to think about the issue! Bring the people in pornography alive! Make them human! Make the connections! paper presented at Dryden forum ************************************************* FAMILY DISPUTE UNIT The Thunder Bay Physical and Sexual Assault Crisis Centre is presently conducting a feasibility study into establishing a Family Dispute Unit to deal with family violence in Thunder Bay.,Since the inclusion of services to battered women aware that while there are services available to women and children who leave violent homes and seek shelter in transition homes or crisis housing, services are lacking for those individuals who choose to remain at home. In a recent presentation to the Ontario Women's Directorate Conference on Family Violence, Dr. Peter Jaffe of the London Dispute Unit noted that 85% of the women they have aided have not been in a shelter and would not go to a shelter. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the need for a specialized unit that would aid those individuals and complement existing social service agencies in the comr munity and the police force. Cour monly referred to as Family Dispute Units, Family Consultant Teams or Mobile Family Crisis Teams, this type of service has been established in other communities across Canada such as London and Calgary. There are various models of Family Dispute Units but they are primarily composed of crisis teams of social workers and police officers who respond to domestic disputes on a twenty-four hour, seven days a week basis. The crisis workers assess the problems in the family, provide appropriate crisis intervention and alternative methods of problem solving, as well as making referrals in the crucial time for resolution of conflict/crisis -during or shortly after the conflict Other family dispute units, although relatively new, have cut recidivism by 50%. Immediate intervention at the time of dispute and continued follow-up would benefit those fam- ilies and discourage further violence as a means of "resolving" conflicts. Funded by a Canada Works Grant, the Centre has hired three full-time researchers to conduct the study. They are presently examining the experience of other family dispute unit and will be conducting interviews with local police officers, social service agencies, women's groups and community organizations which deal with family violence to get their input into developing a model to suit the unique needs of Thunder Bay. Any individual or organization interested in obtaining further information should contact the Thunder Bay Physical and Sexual Assault Crisis Centre at 345-1871. article submitted by the Thunder Bay Physical and Sexual Assault Crisis Centre. (BOOKS New titles recently acquired by the Northern Woman's Bookstore include: Labour Pains, by Pat Armstrong, Women's Press, $9.95 ... explores the effects of the economic crisis on women's and men's work, both in the labour force and in the household.. Armstrong explains why women's employment will deteriorate both absolutely and in relation to men" Perspectives on Women in the 1980s edited by Joan Turner and Lois Emery, University of Manitoba Press, $8.95 "This collection of articles focuses on strategies and directions for the women's movement that will enable all women to benefit from changing attitudes in the 1980s". Includes an article "Native Women and the State" by Thunder Bay's Marlene PierreAggamaway. The New Our Bodies, Ourselves by the Boston Women's Health Book Collective, Simon & Schuster, $19.95 .. a new revised, updated and expanded version of this essential resource book. The Hearts of Men: American Dreams and the Flight from Commitment by Barbara Ehrenreich, Doubleday, Voices From The Shadows - Women with Disabilities Speak Out by Gwyneth Ferguson Matthews, Women's Press, $8.95. Baker's Dozen Stories by Women Women's Press, $7.95 The Day is Dark & Three Travellers by Marie Claire Blais, Penguin, $6.95 Myths To Lie By by Dorothy Bryant, Ata Press Redney: A Life of Sara Jeannette Duncan by Marian Fowler, Penguin, $7.95. As well, the Bookstore now has a supply of all of Marge Piercy's fiction. $9.95. NORTHERN WOMAN page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �r 22, 23 NORTHERN WOMAN'S Current CurJUNE River Park SUMMER \.(4* SOLSTICE FESTIVAL e) SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!! -a musical weekend -Goods & Services Auction .great food & drink 10% off all FI -crafts 20-40% off selecte -Children's Village open .square dancing Thursday, Friday Saturday -much MORE: for infor. call 345-7482 ********* WOMANSPACE 414141###### FIRST WEDNESDAY PRES:10111 O OF' EVERY MONTH canal CANADIAN ABORTION RIGHTS AC ASSOCIATION CANADITNNS POW' I.S DIP 69N.COURT STREET The Purpose of CARAL Is to ensure that no w PH. 345-7802 41********414141##############*.*** to safe, legal abortion. Our aim Is the repe Codce dealing with abortion and the estab traceptive and abortion services, including a country. "We regard the right to safe, legal abortion I support the statement of purpose of CARAL and Nuns. Address: Postal Code: Pho Occupation: Name of Federal Riding' Individual Member United income JUST RELEASED THE Family Sustaining Donation RETURN TO: CARAL, Box 935, S RESISTING new poems §ertledole Available @ $6.50 each from NORTHERN WOMAN'S BOOKSTORE, 69 N. Court St. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Second Class Mail Registration No. 5697 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Don't forget to renew yourl subscription! Here's my sub: WOMEN'S CENTRE NEWS p2 p3 BETTER STRIDENT THAN SILENT p4 L.U. WOMEN'S CENTRE P5 GREENHAM DIARY P8 POETRY P9 INTERVIEW p12 COMMUNITY NEWS p13 OBSCENE USE OF POWER p16 CHECK THESE ADS Name Address (postal code) o individual $ o Institutional .5 $ 9 ************************************* IS THERE AN ASTERISK-ON YOUR LABEL?? PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION ************************************* WORKERS THIS ISSUE: RETURN TO: THE NORTHERN WOMAN 69 N. COURT ST. THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7A 4T7 Elaine Goodwin, Noreen Lavoie, Liz Martin, Anna McColl, Margaret Phillips, Donna Phoenix, Deborah Ratelle, Alma Teravanen, Sara Williamson Return Postage Guaranteed Northern Woman Journal 69 N. Court St., Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T7 (Six Issues) .0.00 $10.00 Business or Institution PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 9 No 1 Description An account of the resource Vol. 9, No. 1 (June 1985) Title: The Northern Woman: The Strength of Women Topics include: Women’s Centre news Funding cut to Women’s Centre Separated/divorced women’s group Sexual violence Anti-poverty project Greenham Nuclear war Poetry Kam Theatre, Thunder Bay Summer solstice Women & pensions Pornography Family violence Feminist book list Authors/Contributors: B. Lindsay Working Group on Sexual Violence Iris Johnson Janis Aylward Josie Wallenius Gert Beadle Arja Liz Martin Fiona Karlstedt Elaine Goodwin Noreen Lavoie Anna McColl Margaret Phillips Donna Phoenix Deborah Ratelle Alma Teravenen Sara Williamson Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1985-06 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English