765 10 13585 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 https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2788/1985_Vol_9_No_2.pdf fdf2903b67efe3c9ff80ef2f8aa60234 PDF Text Text Northern W $1.00 Journal AUGUST 1985 VO QP i .1,y, 1 4 k -,, 7777'.!- ";11 - - -- -:__ - -7:-- j---- __ __ :;:-----"---- PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �WELCOME HOME JOAN EDITOR' AL Our readers will be as delighted as we are to know that Joan Baril is back in Thunder Bay. Joan's significant contribution to The Northern Woman is so welcome. We wish to thank those readers who promptly renewed their subscriptions recruited new subscribers and sent donations. The monies thus received have replenished our coffers sufficiently to publish this current issue. Our long-term finances, howgver, are still precarious, so we must re-iterate our appeal. If each of you who read this issue found five new subscribers-the Northern Woman would be financially secure. Please help us keep our journal healthy. . NORTHERN VOICE Seven years later, here I am, a feminist, still living in this small northern, one-industry town. It is called Iroquois Falls and is located north of North Bay, about 300 miles. According to the tourist pamphlets, Iroquois Falls is known as the "garden town of the north". I can't help but grin every time I come across the description. Certainly there are a few gardens around, but they can hardly justify the picturesque description Iroquois Falls was given. So what does a feminist do in a male-dominated town? She tries hard to hold onto her sanity. Mind you, I wasn't always a feminist.. When I first arrived, I was your typical, loving wife, who cooked wonderful dishes and anxiously awaited her husband's return from a far off bush camp. Those were lonely days when I was too shy to meet people and rathered the safety of our small apartment. The love of my life was home rarely and long distance phone calls to my family were frequent. Those calls made me feel I wasn't reaching out and touching someone, rather, I felt more depressed because I realized how far out of reach they actually were. Nothing was familiar to me, not the french I heard around me, nor the constant talking about others which was so much a part of the small town atmosphere. I remember taking my first taxi ride and the driver telling me how much I was going to enjoy living in a small town. He cautioned me. Everybody knew everybody else's business. Coming from Toronto,'it fascinated and alienated me to see so much interest in other people's lives. Back home, you were just another face in the crowd. But in Iroquois Falls, people talked about you, though it may not always be good, but at least they knew you existed. That was my first impression several years ago and the town hasn't changed much. But I have. Due to some very important people in my life, I grew and changed, though I still feel lonely. But it's a different kind of loneliness that has taken over. I feel I am amongst the few feminists who are a minority that share the feminist perspective. To simply acknowledge yourself as such is similar to having the bubonic plague. People fear the word as if being a feminist means being a radical, man-hating woman. How can we make them understand that we are not out to expel them, but to add the word "equality" to their vocabulary. Iroquois Falls is isolated from the rest of Ontario in the sense that new ideas and views are slow in being accepted. The graduating teenager in the town tends to hold onto their grandparents views that are stereotyped sexual roles. If you're lucky enough to be hired at the paper mill and protected by a union, you are often subjected to rude sexual comr ments and sexism at its best. I feel like a closet feminist sometimes, as I realize how gently I must introduce feminist views in order to reach a greater scope of women and not frighten them away. It can be so frustrating and tiresome because often I feel like shouting out at the inequality and sexism being practiced here. I remain optomistic as I realize change is possible. The wheels of progress have started to turn in the form of consciousness raising and support group which is slowly becoming a reality. Eventually, we hope to reach the women who need a place to go for support and information for whatever the cause. Alcohol and wife beating are just a few of the more popular problems. They're real and large in number, unlike the facilities for the women. Only recently has a home for battered women been established in our area. For three to six weeks the home offers ten women and their children the opportunity to re-examine their lives with the help of trained staff. This is just a bandaid solution though. Still, what is needed is a place where women can go to share and have access to new ideas, and views which will enable them to realize their self worth. So while other feminists across Canada are struggling over issues to agree on and fight for, those of us in small communities are plowing ahead to educate women to just feel comfortable with the word "feminist" W e have a long way to go. Even if the rest of Canada takes on the feminist perspective, it's isolated towns like Iroquois Falls that will stagnate if we let them. So, we go on. Kim Gareau Dear NWJ: Thank you for the complimentary copy of your journal and a small donation as well as subscription funding is enclosed. Keep up the great work, please: Jeanne Edwards Dear NWJ: Please renew my subscription and also find enclosed a donation, I hope this helps, as $5.00 seems such a small amount to kay for all the talent and information contained in the Journal. Linda Salamon ALERT, INDIAN WOMEN WHO LOST STATUS. The amendments to the Indian Act allowing reinstatement have passed. To apply for reinstatement for yourselves and your children contact Indian Affairs or the Legal Clinic in your area. We're always good people. NORTHERN WOMAN page 2 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �appointment (phone (807) 548-4325). Northern women travelling through Kenora should call the day before. UPDATE Joan Baril Holdings include books, periodicals, clipping collections, pamphlets, memorabilia from lesbian The official opening is an exciting first for Thunder Bay --- Immigrant Women's August 23 from 3-6 pm and it's organizations and events etc. Donations of items for the expenses are vey welcome. Mailing address: LARC c/o collection or money for Employment Place is a centre run by immigrant women to help women find jobs. It's a Isabel Andrews, RR #2 Kenora, seems every feminist periodical has a list. There is the Canadian Women's Festival '85 August 30, 31 and September 1 self-help centre where women can share their experiences about work issues, discuss what the barriers to employment are P9N 3W8. .. Conferences - it and consider strategies. The centre is in downtown Port at Kildonan Park Winnipeg. In November Charlottetown will Arthur ward across from Eaton's, upstairs at 12A South Court Street. The coordinator is Thuy Ly. **Mary Rakowski and Fiona Karlstedt have prepared a handbook to assist host the Farm Women's Conference with the theme "Networking for Action". held June 6,7 at the Avila The Northwestern Ontario Centre was so successful that Women's Health Education women who are considering Northwestern Ontario Decade Project is holding its annual running for political office. Council is attempting to meeting with workshop October The booklet, a project of the arrange a repeat. Moderator 18, 19, 20 at Avila Centre Economic Development Committee Susan McPhail from London, Bay. They'll be working of the Northwestern Ontario Ontario guided the group into Thunder on strategies for the future in Decade Council, is a guide for an understanding of women's health issues in women seeking office at the peer/feminist counselling as Northwestern Ontario. municipal level. It sets out apposed tothe traditional Interested local women should the pitfalls, and also gives social ,worker/client model with phone 345-1410 Monday practical information. The its innate imbalance of power. Wednesday.. Anna McColl of guide, which has been published Approximately half of the this Journal attended the locally, is available to Feminist Counselling Workshop eighteen participants were from the region outside Thunder Bay. Once, what we read about women came to us filtered through the Feminist Periodical Conference in June which was held outside as if a Centre will start up axiomatic among feminists that this Septembre. The 268 women women learn when we speak the polled -want a centre to lobby truth of our own lives. for women's issues (seen as a women of Project Mayday, priority by 77.6%), to provide on The the North Shore, have just information on women's completed action research activities in Thunder Bay and study, thetheir result of in-depth Canada (73%), and arrange interviews and so, for the self-defence and assertiveness journal of writing by teens published in Calgary, and interested women...... According to a survey done by a group of Lakehead University women, the women students want a Women's Centre on campus and it looks portfolio bulging with tpatriarcal reatment plant of the publications including Teen mind. But now, it is Herizons, a newspaper-style time, we have in written training (56%). The women also first form the lives and experiences indicated they want information of women in Ontario on scholarships (72.8%), job single-industry towns --- in creation (70.5%), and health this case Schrieber, Marathon, topics such as birth control Manitowadge and Terrace Bay. (61.6%). The women learned interview Some university women's techniques from Diana Ellis centres concentrate on helping (Women's Research Centre, B.C.) women thread their way through who also helped them to draw up the enormous amount of material interview guides. The issues connected with the new which come out of the report disciplines of women's studies. will be used as the basis for An example is the Women s t he Northshore Women's at the Conference October 26, 27. Resource Centre University of Guelph. Not Ear Falls surprisingly 71.9% of Lakehead Congratulations, Mothers' Action Committee. When to the women who responded the local council cancelled the questionaire priorized women's swim program and supervised studies as a need. Other centres focus on health. One such was the Birth Control and Counselling Centre which operated at Lakehead for five years (1969-1974) and which also served as a women's lobby and drop-in centre.*.. University women often have to battle hard for a place on campus. University of Toronto women have been trying to get a women's building for sixty years. Chief opposition comes from male students and **The Breaking the Silence a feminist magazine on social issues from Ottawa. is A 1 so mew The Newsmagazine, a new glossy from Alberta. * The official opening of the first women's centre in Hearst was marked by two days of ceremonies. Town councillor Sheila Lamontangne, and the regional representative to National Action Committee on the Status of Women (N.A.C.) Kathryn Fournier, were the speakers the first day. There was also a wine and cheese party. There was open house the second day. Margot Blight form Thunder Bay spoke on the varying styled of women's centres. The Centre, which will offer bilingual services, is a first for Hearst, the result of beach, the women lobbied several years of work by programs available to children. Still battling, the Women's Committee in Nakina against the group. The Centre defines successfully to keep the CN runthrough. They have worked hard to show how the CN phase-out will affect community life. In recent hearings, they weren't even given a place on the agenda. Bravo to the women of Vermillion Bay who spearheaded the fight against the plan to dump PCB asphalt near their community and forced -administrators who pretend g overnment officials to women's causes have no validity reconsider the scheme...***LARC in order to divert scarce funds (Lesbian Archives and Resource and resources into activities Centre) near Kenora is open by and they find less threatiening more congenial. Montreal. She returned with a France-Femmes, a local women's itself as a service organization to provide counselling, rape crisis work, information, referral and lobbying action on women's issues. It will also set up workshops and 'conferences. 4.4,4 It must be a joke, a shaggy dog joke -.you don't know whether to laugh, cry or ignore it. To Flora MacDonald and all the Tories "It 's a landmark", a "major step foreward" and they can say it with a straight face. NORTHERN WOMAN page 4 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �conferences on the Decade of Women in Nairobi received almost as much mainstream media coverage as the visit of the giant pandas. The Globe and Mail sent their expert on re000 LIM *-/ Oil v in:10 1:100 EILICIOCIODD "squeal bills" which require women considering abortion. "attractive" and "a most recently passed by the Illinois in the language of men" He would allow a husband to get an of Greece who he described as feminine woman who could argue thrilled at her looks, "Handsome, patrician looking...superbly dressed," but she "gave women hard It seems to occur to nobody shuffle toward equity. Regan, women would be What it is really about is Mauree interested in hearing from statistics --reporting women like. Papandreou, who is, statistics. Starting in in fact, a tireless grass roots 1988,companies have to hand in organizer of womin in Greece. reports telling governments who So much is going on at Nairobi they employ, detailing how many --- two major conferences, 7000 are women, disabled people, visible minorities and so on; not all companies, mind you, but Crown Corporations and parents. (A similar measure is being considered in Saskatchewan). Then there are doctors and others to inform on instead of colour and it is only the tiniest that storiesabout big names like not much to do with employment else ie husband, father, both women, Michael Valpy who was struck by Margarita Papandreou While other women It 's "Employment Equity" a lectures". "gave flowery speeches", hers term so meaningless it would were "closely reasoned". make George Orwell blush. It's written permission from someone participants, hundreds of meetings and panels. For example under the heading "Media" we find listed fifty "federally regulated" employers workshops at the NGO conference Another type is the bill legislature this spring. It injunction to prevent the wife from having an abortion. (It will likely be vetoed by the state governor.) A new ploy is to require the woman to dispose of the fetal tissue°. In New Jersey proposed legislation would require women considering abortion or who have had a spontaneous miscarriage to choose "burial, cremation, entombment" at their expense. It would mean, for example, that a woman who miscarried at home, wuld have to arrange "proper" disposal of fetal tissue or face a fine of $7500 or 18 months in jail. All this bizarre legal activity is taking place in a country which has a higher teen-age pregnancy rate and with more than 100 workers - -- (Non-government forum). Here banks, airlines, the CN. are some samples: Media, Power "Very well," I hear you say, Uses, Political Tool; more teen abortions than any other industrialized nation. A report by the Alan Guttmacher Institute concludes that other industrialized countries have more liberal attitudes toward Peacemaking --- and on and on, access to contraception without parental notification and more "what happens then eh? The Production and Broadcasting; purpose of the statistics of Colour as Writers; is...?" This is where the Women Hands-on Computer Centre; shaggy dog "comes in --- no Information Sharing on punch line, no point. According to the act, after the figures each panel as intriguing as the are handed in, o l interested last. ic, can pay a International women fee and see them. On the other organizations will network at hand, consolidation of the Nairobe. So many of our various numbers may be made --- concerns can only be dealt with f p sex than the U.S., easier cAlrcitttlirl.rf7=4411471e114keen pregnancy rates. and it will be various --- internationally. For example because there are varying the International Feminist methods of reporting --- and Network Against Sexual Slavery may be presented to Parliament. will meet there. Kathleen Well, that's it. This should Barry, author of Female Sexual make the employers of the Slavery will be present. The nation tremble, don't you group works to combat the think? There's no teeth in the forces which make forced act, no penalties for companies prostitution and pornography who hand in bad reports, no invisible, profitable and definition as to what a bad thriving. *****The good news is report is, no enforcement and the follow-up conference to be no remedy. It's like sending held at the University of David out against Goliath Guelph September 26-29. without his sling. Registration is open to anyone. Michael Sabia, the relevant This will be a major conference government official, thought which will bring messages from perhaps the Canadian Human Rilghts might do something, Nairobi and cover many topics. he's pretty sure, and maybe The theme is "the significance they could lay a complaint if of women's contribution and they didn't like what was in status in domestic and the reports even though, he international developement". allowed, they don't usually Nothern women will have their initiate complaints on their air fare subsidized. Phone Lisa own. This is the same Human Bengtsson, Secretary of State Rights Commission which was office, 345-2316.***** Studio D told, some time later, by the (National Film Board) went to Federal Court of Appeal that it Nairobi and intends to put out could not impose affirmative a film. It will be available for women's community groups. action programs. Chavira Hoseh, president of The American Scene. Over the NAC commented, "It seens the past several years each government thinks the Human American state has seen Rights Commission is to be the repeated attempts by antito bring in laws enf orcement agency f or abortionists "employment equity". If they to provent women from getting can't impose restitution, it's abortions. Many states have useless f or impos ing passed "permission" bills to it wonderful that the considering abortion get "employment equity". .. Isn't make it mandatory that women NORTHERN' WOMAN' page PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �VISIT 13ooKs DOMESTIC ABUSE INTERVENTION PROGRAM In NO IMMEDIATE DANGER? Prognosis for a Radioactive Earth ($12.95) Dr. Rosalie Bertell adds new insights to the crisis of nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. For herstory buffs the reprinting of NOT IN GOD'S IMAGE: Women in HIstory from the Greeks to the Victorians ($9.95) is welcome. Edited by Julia O'Faolian and Lauro Mart- As part of our continuing Family Dispute Unit study, three members of the Thunder Bay Physical and Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, recentStock up for your fall reading ly visited the Duluth Domestic Abuse with some of the fine new titles Intervention Program (DAIP). available at Northern Woman's BookSince 1980 the DAIP has coorstore. dinated services to families experTwo recent books by Jane Rule: iencing violence. INLAND PASSAGE ($10.95) is a collecWhen police attend a family disines. tion of short stories "..soul-deep, turbance, if probable cause exists Heleieth I. B. Saffioti "... a gentle tales (that) explore theconan assault charge must be laid, and ventional and unconventional relacontemporary pioneer in the theory the assailant is detained at the and research of women's status and tionships in all our lives", while jail until court the following mornroles.." gives us WOMEN IN CLASS A HOT EYED MODERATE ($10.95) is a ing. An advocate from the Women's SOCIETY ($12.75) collection of essays. Coalition is notified by the jailer Highly recommended for all PMS A most exciting writer that and goes to see the victim immediatesufferers Katharina Dalton's ONCE many of us are just discovering is ly. She offers support and shares A MONTH ($9.95) "is a clear, easily Jamaica Kincaid. AT THE BOTTOM OF information with the victim about THE RIVER is a collection of Kincaid': understood account of premenstrual Orders for Protection, and financial short stories. syndrome, its effects, diagnosis, and legal assistance. If the victim and complete treatment". FLIGHT OF THE SEVENTH MOON is wishes to leave her home the advoa companion piece to Lynn V. Andrews Periodicals available at the cate will assist her in getting to Bookstore include Broadside, Voices, earlier work MEDICINE WOMAN. "This the shelter. Whether or not the vicHERizons, Hysteria, Kinesis, Women beautiful book weaves rare and protim leaves she is encouraged to partand Environments, Healthsharing, found teachings of the Medicine Path icipate in weekly groups for batterFireweed, Room of One's Own. with the remarkable story of a wared women offered by the Coalition. rior woman's gateway of initiation". Place your order now for the The advocate keeps in contact with 19 86 Everywoman's Almanac. Both books are available at $10.50. the victim offering continued support and assistance. A male advocate from the DAIP visits the assailant at the jail and informs him of the Domestic Abuse Program which involves 12 weeks of group counselling and 12 weeks of an educational group. If he pleads guiltrrnr-ls-niand guilty the mandated by the court as a condition The Northwestern Ontario Women's of probation. Repeat offences involve Health EduCation Project (NWO W.H.E.P. a jail term as well as mandated counselling. a three year demonstration project Ellen Pence, Director of the DAIP scheduled to conclude August 31/85, feels that the police policy of manhas been granted a ten month extendatory arrest and the clear court sion by its funder Health Promotion guidelines for sentencing are the backDirectorate of Health and Welfare bone of the program. It emphasizes to Canada, until June 30,1986. the batter that violence is a crime. Judi Vinni has been hired for We were extremely impressed with the half-time co-ordinator's position the level of cooperation achieved by for the project and will spend the the DAIP, Police Department, courts, ten month period working with local and regional women who are attempting probation and the Women's Coalition and the commitment each shows to the to form an organization to represent program. Those we spoke with were their interests in women's health in very pleased with the outcome of the Northwestern Over the Ontario. past three years of CARRIE GERENDASY project and feel the number of repeat operation, W.H.E.P., a health promocalls to the police has gone down, tion project, developed workshop kits fewer women are withdrawing charges, on a range of health topics chosen by and both victims and batterers are women in fourteen N.W.O. communities. getting assistance through the groups. Carrie Gerendasy will be perThe seventeen workshops have been Videotapes and discussion in forming at a concert sponsored by presented in a total of twenty comboth the men's and women's groups foProject Ploughshares. The performance munities by the co- ordinators of the cus on the use of power and control will take place on October 5 at 8p.m. project and late by community women in abusive relationships. The emphasis in the sanctuary of St. Paul's United who attended training sessions in of the men's groups is to get the batChurch. Thunder Bay this past year to prepare terer to take responsibility for his Carrie is an American folk them. behaviour, while the women's groups singer who has earned the reputation The health workshops provide indiscourage the victims from blaming of being one of Minneapolis' most formation b.ut emphasize group partithemselves, and encourage assertiveimpressive solo acts. Her high energy cipation so that women can share their presentation, moving interpretations, ness. knowledge, identify their needs and The DAIP is offering a "Communand genuine concern for using music formulate their own solutions. ity Interventions in Domestic Assault as a statement, all make for an unforCurrently a core group of seven Cases" Conference from Oct.31 to Nov. gettable experience. The Mothers' Day women, representing thirty regional 1/85 to share their success and faiMarch for Peace, Take Back the Night women involved with W.H.E.P. are planlures with other groups or individuals Marches, Anti-Pornography rallies, ning a conference to be held in Thunworking in the area of family violence. and ERA rallies are various events der Bay, October 18-20/85. If anyone is interested in further inat which Carrie has performed.. "The purpose of the ten month formation on the conference please Tickets are $5.00 for adults extensions" say W.H.E.P. co-ordinacontact us at 345-1871. and $3.00 for seniors, youth, and tors "is to ensure that workshops are unemployed. Tickets are available at in Northwestern Ontario communities Submitted by Brenda Persson & Pam Dunk the local Peace Coaliton Office (345. and being used as a resource." 0372) or at the Women's Centre. HEALTH CONCERT , NORTHERN -WOMAN page 6 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �QUALITY DAY CARE A CHILD'S With growing frequency the situation of day care in Canada is described as "crisis". It could also be called a tragedy. As a society we must seriously question why we tolerate a situation that prevents hundreds of thousands of our youngest children from receiving quality care. This deplorable situation is not new. (As a social planner I have been expounding the same day care concerns, the same recommendations for some fifteen years.) What is so frightening is that, despite conscientious attempts by many day care advocates, the day care situation not only has failed to improve, but is actually deteriorating. The reality is that nowhere in Canada do we have a comprehensive child care system. Rather, we have a faulty welfare system that will never appropriately serve child care needs. How long can we tolerate a situation where less than 12% of Canadian children under 6yrs. of age in need of day care have access to licensed, supervised programs? What possible rationale can be given for excluding low and middle income families from day care services because of prohibitive user fees of $4000 - 5000 per year, per child? (Only very low income families qualify for subsidy, only very high income families can afford the exhorbitant fees.) What justification is there for exploiting ay care workers through grossly inadequate wages -- on average barely 30% of beginning elementary school teachers salaries? Why do we tolerate a system that inflicts tremendous emotional stress on so many mothers who have no choice but to place their children with unqualified, inappropriate caregivers? If we value children, if we value families, significant, systemic societal changes must occur ... and must occur soon. ISSUES The major day care issues are easily identifiable. They are quality, cost, accessibility. A further, yet inter-related issue is the status and wages of day care workers. Quality It should be self-evident that quality care is essential for infants and children in their formative years. The principles of quality day care have been succinctly outlined by the Ontario Coalition for Better Day Care when they state: "Daycare programs must focus on the education, the rearing and the physical care of the child. The education function involves developmental programs concerned with the intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth of the child. The rearing function involves liasion with the home to complement family life and provide the kind of guidance children would receive at home. The caring function integrates health and social services as required. It should include proper nutrition and preventative medical care, by MARGARET PHILLIPS R IGH T requires adequate provisions for physical facilities and space. In a responsive childcare system, there should be flexibility to allow working parents to select the type and location of childcare that meets the needs of both parents and child. Programs in all locations, should be monitored according to a set of standards and regulations established by the provincial government which embody these principles." Most day care consumers agree that the preferable choice of a day care program is a non-profit group day care centre. Concern arises with for-profit centres (which comprise 40% of Ontario licensed spaces) as quality may suffer in the cost-saving measures that ensure profit for these commercial centres. While quality care will vary between centres, at least parents have the assurance that these centres are licensed and monitored. The majority of families, however, must rely on the "informal system" .. i.e. baby-sitters, neighbours, relatives, where no licensing or supervision exists. The care received in these situations is generally unknown and of uncertain quality. The growing use of the term "informal system" is most unfortunate, because it means nothing more than unsupervised care, and the government trend to include these situations within a day care "system" is distressing. (I will return to this topic under the discussion of funding.) To date research on quality and developmental aspects of day care has been largely confined to day care centre programs (the "formal system"). The one major study of unlicensed, unsupervised care conducted by Metro 'Toronto Social Planning Council confirmed our fears about the inadequacy of "informal" care. The study reports that "... the children in these types of arrangements generally received only custodial-type care which ignored their development needs. While their basic physical needs may have been met, the children were more likely to spend their time watching television than engaging in creative developmental activities. Regular outdoor play and excursions, active physical play, creative activites, and nutrious meals and snacks were not found to be part of the program in most private, unsupervised day care arrangements. The providers, who typically lacked training in how to work with young children and had no long-,t.erm commitment to the provision of child care, tended to see their work as a stop-gap to tide them over until personal and family circumstances allowed them to work outside the home." (Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women, Day Care in Canada: A Background Paper, 1984) Numerous day care need studies and inquiries repeatedly set forth the serious problems that parents experience in using unsupervised careparticularly baby-sitters. In addressing the Ontario Federation of Labour Day Care hearings in 1981, one Thunder Bay mother, expressing her concern about being forced into making inadequate private arrangements, stated "In my son's short life he was fed starches and sugar because they keep children quiet, and were cheaper than fruits and vegetables, and plunked in front of a TV instead of being provided with stimulating play". A recent study of Thunder Bay child care arrangements (N.W.O. Women's Centre, Project Child Care 1984) found that instability of care arrangements - particularly baby-sitting care was a serious problem for many Thunder Bay families. It was found that of those parents using babysitters 44% had had to change sitters one or more times during the previous twelve months. One mother changed sitters 8 times in the twelve month period. This study also found that "large proportions of those using either care by relatives or sitter care would, if they had their choice, use formal care as their preferred childcare arrangement." This finding substantiates the conclusion of many other studies as summarized by the CACSW report which states "A review of the findings reveals some common trends and patterns in parental views on the form of care considered most suitable for their children .... they want licensed, supervised care, preferably in a day care centre. How stressful it is for families who because of accessibility problems and cost factors are unable to exercise this choice. a r graphics by ANN-IDA BECK continued next page NORTHERN WOMAN page 7 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Accessibility The CACSW report points out that jn 1982 the ratio of spaces to children had actually declined (see table below). While a modest increase in day care spaces has occurred in the intervening period it has in no way kept pace with the increase into the labour force of women with young children. For example, in Ontario the percentage of women in the labour force with children aged 3-5 yrs. increased from 58.3% in 1981 to 61.5% in 1983. The increase in the labour force of women with children under 3 yrs. is even greater - from 49.5% in 1981 to 53.2% in 1983. This trend continues. Analysts predict that by 1990 75% of women with children under 6 yrs. will be in the paid labour force. Recognizing the implication of this trend -- the increasing numbers of children who will require day care -- and considering that in 1982, of the children who needed care only 11.6% were served by licensed, supervised programs, the issue of accessibility of day care spaces becomes paramount. The need for infant/toddler supervised care is even more dramatic, as the 1982 figures show that only 5% of under 2 yr. olds were served. (National Day Care Information Centre) The availability of day care varies considerably. While few areas are adequately served, and virtually no where can one find an appropriate continuum of infant, pre-school and 'latch-key' services - there are many areas that are totally without service. /The situation in rural areas is particularly critical. For farm women .. whether they are full-time farmers, or working off the farm, or a combination of both (in addition to their household work - which is frequently the sole responsibility of women), the need for day care is acute. As a study by the National Farmers Union of their female membership points out "... many parents have no alternative but to take their children into the barn or field with them while they work. This is not only a dangerous environment for a child but is a source of distraction for the parents who are then more susceptible to having an accident". No longer can day care be considered an urban phenonenum. Rural children also need day care and policies must be flexible enough to provide the appropriate services. Table 1. Year How accessible is day care in Northwestern Ontario? It varies. During the past fifteen years a number of municipal Councils/Indian Band Councils have initiated day care programs. At present day care centres providing pre-school, and in some cases latch key services, are operated by Geraldton, Longlac, Long Lake Indian Band, Heron Bay, Balmertown, Dryden, Ear Falls, Fort Frances, Grassy Narrows, Kenora, Islington, (Whitedog), Onegaming, Red Lake, Shoal Lake, Sioux Lookout, Whitefish Bay. A community non-profit corporation has recently opened a day care centre in Marathon. Thunder Bay has four municipal centres, the Confederation College Children and Family Centre, and a commercial centre. A workplace day care will open this fall (St. James School) for Board of Education employees. Whitefish Bay has the only infant care centre in the district. Thunder Bay and Fort Frances operate licensed private home day care programs that accommodate infants and toddlers. As can be seen by the omissions from the foregoing list there are a number of communities in our district that are totally lacking in child care services. Concerned parents and community members in Atikokan and Ignace have been advocating for day care for years. Recently a strong Terrace Bay committee has formed to promote a day care centre in that community. Farm women in Northwestern Ontario are also stressing the need for rural day care. In a brief to the Ontario Advisory Council on the Status of Women (Dryden, 1984) Janet Owen and Jacquelyn Hunsperger of the Farm Women of the Rainy River Distriat stated that "In rural areas affordable good quality childcare is non-existent" and discussed the need for childcare when mothers work on or off the farm. They pointed out that "women are often restricted from attending farm meetings because of inadequate childcare and/or lack of finances to pay baby-sitters". They recommended that "day care centres be set up in small hamlets in rural areas so women can leave their children there one or two days a week while they catch up on the essential parts of the farm operation that cannot'be accomplished with children in tow. A very important spin-off of this option would be the opportunity for the children to interact with other children, giving them the chance to develop social skills". Numbers of children under 6 requiring day care and licensed spaces available, Canada, 1975-1982 Estimated number of children under 6 with mothers in the labour force Number of children under 6 occupying licensed family and day care centre spaces Percentage of children under 6 with access to licensed day care Number of children under 6 not accomodated within the formal system 1975 562,000 64,589 11.49% 497,411 1976 620,000 75,330 12.15% 544,670 1977 656,000 73,865 11.26% 582,135 1978 695,000 73,475 10.57% 621,525 1979 721,000 86,780 12.03% 634,220 1980 760,000 92,423 12.16% 667,577 1982 950,000 110,573 11.63% 839,427 Source: Health and Welfare Canada, National Day Care Information Centre, Status of Day Care in Canada, 1975-1980; Day Care Spaces in Canada - 1982. (Figures for 1981 are not available). NORTHERN WOMAN page 8 The number of day care spaces in Thunder Bay must also be questioned. For example, there are no municipal day care centres (the only centres where parents may apply for subsidy) in Northwood, Neebing, McIntyre or Current River wards. Accessibility is a Northwestern Ontario problem. For some it means lack of preferred space. For others it means no choice at all. But even in those centres that have day care spaces available the cost prohibits many families from utilizing these quality services. Cost The issue of cost is, without question, the most disturbing problem we face in Northwestern Ontario. It is the primary concern of most parents presently using "formal" day care, and it impinges on the hopes of others who are working to initiate day care in their communities. The funding dilemma has quickly become a crisis and without immediate attention will only worsen. The crux of the problem is, of course, that governments de f care as a welfare service, providing day care subsidies only to those they judge "needy" and requiring "user fees" from all other day care consumers. The problem will only be resolved when day care becomes a universal, publicly funded (yet non-compulsory) service, as health and education are universal services. A system that rationalizes societal support to parents for their 6 yr. olds, yet denies such support to 3 yr. olds needs to be questioned. Mind you, many arguments against universal day care sound suspiciously like the arguments that were advanced against universal education 100 years ago. So, at the present time, day care functions under the welfare system and through the Canada Assistance Plan 'provinces may set up day care subsidy programs based on CAP guidelines which set the social and financial framework for provincial participation. In Ontario, day care is provided under the Day Nurseries Act. The province will pay 30% of the net cost of subsidized day care, the federal contribution is 50% while themunicipality pays the remaining 20%. To meet the financial ability criteria re day care subsidization Ontario employs a "needs" test, as is required for general welfare assistance. (All other provinces use an "income" test criteria which is felt to be less intrusive and more equitable). The "needs" test method determines the amount of family income available for the purchase of day care services after all its approved expenses have been met. People subjected to a "needs" test find this a demeaning experience, as well as a serious PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �invasion of privacy. Another argument against the needs test approach (reported by the CACSW study) is "That it forces a family to contribute its entire residual income up to the full unit cost of day care services, whereas the income test approach establishes a'sliding scale usually based on an expenditure of 50% of the amount by which family income exceeds the turning point". Under CAP, provincial subsidies are only cost sharable with the federal government for families who qualify for subsidy. Provinces are free to provide subsidies to families with larger incomes, but cannot recover the federal 50% of these costs. Many municipalities have established "user fees" for unsubsidized families that in fact do not cover the full per diem costs of operating the day care program. This practice has come to be called "the indirect subsidy". In 1983 the Ontario government informed municipalities that "the practice of indirect subsidization must be eliminated by January 1, 1986". (It is understood that this date has been extended to September 1986) The elimination of indirect subsidies will have drastic consequences for day care. Already some Ontario centres have been forced to close, as unsubsidized families are forced to seek less expensive care through relatives or baby-sitters. The N.W.O. Women's Centre study (1984) found a significant use of relative care, which was uncWrstandable as, of the respondents using relative care, 59% paid nothing for this child care. There are a lot of generous grandmothers in-tThunder Bay! But in our mobile society most young parents do not have extended family available to provide this free service. (And this situation ignores the economic security needs of older women who are thus working without pay.) As the majority of day care. in Northwestern Ontario is municipally operated the future of day care in our region is indeed bleak. A survey of N.W.O. centres, conducted by Margie Bettiol-Young of Sioux Lookout, concluded that "the policy will ultimately cause the closure of centres due to a drastic drop in enrolment." This study found that the anticipated per diem rates for 1986 averaged $25 ($18-30 range) however current fees ranged from $9-14 (average $12). Without indirect subsidization middle and low-income families cannot afford day care. This essentially is the situation already in Thunder Bay where day care fees have increased dramatically ... a 350% increase in the past eleven years, making it more and more impossible for middle income families to afford. The current fees of $17.50 per child per day are reported to be increasing to $21 in 1986, thus even further denying quality day care to the average family. Why are the children of middle income families denied supervised day care? If we believe that all children have the right to quality care it certainly makes no sense. Has this outcome occurred accidently? Or is it a deliberate policy of the former Conservative government to force married mothers out of the labour force? The statistics previously cited demonstrate that wo- men's participation, in the paid labour force continues to increase despite day care inadequacy. The only result of Ontario's day care policy is that more and more children are denied quality care. Another very disturbing factor is the Ontario government's trend the past few years to provide funding of support services to the "informal system", thus legitimizing unregulated, unsupervised arrangements as day care, as well as using the scarce financial resources that should be going to the "formal system". The CACSW report insists that with this approach "the goal of developing a comprehensive system of day care services is subverted". The report states that "there is no basis on which to conclude that the provision of such so-called support services in a community actually has any impact on the quality of care delivered to children in informal arrangements". There is urgent need not only to infuse new financial resources into child care but also to ensure funding priorities recognize the right of children to quality care. Exploitation of Day Care Workers The commitment of people working in the day care field has kept day care alive in Ontario. In effect day care workers subsidize parent fees through their low wages. As the Coalition for Better Day Care states "Because of underfunding, day care programs in this province are faced with the cynical choice of either exploiting parents or exploiting staff to avoid exploiting children". Because of low wages, poor benefits, low status and few chances for improvement, staff turnover in child care programs is high. Staff turnover disrupts the caregiverchild relationship to the detriment of the children. While the wages of day care centre staff is abysmal on average $267 per week in Ontario the income provided to supervised private home caregivers is even more horrendous. For an average of $12 per day per child home care providers are expected to provide toys, nutrious meals and snacks, equipment and a stimulating program. When the 'hidden' costs of depreciation, insurance and home maintenance are considered the net gain for the provider may be nil. Day Care: A Women's Issue Ideally, day care should be seen as a societal issue, of equal concern to men and women. The reality is that day care remains primarily a women's issue. It is women who experience the stress of balancing job and child care responsibilities. It is mothers who forego job opportunities because of inadequate day care and parental leave policies. By and large, it is mothers who make child care arrangements and who worry about the inadequacy of these arrangements. It is women who provide care - at exploitative (or no) wages. The vast majority of day care centre staff are women, and it will be these women who lose jobs if day care centres are forced to close. As the Abella Report, Equality in Employment states "For women who are mothers, a major barrier to equality in the workplace is the absence of affordable child care of adequate quality". So when we talk about day care we are talking about equality for women. But, we are also talking about the right of children to quality care. And so, the issue of day care is not only an issue for parents and day care workers. It is an issue for everyone concerned with equality and justice in our society. What Next In official discussions of day care policy these essential issues tend to be ignored, but rather are superceded by budget considerations and jurisdictional debates. With a new government installed in Ontario, whose election platform included day care reform, day care parents and advocates have had their hopes raised. However, no action has as yet been forthcoming. The concerted effort of community people is required to ensure adequate day care programs and policies are developed by all levels of government. A number of groups have formed for this purpose. The Canadian Day Care Advocacy Association is a voluntary organization that addresses day care issues at the national level. In Ontario the provincial advocate is the Coalition for Better Day Care (see article by Joan Baril). Action is also occurring in Northwestern Ontario. The most notable example is the important work that has been done by the Sioux Lookout Parents Committee who have made presentations to municipal and provincial authorities, and have encouraged media attention to the issues of indirect subsidization and quality care. Dryden also has an active Parents Committee, and recently concerned Thunder Bay citizens have organized the Thunder Bay Advocates for Quality Child Care. (See article this issue) con 't next page NORTHERN SW OMAN page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �QUALITY DAY CARE (con't) The Northwestern Ontario Regional Day Care Committee has also been formed to help 'network' and share information amongst all community day care groups. The Committee will provide support to any community organizing advocacy associations, as well as developing links with provincial and national bodies to ensure N.W.O. input. Committee representatives will travel throughout N.W.O. this fall to meet with all interested groups. The Committee would welcome your suggestions - please write: N.W.O. Regional Day Care Committee, Box 144, Thunder Bay, P7C 4V5. THE DAYCARE Developing a quality day care system will not be easy ... but it is vital that we organize now to achieve this goal. "Childcare is a social investment in the future. It is not, therefore, the exclusive financial responsibility of an employer, or a union, or a worker, or a parent. It is a public expense that should ultimately be borne by all taxpayers, much as education is. Childcare should be seen as a public service to which every child has a right. Childcare is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Unless government policy responds to this urgency, we put women, children, and the economy of the future at risk. Considering that more than half of all Canadian children spend much of their time in the care of people other than their parents, and that more than half of all parents need childcare services for their children, social policy should not be permitted to remain so greatly behind (Judge Rosalie Silberman the times." Abella, Commissioner, Equality in Employment, October 1984) CRISIS by JOAN BARIL A coalition - "a temporary combination for special ends" says the Concise Oxford, "Between parties that remain distinctive." It's a short term thing - everyone dances together until the music ends and in this case the music doesn't end until we have a better system in Ontario. There are some strong partners in the Coalition for Better Daycare - Ontario Federation of Labour, Ontario Teachers' Federation, Action Daycare, The,Ontario Social'Development Council, for starters, as well as local chapters of the Coalition throughout Ontario. Janet Davis, who has been travelling across the province on behalf of the Coalition, recently spoke at Ogden Street Community School. She has been a worker in daycare for ten years, as a volunteer and as an employee. As well, she has a resident user in son Keith, age 5. For years, she said, she was "on the borderline", that situation where a woman knows that a slight change in her financial position may mean she will be cut off from her daycare subsidy. "The whole daycare system is a mess, " she says, The Coalition uses the word "crisis". It has always been expensive for those who have to pay full fee - $350 a month per child is the provincial average and climbing. In Thunder Bay, it could go as high as $500.00 a month. In some municipalities such as Peterborough the fee payers dropped out one by one, and the only users are fully subsidized. It's the ghettoization of the system - no social mix for the kids - and daycare, no longer accessible to the general population, becomes a "welfare service." Those who are eligible for subsidy are treated accordingly endless forms, monthly reporting. Some cities hire "snoops" to make sure the mother of little Kevin doesn't have a man to stay, or isn't the future of day care in NWO. doing typing in the evening after work and not reporting the earnings to the daycare officials. How does Thunder Bay stack-up against the rest of the province? Janet gave us the gold ribbon for our daycare centres, "some of the best in the province"; but we got bad marks for excessive paper work. Women have to hand in monthly reports here, whereas other places require reports only every six months. It's not only a "petty harassment" for the mothers, but the administrative excess, the checking, printing, phoning, tracking down, -reminding, compiling, etc. and etc., add unnecessarily to our costs. Thunder Bay is not the only municipality which tangles the parent in expensive red-tape. Women who want to know if they are eligible for subsidy (or partial subsidy) have to go through a needs test. In some places the completion of this requires long forms, sometimes taking two hours, and perhaps a visit to the home by a social worker - sometimes a visit to the applicant's workplace is done as well. The good news is that Thunder Bay has changed its needs test. It now allows applicants to claim more realistic living expenses. This means that persons who have been turned down in the past may be eli- the fault lies with the feminists and working mothers (absurd and frigten.ing.) Nevertheless, broad support for quality daycare is widespread. The purpose of the Coalition is to mobilize that support. Local coalitions lobby their local governments. In Thunder Bay, affordability is an issue, as it is everywhere. We also need to allow "purchase of service agreements" to be given to community groups. This means that parents who are Board of Education employees, and who want to send their children to the new St. James School daycare may be eligible for a subsidy. It could mean, for example, that student parents at Confederation College could use the daycare facilities on campus. gible. The system of funding and subsidies is Byzantine, and like the ancient empire, it is crumbling. The Liberal government has made pledges; it is also written in the famous accord between the NDP and the Liberals. But, political promises sometimes get, lost, and daycare is becomr ing something of a political hot tt****************************************, potato again. The mood from the Amer- ; PREPARE NOW ican right, which is drifting across The federal Parliamentary Task the border, is anti-daycare and anti-women. For example, a Dr. Clarke, t Force on Child Care is expected to of Windsor Family and Children's hold hearing this fall. The results ; Services, of has publically blamed the Task Force deliberations-will; working mothers for divorce, alcoholbe very important. Plan now to pre- ; ism, and sent family violence. Various a brief to the Task Force, exarticles and books recently published pressing your recommendations for have the same theme. Another ploy to argue that women who want to stay home with their young children get little help from society (true), and PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �DAY CARE ADVOCATES JAS Concern for the future of day are locally and provincially has rompted the development of a new oranization - Thuder Bay Advocates for uality Child Care. At the organizaion's founding meeting held recently he following goals were adopted. ong Term Goal To advocate for a universal, ublicly-funded, non-compulsory day are system which will provide high uality child care services to all hildren/families who need/desire uch services. Short Term Goals 1) To advocate for the improvement of provincial/federal day care policy and the expansion of programs, including: a) direct subsidies to non-profit day care organizations/agencies to permit (1) lower user fees, and (2) increased day care staff wages b) capital funding to non-profit organizations/agencies for the construction/renovation of new day care facilities c) maintaining high standards of health, safety and programming of day care services, and of training of day care staff d) an increase in subsidized day care spaces 2) To monitor the provision of day care services within Thunder Bay, and make representation, as appropriate, to the City for the improvement of municipal day care policy and the expansions of programs 3) To provide support for the improvement of the status, wages and working conditions of (licensed) day care staff/providers 4) To encourage public awareness of the present day care crisis in Ontario/Canada and the solutions to the crisis; and to promote public support for the provision of high quality day care as the right of every child. (i.e. day care as a right not a welfare service) To develop links with non5) profit day care groups regionally, provincially and nationally to share information and support; and where appropriate, to work collectively with such groups to promote improved government day care policy and the expansion of programs. The group plans to sufvey candidates in the upcoming municipal elections concerning their commitment to day care, and will prepare a brief to the federal Parliamentary Task Force on Child Care which is expected to hold hearings this fall. Membership (fee $3.00) is open to all Thunder Bay-individuals who subscribe to the aforementioned goals. It is hoped that large numbers of parents, day care workers/providers and interested citizens will join Advocates for Quality Child Care and strengthen the voice of day care in Thunder Bay. FEM INIST PRESS Anna McColl Issues raised in workshops covThis_qummer I had the opportunity ered advertising, the collective proces f meeting with 50 women representing cess, design on a shoestring, funding, 5 women's publications from across maintaining an editorial policy, power anada. The occasion was the Feminist and skill sharing, subscription proeriodicals Conference held in the motion, recruiting and training voliny village of St. Marc-Sur-Richlieu IN CELEBRATION OF unteers and working with writers. CANADIAN WOMEN a forty minute drive from Montreal. Poetry and Short Stories by and about In a resolution at the closing The conference got off to a good Canadian Women will be edited by session we voted to act as a group to tart with a relaxed wine and cheese Greta Hofmann Nemiroff and support any feminist periodicals that et-together at tbe women's centre published by Fitzhenry and Whiteside come under similar attack to that of on Rue Urbain. This was followed by early in 1986. Deadline for this Winnipeg's HERizons. HERizons was atn amusing bus ride to St. Mares thematically organized anthology is October 1, 1985. For further tacked for its editorial stand on ith Susan de Rosa of she planning co information, please contact Greta choice on abortion and on lesbianism ommittee giving a more than credible Hofmann Nemiroff, The New School, by some local religious and anti-choic performance as tour guide - with adDawson College, 485 McGill St., choice groups led by their clown ittedly some good-natured prompting Montreal H2Y 2H4. prince Joe Borowski. rom the bus driver. It was also resolved to underThe comfortable atmosphere estabtake a joint promotion and marketished earlier by the warmth of our ing campaign to improve our base of reeting upon arrival at the offices 50,000 subscribers and our combined f Communiqu'elles (the organisers of annual budget of one and aha he conference) 'wasn't hurt by the annual budget of I-5 million dollars hoice of location, a lovely old inn Other resolutions were to broaden our he 160 year old Auberge Hadfield base among women of visible minorities ituated on the Richelieu river. The and to research the possibility of ccommodation consisted of private having a staff person for a national ooms in small houses scattered organization. hroughout the grounds of the Inn. The energy and enthusiasim generated his arrangement lent itself to late by the women at the conference along ight visiting and partying. with Eleanor Wochtel's quote that " The keynote speaker Greta Publishing feminist periodicals is ofmann Nemiroff, addressed the iman act of defiance against the dis-. ortance of women's writing. missal of the women's movement" surely Saturday's opening address was strengthened the determination of many iven by Eleanor Wachtel, editor of to carry on in the face of adversity OOM of ONE'S OWN (a literary journal and to be that act of defiance. ut of Vancouver) and author of FEMINT PRINT MEDIA. 1s. Wachtel stressed e need that we be more radical; rended us that we live in dangerous mes, that feminist publications are PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor e backbone,of the woman's movement, - �INTERVIEW 749,000 Canadian women purchased tranquillizers in 1979. A poor Third World woman sells her only chicken to get money to buy tonics and "growth hormones" (anabolic steroids) for her children. Unrelated statements? Not at all In fact, when you consider the underlying issues, there is much commonality of experience between Canadian and Third World women. Persuaded by elaborate promotion campaigns mounted by the drug industry that "there is a pill for every ill", people will spend their last rupee, or peso or dollar to buy the vitamin, the hormone, or the pain killer that will restore themselves or their children to health. Whether it is the "medicalization" of social problems (an increasing Canadian phenomena) or the "dumping" of drugs (banned in Canada) in developing countries, the role of the pharmaceutical industry and the role of the (male) medical system in women's lives and health requires careful scrutiny. SIDE EFFECTS, produced by the Great Canadian Theatre Company of Ottawa, and Women's Health Interaction uses popular theatre to examine these issues. Sponsored by Northern Women's Centre and Kam Theatre, SIDE EFFECTS played to a "packed house" in Thunder Bay earlier this summer. The appreciative audience not only were impressed by the important information provided by the play, but were delighted by the outstanding quality of the performance. It was impossible not to be touched by this exceptional play. The origins of SIDE EFFECTS are rooted in Inter Pares philosophical premise that "links" must be made between development issues in Canada and overseas. In 1982 Inter Pares (a Canadian non-governmental development organization) sponsored the visit of two Bangladesh women to Canada. As the Bangladesh visitors, Khushi Kabir and Shireen Hug, met with women's groups across Canada, including Thunder Bay, the concern about women's health and the issue of pharmaceuticals were frequently discussed. Thus, as a followup to Khushi and Shireen's visit, Inter Pares sponsored a workshop on Women and Pharmaceuticals, From this workshop the idea of the play was born, and Women's Health Interaction was initiated. (see WHI article). The "linking" process continued in 1984 when Margaret Phillips (Inter Pares Board Member and NWJ) and Mary Ann Haywood (Women's Health Interaction) travelled to Bangladesh to visit health and women's projects there. With the enthusiastic response that has greeted the cross-Canada tour of SIDE EFFECTS, we anticipate the growing "links" between Canadian women concerned with health issues, and the strengthening of "links" with women in developing countries. Kim Erickson spoke with SIDE EFFECTS actors Mary Burns and Mitzi Hauser about the evolution and the impact of the play. by KIM ERICKSON KIM: Thz project hca quite a tong hatoty to Lt and hay been shaped by zeveAat gtoups - Intet Panes, Women'4 Heath Interaction, GAeat Canadian Theatke Company. At what ztage did you both come in? MARY: Great Canadian Theatre Company (G.C.T.C.) got involved two years ago at a Conference in Aylmer, Que. about Women and Pharmaceuticals. Barbara (Lysnes) went to the conference, and it was there that they said it would be really good if we could have a play that went across the country, and taught people about the issues. So she came back from the conference and talked to G.C.T.C., and it was decided that they would take it on and do this play. She got Janet Irwin, who is the director of the play, and ultimately the writer as well, and they started doing research. I started joining them, and one day a week we'd meet and read, talk about ideas, and then meet once a month with the women from Women's Health Interaction (WHI) and Inter Pares, who were putting out this 'For Health or For Profit' kit at the same time. The first actual thing that happened in terms of putting the play up was a three week writing workshop last May. Mitzi came on for that. MITZI: Yes, and then they asked Cynthia Grant to co-direct the workshop with Janet, and basically what happened was that Janet took over the research. She'd come in every day with things- a various books, and Cynthia was the one who tried to put it all on its feet. She works with Nightwood Theatre in Toronto, and she'd done a lot of collaboration like this with women, so it was quite amazing how she got 21/2 hours of material in 3 weeks. She works very ecclectically, which is really good. I felt very willing to try anything new, to experiment, and to look into my background. I think everyone did. Besides being an actor, you are something else as well. Some people had music, some people had dance, some had various other things which they brought in. There were many, many different styles. But it was also a method of getting away from text, and making it a little more symbolic, instead of heavy, heavy dialogue all the time, teaching, teaching to death. You read these things, and then you want to get up and do a monologue about somebody's story, which doesn't make very good theatre. MARY: It was also an experiment to see what kind of a play it would be, because at this point no one really knew. KIM: So did you have to hone down ate that matetiat aliten the woldnhop? MARY: Janet did. She took it all and condensed it, and basically turned it into the play we're doing now. MITZI: We did another one in Novem ber. That was the conference of the Canadian Health Coalition. So for that November date, Janet had taken all the information that we had brought together and made a script of it. Basically it was four women's stories, interspersed with the drug company scenes. There were Third World scenes in that as well. KIM: Have there been changes since Novembee MARY: The structure is still the same. Most of the characters - all e women, thet,- -"TaPFIftfitit+Oter Granny, and the drug company people - are all the same. There are a couple of scenes that have been added, and there may have been something taken away. There's more music. Cathy (Miller) wrote one song for the November show, and then she wrote 3 or 4 more for this one. MITZI: Different people were used for the November workshop. Oh, the slides were added as well. KIM: The text mateulat that way used COMM di/tee-ay 6Aom women's expeAiences. MITZI: Yes, we had two taped testimonials from women, two drug addicts, Mary Ann and Giselle. The other -(character) is a composite of ,_the DES. There are two books written about DES, an American one and a Canadian one, so it's put together based on the books. MARY: The fourth character is Margaret, and she's a fictional character. She came up really in the first May workshop, and then she got developed a little. She is representative of the early 50's premenopausal or menopausal women whose children have left home and they don't know what to do -- that whole syndrome. KIM: So it's been quite an evotution. Thiz hca been an ate women's puject, even the technical peopte. I cmume that wca a covacioca decizion on the pant o6 the people pAoducing it. MARY AND MITZI: Yes. KIM: What's that Lae for you az actoAs to be .involved in something like that? NORTHERN WOMAN...page 12 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �MITZI: I was really amazed. I've been involved in these type of things before, but never all women. I was amazed to realize how much censorship I apply to myself when I'm in a group of male and female. And I couldn't believe it I thought, then I do, I tensor everything, every idea before I bring it up if there's a mixed group. With all women the censorship was just gone. And it was like, no matter what you say, it's fine, we'll accept it, you know, because we're all women. So even (if) you give stupid ideas or things that aren't really well thought out, somebody else will build on it and you'll just keep going. KIM: Fat me, that's Zike the pnocess you were taking about, the way that the ptay RVA constAucted, bAinging in all individual inputs, and what you don't use isn't useless. MARY AND MITZI: No, not at all MITZI: Because it's probably triggered somebody else. MARY: That's right. I think it's really neat that we're all women going across the country. And it's fun because a lot of people are surprised by that. We've come into some town where there'll be technicians at the theatre waiting to help us, and you can see their eyes widen when they see eight women jumping out of the truck, and putting our work gloves on. They sort of think that's funny, and then by the end of the night, they're impressed with how quickly we got the work done. And so that's very satisfying. But I really think that there's a sense, an attitude, just a relaxed quality about the tour that I can't lily give any concrete - but I'm-sure-that it's because we are all women. KIM: I'm tki.nkAAg just now of a pAoject .the 'The Ctub', which we both wothed on. There was a 4eeting oi rapport there, but because o4 other kinds of conttots, the kind o4 stAuctune you're wotking Ln, and just taking a paAt ... I think that's pAobab ty a teatty di44enent kind oi ptoject than thi4 one whete you've got input on all tevets. You may not be doing ate the jobs but you'te in touch with all the things that are going on. MITZI: The whole thing of having a KIM: The putpose of the play, inimmdirector is very hierarchical. He ing an audience, could be cat tied out has the final decision and that's in a couple .04 di44enent ways. Somethe way theatre's built up. Now to one could go on a speaking tout, on have a cooperative theatre company, .a video could be done. There ate all even though we all have our input, kinds o4 di44etent apptoaches that Jan was still the one that had to simitat content cowed be dealt with. have the final say. You can't have MITZI: The thing is, this is entera piece of work that doesn't have tainment as well. It's very funny, so somebody finally saying, this is the in fact, you're using a vehicle that way it's gonna be. is probably your best access to the MARY: You can, but it takes forever. audience. I mean, would you rather Sometimes it's just easier, you know, see a play, or go to a lecture? It's to have someone finally say, OK, obvious. I'd rather see a play, esthis is it. pecially if it's going to make me MITZI: The whole structure of thealaugh. And so we coat all the informtre is hierarchical. ation in humour, which is one of the bestways to reach people. KIM: Sometimes people's de4ense4 go they aren't allowed to up mote laugh at on with the situation. MITZI": Yes, it's true. The waiting room scene is one of the scenes that is the least didactic, and yet, people identify with it because everybody has sat in a waiting room and gone through the same things these women are going through waiting for the doctor, and trying to make conversation, and telling their whole story to strangers. I think people really enjoy that scene, and yet it' doesn't come up with a lot of new information, but it does bring you into (the scenario). MARY: A video would reach more people. That's an advantage it would have, and a lot of people have said, why don't you make a video? Maybe at some point that would be good, but I'm glad it's a play instead of a video because it is neat that we are going to communKIM: It must be intenesting to do ities that don't get to see that much th,bs kind o4 theatAe that's using the medium- to infroitm people about a ceAtain issue. It's really di44eAent 4Aom theatre that has sotety aAtistic at enteAtaining aims. MITZI: Well, it is more or less documentary, in that you follow several people through their lives. It's a build-up and adding, and adding, and adding, so you get a picture in the end of all the issues, as opposed to having a scenario played out in front of you that has a beggining, a middle, and an end. I think we give them the beginning and maybe the middle, but we don't give them the end. The audience has to make the end. MITZI: Yes. I mean, we have a technician and we defer the technical things to the technician. But there KIM: I6 the/Le a di44etence az OA is always things that happen, such as your peAsonae commitment to the as, map-reading. It seems to me that pAoject i4 you know that these ate whenever I'm in a mixed group it's issues that a44ect you peAsonatty, always the men that take over and and ate women, in some way? read the map. Now all of a sudden MARY: I think so. Because of the way you get a chance to actually read a the whole thing was set up, some of map and figure out where you are. us have been involved since the very You have a flat tire.. you get a beginning, so our input is there as chance to do the flat tire. It's in writers and directors, at least at our culture that the women will get some stage. I know I'm more involved the food and the men will look after in this show than in some other shows the car .. that type of stuff. And where I would be given just a script, it doesn't happen anymore because and this is the kind of theatre I pereverybody will do everything. sonally like to do the most. I find MARY: And it was a conscious effort, it really exciting because I think and there was a little bit of flak that it really does affect people. associated with that - you know, why are you going out of your way to look The difference I find is after the show when you talk to people, almost for women for this particular job? everyone will come up to you with a It's a difficult thing in a sense to story to tell - either about themjustify, but I think that theatre is selves or someone they know. It's so a funny thing. It's deceiving. You obvious that it affects everyone's tend to think that theatre is a very daily lives. So you feel that you've egalitarian place. But it isn't. It really connected with the audience. is male-dominated like almost any other field. theatre. MITZI: A smaller community has a difficult time making a video, because of the equipment, the expense. But if they see people making a play, if they see.... oh, these people got together and made a play.... ok, we've got an issue we want dealt with.... they could put a play together for themselves. Basically all you have to know is how to talk. With conviction. They could do the same for their own community. KIM: You've been seeing a 4aiA numbers o4 di44etent communities. You went out to the east coast and now you're heading to the west coast. 14 there a di44eAence in audienceteactionz in di44etent peaces? MITZI: I think in the larger centres you get.more people who already know the issues. Probably we're doing it in the university setting and there are groups that have already been organized around these issues. When we go into a smaller centre, often it's the first time these people have come across the issues. Also, what's more important than the play is the discussion that follows the play. I think there's a lot of information exchanged that informs people of what's going on in their area. con't. p 14 NORTHERN WOMAN page 1: PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �I Auppozefact, in playing you're di46etent the only person in your kindA o4 hats, too, youtte not jutst own best interest. What you put into ptaying in a theatte building of a know as much your body you'd better peace when .tome o4 as thepossible. people who about "Side Effects" shoutd be being teached that's the maybe theme.wouldn't When does the side think to go. effect become worse than the disease MITZI: That's itself? the problem with that playNot much you can put ining in the universities, The effect, as to your bodyyou hassee. no side people you want go to fartoasreach drugsdon't are concerned. Then auniversity halls. go into to the gain,They we're thecom-' whole business munity centres. of That's making where money.the Is init better to put formation is exchanged, and that's something on the market and make mowhere their friends ney, orare. do we test it for longer? MARY: It is a What's bit of the a problem, un-of dangerous percentage fortunately. Almost we go, can we allow cases -everywhere what percentage you do have the tothis be playandtendency still let drug go on the ing to the people who are aware of market? 5%, 1%, 2%? Profit and loss, the issues already. And I think that that's basically what it is. We're is a hard thing to avoid. But I think caught in the middle. And the whole it's good to business reinforceofthe whovs the brand thepeople generic 'preaching are - I mean,name the drugs, saying which is so topical now, to the converted' well, I think all these things has suddenly brought the convertedup. need the reinforcement - they need the push. MARY: It's really a new concept to a Ls a timely lot of people, too. When you first uAe it seems -to get hit with it, it's almost shocking tot mote questionto suddenly realize (that the) phart now - otdinaty maceutical industry is an industry t - o4 authotity, just like anything else. It's a multipeople in paw. national corporation. Of course they n the KeB spit are thinking of money first: , 4ot exampte, peoKIM: You think that thete'A a ttuAt t. Atzo, with the with the peopte cleating with your , peopte atequeAtheatth, and i4 the huust gets btoken, e doing. Ate them well, what does that mean? Who's godemand 4ot bet-et ing to take cate o4 me? KIM: s because they have first with Thaliith DES, that everyy the pharmaceutiit's going to be. t safe. They say d, they say they're results, looking-. , these things come at you've got to f. You think that pharmacists are nterest, but in MARY: Yeah, it's a scary thing. And the Third World scenes that we depict in the play and the issues that we bring up about drug dumping and that kind of thing - there've been people who have made comments like 'Well, if that's true...' and you say, 'No, no it is.' And they say, 'Well, if that's really true...' - they just can't quite believe it KIM: Welt, 'some o- the Atoitie4 ate ptetty shocking. MITZI: They are. That is the word when I first read about those things. We saw a few videos on the pharmaceutical industry, especially as it relates to the Third World. It was amazing: We have evaluations that go out with (the play) to ask, did you know about this information before? was there anything that was new to you? and basically what people don't know about is the Third World information. Sd if all we're doing is educating them as far as what happens there, then that's good if they know everything else that we have to give them and we're just reminding them of those facts. MARY: That's one of the major aims of Women's Health Interaction, too. They are very concerned about linking the Third World women with North American women - even in terms of just recognizing what's going on with them, just recognizing what we have in common. KIM: And then people can decide what action to take ,6ADM theme once they ate aware. MITZI: Yeah, we don't give any answers because we don't know the answers. Nobody really knows the answers except the fact that you've got to start working at getting some answers. Sa, it's up to each community what they- can do. It's up to the person that's watching work - where can I actually stand u and be counted? V' CV V oNc, HEALTH INTERACTION Interaction (WHI) work of women's, ment groups in Canprovide a platform out on health conms to link local health issues pment of educationanges, and network- f a Workshop on uticals held in onsored by Inter agency which supvelopment projects seas. ating network, ties to any one ather encourages wide range of inps. At present, around which partis women and phare across the counformation and acheme, including rs, consumers and olved in the net- work are community and international development groups, addiction centres, women's organizations, educators and students. WHI examines why women reach out for drugs, why they are prescribed certain drugs, what their real health concerns are, and how their needs could be better met. WHI looks at the social, cultural, economic and political factors which affect women's health. We study the role of pharmaceutical companies and the medical system and their impact on women's lives, both at home and abroad (drug dumping in the Third World eg). The overall objective of WHI is to contribute to the creation of a national women's health network which would raise the profile of women's health issues in Canada and provide women with a platform to voice their concerns. WHI cooperates on the international level with Health Action International, which is working towards the adoption of a code of con_ duct on pharmaceutical marketing practices by the World Health Organization. WHI exchanges information and resources as well as people with Third World women's health and development groups. In 1984, WHI produced an information kit on the pharmaceutical industry in Canada and the Third World entitled "For Health or For Profit". Recently, WHI has produced an Organizers Manual on women and pharmaceuticals which will be useful to women's and international develop ment groups addressing health issues. WHI is also beginning to take up the issue of population control/ family planning, with a view to establishing feminist guidelines appropriate to industrialised and Third World countries. For more information about Women's Health Interaction contact them in care of Inter Pares, 58 ArthuT St., Ottawa, Ontario. In Thunder Bay, contact Northern Women's Centre, phone 345-7802. e 14 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �?-0 SOLVICg IN THE SCHOOLS Books 00,2 Feminist Aleiert6 flpuivadha. !!!Lb NORTHERN WOMAN'S BOOKSTORE 69 N. COURT ST. THUNDER BAY, P7A 4T7 BitartaFzgyam, lit LW 344-7979 W444tha/ cg:ance4 ir-%04. , a/ /4 Mata 011°. J4fe;d4-teiern aidei ./11 - /30 f7, Fiction Poetry Theory Health gptrituality Peace Sci- Fiction Third World fk 00Sieali/J on Thursday, Fri day 11.30 Saturday ********* WOMANSPACE * 6..0" 11.30 - 4.30 #41.4141-**11* ADVOCATE S I am interested in Thunder Bay Advocates for Quality Child Care Ake., FIRST NEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH 4,- ma ion Name Address 69N. COURT STREET \\ PH. 345-7802 Clip and mail to: Thunder Bay Advocates for Quality Child Care Box 144, Thunder Bay P7C 4V5 **********11*******####******** JUST RELEASED PREEDOM OP CHOICE THE RESISTING 4' new poems CANADIAN ABORTION maws ACTION Lwow (CABAL) actla %eC NINIOCIATION CANADIII3INIS POOH LX MOTT A L'AVOATIMANT I awsiAl The Purpose of CARAL Is to ensure that no woman In Canada is denied access 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." I support the statement of purpose of CARAL and wish to become a Rarnw Address: to1 Postal Cods: OccupationName of Federal Riding- Available @ $6.50 each flout NORTHERN WOMAN'S BOOKSTORE., 69 N. Court St. Individual Member Limited income .43.00 Family Sustaining Donation $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 5- RETURN TO: CARAL, Box 3134, Thunder Bay,Ont. P7B 5G6 NORTHERN WOMAN page PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Thunder Bay District The Confederation College of Applied Arts & Technology '85 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS FALL "NEW**BUSINESS DIVISION-EQUAL OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM (Post-Basic) at present offered part-time (evenings) through the Continuing Education Division. This one-year certificate program to begin full-time September 1985 is divided into two parts. One semester-September to December-in the College; second semester-January to April-in a field Field placements and job opportunities will not necessarily be in the placement environment. Thunder Bay region. Subjects in EOM program may be taken during the day or as offered during the evening. For further information, contact the Director of Equal Opportunity Programs (807) 475-6278. GENERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE DIPLOMA PROGRAM emphasizing Women's Programs Curriculae may be taken full-time during the day or part-time (evenings) through Continuing Education Division. For further information, contact the Program Co-ordinator (807) 475-6390. CAREER PLANNING FOR WOMEN is an 8-week program to assist women entering or re-entering the labour force to understand present employment conditions, to select realistic career goals and to enter appropriate employment or begin suitable training. Start date -- September 9th, 1985. INTRODUCTION TO NON-TRADITIONAL OCCUPATIONS (1.N.T.o.) is an 8-week program that helps women to explore opportunities for employment in non-traditional jobs. Students study job search Work placement gives women real job experience. skills, goal setting and plot a career path. Tentative start date -- February 3rd, 1986. to all aspects of practical trades training and the world of Hi-Tech. WOMEN INTO TRADES & TECHNOLOGY (w.I.T.T.) is an 18-week program designed to expose women Start Date -- September 16th, 1985. E. I .0 . For further information on CAREER PLANNING FOR WOMEN, I.N.T.O. or W.I.T.T., contact the Chair of Industrial & Motive Power (807) 475-6215, or a Counsellor, C BASIC TRAINING IN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT (B.T.s.D.) Academic Upgrading Grades 8-12; English as a Second Language. For further information contact the Chair of Communication Arts (807) 475-6210; or your local Canada Employment & Immigration office; or the Women's Employment Centre, 130 S. Syndicate Avenue, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1C7 (807) 623-2731. PROGRAMS PROGRAM REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Registration for ALL subjects begins August 6th (5-7:30pm) and commencing August 7th from 9am-7:30pm every weekday except Fridays from 9am-4pm, in the Registrar's Office, Shuniah Bldg. FEE: : the community. Assertion is not to be confused with aggression. Assertion takes into account the rights and feelings of others. DATE/TIME Thursdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. START DATE: September 12, 1985 COMPLETION: November 14, 1985 INSTRUCTOR: Ivy Cook ROOM: $30.00 260, Shuniah Bldg. GS 026 99 ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING (FOR WOMEN) This elective post-secondary credit subject will provide the student with the skills necessary to negotiate honestly for the things she wants--on the job, at home, in HYMERS' Fall Fair: September 1st and 2nd at the College Booth. *NEW*MAIL-IN Registrations: deadline August 30th. To receive a registration form, call the Community Programs Office (Continuing Education Division) (807) 475-6116. Northwestern Ontario Residents may call Toll Free: 1-800-465-6961. : GS 010 99 PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING (FOR WOMEN) This elective post-secondary credit subject will give women practical instruction in personal economics, handling money and managing one's financial affairs. Topics covered include budgeting, banking, investing, credit, housing, car ownership, insurance, and other topics which students may be interested in. Tuesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. September 10, 1985 December 17, 1985 Lauretta Johnson ROOM: 344, Shuniah Bldg $45.00 DATE/TIME START DATE: COMPLETION: INSTRUCTOR: FEE: WOMEN IN MANAGEMENT This elective post-secondary credit subject will deal primarily with the roles of women in management and the particular skills needed by women to effectively fulfill managerial functions under the constraints which are from themselves, as well as those imposed by the : organizations. DATE/TIME Mondays 7:00-10:00 p.m. START DATE: September 9, 1985 COMPLETION: December 23, 1985 INSTRUCTOR: Betty Chalmers ROOM: $45.00 265, Shuniah Bldg. FEE: GS 143 99 : WOMEN & STRESS MANAGEMENT This elective post-secondary credit subject is intended to examine situational stress in our lives, family, job, social relationships, in conflict, change, developmental crises, etc and the potential sources of stress they bring to every situation because of their personality, their own belief system, their life rhythms and their problem-solving. A lifestyle and attitude approach to changing their stress response will be developed by each individual. Wednesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. October 2, 1985 December 4, 1985 Bert Hopkins ROOM: 260, Shuniah Bldg. $30.00 DATE/TIME START DATE: COMPLETION: INSTRUCTOR: FEE: GS 144 99 WOMEN & INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT - I 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 DATE/TIME Wednesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. START DATE: September 11, 1985 COMPLETION: November 13, 1985 INSTRUCTOR: Margaret Phillips ROOM: $30.00 258, Shuniah Bldg. FEE: : WT 843 99 Motor Vehicle (WOMEN KNOW YOUR CAR) In this elective post-secondary credit subject women will learn the basic procedures of car maintenance and general operations. DATE/TIME Mondays 7:00-10:00 p.m . START DATE: September 23, 1985 COMPLETION: November 4, 1985 INSTRUCTOR: Al Bonazzo $18.00 ROOM: 149, Auto Shop, Dorion Bldg. FEE: : ZB 293 99 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 comUpon completion, students will be capable puters. of designing some of their own "BASIC" programs such as budget or mortgage payment calculations. Students will have hands-on computer experience. Tuesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. September 24, 1985 November 26, 1985 Anna Melville ROOM: 379, Shuniah Bldg. DATE/TIME START DATE: COMPLETION: INSTRUCTOR: $30.00 FEE: : PORNOGRAPHY AS A SOCIAL PROBLEM This subject will critically analyze the subject of pornography as a social problem from a feminist perspective, which takes into account the power structures of this This controversial topic will look society. at issues such as: Does pornography promote violence toward women? Should there be censorship and if so should the state be a vehicle to promote it? Does the present laws on censorship protect women from the effects of pornography? Will the changes in the Constitution better protect women against the effects of pornography under the 'Human Rights Option'? These and many more questions will be examined and discussed. DATE/TIME Wednesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. START DATE: September 25, 1985 COMPLETION: November 27, 1985 INSTRUCTOR: Janis Aylwood ROOM: $45.00 327, Shuniah Bldg. FEE: : ZW 046 99 TIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR THE DUAL CAREER WOMAN The purpose of this subject is to assist women in applying the management principles of assessment, decision-making, planning, organizing, implementing and evaluation to their life situations in order to achieve a rewarding balance between personal activities and professional responsibilities. DATE/TIME Tuesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. START DATE: September 24, 1985 COMPLETION: November 26, 1985 INSTRUCTOR: Ivy Cook ROOM: $45.00 260, Shuniah Bldg. FEE: : ZW 047 99 THE TRAVELLING WOMAN This subject is designed to help today's woman plan her business or pleasure trip effectively. Topics include passport, visa and health requirements, the "do's" and "don'ts" of travelling alone, planning and packing a business/pleasure wardrobe, travel insurance, coping with customs, popular travel destinations, best buys, tips on better travel photography and travelling with special needs. Consideration will also be given to individual needs and interests. DATE/TIME Thursdays 7:30-9:30 p.m. START DATE: September 26, 1985 COMPLETION: November 28, 1985 INSTRUCTOR: Iva Wright ROOM: $30.00 327, Shuniah Bldg. FEE: ZW 048 99 HOW TO WRITE THE PROPOSAL TO GET THE GRANT : The preparation of proposals to obtain grants for needed community services is a skill. This subject will assist you to understand the expectations of funders and will give you practice in preparing proposals to your greatest advantage. This subject will be of interest to representatives of community organizations, women's groups and voluntary associations. DATE/TIME Mondays 7:00-10:30 p.m. START DATE: September 23, 1985 COMPLETION: October 7, 1985 INSTRUCTOR: Margaret Phillips ROOM: $20.00 327, Shuniah Bldg. FEE: EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS WELCOMES YOUR SUGGESTIONS, CALL (807) 475-6232. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Second Class Mil Registration No. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: p2 YOUR VOICE p3 KRESGE'S STRIKE p4 UPDATE p6 BOOKS p7 DAY CARE pll FEMINIST PRESS p12 INTERVIEW p.15 CHECK THESE ADS 5697 Don't forget to renew your1 subscription! Here's my sub: Name Address (postal code) individual $ 5institutional $10 ************************************* IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR LABEL?? PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION ************************************* WORKERS THIS ISSUE: RETURN 'ID: THE NORTHERN WOMAN 69 N. COURT ST. THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7A 4T7 Elaine Goodwin, Noreen Lavoie, Anna McColl, Karen Maki, Margaret Phillips,' Donna Phoenix, Sara Williamson, Kathryn Brule Return.Postage Guaranteed Northern ligoman Journal 69 N. Court St., Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T7 (Six Issues) -$5.00 $10.00 Businese 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 2 Description An account of the resource Vol. 9, No. 2 (August 1985) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: Northern women Immigrant Women’s Employment Place opening in Thunder Bay Women’s Centre opening on Lakehead campus Feminist counselling workshop Ear Falls Mother’s Action Committee Lesbian Archives and Resource Centre, Kenora Canadian Women’s Festival Farm Women’s Conference Women’s health in Northwestern Ontario Employment equity Decade of Women in Nairobi International Feminist Network Against Sexual Slavery Abortion access & legislation Feminist book list Domestic Abuse Intervention Program Northwestern Ontario Women’s Health Education Project Daycare access Daycare crisis Coalition for Better Daycare Daycare funding Daycare advocacy Feminist Periodicals Conference, Marc-Sur-Richlieu Women & pharmaceuticals Women's Health Interaction network Confederation College programs for women Authors/Contributors: Joan Baril Margaret Phillips Ann-Ida Beck Anna McColl Kim Erickson Elaine Goodwin Noreen Lavoie Karen Maki Donna Phoenix Sara Williamson Kathryn Brule 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 1985-08 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/16/2789/1985_Vol_9_No_3.pdf 835da6316a966745742f85ff98a4e449 PDF Text Text PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �itoria ./.1" / /' Earlier this year many of us had the privilege of seeing the play SIDE EFFECTS. This exceptional play moved each of us, raising our awareness of the health issues we as Canadian wom en face, and linking us with the health concerns of our sisters throughout the world. SIDE EFFECTS shocked, angered and frustrated us about the lack of control we have over our own health, and our past inability to change this. But SIDE EFFECTS motivated us as well - many of us left with the feeling that we can and must take control of our destiny. Right now we have the opportunity to put this feeling into action! A crisis for Canadian women's health must be avoided. The issue is DEPO PROVERA. Until now we have only had a somewhat abstract concern as we have deplored the dumping of this injectible contraceptive on to Third World women. Now the problem affects us intimately. DEPO PROVERA is being considered as a contraceptive for use in Canada. An 'expert' committee has recommended the approval of DEPO PROVERA. The Committee, officially known as the Advisory Committee on Female Reproductive Physiology (and. chaired by Dr. Jack Walter) states that the drug is 'la highly effective contraceptive ... with fewer known risks of adverse side effects than other highly effective methods of contraception". Wv. agree the dr-dg is an effective contraceptive. What is at issue is the safety of the drug..Known side effects of Depo ProVera include nausea, headaches, depression, weight gain, excessive bleeding, continuous bleeding or total cessation of menstruation. Tests have linked the use of this drug to cancer. The safety of Deno Provera has not beep proven. /4! tAwmoseAvaiwahsavzo./..a.:,, ,///// // / . / / / / /0/ , , " / //////1// I/ ..111110 / ,/.///////,///.//, /-//////,'' /, / /4/./ /1/, / / // .1/. /./////o /,.// K, 4 / , / //// /. ./ safety has not been proven. You c Two factors seem to be in play in also circulate a petition (availa this recent push to approve Depo (1) the drug manufacturers lobby,and at Women's Centre). If you want m (2) the insensitivity of male medical information write Canadian Coalit on Depo Provera c/o Healthsharing authorities to women's health needs. In a recent Globe and Mail article 101 Niagara St. Ste 200A, Toronto Ont. M5V 1C3 or Women's Health In Dr. Ian Henderson (director of the human prescription drug branch of action, 58 Arthur St. Ottawa. Health and Welfare Canada) made some Canadian women cannot afford a 'interesting' comments. Declaring other DES story: Now is the time that the drug is both "safe and efact to stop the approval of DEPO Canada. fective" Henderson suggested that the drugs ability to prevent menstruation is beneficial and said "Our job at Health and Welfare after Depo is approved will be to educate women that the fact they have stopped menstruating is a natural side effect of this drug and that it is not unhealthy for their genitals to be in a dormant state. Their genitals will be just You may be getting weary of re, like they were when they were 9 or ing of the Northern Woman's finani 10 years old". plight. However, it is a problem we need to reports) solve. Right now Meanwhile (thehelp Globe a spokesmanthe forfirst the drug time manufacturer, in many years the I Upjohn, is is optomistic in a deficit theposition. drug willWe have be approved in Canada standing debts. The quicklycore and group of without the opposition workers have maintained the energy that occured in the United "Down there" write,States. type, paste-up, design, di he said "as soon bute - essentially get about the damn pz as complaints out. But we don't have the energy approval started coming in to senators and congressmen, they Does fund raise. anyone had to openout up there haveHere, solutions solution: the process. it is(concrete really just that is us - not forand us to imp] a matter between and ideas Health Welfare". ment). Effective issue must the cost c The approval of Depothis Provera thea Journal is increased not be just matter between Upjohnto $1.50 and Healthper andsingle Welfare. copy. Subscriptions wil It is an isnow be $5 for 4 issues_ , -$110 sue of the most vital importance to inE to tut ionsIn resnonSe'to this Canadian women. increased to $125 crisis thealso CANADIAN COALITION ON full page, $75 has halfbeen page, $45 quarter DEPO PROVERA formed to en- page. (Poverty mayheard negotiate.) Cc sure women's voicesgroups will be on these prices are low this issueparatively that affects our health andour children. value is good: and that of we've stressed before, the n Each of usAscan help. Write/teleeffective way to ensure of financial gram the Hon. Jake Epp, Minister is to triple our subs. A st Health.andbility Welfare, House of Commons, Ottawa, K1A 0A6 (copy scription to to theyour Northern Woman we MP) be aapproval great gift to give. Please cc opposing the of.Depo Provera as a contraceptive sider it. in Canada as its rwi CRISIS your OICE Dear Northern Women: I can't think of a better forum for a sentimental farewell to my struggling sisters in the north, than the pages of this journal. There is no question of the part it has played in my life and the knowledge I have gained from those who have given time and energy beyond what they could afford to expend to keep it alive. There is a time for every thing and I feel the timing is right for the move to a kinder climate in my own interests. I do it with mixed feelings, knowing I leave a support system that has never failed me... However change is a part of my nature and the feminist ideology is everywhere so I have no fears that I shall be recognized as a fellow traveller. I leave the Resisting Spirit as a token of my love and concern for those struggling We wantwith morepersonal than menrelahave settle tionships. for, Thereheare few of usa who is as much slave to the have been able to as sayweall they system are, he wanted has already to on the subject so I have tried to sold out to it for his privleged say it for position you, dependance is the as a male to abuse his issue for everywoman power. Fromand hiseverything closest relationthat interferes with an opportunity ships to the pinnacle of his ambi to exercisetions an independant choice, power is both his. goal and made in good not accephisconscience undoing . is Nowhere is this MO] table. Theapparent im portance of the than in thesupport pervasive id women have been able to give each logy of militarism, superceding a other as the forces of fundamental other ideologies on the planet to dominance religion and patriarchal day, a direct consenuence of his pressure us back into the fold that ingrained desire to dominate not further supports a role we find does only his fellowmen but thought ii not appeal to our intelligence or self. He cannot do this without t nourish our spirit is crucial. Each support of women, caught up in hi of us in our own way fight this perdogma divided against each other, sonal battle changing the circumdenying her own intelligence, sel stances that deny the respect that out her own person for his approi is our right as a person. But, toOne has only to listen to a city gether we struggle against the outcil meeting to realize the level side forces that gives our oppreshis competence to handle power wi sion legitamcy. We are not lacking any degree of human intelligence. in courage here in the north. Our we have something to bring to the voices are more clear than strident, cess is undeniable. That it will we are learning the language of polhappen without a more enlightened itical reality, but we must never forget that language is alien to us. on pg. cont'd PDF compression, web2 optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN OCR, WOMAN page �1UPdate by JOAN BARIL o On November 30, francophone women from Geraldton, Longlac, and Nakina met to found a new organization "Les "Elles" du Nord". The chair is Raymonde Mercier and the executive is made up of women from the three Stand by for announcement communities. They have completed an soon from the Decade Council about action research, hiring a woman to Heather Bishop appearing here in March meet with local women in their homes in connection with International Womto outline the priorities of francoen's Day and the end of their decade. phone women in their communities. They are also looking at a spring conoleo Kam Theatre's play "Stars in the Sky Morning" returned to Thunder ference for francophone women in the Bay this fall. It is a moving theatri- north goo cal experience, a braid of women's voow, At last Kenora is to have a ices weaving together stories of womrefuge for battered women. This is en's lives in Newfoundland. An allthe culmination of ten long years of women production, the play was writpersistent and at times discouraging ten by lhonda Payne, Jan Henderson work by Women's Place, Kenora. Organand Jane Dingle; directed by Maureen izations and individuals around the McKeon; designed by Deborah Ratelle; province who have kept in touch with the Kenora situation know that if theacted by Suzanne Turnbull and Lennie re ever should be an Academy Award for Albanese. The production was held together by the wonderful original music courage and perseverance, it should go to Kenora's Women's Place. Unforwritten and played by local musician tunately the shelter will be called a Joyce Michalchuk. This winter Kam is "amily Resource Centre", a name so also offering "The Fighting Days" bamemingless it could only have been sed on Canadian suffragist experience and "Checking Out", the story of a wo- cor-Aled by a computer picking words man in small town Alberta who tries to at random from an old William Davis speech. It is going to take a lot of make a break for the big city (Deo P.R. to convince local women and Naoe Lakehead University Women's Centre is planning a series of activi- tive women from nearby communities, ties including speakers on Treminism that when they are in distress, they and His*ory of Women's Movement in can find refuge at a "Resource CenNorthwestern Ontario, a-newsletter for tre". This is the sort of language students both on and off campus and a that renders women and women's needs workshop to encourage more women to invisible. get involved in campus elections oo Moreover, Kenora Town Council Heartiest congratulations to Dusty Miller for her election win to Thunder Bay's new Council and to Betty Kennedy for retaining her chair by acclamation foe ** 11" 14KSais. or was it yellow as a preview to the recent municipal elections. The Women's Information Group there researched local social issues and put out a "shocking pink paper" (on yellow paper) on their findings. They outlined the situations in day care, housing, affirmative action and other areas and used the information to address the candi- dates e eel, The action research done by Project Mayday, women of the North Shore (see article by Carol Quesnelle) is now available. The post-conference follow-up is now taking place with a worker who will be meeting with women's groups in Terrace Bay, Marathon, Manitouwadge, Schreiber to help them develop their follow-up plans from the North Shore conference see woo Research done by Project Mayday used the assistance of the Women's Research Centre, #301 - 2515 Burrard St., Vancouver, V6J 3J6. Their papers, including 'Women's Perspective in Research' and 'How to Study Your Own Community' both by Dr. Helga Jacobson, are available at reasonable cost. In 'Feminist Action, Institutional Reaction' Jan Barnsley descri- bes how the state grabs hold of a woman's issue, defines it, gobbles it up and spits it out as part of the sta- tus quo eo turned down tke,,apkileation_ t,___ R_ Place to run the hostel. Their submission was excellent but the Kenora councillors chose the Presbyterian Church to manage the shelter. Again, women's work negated and made invisible 'pee oo The Pro-family movement. Are They For or Against Families? This is the title of a paper by Margaret Eichler and available at OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education), Bloor St. Toronto. Eichler contrasts the positions of NAC (National Action Committee on the Status of Women) and R.E.A.L. women, a selflabelled "pro-family" organization. Women should note well that if you have ever expressed support for divorce, day care, contraception, abortion, sex education in the schools or full social, economic and political equality of women, you are now labelled "anti-family" by many exceedingly wealthy and influential organizations. oo Conferences will bloom with the flowers in Northwestern Ontario this coming spring. There will be a Northern Women's Conference in Sudbury. In Thunder Bay there will be a conference for women who own businesses or women who are looking into'starting a business. The conference, called Business Ownership for Women will be held March 7,8 & 9. It's goal is to assist women to find resources and information and, organizers hope, develop an organization of women business owners. Prior to the conference a series of evening information sessions called 'Adventures in Enterprise' will be held in ten small communities throughout the region. These workshops will give interested women an insight into help available for women entrepreneurs or potential entrepreneurs. from RFR For information call conference coordinator Susan Lappacher at Confederation College, extension 400. (Out of towners call toll-free 1-800-476-6110 extension 400). The college is also hosting a conference on affirmative action which is open to trustees and senior administrators in education. oo A Young Women's Conference will be held April 25 and 26 at the Valhalla Inn, Thunder Bay for youth between the ages of 15 and 24. (These are the age criteria given for the United Nations International Youth Year.) The workshop will look at issues affecting young women and discuss the skills which would help young women deal with the issues. This is a conference for and about youth and as far as possible all the resource People and workshop people will be in the 15-24 age range. For more information call conference co-ordinator Lorri Yasenik at Decade Council 3453606. This local conference will not duplicate the format of another cono inn lei held this year ,and soun y'c of the participants were young people. oo Do your part. Send Brian Mulroney a New Year's card asking the government to support funding for organizations which work to advance the status of women. The virulent right wingers have mounted a high profile campaign to cut money to "anti -family" orgarlizations. HERizons maganine, An for one, has experienced problems. article from''Campaign Life News' (August 1985) states that the Department of Secretary of State has "spent Millions in taxpayers' money ... to set up a chain of pro-abortion, antifamily organizations" and what is more this money is given to groups which "seek change in the social institutions of our country". (t) What sort of women's activities would Campaign Life prefer to sponsor, you ask? In the final analysis none. After putting in a half-hearted plug for REAL women, the article sweeps them aside as well, by saying "The real question is whether the government should, especially in times of financial restraint, be funding any women's lobby groups.... let alone these minority of minorities". (Women as minority?) "Why should women be singled out for this largesse when then: are more important areas which could well use these funds?" The article does not state which areas are so important they receive all govern lent grants and women get none. Nevertheless these sort of articles and letters have galvanized an active anti-woman lobby o continued on page 13 NORTHERN WOMAN page 3 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �MAYDAY in the community. NORTH SHORE WOMEN'S RESEARCH Thene waz a vL -Lon. "Women activag involved in thea communities" . A small group of women from the North Shore communities met in different towns seeking to involve women in defining the needs of their communities as they relate to women and finding ways of meeting these needs. They gathered together, showed films, had discussions. Networking with Thunder Bay brought more information and support. The issue of family violence emerged in those discussions. Lack of facilities and support for the victims became a concern. In 1982 a district board called Mayday was formed. A report on physical violence was completed in 1983 which resulted in the formation of the Intermunicipal Committee on Family Violence to lobby for, a North Shore Transition House. This is still ongoing. Plans were made in 1984 to further involve Mayday in the community through seeking funding from Secretary of State to initiate a research project involving women in an analysis of their experiences of single industry,town living. Another journey had begun when Karen Weeks- Kusins from Manitouwadge, Judy VandenEnde, Marathon, Pam McKeever, Schreiber and myself Carol Lepine-Quesnelle, Terrace Bay, were hired to conduct this research project and provide an analysis for each of our communities. On a cold night in November Diana Ellis, representing the B.C. Women's Research Centre, came to Terrace Bay to help the researchers and Board Members plan the project. At the end of the weekend we had defined our purpose, listed our goals and objectives, set up strategies and tasks to meet them. Developing a Pert Chart which listed our goals and what we hoped to accomplish in a certain period of time was an exciting venture. We were amazed at Diana's endless wisdom and energy. As I reflect on this first workshop I recall seeing how different we were - through life experiences, educational backgrounds, ages, incomes and occupations. "How are we ever going to work together?" I wondered. Diana's skills at facilitating showed us our value as women. It was this commonality that enabled us to accomplish our work. With excitement, energy and feeling a little overwhelmed with our work load we, the Project Workers, went back to our communities. An interview guide had been developed. We planned to practice on our. close friends. There was lots of reading material des cribing Participatory Research, interview techniques, confidentiality and public relations to be read. We were to develop a community profile describing our town and the services available. Reading all the information I could find about Terrace Bay gave me a better understanding of my community. "Why was the town built? ,Why are we here?" became interesting questions to ask others. My learning experience had begun. NORTHERN WOMAN page 4 Before we began our interviews we met with Cathie Smith and Margaret Buffington. They would co-facilitate the workshops where we would share, evaluate our progress and plan our next step. These get togethers became the cement and elasticity of the whole project. It was here that we were held together. It was here we were able to Change our direction completely when we recognized the need to. Our meetings began with "checking in". We shared our feelings, joys and struggles. Being homemakers with responsibilities in the home made our work out of the home difficult at times. Day care was a problem for some, as was finding time to do all the work we had done before we started this new job. Sometimes we were able to convince our families to help with child care, cooking, cleaning and shopping. Other times we did the work ourselves or let it go undone. We learned to set priorities. Sharing our frustratins seemed to make it easier. Someone listened. Someone understood. Our biggest joy was doing the work we enjoyed and being paid for it: These workshops also provided a place to learn new skills and receive new energy. Back to our communities we went to begin our interviews. Participatory Research was the method of gathering information that we decided to use, which simply means the researcher is a participant in the community she is studying. Our aim was to present for others the understanding of situations women had seen, heard or acted in. Thirty women between the ages of 18 to 70 were interviewed in each community. We involved women who were single, married, with or without children, working out of and/or in the home. Some were retired, widowed or divorced. Their incomes came from a broad spectrum of occupations, some had high family incomes, others variable or limited. Newcomers, longtimers, women of different nationalities living in different neighbourhoods were interviewed. Through January and February the researchers set up interviews and provided the women chosen with free time to participate, either through arranging child care or visiting women in their homes at convenient times. Researchers in each community followed one interview guide, by CAROL LEPINE-QUESNELLE Because interviews were confidential women felt free to honestly analyze their feelings about living in their town. Interviews were lengthy lasting one to three hours. Quickly writing down everything the respondent said about the specific topics during the interview, rewriting, clipping and filing this information the same day was time consuming but proved to be worth while when we reached the analyzing stage. Example - Employment' File: Because this file contained everything women said about employment the researcher was able to see the trends and their frequency. Therefore Karen Kusins was able to state in her report from Manitouwadge "Approximately one-third of the women interviewed work full or part time. One-third of the respondents would like to work but lack employment opportunities and/ or day care. The remaining one-third of the respondents' husbands did ot want them to work." -By the end of February we had each gathered information from 30 women on numerous topics. Our files were full. "How are we going to break this down?" I wondered. Cathie and Margaret answered my question by facilitating another workshop. We learned to work with raw data and analyze our material. It was also time to pull out our secondary research and note references. "This is hard work, take care of yourself" Margaret warned us. Having each other to call, having Cathie and Margaret to call gave us the energy and sometimes courage we needed to continue the project. We went home and analyzed each topic area. "How are we going to put this together?" was my next question. Networking with Thunder Bay brought Margaret Phillips, a consultant, to present a workshop on report writing. Some of us were overwhelmed with the work ahead of us. I was ready to give Margaret Phillips my raw data and have her` my report: But Margaret turned that around for me. She read some of our data - then told us how good our work was. We could do it Her enthusiasm was catching. She shared her writing experience and gave us many technical tips. Her facilitating skills enabled us to answer the many questions we had. By the end of the workshop we had listed our major themes and decided on guidelines for the report writing. I went home believing in my ability to write and the desire to do it. Continued next page PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �NORTH SHORE WOMEN'S RESEARCH continued As our work load increased our support systems grew. We were to write three drafts. Margaret Phillips agreed to review our work and guide us through this process. During this time the Mayday Board hired one woman from, each community to bring a few of the trends from the research back to the community through public meetings. Women responded by setting up committees to deal with specific issues. When the final drafts were completed, confidential copies were given to local Mayday groups who read the report and made recommendations. The researchers were present at these meetings as well as the Board meetings where the district recommendations were made. Then we had meetings to pull the report and recommendations together. At last the report was complete: This was the process. What makes it more difficult for the women of the north is the label of being "strong". She has a lot to live up to. She must be adaptable, adjustable, a survivor, always managing and making ends meet. She can see the good in everything, make the best of it and is grateful her husband is working and she has a roof over her head and three square meals a day. She is adaptable, happy and strong. Woe, to the woman who expresses her frustrations of living in the north, or is unable to live up to these expectations. She's labeled as being weak, selfish and a complainer. Who hasn't heard the comment "is that all You do-complain?" No one admires her for being honest and wanting to make changes. She's told to deny her thoughts and feelings and "put on a happy face". She's told to be "quiet". It's this denial that keeps the system going that harms us all Joining together, sharing our frustrations, complaining, enables us to see what we don't like and gives us the power to change it. I'm so grateful to all the women who were honest with me in the report, The vision "Women actively involved in theiA communities" has begun. What did we discover about women's lives? The work of caring for the family and community was theirs, regardless if she was working out of the hoMe or not. They shopped, cleaned, cooked, wipped noses and hugged babies. She drove the neighbours to the doctors, kids to the arena and cared for the sick and elderly. Women baked for bazaars, sat on boards and helped out at guides as well as hockey. Her comment often was "Someone has to do it". Over and over again we saw the paid and unpaid work women do in the community. We started to recognize their value. Women's skills became apparent. Pam McKeever wrote in her report "she "Women were the ones who were concerned for their families well being and their communities' safe functioning" stated Judy VandenEnde. But women were not the decision makers. They hadn't planned the home or community they lived and worked in. Their concerns had not been heard in their communities. "Past courses of action continually taken by local decision makers have not been for the good of the residents, but only what was good for profit." I believe this powerlessness over decision making is common to all women regardless of her place of residence. By continually stating the powerlessness women experience denial can be broken and the slow road of change can begin, as the women who have gone before have proven. INVITATION There were many more difficulties Women Pensions Committee. Plan TO BECOME Ain MEMBER confronted by women livingand a oneOF THE to become involved. industry town in: Northwestern Ontario. Please catt Amand at 345-3606. Karen Kusins stated Davy?, "WomenSt. when moving . to the north have to adapt to the environment that has been created b is a nutritionist,-,,counsellor,.money th st.........0. . + manager, organizer and scheduler, a The woman has to adapt to an environfirst aider, an encourager, a teacher, ment where is little room for NORTHERN WOMAN there page 5 change. Acceptance of shift work, lack a dresser, a tailor, a money maker, a Copies of the Mayday North Shore problem solver, a driver, a dynamo who of medical facilities, long cold winT1omen's Research Report may be ters, lack of job opportunties, lack has to keep going. The talents necesobtained from Project Mayday, Box 148 of variety and choice are a part of sary to run a home were not so very Schreiber, Ont. the environment in which she will different from those required to run YOUR VOICE continued from page 2 live." a town or government." itude on the part of women is the real-. I was ver ity. We owe it to ourselves to stand articles on the together on the big issues, equal pay I was brought up and personal choice, human rights incuation and many ; 4NCA iocussed on NoAthwe6tetn coupteis disc T it luding sexual lifestyles. We owe to answers to their The s yecou. 4 aissetis .to plan icon netiument The-in . ourselves to question the thought patthe articles. T Decade Council would like -to invite ; r . . membeu o4 the tissue to become terns that keep us pliant to the role Group-will be abl intetested in the ape women who ; ;. women's icle for future m of dependence. We are in the movement when we move from the posiThank-you. tion of silence CO verbal protest in defense of ourselves or each other, that is as politically correct as you s Dear Sis need to be. It will take only a little new my subscript analysis of why-you did'that to conenclosed $5 mone vince yourself it was overdue. was sorry to.hea To all those happy warriors that' is moving. Hope made my last 10 years in the North brings her joy a among the happiest and most producthe women's move tive in my 70 years, my best wishes satisfaction. Sh for future accomplishments and continAppreciation is ued resistance. Yours in spirit faithful women s whom I know and Gert Beadle ributing to N.W. inspire and give by your generous justice for wome wishes ecN), , PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �ECONOMIC The OZZowing ate excetptis Ptom the keynote addte4 o given by Diana Eeti..4 to the NoAth Shone Nomen16 Con4ekence had in Tettace Bay. Women and economic development. This issue is a national issue. It is most effectively a northern national issue because it is in smaller and especially single industry towns that the issues in women and economic development become clear - the contradictions become clear. This issue does mean something to women. Economic development is not seen to be one of our traditional issues, yet when we put our heads to it, of course we see it should be. I will clarify the perspective from which I speak right now. I am a feminist. For me, that means I advocate for women's rights - I put women first. I start with women's experience as the basis for developing analysis and strategy. I believe, and this is based on my own experience, that all of women's lives are on a continuum based in women's oppressionn. Some of us are in a more privileged ilace than others, but we are all on the same continuum. I also believe this to be life long work. And, I don't want a piece of the pie, I want to re-write the recipe. I believe women are already involved in development.... It's just that our work of reproduction, of caring, of building community, of impacting on the economy is dismissed, or is not seen, is invisible. That work needs to be recognized and understood for its real value - by ourselves as well as others. UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE ECONOMY IS According to the dictionary, economy means "the administration or condition of the concerns and resources of a community." That's not very mystifying. In fact, the word comes from the Greek word for household managemen t The term 'economic development' usually refers to the creation or expansion of the economy of a community, region or country. Who benefits from economic development? The first prioity of any economic development is to create profit. I'm not saying that this profit is necessarily a bad thing. Its where the profits go that concerns me. I believe that large and small economic development projects must be overseen and managed in a humane fashion with people's concerns in mind. How are communities affected by economic development? Industrial and resource development greatly changes the social and economic environment of a community or region. Ideally it creates jobs and develops new areas. However, this can create problems. Populations increase as new workers arrive, often with families, yet the community and regional infrastructure does not expand to meet the needs of the expanded population. Boom and bust development puts a strain on the services and social fabric of even the most stable community. Many serious problems can occur because of NORTHERN WOMAN page' 6 the rapid change in a community as new people, money and a whole new way of life engulf it. In general economic development has not been accompanied by a concern for the human needs in the area being developed - or human needs has meant only the needs of the workers, usually male. The well being of the workers is a concern of the company but usually only insofar as it affects their productivity in the workplace. The needs of the rest of the people who make up the community (that men live in too) - the women and children - are rarely seen or nrovided for. OP/ViENT seen them and does not take their needs, their work, their contribution to community into account. Existing medical, dental and counselling services are not planned to meet the needs of increased population. There are seldom medical practitioners with specific expertise in obstetrics, gynecology or pediatrics. Homes are designed by people who have no intention of living in them. Suburbs consist of endless curving streets cresenting in on one another, with no sidewalks to push the stroller and walk the toddler on, with no corner grocery store for a quick purchase of the loaf of bread that we just ran out of with three lunches to make. Community centre and recreation facilities are inadequate - or adequate only for men's recreation needs. UNDERSTANDING THE EXCLUSION OF WOMEN WOMEN AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The traditional view of women in economic development has been, at best, to consider them as manipulable members of the paid or unpaid labour force. In some cases women's economic development concerns are assumed to focus only on affirmative action and employment. Even when this limited view is acknowledged it is not necessarily planned with women's interests in mind. A B.C. coal town planning study investigating the possibility of non-traditional work for women being made available stated: "the effect of increasing the proportion of females in the direct labour force is to reduce the projected town population.. the potential reduction in services and housing requirements may be considered important in policy analysis". These planners showed they had no understanding of women's work inside and outside the home and the needs that arise from that work not the least of which is adequate child care and family support services. The most horrifying revelation of their scenario however, is the way the living needs of women and children were to be bartered for supposedly decreased infrastructure costs. They were not seeing the labour force work as being intrinsically valuable to women - it was seen as a way to decrease the overall population and thus provide fewer services. As a result of this kind of thinking, women and families living in towns or areas created or expanded through economic development face particular hardships due to inadequate planning - planning that has not How can we understand the exclusion of women and women's concerns? This exclusion means the failure to see the sexual division of labour as significant to the process of economic development, with the result that only "men's work" is defined as relevant. Women's work is invisible or dismissed. By the sexual division of labour I mean just that - the way the work is divided between the sexes in our society. Exclusion of women means the family, household and domestic sphere are defined as marginal and the work of the domestic domain and the character of the domestic economy remains invisible, unexplored and unconsidered. And that's the work we do. Exclusion means there is a failure to raise any questions that specifically concern women in the process of development, based on the lack of recognition that these issues are of crucial concern to women. Wo- men and their work are considered irrelevant to the process of economic development. I'm going to offer an analysis of why this exclusion occurs. Dr. Dorothy Smith describes the work of administration, management, organization and government of our society as communicative work. The ways in which we think about ourselves, one another and our society are given shape and are distributed by the specialized work of people in universities, schools, television, radio, newspapers, book publishing - by all the organizations forming what she calls the ideological apparatus of society. But, and this is a big but, Smith contends women have been excluded from the work of producing the forms of thoughts, images and symbols in which thought is expressed and ordered - the books, bibles, media, etc. There is a circle effect in that men attend to and treat as significant only what men say. cont'd on next page- PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �WOMEN AND THE ECONOMY continued. Smith points out that ... "women have been deprived of the means to participate in creating forms of thought relevant or adequate to express their own experience or to define and raise social consciousness about their situations or concerns." Smith makes it clear that this exclusion of women from the making of our culture is not the product of a biological deficiency. "The forms in which women's silence and exclusion has been practiced arise differently. Some have arisen inadvertently as a side effect of where women are in the world - the private rather than the public world. Some have been a process of active repression or strong social disapproval of women's intellectual or political leadership, others result from the way society is organized through socialization, education, work and communication". The final point from Smith's analysis is that the deprivation of authority and the ways we have'been trained not to get involved in issues/ topics other than those defined by men has the additional effect of making it difficult for women to treat one another as relevant figures. "We have difficulty in asserting authority for ourselves, in grasping authority for women's voices and for what women have to say. This leads to deprivation of the essential basis for developing among ourselves the forms of thought and images which express the situations we share and make it possible to begin to work together. We take for granted that our, thinking has to be authorized by an external source of authority. This is why I see the research study just completed by Project Mayday as revoluntionary material. It is women speaking to other women in an authoratative manner about their own experience. When we as women treat one another and ourselves as people who count, then we can break out of our silence. We validate our experience. We believe from our most internal places that we have the right to speak, that there is something of value to say. In un derstanding the nature of the oppression we make decisions about how to work to alleviate it in our personal lives and move outward from there. THE INCLUSION OF WOMEN An economic framework that includes women is one which says first of all that- the sexual division of labour is integral and not marginal. An analysis of that would look at what is divided, why, how it is divided, and would look at the implications of that. An analysis would also seek to understand how it is that this sexual division of labour has always subordinated women to men. The reality is that in our society there is economic loss for women who have children. She has to make the decision to stay home part or full time, or pay for childcare if she returns to the salaried labour force. The result of the sexual division of labour around the bearing and rearing of children means women are often left economically dependent on men. Given that in our society money equals power and control, this means that many such women have no power and no control over their lives They have no economic choices except those they can arrange with his agreement. In a society supposedly committed to the equal status of women, this is an unsatisfactory situation. An economic framework that includes women would understand what this division of labour means and would do the following: pay women a decent living wage for their work; take into account the extra work of raising a child and offer paid materity and paternity leave for a child's younger years, as in Sweden; provide decent pensions for women not in the paid labour force, and provide good universal childcare. It is actually astonishingly easy to deal with some of these problems. The solutions are there. It first of all takes a belief that children are important and that women are important and that they have the right to be actively involved in making decisions about their lives. In order to include women in the economy you require a framework that begins with the household and/or family and defines this unit as an economic unit with the recognition that the work of the household'is work. WOMEN ARE WORKERSTOO! WOMEN'S WORK AND THE ECONOMY of health care that can deliver better quality and more appropriate pre and post-natal care? The point I want to make with all of this is that women must not be seen as passive recipients, but as members of the household, community and society, with interests and concerns based on active participation. This exercise of including women, families, and children is not something that policy planners should tack on to the end of their considerations. The inclusion of women must begin at the beginning and not just because we're partners of the men, but because we are people in our own right with contributions to make and needs to be considered. How much will this inclusion cost? The only real cost is the cost of changing one's attitude about women and their role. I do think it is a matter of belief. If one believes the inclusion of women is important, then it becomes a priority. Yes, it will cost money and yes, the money is there. We can't afford not to do this. There is great human and economic cost presently being paid by women. DEALING WITH THE ARGUMENTS I want to deal with problem areas others of us have encountered. As any of you who have worked on women's issues know, we often are suspect because we dare to describe ourselves as women rather than girls or ladies. In defining women's relation ---tirTnteintiiMI, we 1.Ye m 3ing 1ntu an area that many feel we don't belong in - they are more comfortable if we only talk about rape, equal pay, daycare. All of the women I have worked with have gone through a baptism of fire as they began to talk about and make recommendations on women and economic issues. Here are some of the arguments we have developed in response. The work of running a household has obvious implications for community planning. It means we understand this work involves, for example, maintaining the domestic home, transporting family members to and from their various community involvements, and linking one's own home and family with the rest of the community. When this is understood then the community should be planned with homes having reasonable access to schools, parks, and at least corner stores. Transportation is another necessity. Another aspect of the work of the household and family is the maintenance of family health. For women, this begins with pregnancy and childbirth and continues after the children are born. Women often tell us they are worried about having their baby in the town. What if there are unexpected difficulties and they have to be shipped out by air at the last minute? Others wonder about the high rate of caesarian sections they know occur at the nearest hospital and wonder if this is a factor of having a baby in an isolated area. It is not possible to have each of these communities staffed with a full time obstetrician, but why not consider models One of the things people will say is "Well, these are human concerns concerns of all people, not just women's concerns.." This statement can have a remarkably,paralyzing effect on any discussion you might be having. Why? Because it is a form of dismissal of the stand you have taken as a woman speaking to these issues and because it, yet again, takes the WOMAN out of the picture. One response might be to say "Yes, but the humans I'm talking about are women" and continue on from there. Or, "Yes, it is a human concern and women are humans with specific expertise on this issue" or just "This piece of work deals with women because they have something'to say that hasn't been heard before so I'm going to talk about it as women's concern..." "THE Hlt1ANS ISM TALKING ABOUT ARE continued on page 14 NORTHERN WOMAN page 7 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �oNs I 4ottowed he to the countny zide I watched in awe as she watked...then tan. Freedom waz het name. She tan when she sett -Eike running, walked when she wanted to and sat down sot houAz to watch the gentle breeze touch petals on zmatt 4tow,enz. She she You and paused, tooked up at me, "Come", zaid, "Take q4 youn shoes and join me. wLU see what I zee, hear what I heat sell what I 4eet." Slowly I removed my shoes. Now ztnange it sett Letting my Beet nest on the coot mo44. She taughed and we zhated the enjoyment o4 my awkwatdness "Come - Let go - tun. Now good it wa-o to tun sot no reason at all - except sot the enjoyment o4 tunning. With anmz outztnetched - 4ingenz o4 the wind 4-tu44ed my hair and touched my 4ace. Now good it was to tun sot pZeasute. MY ROOM This is my /Loom. My tandtady cabs it a zhambtez. It -2S OLE o4 beauti4ut things. On the Root, hand-hooked tugs. In a box, eatty oitz And Copper tooting. An aighan sot, my mother On4inizhed, tying In a taundty bazket. The photon on-the watt Show my divonce -.n 'turn --No huzbgnd in the pictates. When tined we stopped sett in the gnazz and Laughed at our titedness. The breeze touched out 4acez ass the sun warmed us. Out-zttetched I tay - head zotidty on the ground. A sty buzzed by - an ant ctawted oven_ me. My 4eet 4elt zone but aeive. Feet that were bound in 4hoe4 sot zo tong were ative with the pteazute 04 4eeting. -J3Aonze4-baby 4110g4,77404400444 Glued to oak bookendz I bought ,6A0,71 the Manch o4 Dimez. White glue --a bottle o4 ,it- here With bottles o4 ink and shampoo- On the dtesset,.a 4tame I'm tepaiting. Photo atbumz--baby pieta/Les, and My high zchoot diploma Earned seven ueatsptet. Sewing pataphetnalia Needtepoint on a sttetchet.. A closet 4at.l o4 clothing Some secondhand Much I seldom wean. An atatm ctock zhowing 2 a.m.: On the night table, The zteeping pia I didn't take. ovicctel-owL has put zhoez on me again. They were such nice zhiny zhoez = They said they would' protect my Beet. I wouldn't get hutt I can't tun ass steely. The 4hoe4 ate awkwand and heavy. I cannot 4eet In 4hoe4 the gnazz, the ztonez, the twigs. I watk .vet zo much. I don't notice what ,i./s under my Beet. I don't sell they can't hunt me anymore but... the /Locks. I can't reel. the sogness o4 the mo44. What shall I do? -t'eanho - - In the.city where bnoken glans Zies atound and can cut deep, I zhatt wean my shoes. But in the counttyzide My Beet shall not be bound - the pain does not hill thete. I wilt tun, watk and zit son no reason at att - except sot the pate enjoyment o4 sitting. This 4:4 my /LOOM. Susan Cote/ills In the city I wilt weat my shoes. When I want to tun and ptay I witt join a beat team. That's what you .do You can't play without in the city. a reason - You have to beat someone! When I watk I witt watk on thein hand sidewatks. I won't walk on the nice sort lawns. They ate not son walking on. They're 49n Zooking at. But don't spend an hour tooking at them. There iz not much to zee. Nothing .us allowed to _glow thete except green gtass Wean shoes in the ci:ty and you shatZ zutvive! But i4 you t4iL4h to tive come to the counttyside. Remove your shoes and iceet what is under gout Beet. Stop....see what is above your head. Canot Quesnette 1985. PDFNORTHERN,WOMAN compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor page 8 �WOMEN'S FESTIVAL by GWEN O'REILLY The second annual Canadian Women's Festival/Le Festival des Femmes Canadiennes broke loose this Labour Day weekend in Winnipeg's beautiful Kildonan Park. Three nights and two days were filled with sunshine of vatious kinds, including women's music, dance, theatre, humour, poetry, prose and hope. And women: Hundreds of us. Dressed in everything from saris to leather, all being blatantly and di-versely female. Women from across the country of every age, size, colour and political stripe attended. Last year's celebration billed as "Our Time Is Now", marked the first nation-wide women's festival in Canada, and received an overwhelming response from performers, volunteers and audiences, The members of the Canadian Women's Music and Cditural Festival Inc. are determined to make the fest ival an annual event, and this year's performance certainly puts another feather in their kerchief. The introductory message in the Festival programme book mentioned some of the magic that occurred last year during "Our Time Is Now": "For the first time, women heard their own story in music, poems, prose and theatre on stage. The intensity of this experience was best reflected in the flow of energy exchanged between the performers anethe audience. Canadian women are finding each other, creating networks to reduce the gulf that separates us in this vast nation of ours," The mast moving, remarkable thing about this year's Festival was indeed the level of energy and the ease with which it was-exchanged. The performers were at their best, encouraged by an enthusiastic audience all, ready to jump up on their feet to dance, sing clap or cry along. Workshops were staged all day Saturday and Sunday in tents and the night concerts were held at the Rainbow Stage, which is a kind of giant domed amphitheatre in the middle of Kildonan Park. Both workshops and concerts were well organized, and the scheduling made it possible to see every performer at least once, even if you played groupie and followed your favourite performers from workshop to workshop all day long (OK, I admit it) A large crew of fushia-shirted volunteers kept things running womanly, provided special services such as child care, kids activities and massages. A separate tent housed craftswomen and book. record and souvenir, sellers. Womanmade soaps, clothing,jewelry,glass and woodwork and books and information were available. Buttons and T-shirt messages abounded. "Arms are for hugging"-"T'Tomen need Women"-"No Apartheid"-"Choice"-"Immoral Minority-Member" and "Wearing buttons is not enough" were amoung the issues-women were wearing. One of the objectives of the feStival is to promote the status of women in the cultural arena by featuring perfomers who are largely unrecongnized by the general public. Some names in the programme line-up are more familiar than others, fam-. ous even. The majority of performers, however, either have not yet recorded their music or have been ignored by the mainstream music industry. Many of these women have decided to share their message by opting out of the male-dominated system and are now producing their own albums. This courage and hope for the alternatives of the future was reiterated throughout the festival performances and reflected in every face in the audience. Each artist conveyed this message in her own own unique way. Joy Kogawa and Lillian Allen both spoke, and read their poetry at several workshops. Joy Kogawa and her family were amoung the thousands of Japanese Canadians uprooted and shipped to internment camps in the 1940's. During one session, Joy Kogawa discussed her identification with Anne Frank, not as a victim, but as one who endured persecution and continued to helieve that there is enough love to change the world. She believes that there is meaning to be gained from the horror that sometimes surrounds us, and that in finding this meaning we can turn it around. Lillian Allen writes and performs dub poetry-a rhythmical,almost musical combination of simple language and social conscience. She spoke of the importance of peeling off the layers of socialization which restrict us all, in order to reach down to the human core. On the equally serious, but slightly more hysterical side was Sheila Gostick, a stand-up funny feminist from Toronto. She believes that because women menstruate more than men, they tend to be funnier. She revealed that the reason Reagan has "bum cancer" is because he's spent so many years rerouting shit to his mouth. And have you ever realized how feminine it is to be Canadian? "Oh,here, Mr. Reagan,please, take our water,help yourself to a few more natural resources, and sure,. we don't mind if you send us more acid rain." Sheila says that if tough guys have balls, then gutsy women must really have ovaries. Speaking of ovaries, it's also Sheila's opinion that fetuses now have more constitutional rights than do women° The only solution is for women to declare themselves eggs. The Seacows are two actresses involved in many kinds of contemporary theatre. One is from an Inuit background, while the other is an American Indian. Together, they dance and act to dispell the stereotypes surrounding indigenous peoples, feminists and artists. They chose the name Seacows because they both come from sea cultures and identify with the large, gentle mammals from which the legends of sirens and mermaids originate. They also point out that any creature with the power to steal men's souls should certainly be considered dangerous. Oh and of course, there were some musical messages at the festival as well. The Ruggedy .innes, a ninnipe band, took care of the punk rock denartment. They were a little much for my hangover, but everyone else seemed to really enjoy them. Sherry Shute, Gwen Swick and Catherine MacKay rock n' rolled all weekend long and had no trouble keeping people on their feet. Connie Kaldor was her usual vivacious self and managed to steal the show with her closing act on Saturday night. Incidentally, Connie has finally(!) been nominated for a Juno Award. Heather Bishop has teamed up with a very talented woman named Tracy Riley and they did a night show together as well as several workshops. Unfortunately, Heather had the closing spot before the finale on Sunday night, and her performance seemed very short compared to the time alloted for the closing act the night before. Karen Howe and Kris Purdy sang songs for the kids in all of us, and had the audience up dancing, exercising and hugging themselves. Louise Rose, who has studied piano with Oscar Peterson and worked with Duke Ellington, really sang the blues. Three of the weekend's most beautiful voices sang en francais. The passion in Lucie Blue Tremblay's love songs, Suzanne Campagne and friends' soaring harmonies and Christine Bernard's poetry transcended language, luckily for me and my high school French. Both Lucie Blue and Suzanne gave exceptional performances during the night shows. continued on next page PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN W OMAN page 9 �WIEN'S FESTIVAL continued Tracy Riley, Jennifer Berezan and Heather Bishop played to a packed tent at the "Woman to Woman" (lesbian, by any other name) workshop on Sunday, and were rewarded for their courage and talent with several standing ovations. Never,never,never miss a chance to see either Tracy Riley or Jennifer Berezan-they are both excellent singers and song writers. Another scheduled workshop was cancelled and Tracey Riley, Jennifer Berean, Moon Joyce, Kris Purdy, Lillian Allen and three women known only as Rita, Marion and Elaine put on an impromptu rhythm jam. It was great,and was yet another demonstration of the amazing sounds women can make, with or without instruments. Lillian Allen got down from the stage with a microphone is the fact that it results from a and started soliciting sounds and large number of women from all over chants from the audience-somehow I the country working together, and wasn't surprised at the number of providing support for our cultural women who had just been dying to make growth and awareness. This year's a little noise. festival has managed to improve on The fever was high by the time "Our Time Ts Now" by rearranging schedeight o'clock rolled around on Sunday uling and featuring performers and evening. A whole bunch of women were workshops which represent a wider down at the front of the stage dancing range of interest than was available to a Parachute Club tape before the last year. The organizers, volunteers show began. Suddenly,they all got up and performers all deserve congratuon the stage and started a spontaneous lations for their vision and the hard dance party, andwork everyone in put the in audthey've to make it a realience cheered. And it was all over say,ladies,you've ity. As Sheila would much too soon. really got ovaries! Thank you The Canadian Women's Festival was You can support future Women's one=-of the best organized and most inFestival's by becoming a member of spiring celebrations I have ever atthe Canadian Women's Music and Culttended. The festival itself is a wonural Festival Inc. FRIENDS contribute derful thing, but even more uplifting a single donation of up to $49.00, photo by JOYCE MICHALCHUK PATRONS-a single donation of $50.00 or more, SUSTAINERS-$25.00 per month on a yearly basis (pre-paid by cheque). A membership entitles you to receive mailings about concerts, social events, and the festival; a membership card; a discount on festival tickets;and your name printed in the '86 Canadian Women's Festival programme book. Contributions, queries and comments can be mailed to: The Canadian Women's Music and Cultural Festival 3D-161 Stafford Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 2W9 con't. edt:"My reading has university texts so movie instead. It's er Woman". It takes in South America. own, any prison. The interplay between acters, both male, a macho-man. They rerent political realwas humanistic. I book is quite good ........ 'm reading Marge Home. It's a woman's ble, very readable way. All the elements re in it and the sois right. There is people organizing share the experience group." ......, :"I just finished y Joy Kogawa. It af. It is about the way ns were treated in the ells the story of her er family was moved ace and how she ended m her parents." ...***. stions were: (Jane hing by Alice Walker test short story collnd Trouble." (Gwen 0' le's Inland Passage s Politics of Reality: st Theory." (Iris John- son) Women Who Do and Women Who Don't by Rowland."(Anna McColl)"A Diary of Jane Somers by Jane Somers in reality Doris Lessing." * NOVEL PUBLISHED Thunder Bay resident Joan Skelton has just had her novel The Survivor of the Edmund Fitzgerald published by Renumbra Press. The Survivor of the Edmund Fitzgerald features a startling human drama woven around the dramatic sinking of the cargo ship off Coppermine Point. Two strangers, a man and a woman, encounter each other on the frozen shore and together work out their individual and unique fates. (Available at the Northern Woman's Bookstore). 4 ACCESSIBLE An extensive ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE to the City of Thunder Bay has been publishes. The guide contains information on over 400 public facilities and will be of use to individuals with mobility, sight and hearing impairments, seniors and parents with young children. For a copy of the GUIDE contact Ontario March of Dimes, 209-211 Van Norman St., Thunder Bay, P7A 4B6. NOTABLE WOMEN RECORDS AND TAPES will be distributing independent recordings by Canadian women through an annual mail order catalogue. Their premier edition will be available in 1986 and will reflect the diversity of music by women. Recording artists are urged to contact NOTABLE WOMEN immediately with samples of their work. Individuals are invited to suggest records tapes by women to be included. To receive a catalogue write NOTABLE WOMEN, 64 Alice St. Guelph. womonspace pot tuck 4inzt Wednesday o4 event' month cate 345-7802 Laiebead University Women s Centre presents Lauri Conger and Kim Erickson IN CONCERT DECEMBER 21st, 19(55 University Centre Theatre (5.-.30 p.m. Adults $7.00 Seniors & rids $5.00 ge 10 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �CHRISTMAS COMMITTEE JOY ASHAM The she-lves were tired. Year after year they had worked their teeny-tiny fingers to the bone - not doing brain surgery or anything like that - just assembling parts, using knitting machines and working toward fulfilling the philosophical statement of their raison d'etre: "To make a bigger and better Christmas through the manufacture and distribution of more and more, bigger and better toys". Some toys were always changing - they were candid community - some toys were staying virtually the same, but looking glossier all the time - these were called government. The she-lves were more interested in manufacturing community things as this was more interesting work and a change is better than arrest. They had figured out by their value system (called "I left my brain") that community and change was very important to future she-lves and if there's one thing they wouldn't compromise its the future of up-coming she-lves - although they were greatly encouraged to do so. In fact, they were told, if they would quit messing .around with the community toys they could have lots and lots of government toys and if they couldn't use those themselves-, they could barter for the best toy - 'Power ". Of course, they could only acquire so much of this new and best toy - but, some was said to be better than none. - The she -lves thought and thought. The power toy seemed to be attractive - it could communicate what community wanted - and help see that come to pass. They were also told that community was no different from government - that government's value system was very close - that being: "My brain is right". And some she-lves could see this and entered into the compromise two by two, as two lefts were said to make a right. (Value system speaking). made with one extra coat of paint (ordinary she-lves needed Incentive a new word that meant ensuring that there's enough toys to barter for reindeer to feed new she-lves). This program was called PUSH (Power Utilizes She-lves Holistically) and some more she-lves bartered for governmnet and eventually for Power. This new program needed a leader, someone who would inspire the ordinary she-lves to greater and glossier production. The power she-lves squeaked and squeaked and eventually their wheels were greased and a leader was selected. The media she-lves then doodled and planned as everyone knew that "Image" was important - and finally they conceived a brilliant idea: "We'll dress him in the ordinary she-lves colour, instead of the traditional power colour - then the she-lves will see him as one of them". And it came to pass, that a glorious red suit was made and the imagemakers were pleased because the new leader looked so good. And as head of the PUSH program, he was bestowed with great pomp and circumstance, a fitting title: PUSHer. All was good for a while. The she-Ives used their Incentive to make glossier toys, the Power she -lees were kept busy making sure the PUSHer's new red suit never faded and the image-makers did what they did and liked best: talk about this. Then a lowly, ordinary she-lve asked a silly question that reverberated up the power chimney and came out covered with soot. The question was simple. It was a mere WHY? Then all the ordinary she-lves began whisnering, wondering, querying "Why?" for they started to realize that there was no purpose to making glossier toys when community toys were in much greater need. And that need was growing and growing as change had been arrested for a very long time and for most she-lves, this meant fewer and fewer reindeer. It came to pass that finally the she-lves spoke with one voice. Knowing that Power she-lves and the PUSHer didn't understand ordinary language, they traded a reindeer to a consultant she-lve who rephrased the question appropriately and maximized its effectiveness. So the Power she-lves were eventually asked, "Status Quid?" . These new power she-lves realized that what their old co-assemblers were doing (concentrating on community toys instead of government toys) was not helping to make the other toys stay the same but look better. So they developed a way to make sure that bigger and better toys would continue to be . But, Power she-lves still did not understand and before passing the question on to the PUSHer, formed a committee to study, analyze and evaluate it. In its great wisdom, this new committee made a modified interpretation. Off to the PUSHer their modification went: "Status Quo?" The PUSHer got very excited. He wouldn't admit that at times the Power she-lves had ideas better than him, even though they had been smart enough to choose him for their leader. But, this was such a good idea it would ensure that he always had new red suits and that bigger and better toys would continue to be made that he finally, finally with the help of the media she-lves declared to all: "Status Quo:" He became consternated. The ordinary she-lves didn't seem as excited about this as he thought they should be. After all, a Power she-lve had informed him (as Power she-lves were wont to do) that the idea had orginally come from the ordinary she-lves. What the Power She-lve didn't say, however, was that the committee had made the question glossier for his benefit, or remind him that it was a question at all. This was because the Power she-lve had come to know that the toys bartered for Power had only brought a little of the best toy - only enough, really, to control the she-lves certainly not enough to correct the PUSHer. So the PUSHer did not ever learn the meaning of the idea --- but was still convinced it would work, if only the right distribution system was used. He thought and thought. He traded some reindeer. Finally, with much consultation, a new system was developed: "Quid Pro Quo" (Quid Pro Quo: The concise Oxford 'Dictionary, n. Blunder made by putting one thing for another.) A leader for this system needed to be found. The search was long and hard, but finally a suitable candidate appeared and was bestowed, with slightly less pomp and circumstance, the title "Status Quack". The Status Quack needed to design, develop, implement, manage and evaluate the Quid Pro Quo system. As distribution of the Status Quo message was absolutely essential and dissemination had to be faster and better to please the PUSHer, the Status Quack thought and thought. AHAHT The reindeer are not only tasty but they're fast and sure-footed: Meanwhile, Ms. Rudolph was organizing the reindeer NORTHERNWOMAN. page 11 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Read any GOOD BOOKS by JOAN BARIL As the northern winter sharpens it's claws, the northern women turns to her most faithful companion - a good book. What are women reading? For the past two weeks I asked every woman I met. I think you'll find this sample surprising. st RN WOMAN'S BOOKSTORE 9 N. COURT ST. DER BAY, P7A 4T7 344-7979 cayenne Doreen Boucher: (Thunder Bay Physical and Sexual Assault Centre) "I'm reading Understanding Wife Assault; A Training Manual for Counsellors and Advocates by Deborah Sinclair It's put out by the Ministry of Community and Social Services and it's a y good handbook for anyone who wants to help battered women." Deborah Ratelle: "I get into mysteries sometimes. You know how it is Woman's Almanac in winter. I'm reading Dorothy Sayer's .Busman's Honeymoon. I'm also reading Manuscripts of Pauline Archange by Marie Clair Blais. It's the story of y, Friday 11.30 - 6.00 a girl, growing up in Quebec and from y 11.30 - 4.30 the time she was very young, four or five, she kept a diary. Fiction_ Poetry i...t lately Karen "I'm reading Edie Sedgewick's biography. It's an excellent book. Sedgewick came from a prestipeous Boston family. She trained as a high fashion model and then appeared in Andy Warhol movies and became a member of the group surrounding him. It's a tragic story of excess, drugs and eventual suicide. I also saw an incredible movie, 'Keith and Mary'. It's the most erotic movie I've ever seen. A husband and wife, both in their seventies and married for forty-five years, talk about their sex life. They actually make love on camera. 'Keith and Mary' is distributed by City Films of Willowdale. It is half an hour long. It was made in Holland but the couple are Irish. Lynn Beak: "I'm in a murder mystery phase right now. P.D. James is my favourite mystery author. Innocent Blood is a good book by her to start with. I've just finished Willa Cather's Old Beauty and Other Short Stories. It was a peaceful book. Jean Rhys is one of my favorite authors. In a book of short stories, Tigers are Better Looking, she deals many times with the theme of expatriates, wandering people. Mavis Gallant is a Canadian writer who deals with the same expatriate outlook, Canadians at home and abroad. Her latest book of short stories is Home Truths. is...... ? RFR Joy Fedorik: "The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a wonderful book. It soars. I found the first thirtyfive pages hard to get through becaus they were so depressing, but it was more than worth it. I carried this book everywhere. I couldn't put it down. I'll also recommend an oldie, Shulamith Firestone's The Dialectic of Sex. I also loved Daughter of Copperwoman by Anne Cameron. I also rear -a bad book among all the good ones. The Passion of Molly T. is a futurist look at the militant feminist movemer When the author (Lawrence Sanders) doesn't know what to do with the plot he relies heavily on sex and violencE Khya Beaudry: "I'm reading A Poison Stronger Than Love by Anastasia Skilnyk. It's an excellent book. It's about Grassy Narrows. It is helping m to see how we have not understood, or even attempted to understand Native culture. The book emphasized for me that the spirituality of a culture cal die. A sad story. cont'd on pg. IC ,...... * t Mary Smith: "I'm reading Reinventiu the Corporation by John Naisbett, who was also the author of Megatrends. He says we are moving into an information age in which the industrial authoritarian model of organizations doesn't work anymore. I also liked the movie 'The Jagged Edge'. The heroine is a strong, competent woman who was also made very human and realistic. Margaret Phillips: Marian Engel's collection of short stories, put together as she was dying, which makes many of them more gripping". Donna Phoenix: "I highly recommend Dreaming the lDark by Startawk. It's a book about magic and the empowerment of women. I'm also reading Goddesses in Every Woman which is interesting, easy to read psychology. The author, Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen, was trained as a Jungian psychoanalyst. Although she rejects a good deal of Jung's training, she uses the descriptions of seven Greek goddesses as archetypes to describe various characteristics of women." PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �UPDATE continued from page 3 The Women and Therapy conference, Part 11 will be held in Toronto May 20-23. If it continues the outstanding high level of Part I, held some years ago, this conference should be a first choice of women involved with women's mental health. Write Professional Development Associates, 3 Cameron Crescent, Toronto M4G 1Z7 for information woo eve Ontario's Green Paper on Pay Equity (usually known as equal pay for work of equal value) is out. But don't break out the champagne this is a discussion paper only. But the government says its committed in principle; we've yet to see the practice. Perhaps equally important to women in Ontario will be effective first contract legislation. Federally, there is the promise of pension reform but the reality is family allowance cutbacks and Bill C-49, the most ill-conceived and potentially troublesome law which makes blocking the sidewalks a criminal offense (women only). This piece of legislative never-never is, of course, designed to sweep prostitutes somewhere else. Even the proponents of the bill laugh hollowly at the absurdity of it all. The bill represents a crawling acquiescence to the nation's police chiefs and a deliberate back-hander to the government's own Royal Commission (the Fraser Commissidn) and to groups like the Elizabeth Fry Society. Now that the prostitution "problem" is "solved", stay tuned for a media second. growth of other "problems ", the pimp problem, the massage parlour problem, the escort service problem, the co-brt,lail-street revolving door problem, the hassling on the street of DAY CAR E Day care groups across the region are mobilizing and working energetically to ensure the improvement of day care services. Day care- was made a municipal election issue in Thunder Bay, Red Lake, Terrace Bay and other communities as day care and/or women's groups raised the issue at all-candidate meetings. Thunder Bay Advocates for Quality Child Care also surveyed all municipal candidates and plan to meet with newly elected Council members to further discuss day care concerns. Thunder Bay Advocates have also discussed day care with Jim Foulds MPP, stressing the need for day care to be given a much higher priority within the Liberal-NDP accord. young women who are not prostitutes as in the days of the old vagrancy laws. Nairobi, July 1985 According to the mainstream media Nairobi was a mishmash of political divisions and lost hotel reservations. According to women's magazines a different perspective appears emphasizing the size of the gathering, the difficulties trying to chose among the great numbers of workshops and events, the learning, networking and befriending. $oo The following is a pot pourri of quotes. (From Leticia Shahani, Secretary General of the conference commenting on the results of a questionnaire of governments which showed obstacles to the advancement of women) "Some of the major obstacles traditional attitudes towards are: women,the low priority given to women's issues and unfortunately the worsening 'world economic situation. In some countries, the absence of peace has been identified as a major obstacle" - the concise words of a bureaucrat emcompass vast pain. (From the U.S. magazine Off Our Backs on N.G.O. conference) "13,000 registrants ...grass roots feminist groups from Northwestern Ontario was well represented at the Coalition for Better Day Care Conference held in Toronto in October. The Coalition was restructured better represent local day care advocacy groups and individuals. Holly Rupert of Red Lake was elected as an individual member to the Coalition Council and Ruth Wells has been appointed T.B. Advocates representative to the Council. A well-organized and impressive lobby of provincial politicians was held the day following the Conference. At this lobby our delegates focussed on tsthe "indirect subsidy" issue. The Hon. John Sweeney, Minister of Community and Social Services announced that the elimination of the indirect subsidy was postponed until December 31, 1986. A reprieve but not a solution for our municipal centres. He also advised that he would deal individually with any centre experiencing financial problems. The federal government has just announced the establishment of the Parliamentary Task Force on Child Care. This Task Force is extremely important, in that its work will point the direction for day care policy in the years ahead. In a sense this Task Force is our last chance to influence the development of adequate day care policy. It is vital that submissions from individuals as well as groups be made to the Task Force. If you are concerned Third World countries may have been better represented than "western women's groups .. hundreds to thousands of women were walking about meeting groups, signing lists, being networked... bewildering array of workshops ... by the end of the first day (various) groups had begun to appropriate space on the lawn and to spread out over tables in the courtyard ...conferences and rallies as well... the Peace Tent...Tools and Tech demonstrations of "how to".,films ...(Emma Kivisild, Kinesis) "something that sets Nairobi apart from Mexico City in 1975 and Copenhagen in 1980 - the involvement of the Third World women in setting the agenda and the leadership roles taken by Third World Women ...Third World lesbians at the Forum were vocal and visible, refuting the myth that lesbianism is one of the products of decadent capitalist societies...women were not able to emerge from Forum '85 with strategies. What we did achieve was building invaluable networks, both regional and global. It is these networks that will solidify our gains - most importantly the development of a much more international and inter-racial focus for our movement," AiAl about the future of day care please plan to make a statement to the Task Force, or relate your personal experience so that we may use it in our brief. If you are willing to make a submission (eg a letter, a statement or a brief) or share your experience with ussthe NWO Regional Day Care Committee would like to hear from you. The Committee has resource information that might be helpful to you in preparing your statement. For more information contact NWO Regional Day Care Committee, Box 144, Thunder Bay, P7C 4V5, or telephone Women's Centre 345-7802. LARC LARC (Lesbian Archives and Resource Centre, Mb & N.W. Ont.) wants work especially by lesbians who are: healers, native, rural, pagan, differently abled, separtist, poor and working, over 50 or under 20. VOICES for Lesbian Survival focuses on healing; includes LARC reports. Subs $8 for 3 issues; sustaining sub $20. Single issues $3. Write LARC/VOICES C/O Isabel Andrews, R.R.#2, KENORA, Ontario. P9N 3W8 VIOICE NORTHERN WOMAN page 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �um IV) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT continued from page 7 The other side of the statement about "these issues being so useful and important that they are all people's concerns" is the one that says "Oh, but these are only women's concerns". The implication here is "where are the men ?" Again, this is a way of subtly diminishing us and our work. It may be unintentional or intentional. The only response here is to state emphatically that the study/research had its focus as women so that's what it talks about. One might add that a review of the literature shows remarkably few studies focussing on women, so this one is a landmark study! A very common remark is that "all the women do in this study is bitch/complain/nag" etc. People talk a lot about women complaining. I used to respond by anxiously saying "but we're not complaining..we have legitimate concerns here..." Then I decided that to complain was a good thing. The dictionary defines complaining as "expressing dissatisfaction or stating a grievance", and that's what we're doing. Part of what is happening with this kind of remark is a put-down of women who are not satisfied with the status-quo. Feminists are sometimes told that we don't have a sense of humour. That means we don't smile enough. We don't assure those who might be oppressing us that we really aren't hurting: I think we should own up to complaining and say "of course we are complaintng - there are lots of unsatisfactory situations regarding women and economic development and we're saying something about it" and then get right into the discussion. Let's not deny our complaints. Instead, turn their complaints about us into a way for us to talk about the issue. We are all familiar with the remark "Well, you're just a bunch of women's libbers, my wife wouldn't be concerned about those issues" or "I don't want to join up with you, you're feminists and you hate men and I still want to live with my man" etc. Depending on who says it I either feel a pit of anger welling up in me, or emphathetic feelings when I know a woman who is saying it is in fact afraid of seeing the possibilites of her own life. Usually people are trying to denigrate the work at hand by declaring it the work of a few radicals who don't represent the majority. I always respond directly by stating clearly what I am and what I believe in. Yes, I'm a feminist and here's what it means to me... then I state my definition and then continue talking about the issue at hand. I also clarify that I'm not pretending to represent the majority of women. Women are not monolithic - we do not all think alike. No piece of research ever represents everyone. But we can always state clearly that the research does represent the women we spoke to their concerns are valid. It is important to remember that many women do not dare use the word feminism, (or women) even though they may believe, or want to believe. It is hard work being a feminist. The challenge of it begins at our very core, in our own homes, in our relationships. As for the R.E.A.L. women who claim that feminists break up the family? Anyone who reads the Project Mayday report will see how strongly the research argues to have women's work and life recognized and given its full due. I am a feminist and I am pro-family. My pro-family ideal is that of a non-stereotyped, flexible, interdependent, social and economic unit where all members participate in decision making. We must unpick the pro-family rhetoric of the New Right and insert our own definition of family. It is worth remembering that many men will dismiss us because they don't know what we're talking about. And many men will dismiss us because they know exactly what we're talking about and they don't want us talking Many men will not dismiss about it this work and will learn much from it. We need to help those men develop ways of talking about our work in their own worlds. A particular problem of working on contentious issues in small communities is the way we are so easily pinpointed and scapegoated. Be ready for that. Build support into your work, have networks, allow yourself some time off if you've been in the front lines too long, develop a thicker skin. Be prepared. In closing I want again to outline why we have a right to be involved, and I'm drawing from a speech by Gene Errington. "We have a right to be involved because we have an expertise that is simply not being incorporated, simply not being recognized, not being included.... We have a right to be involved because we are the ones who live in isolation.... It is women who have to be concerned about the safety of children. We are the ones respon sible for nurturance. Shopping is not a trivial issue to talk about. We have to work with whatever is given and if that is insufficient then our work is very difficult. We are the one responsible for family life. And ... we have the talents and abilities to offer in the public world, and we have the need for personal satisfaction and for adult companionship and for our own growth. We have a right to be taken seriously. ... We need to define our terri- tory that has not been extended to us We need to share our concerns and communicate on a new and different level. We don't want to influence from the background, we don't want tokenism. We need to locate power, learn about it, how to get it, who has it, how we can wield it for a better world. We have a right to be involved in economic development because we have a right to take part in the decisions that affect our lives. We are the experts on our needs, and the needs of our children, and the needs of our families, and the development of our communities. We, quite simply, IS are the experts on the quality of life. c. 7' \.4k4 by DONNA PHOENIX REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH HAZARDS "It's hot just pregnant women. The breast fed child and the male testes are vulnerable too." This was one of a number of disturbing facts I was presented with in early September at the Reproductive Hazards Conference in Toronto. The meeting centred around the right to work and have healthy children, and further revealed that: in Canada 50% of all conceptions do not result in live birth; of the babies that are born 7-10% have obvious defects for which there are no known causes; 15% of Canadian couples are infertile; and, in general, the sperm count of the North American male is declining. These statistics were compiled by the Ontario Federation of Labour. While policies for the control of reproductive hazards have tended to centre on the removal of pregnant, or, in some cases of all women of child bearing capacity from workplaces, all workers have the right to know about dangers in their place of employment. Become informed: Ask your steward or your employer to what substances you are exposed. Learn the facts about the harmful effects on your reproductive organs. Get involved with your Health and Safety Committee, if you have one. One of our strengths in the past has been the sharing of information. Ask if other women/other workers wives have had children with birth defects, problems conceiving or if they've had miscarriages. Read labels. Tell your doctor where you work and what chemicals you or your partner have been exposed to. If you want more information on this topic contact Donna Phoenix at Northern Women's Centre. (From K Blom and J SIeIIma4Lead. New Petspectnees on all Old Problem) NORTHERN WOMAN page 14 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �411 Department of the Secretary of State of Canada CanacE Secretariat d'Etat du Canada UNITED NATIONS DECADE FOR DECENNIE DES NATIONS UNIES POUR LA WOMEN 1976-1985 FEMME 1976-1985 The Decade for Women, proclaimed by the United Nations to eliminate discrimination against women will end in 1985. The co-operative efforts of women working to achieve this goal will however continue. La Decennie pour la femme, proclamee par les Nations Unies afin d'eliminer la discrimination envers les femmes, prendra fin en 1985. Toutefois, les efforts deployes collectivement par toutes celles qui cherchent a ametiorer la condition feminine n'en resteront pas la. A poster in full color, acknowledging and celebrating the work of women over the past decade, has been produced by the Government of Canada and is available free of charge from: Une affiche en couleur a ete produite par le gouvernement du Canada pour saluer et celebrer le travail accompli par les femmes au cours de la derniere decennie. Vous pouvez l'obtenir gratuitement en ecrivant a l'adresse suivante : Communications Directorate Department of the Secretary of State of Canada Ottawa, Ontario Kl A 0M5 Direction des communications Secretariat d'Etat du Canada Ottawa (Ontario) KlA 0M5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAN page 15 �PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor WINTER '86 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS Thunder Bay District 9 : IN: Intercity Shopping Centre, December 11-14 (9:30 a.m. to closing). Wednesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. January 22, 1986 February 26, 1986 INSTRUCTOR: FEE: Al Bonazzo $18.00 ROOM: 149, Auto Shop, Dorion Bldg : Section 98 DATE/TIME START DATE: COMPLETION: : WT 843 Motor Vehicle (WOMEN KNOW YOUR CAR) In this elective post-secondary credit subject, women will learn the basic procedures of car maintenance and general operations. Section 99 DATE/TIME Mondays 7:00-10:00 p.m. START DATE: January 20, 1986 COMPLETION: February 24, 1986 **NEW** MAIL - : GS 026 99 ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING (FOR WOMEN) This elective post-secondary credit subject will provide women with the skills necessary to negotiate honestly for the things she wants--on the job, at home, in the community. Assertion is not be confused with aggression. Assertion takes into account the rights and feelings of others. DATE/TIME Thursdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. START DATE: January 16, 1986 COMPLETION: March 20, 1986 INSTRUCTOR: Ivy Cook FEE: ROOM: $30.00 265, Shuniah Bldg To receive a registration form, call Community Programs 475-6116. Northwestern Ontario residents may call Toll Free 1-800-465-6961. Applications must be postmarked no later than JANUARY 5, 1986; no postdated cheques accepted. MALL Registration: REGISTRATION INFORMATION Commencing Tuesday December 3rd, 1985, registrations will be accepted in the Registrar's Office (Shuniah Building) daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Friday registration takes place 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PROGRAMS For further information contact the Chair Secretarial & English as a Second Language. Hospitality (807) 475-6318; or your local Canada Employment & Immigration office; or the Women's Employment Centre, 130 S. Syndicate Avenue, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1C7 (807) 623-2731. BASIC TRAINING IN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT (B.T.s.D.) Academic Upgrading Grades 8-12; For further information on CAREER PLANNING FOR WOMEN, W.I.T.T., I.N.T.O., contact the Chair Industrial & Motive Power (807) 475-6215, or Women's Employment Centre (807) 623-2731. No program schedule for Winter Semester. Students study helps women to explore opportunities for employment in non-traditional jobs. job search skills, goal setting and plot a career path. Work placement gives women actual job experience. INTRODUCTION TO NON-TRADITIONAL OCCUPATIONS (I.N.T.o.) is an, 8 -week program that Start Date -- February 3rd, 1986 WOMEN INTO TRADES & TECHNOLOGY (w is an 18-week program designed to expose women to all aspects of practical trades training and the world of Hi-Tech. Start date -- January 6th, 1986 to enter appropriate employment or begin suitable training. CAREER PLANNING FOR WOMEN is an 8-week program to assist women entering or re-entering the labour force to understand present employment conditions, to select realistic career goals and For further information, contact the Program Co-ordinator (807) 475-6390. 99 : 99 : ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING FOR WOMEN-PART II This course has been designed to provide an opportunity for review and development of advanced assertive skills such as negotiating and identifying communication barriers. Specific issues including those brought by the participants will be addressed. Wellfunctioning relationships in employment guarantee job satisfaction as well as potential advancement. Personal relationships will also be enchanced by fine-tuning these skills. DATE/TIME Wednesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. START DATE: January 22, 1986 COMPLETION: March 26, 1986 INSTRUCTOR: Mary Fedorchuk FEE: ROOM: $30.00 380, Shuniah Bldg *PRE-REQUISITE: Assertiveness Training Part I ZA 350 258, Shuniah Bldg **This subject may be used as a credit toward the Equal Opportunity Management Certificate. INSTRUCTOR: tba FEE: ROOM: $60.00 INTERVIEWING, RECRUITMENT, SELECTION AND ORIENTATION This subject examines the various types of situations encountered in the business environment from selection through counselling, Methods discipline and grievance interviews. of instruction will involve group interaction, case studies and role-playing. Resume analysis and preparation will be discussed in conjunction with selection interviews. DATE/TIME Tuesday & Thursday 7:00-9:30pm START DATE: January 14, 1986 COMPLETION: April 3, 1986 PR 303 : WOMEN IN HISTORY Why have the lives of women in history been This course _forgotten? How did it happen? will help you understand women's lives today by looking at the saga of average women's Through the use lives throughout the ages. of flims, slides, pictures, handouts, lectures and discussion, we will explore ancient to modern times. No previous courses in history necessary. DATE/TIME Wednesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. START DATE: January 15, 1986 COMPLETION: April 23, 1986 INSTRUCTOR: Joan Baril FEE: ROOM: $45.00 342, Shuniah Bldg taken full-time during the day or part-time (evenings) through Community Programs. 99 GS 221 GENERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE DIPLOMA PROGRAM emphasizing Women's Programs Curriculae may be For further information, contact the Director Equal Opportunity Programs (807) 476-6278. Subjects in the EOM program may be taken during the day or as offered during the evening through Community Programs. This one-year certificate program is divided into two parts: one semester-September to Decemberin the College; second semester -January to April-in a field placement environment. Field placements and job opportunities will not necessarily be in the Thunder Bay region. **NEW**BUSINES DIVISION -EQUAL OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM(Post- Basic) Ct. The Confederation College of Applied Arts & Technology 99 WOMEN & STRESS MANAGEMENT This elective post-secondary credit subject is intended to examine situation stresses, in our 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 problem-solving. A lifestyleand attitude approach to changing their stress response will be developed by each individual. DATE /TIME Mondays 7:00-10:00 p.m. START DATE: January 13, 1986 COMPLETION: March 17, 1986 ;INSTRUCTOR: Shirley Stevens FEE: ROOM: $30.00 342, Shuniah Bldg GS 143 Toll Free: 1 - 800 - 465 - 6961 Northwestern Ontario Residents may call (807) 475 -6232, YOUR SUGGESTIONS, CALL EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS WELCOMES : ZW 013 99 TOWARD CHANGE: WOMEN AND DISABILITIES An opportunity for women with disabilities to come together to address difficulties they face in their daily lives and to make effective changes that will enhance their self-image and increase their coping abilities. This will happen through a combined orocess of presentations, films, discussions, skill sharing, etc. DATE/TIME Mondays 7:00-9:30 p.m. START DATE: January 20, 1986 COMPLETION: March 24, 1986 INSTRUCTOR: Margaret Buffington/Wave Watson FEE: ROOM: $25.00 156, Shuniah Bldg : ZW 012 99 FEMINIST COUNSELLING A practical guide designed for counsellors working with women, based on a peer relationParticipants will develop skills, ship. using women's experiences, mutual assistance and support as tools in arriving at collecThe tive solutions in problem-solving. course will be of particular interest to individuals working in self-help counselling situations in community organizations. DATE/TIME Mondays 7:00-10:00 p.m. START DATE: January 20, 1986 COMPLETION: March 24, 1986 Leni Untinen/Dawn St. Amand INSTRUCTOR: FEE: ROOM: $30.00 175, Shuniah Bldg : ZB 293 99 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 calculations. Students will have hands-on experience with computers. DATE/TIME Tuesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. START DATE: January 21, 1986 COMPLETION: March 25, 1986 INSTRUCTOR: Anna Melville FEE: ROOM: $30.00 344, Shuniah Bldg �Second Class Mail Registration No. 5697 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Don't forget to renew your subscription! Here's my sub: p2 EDITORIAL p2 YOUR VOICE p3 UPDATE p4 MAYDAY (North Shore Women) p6 WOMEN AND ECONOMIC DEV'T. p8 POETRY p9 WOMEN'S FESTIVAL Name Address (postal code) Individual $ 5Institutional $10 ************************ ************ IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR. LABEL?? PLEASE RENEW. YOUR SUBSCRIPTION 011 THE CHRISTMAS COMMITTEE ************************************* p12 READ ANY BOOKS p15 SUPPORT OUR p16 ADVERTISERS WORKERS THIS ISSUE: Kimberly Ashton, Lenny Ashton, Susan Chopp, Elaine Goodwin, Noreen Lavoie, Karen Maki, Anna McColl, Gwen O'Reilly, RETURN TO: THE NORTHERN WMAN 69 N. COURT ST. THUNEER BAY, ONTARIO P7A 4T7 `Margaret Phillips. ReturnPostage Guaranteed Northern Woman Journal 69 N. Court St., Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T7 (Four Issues) $5.00 $10.00 Busineo0 or Ins4tution 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 3 Description An account of the resource Vol. 9, No. 3 (December 1985) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: Side Effects play at Kam Theatre Depo provera Women & pharmaceuticals Journal funding Lakehead University Women’s Centre Project Mayday Les Elles du Nord Kenora’s Women’s Place North Shore women’s research, Project Mayday Women and Pensions Committee Women & economic development Exclusion of women from the economy Women’s work & the economy Poetry Women’s Festival, Winnipeg Feminist book list Women & Christmas Women and Therapy Conference Pay Equity Transnational feminism Daycare access Reproductive health hazards United Nations Decade for Women Confederation College programs for women Authors/Contributors: Joan Baril Carol Lepine-Quesnelle Susan Collins Gwen O’Reilly Joy Asham Kimberly Ashton Lenny Ashton Susan Chopp Elaine Goodwin Noreen Lavoie Karen Maki Anna McColl Margaret Phillips 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 1985-12 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/16/2790/1986_Vol_9_No_4.pdf e1e08c615091d8e334dc4f67067a9644 PDF Text Text $1.50 Northern Woman Journal 1986 VOL.9 NO.4, THUNDER BAY, ONT. APRIL PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Dear N.W.J., Part of my problem with pornography is that it affects me on such a gut level. I realize in order to appear rational I must (like the pornographers and their supporters) argue the issue of censorship and human rights in a calm, controlled manner, but I can't. When I see these images of women and children in magazines, film and video I get angry. Angry that our society condones this exploitation. Pornography is not just sold "under the counter" any more. We see the hate imagery on our television screens and now it's beginning to be delivered'to our homes by Canada Post. A number of businesses have received a piece of junk mail peddling pornography. It came to the Women's Centre in a white envelope titled MATURE VIEWERS ONLY It contained a glossy,full colour fold out selling "Highest Quality Erotic XXX Video Movies",which are"totally uncut, U.S. version". The pictures and text were quite explicit about the merchandise. When a member of the Women's Centre called the Post Office to complain about this, the postmaster explained that Canada Post had checked with their legal advisors and they were within their rights to deliver this type of thing. Since it is our understanding that the Post Office is paid to deliver "Householder Mail how complicit is our postal system in condoning the spread of pornography in our community? On an intellectual level it coulC be argued that our human rights are being violated by delivering pornographic pimp-mail to someone who feels that pornography is synonymous with misogyny. But again my response is an emotional one. I feel pornography is men degrading women. I feel violated by pornographic images. I don't want to see them on television, in movies or in bookstores. I certainly don't want them delivered to my home. Carolyn P Greenwood. BEENDIGEN(Crisis Home for Native Women) 622-5101 WOMEN'S HEALTH INFORMATION NETWORK #4 Ste. 17, 8A N. Cumberland 344-1410 PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL ASSAULT CENTRE Office: 345-0894 Crisis: 344-4502 COMMUNITY REFERRAL LINE (LSPC) 345-4009 345-5841 Dear NWJ Readers: Those of you who read the NORTHERN WOMAN editorials understand the financial dilemma that the Jourru is experiencing. (In fact you may be getting tired of reading about the financial problems.) The current situation is that wE have scraped together enough money tE pay the last printing bill; we are bE hind in our rent; and we have anothe] publishing date fast approaching witl no guarantee of the $ to pay for the printing. Obviously, some creative money raising ventures must be considered. One rather attractive possibilil is to become a member of the Canadiar Periodical Publishers Association, which means that the Journal would bE distributed to all bookstores across Canada who would take us, and we woul get 45% of the sales. Not only would this bring us new revenue but it wou] allow the Journal to be widely circulated, thus increasing our fame and prestige. The only drawback to this schemE is that we have to pay $100.00 to re ister with CPPA (and we ain't Rot the $100). So we are making this appeal. We need 20 donations of $5 (or 10 dor ations of $10...or 50 donations of $1 to make this project go. We ask you to participate. Please give your donation to any Journal member, or leavE it at the Women's Centre. Thank You. Other fund raising ideas will bE welcomed. Is anyone interested in helping the Journal fund raise? plgaii call Carolyn Greenwood at 345-7801-" with your ideas and support. SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR, a foremother of feminist literature one of the leaders of the existentalist movement died earlier this week. A novelist, a playwright and historian;she leaves behind a legacy of important work. Perhaps her most famous workTHE SECOND SEX was published in 1949. Her later works, such as THE WOMAN DESTROYED and A VERY EASY DEATH,move us, disturb us, and provide us with comfort while telling stories that we share a common experience with. She will be missed. RESOURCES FOR WOMEN IN THUNDER BAY.. SEC. STATE WOMEN'S PROGRAMS 28 N. Cumberland Street, 3rd floor Lisa Bengtsson 345-2316 CONFEDERATION COLLEGE WOMEN'S PROGRAMMES. Ruth Cunningham 475-6278 WOMEN'S DIRECTORATE, Ontario. 435 James Street, P7E 6E3 Joy Fedorick 475-1691 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISION, Ontario. 435 james Street, 475-1693 FAYE PETERSON TRANSITION HOME' 623-6600 LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S CENTRE C/O Student Union 345-2121 NORTHERN WOMEN'S CENTRE 69 N Court Street, 345-7802 or Our Voice Feminists in Solidarity Feminists in North America are trying to raise awareness and concerns about the women's movement in the Third World. The group is particularly concerned about the region of Central America, where women have to face poverty and repression, as well as oppression in work and family life. Feminists in Solidarity prepares educational programs, direct action and material aid campaigns to forge international links among women. Contact: Feminists in Solidarity, 108 E Coven Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119, USA. cover I chose this photograph because of the obvious closeness between these women. To me it expressed the enduring friendships which are possible between women. While they are not(strictly speaking) "Northern Women", I felt they typified the feeling of International Women's Day. As women we are interconnected as mothers,daughters,lovers and friends: sisters from birth to death. Carolyn P. Greenwood, I NORTHERN WOMAN page 2 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �by JOAN BARIL eoe International Women's Day, March 8, turned into a women's weekend in Thunder Bay. For film buffs it started on March 7 with a screening of the 1928 classic, "The Passion of Joan of Arc". Later that evening came a party at the Ramada Inn. Two major events were held on Saturday, a conference at Lakehead University sponsored by the university's women's and the "End of Decade" centre meeting of the Northwestern Women's Decade Council. The day culminated in a concert by Heather Bishop and Tracey Riley at the Heritage Community Centre.... .s Karen Maki of the Northern Women's Centre startled the four panel members of the Taskforce on Pay Equity by quoting the Bible to them, namely Leviticus 27:1-8 which states the value of a man is fifty shekels of silver whereas a female is thirty shekels. Its about time the situation was brought to an end, Karen suggested, and went on to describe the poverty of minimum wage women and the necessity for an effective pay equity , policy... eee New faces: Faye Peterson House has a new coordinator, Roberta Couch. As ever it was a busy year at the House which ran near eighty percent capacity last year. The related problem which battered women in Thun der Bay face is the scarcity of affordable housing to move into after the shelter. This concern, as well as the funding for transition houses, will be the focus of the June 6,7,8 meeting of the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses, in Waterloo. Kenora's new Family Resource Centre has applied for membership but the centre is still not open. ay. ..Women in Crisis-Sioux-Hudson North is the name of the Sioux Lookout transition house which opened last summer with Pat McGinnis as director. From the opening to the end of the year, they ran at ninety percent capacity. .0 edle Another Thunder Bay problem is the lack of feminist counsellors and therapists. In this respect the mental health committee of the Decade Council is bringing in Susan McPhail, a feminist therapist, to do a workshop in Dryden April 14 and 15; Thunder Bay April 16,17 and Terrace Bay 19,20. The workshops are designed for women working with women. Interested women should phone Dawn St. Amand at (807)345-3606. see oleo The "End of Decade" luncheon and meeting honoured several local women who had worked for Decade Council during the past ten years. Presented with scrolls of appreciation were Leni Untinen, Elizabeth Poulin, Lauri Cunningham, Barbara Street, Leona (Lang) Watson, Bernice Cain, Julie Fels, Margaret Philips, Joan Packota, Lisa Bengtsson and Margaret Lanchok. As well, everyone got a copy of the poem by Leni Untinen. o ave Kenora's Women's Place have hired two workers to look into health and legal issues of concern to battered women. KWP is also running a twentyfour hour crisis line staffed by volunteers 000 ...Project Mayday has hired Linda Pattison to work with groups in Marathon, Schreiber, Terrace Bay and Rossport to identify direction's for action. In March, the Mayday women have planned workshops for every Wednesday.os ...Red Lake women will also run a by CHERYL HODGINS workshop series starting on April 5 with a look at Women and Financial ManA Lobbying Workshop sponsored agement.000 by Project Mayday was held in TerbeStav tuned for more information race Bay on February 8. Carol Quesabout the Northern Women's Conference nelle, a member of Mayday's Board in Sudbury tentatively scheduled for of Directors, explained the reason this coming June. There will be funds for the workshop. available to help Northwestern Ontario "After the North Shore Women's women to attend plus lots of "how to" Conference was held here last Octoworkshops on keeping groups together, ber, lobbying skills were identified lobbying and using the media.. as a major need of the women. After all, before we can get anything from 10Geralton Women's Conference, the government, we have to know how May 30,31, will feature Maud Barlow to ask for it effectively." (former advisor on women to Prime Min- V Leni Untinen, who facilitated ister Trudeau), and the Nellie McClung a lobbying workshop at the Confertheatre troupe.., ence, facilitated this one as well. Women's Health Information NetUntinen's vibrant personality and work (WHIN) is offering memberships at superb communication skills were five dollars each. Members receive key factors in the Workshop's sucfour issues of their perky periodical cess. During the Conference follow"Health Network News" as well as accup, when plans for a lobbying workess to all information and activities. shop were discussed, women who had Send fiver to 8A N. Cumberland St., attended the fall workshop agreed #17, Thunder Bay, P7A 4L1.01040 that though the information was in..Congratulations to the Thunder valuable, it was Untinen's charisBay Physical Assault Centre which was matic presentation that made it come presented with the Ontario Crime Prevalive for the women. The message was ention Award by Solicitor General loud and clear: "get Leni to do the Kenneth Keyes in recognition of ten workshop!" years service. Untinen, who is coordinator of the Northwestern Ontario Women's Blame it on Baby. The doctors Decade Council, has successfully lobwant the maternity section of the Nipigon hospital closed.-( levels of government for necessary Labor Pains p.4) Although the doctors' but contentious issues such as Tranrationale is that there are too few sition Houses for battered women in deliveries to keep their "skills sharp" N.W.O. many observers believe the true reaDuring the workshop she detailson is they don't want to be bothered the five components of lobbying: ed with pesky babies who have the your people, your resources, the nerve to be born in the middle of the other people, the issue, and the night. At a public meeting in Nipigon strategy. She gave an in-depth analthe doctors and a doctor's wife testysis of each, their interactions, ified that- obstetrics keeps a doctor their individual and collective efon call, interrupts parties and home fect on the outcome of the lobby, ani life and that it has been disruptive contingency plans to implement when to family life doing the usual twentythe unexpected happens. five deliveries or so a year divided Information was practical, and among the four of them. When it was included suggestions on everything suggested that one of them devote from where to borrow a typewriter to his/her practice to obstetrics in orwhom to contact in specific minisder to have at least one set of skills tries. continually sharpened, this too was Untinen emphasized the necessit not acceptable. Too disruptive. of maintaining support and cohesion Since women who had personal within the lobby group if it was to experiences to relate were not allowsurvive and succeed. She offered ed to testify at the meeting, very practical advice on how to avoid con little was heard about the interruptflict within a group, and suggested ions to home life, the pain and expenways to cope with it should it inse caused by a policy that expects evitably arise. women in labour to go to Thunder Bay The signifigance of statistics for the delivery. was discussed; when to use, and not As for the tiny newborn, what use, them. about her? Doesn't s/he have a right At the end of the afternoon, th to the most favourable and safe atmoswomen role-played a situation. Half phere in which to leap into this of the participants acted as a munworld; a relaxed and comfortable mother icipal town council, the other half with a helpful and relaxed husband or as a lobby group. friend, a birth where the emphasis is The exercise revealed to the on the baby and not on the transportawomen just what skills they possess, tion o and the effectiveness of Untinen's presentation. Lobbying Workshop - continued on page 1 NORTHERN WOMAN page PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �NO MORE LABOR PAINS by KATHY THOMPSON Women living in the communities serviced by the Nipigon District Memorial Hospital have been forced to have their babies in Thunder Bay- over 100 kilometres from their home. The doctors practicing in this hospital ceased deliveries in November of 1985. They stated that in 1985 there were 24 births at the hospital. With three doctors handling deliveries, this means that on average each physician delivered eight babies. Soon after this decision was announced, the Committee for Re-Instating a Birth System was formed. CRIBS is comprised of approxiamately 15 local women, some planning on having children, and some whose families are complete. CRIBS set out to have this decision overturned by first voicing our outrage and concern in the local paper, and then by circulating a petition to Gilles Pouliot, MP Lake Nipigon. who plans to Present it in the legislature in April. With a population of 2400 in Nipinn, the 550 signatures proved that this decision was an unpopular one. Due to this public support and outcry, a forum was finally organized in March by Don Ross, Hospital Administrator. CRIBS set out to put together a brief outlining all our concerns. When the decision was publicly announced, the doctors reassured their patients in a letter which appeared in the paper that they would continue to provide prenatal care, and that women wishing to return to the Nipigon hospital for the remaindbe er of then. hospital able to do so. This was all the information that was given. After speak ing with several women who were pregnant, or had recently given birth after the decision was made, it became obvious to us that the labouring woman was on her own. They were discouraged from coming into the hospital for a medical examination by their doctors, and were instructed to proceed directly to Thunder Bay for delivery. This information was quite appalling to CRIBS, and proved that this was a decision that was made in haste by the local physicians, with no consideration given to the risks to both mother and infant. The risk of travelling over 100 kilometres in labour without medical attention was the tip of the iceburg. In this northern community weather conditions, and traffic can seriously lengthen the trip or cause hazardous driving conditions. There is risk of delivering on the highway, the risks associated with unknown doctors in Thunder Bay (the average patient will see the physician delivering her child once or twice prenatally). The staggering Caesarian rate in Thunder Bay was brought to public attention around the same time as the Twenty-eight percent of decision. all deliveries in Thunder Bay hospitals are delivered by Caesarian section, while the national average is eighteen percent. Therefore, women in our communities are at greater risk of going through major surgery. Several women in the area were having induced labors by physicians in Thunder Bay who were worried about these women being on the highway in labor- - there are major risks involved with inductions. NORTHERN WOMAN page 4 Along with the risk factors, another concern of ours is inconvenience and financial burdens. Some women do not have private transportation available to them, and ambulance service was not provided. The major industry of the community is pulp and paper, which means many fathers could be out in the bush while the mother is in labor, posing another problem for the mothers having to make the trip. Childcare for children at home has to be arranged for an additional 2 and a half to three hours, when fathers visit with the new mother, just for his travelling time. It was also suggested by some physicians, that some women would have to go to Thunder Bay one or two weeks prior to their due date, which poses an incredible financial strain for women without family or friends in Thunder Bay. Many of the women who have given birth in Nipigon were very pleased and happy with their birth experiences. Very little if any interventions are used here, and it is as close to a "natural childbirth" as you can have in a typical hospital setting. Analgesics are not used as there is no anasthesiologist available; therefore, forceps are not used, inductions are not performed, and neither are caesarians. In the past, when complications arose requiring more fP Re:Birth. more sophisticated technology and facilities, women were sent to Thunder Bay by ambulance. Many other factors contributed to a good birth experience. In a small town, chances are that the laboring woman knows many of the staff, making her more comfortable and at ease. Besides fathers being allowed in the labor room, women wishing to, could have "support" friends or relatives with her. After the birth, rooming-in is allowed in all rooms. Visiting hours are convenient for family and friends providing needed support during the post-partum period. And sibling visitation is allowed any time during those visiting hours with no restrictions. None of these practices exist in Thunder Bay. All of these risks, concerns, and burdens were outlined in the brief CRIBS presented at the forum with the doctors, Ministry of Health officials, and hospital representatives, along with some suggestions for an alternative birthing system. The first suggestion was to have one physician handle all obstretical patients. This would enable the one physician to maintain his or her obstetrical skills. Also to train or recruit obstetrical nurses to the area. This suggestion was not acceptable to the physicians, as they explained that one of them would then be on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year. How this would differ from what other physicians who handle obstetrics around the country is not known. They stated that they are currently on call 1 out of 3 nights, and that this added responsibility would burden their family life. What CRIBS learned from this meeting is that because women in the area are close enough, by the doctor's definition, to Thunder Bay, we would be safer to make the trip. Maintaining their obstetrical skills is obviously not the issue, as this can be easily rectified by having one doctor handle all obstetrics, which they are unwilling to do. The battle Currently facing the committee is to keep the obstetrical facilities at the hospital intact. We learned that the two beds used for maternity patients in the past will now be used for other patients, if necessary. This means that women who are able to return to the Nipigon hospital for the remainder of their haspital stay may not be albe to do so if those beds are occupied. There are plans to build a new hospital here in Nipigon, and it was learned at this forum that complete obstetrical facilities are not included in the plans. Currently in the plans is an allocation of a portion of the emergency room for emergency deliveries. Therefore, the decision made by these four doctors is a decision our community will endure for a lifetime. If another doctor comes to Nipigon to practice who is willing to handle obstetrics, it will not be possible for he or she to do so, as the facilities will not be available. CRIBS plans to lobby the Ministry of Health, and the Hospital Board to keep these facilities. We also plan to present our needs to the Midwifery Task Force recently formed by the Ministry of Health. We feel that a midwife would meet the needs of the community, and fill the loss of this important health service. We feel that the decision made here in Nipigon will become a trend in small communities across the country due to the decreasing birth rate, heavy work load, and increase in malpractice insurance. We were told by the Ministry of Health that it has already become a trend. This decision was recently made in Blind River, and we were told that it is working out well there. The next community to fight such a decision as this, will be told that it has happened in Blind River and Nipigon, and that it is working out well in those communities. Our Question is FOR WHOM? PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �.Native Women's Status by LYNN BEAK STATUS REINSTATE NT In Bill C-31 the federal government has introduced new rules governing Indian Status and Band membership. Bill C-31 was passed in June 1985, as a direct result of the Equality Rights section (#15) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (which came into effect on April 17,1985) and the years of lobbying done by dedicated Native women, and the women's groups that supported them. The most important changes brought about by Bill C-31 are: (1) separating Indian Status and Band membership so that Indian Status is conferred by Indian Affairs based on the Indian Act, and Band membership may be conferred by Bands based on their membership rules (if they choose to develop rules); (2) reinstatement of many men, women and children who lost their Status due to Indian Act rules, or who chose to "enfranchise" and now wish to return to Indian :status; (3) initial registration of the children of reinstated people; (4) no further conferring of Indian Status upon people (women who married Indian men) who are not of native ancestry; (5) elimination of differential treatment of "illegitimate" children; (6) recognition of adoption as a means of gaining Status (but NOT losing it) when a child is adopted by Status Indians. WHO APE ENTITLED Indian Affairs will now confer status upon the following groups: people who were registered (or registrable) prior to April 17, 1985, under the old rules; reinstated people; and the children of both groups. Those who can apply for reinstatement include: (1) Indian women who lost Status due to marriage to a non-Indian man (about 12,000 women); (2) children of the above women born before Status was lost; (3) illegitimate children of Indian women who were protested (where their fathers were proven to be non-Indians); (4) children who lost Status at age 21 where their mother and paternal grandmother only acquired Status through marriage; (5) any one who enfranchised (gave up Indian Status) and their spouses and children; (6) any one who lost Status for a variety of reasons, such as living in a foreign country without permission, completing post-secondary education, entering religious life, or obtaining full-time employment. HOW TO APPLY Indian Affairs and local legal clinics have application forms for reinstatement. If a person had Indian Status at one time, they do not need to prove their parentage to Indian Affairs, but must simply provide enough information to determine that it is the same person. Therefore, they will normally need their band name and number, birth date and name of parents, siblings and minor children. However, if the person who wishes to apply for a registration is the child or grandchild of someone who had Status and lost it, then that person will need to prove their relationship to the person who had Status. In most cases a certified Statement of Live Birth, obtainable from the Registrar General's office, will suffice to provide names for both mother and father. Where the father is not listed (and that information is necessary), the person will need an affidavit from the man admitting parentage, or a Children's Law Reform Act paternity declaration. Anyone applying for Status should collect all their documents and then complete the application form. Try to obtain as much information from your family as possible, to assist Indian Affairs to locate your family line. Confirmation of re-registration is taking up to six months, since there are approximately 70,000 to 100,000 people entitled to apply for Indian Status. Benefits such as education assistance will not be granted prior to the date of the application so hardship will be caused by this delay for many people. APPEAL PROCESS Everyone who thinks they may be entitled to registration should apply. It will not be granted to you unless you apply. If an application is refused an appeal is available. The appeal is heard by the District Court in Ontario, and the appeal must be seilffrrOrrietireitOftWomerpmertsftimo cial protest decision by the Indian Registrar. Anyone who is refused Status should contact a lawyer to determine if the decision was properly made and should do this quickly, because of the 6 month time limit. VICTORY Although the amendments did not eliminate all problems with the Indian Act, they are a victory for women. In future, native women will not lose Status for marrying a man without Status. All women who lost Status, their children, and anyone else who ever lost Status for any reason can now be reinstated. The direct benefits from the Charter of Rights have been few, and we must celebrate the ones we have achieved. WE AS HUMAN BEINGS ARE A PARTOF THE EARTH AND SKY. OUR POWER COMES FROM THE NATURAL WORLD. EARTH AND SKY GIVE US OUR POWER, NOIIWRI'l.WW, .RW.5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �UNIVERSITY WOMEN by GWEN O'REILLY Women's Centre Coalition Conference Women's centres exist on university and college campuses throughout the country, each attempting in it's own way to improve the status of women. Unfortunately, institutes of higher learning, although frequently considered the vanguard of social and scientific advancement, are also bastions of traditional male domination. The idea of a women's centre coalition has been growing throughout campus centres due to continued threats of closure, funding problems, space cutbacks, and various ongoing battles with administrations, student government, and engineering students. Women's centres everywhere face similar frustrations. In October, 1985, Ryerson and York Women's Centres met to discuss issues concerning their organizations. It was decided then that these women would initiate a concerted effort to make the Coalition a reality. The major intent of the conference was to develop an increased and continued awareness among campus women's centres of each others achievements and problems, and to establish a provincial and national communication/support structure among centres. Resources for the conference were provided by the Ontario Federation of Students. On February-7th, 1986, sixty women representing fifteen schools from across Canada( mainly Ontario) met in the middle of a ferobious Toronto snowstorm. The conference commenced with a speaker and a wine and cheese social The keynote address was given by Johanna Stuckey, a self-proclaimed "Early( circa 1969) Canadian Radical Feminist", and founding member of the first university women's centre in Ontario at York. She outlined the herstory of the university women's movement throughout the sixties and seventies, and spoke about the recurring problems caused by external attacks or disapproval, internal conflict, and that old devil, burn-out. In summing up, she passed on an important thought: "...two-things I do know now: that I did not know in 1969: first, that most people are not logical about sex roles and sexism, and second, that change comes slowly in society at large, and even more slowly in universities and colleges, the bastions of tradition. I used to think (mistakenly) that all I had to do was demonstrate clearly the injustice of society's and men's treatment of women, and they would immediately change." Johanna learned the hard way. We as organizers and activists of the eighties, are fortunate to have her wisdom to guide us. Saturday morning, the group gathered at the Ryerson campus and got down to work. Most of the day was spent listening to representatives from each school introduce themselves and describe their centre's situation. The amount of information, ideas and helpful suggestions shared was astounding. Campus women's centres exist in an amazing diversity of situations. Some centres, like those at Simon Fraser and McGill, reported a large, annual budget ($5,000 to $7,500), excellent space, extensive resource collections and a relatively large membership. The Guelph centre ran and won a student referendum for funding, and now claims $12,000 to $14,000 annually from student activity fees. Their impressive budget has not, unfortunately won them sufficient space. By contrast Ontario College of Art has one interested (committed!) woman, no funding, space or other means of support. Other centres fell somewhere between these extremes. Space but no funding. Funding but no space. Many are at the mercy of unsympathetic student governments. Ryerson is threatened with closure, Carelton with space and funding cutbacks. York representatives related a frightening story of a persistent lunatic who harrassed them with hundreds of phone calls and bomb threats. Waterloo established a personal safety service after two women were murdered on campus during Oktoberfest. Almost everyone had a horror story to tell. of preference, has internalized the social biases of homophobia and heterosexism to some degree. Since animosity dissipates group energy, it is important that women understand and confront their own homophobia and heterosexism. The seminar did indeed reveal many persistent stereotypes commonly (if secretly) held by straight women and lesbians about each other, however, in soliciting these misconceptions, the leaders aroused a great deal of hostility which was not properly dealt with during the course of the workshop. Sunday's proceedings started off slowly, but soon gained momentum. OFS representatives Leanne Macmillan and Janet Maher gave a seminar on organization and action for women's centres. They discussed the details involved in choosing, or clearly identifying an issue requiring action, recognizing target groups in order to attempt change, and also which tactics and strategy effected the most gain with the least pain. The presentation included information on resources and funding possibilities, as well as outside alliances which might be available to campus women's centres from the surrounding community. The final session was somewhat to talk r about, and people slowly tric i g u to catch planes and buses. The newly formed Coalition still managed to make some important resolutions. It was decided immediately to announce the formation of the Coalition and send the minutes of our first meeting to women's centres across the country. A list of centres in crisis MaS circulated and representatives from the Heuberships ranged from 1 to 150 centres attending were asked to write members, with the actual core"organiletters of support to the student zers" always comprising a smaller subunions/administrations involved. Sevgroup. Political positions were equalen regional representatives were choly varied, and generally governed to sen to form the Coalition Committee, some extent by sources of funding. whose responsibilities include the Centres such as Guelph are obliged to development of an inter-centre newsmaintain neutrality (i.e. no position letter, and planning for the next on abortion, men are allowed in the conference, scheduled for the fall of centre), since-their funding comes '86. In addition, a resource booklet directly from student activity fees. of profiles of all campus women's Several of the more established centres centres is being compiled, and should have paid co-ordinators. Regardless of be ready for distribution by the fall. situation, all centres expressed a Requests for information have already need for community and support from been sent out, and the regional reps a coalition. plan to meet at the end of May to put After a lunch break and a dramatic it all together. poetry recital by Taylor Greene, a Delegates left the conference with Toronto performer, the Saturday sessa bouyant feeling of renewal and many ion continued with more round table newly made friendships. A great deal discussion. The afternoon also includof work and sharing was accomplished ed a workshop on lesbians and straight over the course of two days, especially women working together. This presentaconsidering the majority of the women tion was coordinated by Side By Side, attending had never worked together a non-profit, feminist resource group, before. There is no substitute for the and presented by Natalie Zlodre and sure knowledge that there are other Maggie Redmans. committed women out there working Starting from the assumption that towards the same goals, and experienall sexual/affectional preferences are cing the same frustrations achieving valid (including bisexuality and celithose goals. The Coalition of Campus bacy), Maggie and Natalie attempted to Women's Centres is now a reality, and deal with the stereotypes and resultpromises to become an effective vehiing "horizontal hatred" surrounding cle for creative and supportive exchboth straight women and lesbians. They ange among campus women's centres. pointed out that everyone, regardless Hurray for us! W9W, ,P PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTH VII\j , �ENTRY RE ENTRY AND EXIT by JOAN BARIL .. . Want to be an educational adminiistrator? Set up your own school? Say no more. If you qualify, the federal government may give you more money per student that it gives to the community colleges. You too can have your own "alternate education system" as one CEIC official phrased it. And the best part is you don't need any experience, either in education or in the courses your training program could offer. "Anyone can apply." as the CEIC official repeated many many times at a public meeting at the Lakehead Labour Centre March 10 called to explain the program. The new CEIC offering is called Entry-Re-Entry and it is one segment of the new Canadian "Job Strategy". First, let's see what the program is not. It is not an employee training program. It makes sense, I believe, for the government to give money to employers to train workers or prospective workers-the sort of on-the-job training which has been funded for years, the kind of thing where a typewriter repair business trains people to repair typewriters and perhaps in related fields such as customer relations. But Entry-Re-Entry is an entirely different kettle of CEIC fish. Through it, the typewriter repair owner may apply bo train anything he or she wants; bartenders, cooking, waitressing, secretarial and so on. A proposal is submitted and if accepted "teachers" Are hired on contract, eligible trainees are rounded up and eh voila! - mini-school! Next, our education entrepeneur can collect up to the maximum of $60.00 per student, per day. So get out your calculators, gentle readers, figure out the take for ten students for a month of twenty teaching days. Now multiply a bit because at least one Thunder Bay entrepeneur is consdering up to one hundred students. He'll be pulling in close to half a million dollars. To put your total figure in perspective, consider that Confederation College recieves $24.00 to $26.00 per student, per day for training federally sponsored studentsl and note that these students receive all the advantages of attending a solid community-based educational institution which offers (besides qualified teachers) such services as health facilities, counselling, and sports programs. %It t: ... ............... CEIC is looking at at least eight projects in Thunder Bay alone, involving 200 students or more. Doubts have 10.1tiltmoniter the enormous fundstoinvo been expressed about CEIC's policy ,S1s. and the quality of instuction Sudbury office, 600 miles away using one CEIC officer to do it However some or all of this mo function may be taken over by college. Not to mention a recognized diploma at the end of it all. Students in "alternate educatioal systems" run by "the private sector" will not receive any piece of paper recognized as anything. For example, trainees in a local program who will study mathematics and English will not receive certification that they have achieved a particular academic grade or level. Also there is no guarantee of a job after training. In fact concerns have been raised suggesting trainees may end up destroying their own job opportunities. During the course of training, students "on-the-job training" will provide prospective local employers with free labour, lessening the number of real jobs available in the field they are working in. Who are the prospective trainees and what do they get out of signing up? Entry-Re-Entry is aimed at youth and women who have been at home for three years or more. The trainees will receive a living allowance while they are attending the program or, if applicable, continue on unemployment insurance. If we ask what women and youth need to enter the labour force, the answer is surely-jobs. Home-bound women also may need affordable day care. But youth and women will flock to Entry-Re-Entry because they get paid to do so, or perhaps they'll be steered into it by social workers or welfare officers or perhaps they'll sign up because the words "training program" have an appearance of offering something worthwhile. Once enrolled, they are no longer a blot up the unemployment statistics and it all looks so good when the issue of unemployment rolls around at Question Period. The local women's centre has its own concerns about the type of training offered to women- service, tourist and industry jobs for the most part, waitress, bartenders and retail clerk. But according to Dena Morrison (from the Sudbury CEIC office which will moniter the Thunder Bay program) " not trad" is "downsized" which to you and me means the focus is off helping women into the non-traditional higher paid jobs. In short, after a period of luring women into a brief flirtation with non-traditional occupations, Manpower, it seems, is tossing us back into the cheap labour Existing educational inst have complex networks of check balances to ensure the Ministr Education's regulations are me things are kept honest. Colleg Universities and school boards elected or appointed governing ies. They have inspecters, aud internal checks. They have pri or chairmen to moniter curricu and teaching. They have studen cils, appeal systems and local ory boards. Community training ects such as "Down to Business have grown out of community or ations and have community boar Entry-Re-Entry lacks these che and in-puts. Local Advisory Co (LACs), which are now being se will have an advisory function In a time when the averag dent loan barely pays for the trip to the bookstore, when ex educational institutions are b squeezed for funds, when the s ship system is so meagre that not provide higher education t our brightest students, when t eam of getting a summer job to one's way through winter class often just a dream, when appre ships have dried up, when the daycare is going through the r the subsidy system is collapsi when government money is neede help students get a real educa we see our government pumping into "the privatization of the ational system" and handing ou mous sums to "the private sect set up "alternate educational NOTES 1. English Second Language, $2 federal trainees per day; BTSO grading) $26.00, other college rams higher. 2. Down to Business is being p down. "Immigrant women are no the focus", says CEIC. pool. NORTHERN WOMAN PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Part One Easter was ... a crisp white blouse ... plaid skirt ... tightly curled hair ... keeping quiet in church when so much excitement stirred inside as thoughts of easter eggs ran through my head. Easter was ... the long ride home in the child filled car ... bursts of laughter ... shouts ... tears ... being quiet ... waiting to get home as thoughts of easter eggs ran through my head. Easter was ... home at last ... children shoving ... father laughing ... mother giving instructions Take off church clothes ... no fighting ... no eating before breakfast. Easter was ... the smell of bacon cooking ... children changing ... pushing ... laughing ... running finding a melted hen in a basket by the window. Easter was ... a taste of warm melted chocolate before breakfast. Part Two Easter was ... NO LIPSTICK ... NO EARRINGS ... NO HIGH HEELS ... ISN'T HER SKIRT TOO TIGHT ... WB'RE GOING TO CHURCH; Easter was ... washing again and crying for high heels and lipstick ... smiling at priests and parents' friends who whispered "what a nice girl" as thoughts of tight skirts and boys ran through my head. Easter was ... aprons ... cleaning ... keeping the kids out of the chocolate ... smells of bacon and eggs. Easter was ... walking down main street arm in arm with my friend Joyce ... Laughing in our red lipstick ... clamp-on earrings ... long tight skirts soft sweaters ... bobby socks in high heels ... hats and gloves that covered heads and hands. Easter was ... enjoying the.whistles from the boys. Part Three Easter was windows and walls ... 40 days of washing curtains polishing furniture ... baking cookies .., sewing dresses ... hiding new white socks and black shiny shoes. Easter was ... 40 days of mass ... rosary ... stations of the cross ... sorrow ... guilt. Easter was ... a night of making maps and hiding eggs ... quietness ... butter cookies in the tin ... hot bread on the counter ... jellied salad in the fridge ... family's new clothes laid out. Easter was ... NO TREATS BEFORE MASS ... EVERYONE TO CHURCH ... rushing ... pushing ... silent tears ... smiling. Easter was ... cooking bacon and eggs ... wiping melted chocolate from a little face before breakfast! ... remembering warm melted chocolate. Easter was ... keeping children quiet ... feeding many ... washing dishes ... gossiping in the kitchen ... playing cards ... laughter ... noise ... tiredness. Easter was done on Sunday night. Part Four Easter is ... remembering Easter .., gently kissing the past goodbye ... letting go of guilt and sorrow. Easter is ... time alone to love all of who I am as a woman in Transition ... fallible ... wonderful ,.. courageous ... needing ... asking ... receiving ... giving . Easter is ... planning a day of ice fishing ... sharing moments ... a meal ... with friends. Easter is ... believing in Parts One ... Two ... Three ... Four ... believing in Parts Five ... Six ... Seven ... that are to come. Carol Quesnelle NORTHERN W OMAN page 8 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Bette CoUcvi Woman Noriliwcstern On-taiio Wornens Paack Council 1q76-1.786 ter:: 7thrs a-ne taugi-iter: and in fowns`ti and ci-fies, women corn& Front iso(a-f-ion. flicy had Anow.n. Togeffie-r tricy were- -not atone. fo sham, 1.0 speak Each ane -the same, milt, on(' uniee To change the -ruCes -Mal ept us still To hear. -fo To hare' , flee female age: 32 Tatk oi iututez, Puncuated by netvouz Zaughtut Ins aLway4 vague. We zit, Hunched oven ()ems, Dreaming to each other oi land, And houzez buitt by woman-hand6. Wand's ticochet a/wand the table And the sound o6 laughter Itoa/tis in OWL eaAz. Everything zeemz pozsibte, No wiish too-ab4und. We Zook up, Stitt taughing, A4 youn wands zhattet out dneamz With the Sudden, vivid ctanity oi ate our beano . " Who the hat us going to kite a 53 yea/t-ad £ady Zabo/tee " Many-Ann it on Will To fee( fife power gained in sharing dernatith-afc strrnqfit carinq To char t -the- :path_ to clime 6, foJart` T -work .for one, to gain for- all A -woman safe, a child's -trus, Pn'antS situ:Wed (ficartis were crushed , To (ift :us old. of 7,01)ei-fy Pernariding our .e'..9.1106-ty of our Earth -PrE -se.1-0aficti, of ow- -worth Thoughts we Feel,' oul sypken. -ward will be heard P-ronhsiliq t he- shadow of -the dale Not a caiLse The Decade, oct of Cove , ri )oal5 710f ye Norffi,ern -women haVe brquit ( won a, pccae, Jio guiester Li_ QntarLv tlionuiris sfIcia commitment" an aciliedetne,nt? 3n, cele:6.catt'on, o Wandeting the ztackz I zeanch out titteS. ("The L064 04 A Panent") ("On Death and Dying") Nothing appeatz. I teatize, With come dizgurt, That I am tnying To con4nont your death With iactz, 6igutez, logic. How did I believe That this cowed be "tead-up"? Wa4 I Zooking bon "zeti-hete? ("G/tie6 to Gninning: A Step-by-Step Manuat") Penhapz a zchotaitty tationatization oi mourning? Something I could digezt and then did card, Hoping, atiso, to dizcakd The iutitity o6 wondering What you Might have thought 04 thingz I had never Been able To say, Many-Ann NORTHERN OW page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Fiction JESSE'S bit of money comin in. Only trouble is I'd feel a whole lot .better if Billy, my oldest, didn't keep comin home lookin worse than when my old man lay a beatin on him, and nothin to say for himself. Seems I spent sc long just tryin to get a job and a place to stay that I forgot how to talk to my kids. I still don't have much time tc be with my kids. Money is real tight Food for seven kids, some stuff for the house, clothes for my four older for school, pay back some of the mot ey my cousin lent me, the cheque juE won't go that far even with the clot and stuff my social worker finds me, Never mind that sometimes I get so sick inside for my town and my old man and the bush that I got to get out of the house and spend some mon( on goin for coffee or bingo to talk to some people I know from around where I come from. Around this time I'm still tryin, you know... STORY by ROSE PITTIS Brian Mulroney, if I could write good I'd sure be sendin you a letter. Lyin here lookin at these puke green walls, me, and lookin back at my life which has been that same colour for a long time. I been seein your dogeared face on the front of a lot of old magazines lyin around the ward and I been thinkin how your social programs with all them social workers managed to help me sell my pride, lose my kids, and trade real life for this psych hospital. I also been seein that angelfaced old lady of yours on a lot of old magazines. Glorified wife and mother of this land with three kids to look after, always smilin. That smile begins to look like a smirk to me 'cos I know what put it there. Money. What I want to know is if I kept my seven kids with me for so long, with a smile on my face and no money, how come they don't put me on the cover of Chatelaine? How come they didn't give me a goddamm god medal! Had my first kid when I was 16, me, maybe ten years ago. The next six years are kind of a blur now. Seems like I -Was either carryin a kid or feedin one, drinkin or soberin up all the time, with my old man takin a swing at my head sometimes to keep things interesting. So I hit rock bottom, find our Maker down there to help me out of the hole and I quit drinkin. Thats when I start feelin the pain of livin again... First its the birth pains, then its the beatin pains, then its the pain inside when I see those swings missin me and landin on my three oldest. Thats when I know its time to leave. So thats the first part over... I drop the old man and the bottle, pick up thekids and the good Lord, and head out of that town down the highway to Thunder Bay where I got a cousin I can stay with. My cousin's got three rooms,three kids and an old man that drinks. Its good its summer and the kids can be outside all the time, though there seems to be more trouble for them to get into than where I come from. I spend my days walRin around lookin for a place to stay and a job to pay for it. I spend my nights listenin to the kids screamin, and sometimes I get out for a coffee, or a bingo. Bout a month goes by and I start to figure out that it doesn't much matter if I find a job, cos there isn't any places to live anyway. My moneys almost gone, my cousin's goin crazy just havin us there, and I have this strange feelin my kids are doin stuff they shouldn't on the street. Around then there were times I'd be so tired of tryin, it took the last of my strength to get me by that hotel door and into that coffee shop. So I use my cousin's address, ignore that twistin pride in my belly that says me and my old man never asked anyone but family for anything, and head out to get signed up for welfare. They all talk a different language down there. I sort of feel scared of them for a while, especially this women who comes to ask questions about my kids and where I'm livin. Says she's my social worker and seems there's some problem with me livin with family that's got a bit of money comin in. So I borrow some money, enough to move me and my kids into a motel for a week, the kind of place I swore-I'd never see again after I quit drinkin. And they give me money for movin out of a family place and into this hole. Seems there's this cheap housing the city's got but you have to be on a list. Always thought you got points from the Lord for havin good healthy kids and standin on your own two feet but this place gives out points for just the opposite. The worse off you can prove yourself, the more points , you get, and the higher up on the list you get. So I scrounge up my points, ignore that twist in my belly again, and end un with a place to stay and a Maybe a month down the road frc that time my body starts to give out on me and I got to go to the doctor. Somehow its hard to get all this ne) part straight in my mind. I guess 7, social worker gets me someone to cor in and help me with my kids during the day. Called a homemaker. Seems like an OK person but used to be ab] to make my own home, me. Now the do( tells me I have to go into the hospital for tests, and with some troub: my kids get into and not going to school the way everone says they she uld, some woman comes round askin questions. I can smell children's aid on her a mile away and the next thing I smell is that fear sweat con out of my own body. This one seems be just lookin not stealin but now can't go in for tests and leave my kids at home waitin for her to show again. I don't like to complain so mud but, Lord, those pains weren't gett: any easier so I get my social worke to find me someone to take care of kids when my cousin can't and then go into the hospital. Seems like it a bad joke they're all playin behind my back. Sitter quits, my cousin go( on a binge, nowhere for my kids to stay. So here I am in the hospital with tubes and bottles hangin off m: body and that woman comes back to c eck on my kids and she and my socia worker say they can get real good h mes for my kids...but nowhere for them all to go together. Around thi time is when I stop tryin for awhil continued on page 11 ,NORTHERN WOMAN pageweb 10 optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor PDF compression, OCR, �... continued from page 10. Then my brother comes through town. He's off the bottle lookin for a job and no place to stay. I get out of the hospital and they give me my kids back. I have to go into the hospital for an operation from those tests soon so I figure my brother can look after my kids. Only trouble is I find out some rules I didn't know about. My brother can't live at my cheap housin maybe cos he's not on welfare and he can't give my address so he can't get welfare cos he's not supposed to be livin there. He's got no money to get another place, doesn't know anyone in town and,-me, I got no energy left to help him out. They can't find me another woman to stay with my kids so I say why don't they hire my brother as a homemaker to keep my kids at home and save them a whole lot of money as well as savin my family. They look at me as if I'm just some crazy old woman even though I'm only 26 and used to be able to think straight once in awhile. This next part is kind of hard to tell, even to myself. I got no choice but to go into the hospital, say bye to my brother who's headin out to look for work down by Marathon, watch them take my kids and send them all over town to those good homes where they got no real family. Except one other choice... I got a bottle of pain pills the doctor gave me to keep me goin til I get in for my operation. Oh Lord, those beatin's my old man gave me were nothin to the one you're layin on me now! I've been in the bush, nightime, in the middle of winter alone and half drunk out of my mind, and I've seen the way out better than I can see the way out of this one! So I take those pills down, me, with some tea to make them go down smooth and I wake up lookin at these puke green walls and pretty pictures of you and your sweet old lady, Brian Mulroney. You can take those social programs and shove them and you can take a look at this slash across the dog-eared face of your wife too. I give up my old man, the booze dreams, my land, my kids, and now I just realized I give up the Lord. I got nothin but a bit of that old twistin pride still left in my belly, and its whats goin to get me out of here. ........................................................................................................................... ...........................+.......**....*.............................................................. Depo --active Contact the CANADIAN COALITION ON DEPO-PROVERA... DEPO-PROVERA, c/o 58 arthur St., is an injectable synthetic hormone Ottawa, Ont. K1R 7B9. Get in touch now being considered by Health and with a women's centre or women's healWelfare Canada as a contraceptive. th centre in your area. Write to the BANNED IN THE UNITED STATES, this drMinister: ugs safety has not been proven. Many The Honourable Jake Epp people feel that there has not been Minister of Health and Welfare enough research on its long-term eff16th Floor, Brooke Claxton Building ects. It often given to women without Tunnyr's Pasture their "informed consent". Women's groOttawa, Ont K1A 0A6 ups, health, consumer and international or to your Member of Parliament development agencies have joined tog(no postage necessary!) ether to delay approval of Depo Provera by Cheryl Hodgins for contraception until its SAFETY HAS BEEN PROVEN. As a country manufacturing Depo Provera I was cleaning the bathroom the The Canadian for export, we should be concerned that other day when suddenly,somewhere beWomen's Movement it is available "over the counter" in tween pouring the javex into the toimany Third World countries where womlet bowl and wiping the tub with comArchives en are not adequatly screened nor monet,the following questions occurred While the purpose of these archives itored for side effects. to me. is similiar to that of others - resACTION... Why don't men feel guilty about earch and preservation, the collectIn November '85, the CANADIAN COALITION leaving their children with babysition is anything but conventional.In ON DEPO-PROVERA was formed to voice ters while they work? an effort to collect on our shared concerns for the safety of Who looks information after the children and the Canadian women's movement, writthis drug. who searches for a replacement careten documents (periodicals, minutes The Coalition is now close to eighty giver when she cannot,or chooses not, of meetings, correspondence and jourmember-groups strong. to do so? nals) are catalogued, but posters, In November, approval was imminent. Why don't more men choose the buttons, graffiti, tee-shirts, flyers occupationswomen's of full-time parent and By mid-December, decision for approval oral histories and signs also homemaker? was delayed until March. find a place. Why aren't ya women at the archives are In mid-January, it seemed that men the ever de- asked "IfThe wanted until to be early an engineer(or pipefitcision was postponed sumtrying to redescover and rebuild the ter) why'd ya have kids?" mer. continuity in women's lives - to take Why don't men support the ON Members of themore CANADIAN COALITION advantage of the experience of all idea of government daycare? DEPO-PROVERA havefunded been writing to theCanadian feminists. They encourage triedir very hard,I Members of just Parliament and to the women's groups to keep records and of aMinister logical of answer Health and Welfare to voito preserve and make those records ions.ce Maybe someone their concerns as to the safety of easily available to other women. you'll have toand excuse this drug encourage you to do the Contact: Canadian Women's Movement om needs to be cleaned same. The Coalition is demanding chaArchives, Box 928, Station Q, Toronto nges to the drug-approval process so Ontario. M4T 2P1 (416) 597-8865. that consumers can participate in the drug approval process. NORTHEW.kARIAN,pd0 GET DEPO-ACTIVE... now... WHY? PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �. DAY CARE NEWS By MARGARET PHILLIPS TASK FORCE There is much activity regarding day care at all levels. Federally, the Report of the Task Force on Child Care (the Katie Cooke Report) has been released. From their comprehensive study of child care and parental leave in Canada, Dr. Cooke and her committee members concluded "that the child care situation is in a state of crisis, and that serious consequences will result if steps are not taken immediately to rectify the situation': The Task Force has put forward a number of important recommendations with the underlying premise that "federal, provincial and territorial governments must begin now to develop complementary systems of child care and parental leave that are as comprehensive, accessible and competent as our systems of health care and education. To achieve universal day care (by the year 2001) the Task Force recommends short-term and mediumterm strategies. The immediate priority must be the stablization of existing services; increasing supply; improved variety of services; and the reduction of user fees. To facilitate this immediate goal the Task Force recommends that the federal government provide "good faith" grants of $4 per day per space for infant, disabled and special needs children; $2 per day for pre-school spaces; and $1 per day for "latchkey" spaces. In the medium term a new federal-provincial cost sharing arrangement for day care is recommended, whereby the federal and provincial governments would provide 50% of the cost of child care; the other 50% to be covered by user fees. (The subsidization of low income families to be continued during this period.) While this proposal would make day care accessible to significantly more families, the Task Force recognizes that only a universal system will make day care available to all children. The Task Force states "In the long term, we would see licensed child care being fully financed by public revenues, for, as long as user fees are a feature of the child care system, some children will lack access to the services they need...The Task Force believes that the incremental approach is "the most realistic and responible way to reach this goal under current fiscal conditions". The report makes further recommendations dealing with capital funding, taxation issues, research, and day care programs for public service families. The studies and analysis of child care needs, present inadequacies, and concern for quality, which have lead the Task Force to their recommendations, reflect the issues and concerns that have been enunciated by day care advocates for years. Nonetheless, it is notable that the Task Force has a vision of a comprehensive system of quality day care. It is vital that the Katie Cooke Task Force findings and recommendations be kept in the forefront of public/political attention, and that advocacy for the implementation of the key recommendations be maintained. With the current federal Special Committee on Child Care (more on this later) embarked on yet another study, the valuable recommendations of the Cooke report could easily be obscured. We cannot afford to have the Cooke report side-tracked. The mandate of the Task Force also involved the study of parental leave policies, which were found to be most inadequate to meet the needs of today's families, and compared unfavourably with other jurisdictions. The Task Force concluded that even the modest maternity benefits available had serious gaps.. eg the requirement of working for the same employer for at least a year; the exclusion of domestic workers, farm labourers, students and self-employed; the low level of replacement benefits (53% or less for most employees). The report concludes that "As a result of the various exclusions, conditions and low level of benefits, only about half of all women workers who give birth each year claim Unemployment Insurance benefits... Adopting parents and natural fathers are even less fortunate, being ineligible in most jurisdictions for leave or benefits, or both." To address these inadequacies the Task Force makes a number of recommendations which recognize the equal partnership of parents in meeting family responsibilities and which insist that government has a responsibility to assist parents to effectively carry out their dual roles as workers and as family members. Recommendations include: a five day annual paid leave for family related responsibilities; reduction of the qualifying period for parental leave to 20 weeks; increased dura= tion and level of birth and adoption benefits; paid leave for the father for birth related responsibilities; Unemployment Insurance maternity benefit coverage for the self-employed; and for part-time employees who work 8 or more hours per week; and the deletion of the two-week waiting period for U.I.C. birth and adoption benefit claims. The Task Force report is worth reading. It is available for $9.95 from: Canada Government Publishing Centre, Supply and Services Canada, Ottawa, K1A 0S9. The research studies conducted for the Task Force have been published separately and are also worth perusing. They are available (free) from Communicatiol Unit, Status of Women Canada, 10th Floor, 151 Sparks St. Ottawa,K1A li O SPECIAL COMMIIIEL ON CHILD CARE Not to be confused with the Katie Cooke Task Force (which was appointed-undow,the previous _feder. Liberal government) is the parliamentary Special Committee on Child Care, appointed last fall by the Conservative government, and compo sed of seven politicians (5 Conser vatives, 1 Liberal, 1 NDP). This Special Committee is yet again stu dying the child care situation in Canada, and is presently touring t country holding public hearings. While it may seem frustrating to have to retell the day care sto to yet another inquiry, it is abso lutely vital that day care people make their views known. This may b our last chance to influence day care policy. Day care parents, workers anc groups are pressing to have the Sp cial Committee hold hearings in Nc recommending thwestern Ontario hearings in both Dryden and Thunde Bay to adequately cover the regior. A firm commitment from the Specia Committee is yet to be received. Many people have advised the Committee that they wish to make a presentation. In addition to those groups/individuals who will 'preset at the hearings, it is very import. that all people concerned with the provision of quality day care writ, to the Committee. (Special Committ on Child Care, Room 308, 151 Spark St, Ottawa.) For more information contact your local day care parents group, day care centre, Women's centre, o the NWO Regional Day Care Committe Box 144, Thunder Bay, P7C 4V5. NORTHERN-WOMAN page 12 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �DISTRICT NEWS INDIRECT SUBSIDY ISSUE As previously discussed (NWJ Vol. 9 #2) the elimination of the "indirect subsidy" to municipal day care is the major NWO day care issue. The Minister of Community & Social Services has announced the postponement of this policy to December 31, 1986. This is certainly a welcome relief - but it is only a temporary solution. Long-term solutions must be found. It is therefore encouraging to learn that the provincial government appears to be seriously addressing the day care accessibility/affordability issue. At a recent meeting of the Ontario Coalition for Better Day Care, Gerry Duda, Senior Policy Coordinator, Ministry of Community & Social Services, updated the Coalition on the Policy Review being undertaken, indicating that day care reform remains a high priority, and that the direction will be toward "making it more of a public service". (Coalition Newsletter March/86). He further "agreed with the Coalition that it did not make sense for the province to be enforcing its instructions to municipal day care centres to increase their fees to full per diem costs at the same time as the government was conducting a full scale review of funding alternatives. He agreed that easing the problems of affordability created by eliminating the indirect subsidy were the very thing that the province was attempting to deal with." Further COMSOC discussion ilidicated officials will be asked to relax their position of pushing municipalities to full per diem fees in 1986. While this is all positive information day care parents/advocates cannot relax. We know that in NWO COMSOC officials are pressing hard to persuade municipalities to raise their fees, as well as suggesting program changes that could adversely affect the quality of programs in our municipal centres. (See Thunder Bay news below) Day care parents must encourage their municipal councils to resist the local Ministry pressure, and keep day care accessible, affordable and high quality. We must avoid the tragedy of forcing families out of day care, forcing day care centres to close. THUNDER BAY SIOUX LOOKOUT Parents Group has mounted a post card campaign, addressed to the Premier of Ontario. Anyone concerned with day care is asked to sign and send the post card which states "I support a universally accessible, publicly funded day care system which will provide high quality child care services". Please support this campaign. Contact your local day care centre for the post cards. The issue arose because City administration put forward a report which included a number of recommended changes that would seriously affect the quality of Thunder Bay's municipal day care, and jeopardize the existence of the centres. Administration recommendations that were of greatest concern to parents included the change from attendance-based to enrolment-based fees, which is particularly problematic to families who face sudden layoff and recall work situations, and is fraught with potential problems of children being taken to day care when they are sick because families can't afford to pay twice for the same service. No analysis had been done by administration of the number of families who would be forced to withdraw their children if enrolment based fees were effected. GERALDTON parents have organized a Parents Group and have prepared a brief to the Special Committee. TERRACE BAY's Town Council approved a request by the Day Care and have appointed a Day Care Advisory Committee composed of Town Council and parent representatives. This Committee will further investigate ways and means to develop a day care centre in Terrace Bay. The BIG TROUT LAKE Women's Group have placed day care at the top of their priorities, have conducted a needs survey, and are working toward obtaining a day care centre in Big Trout Lake. The NWO Regional Day Care Committee is planning to organize regional forums in the early fall to involve parents, workers, municipal officials and others interested in developing strategies to ensure NWO day care needs can be met. For more information contact the committee at Box 144, Thunder Bay. The recommendation to close 2 ***************+*****.******************* of the 4 centres during the summer Lobbying totally ignored the needs of the ...continued from page 3"I was impressSaid Quesnelle, ldren for security and consistency d by the skills that we women alof familiar staff. Nor did it add: ready have "Often," she said, "we have skills but not ress the transportation/affordabithem Leniare was them,fully. therefore we doabl no lity problems parents would face. these Quesnelle skills outwas in not us."t .* Not to mention staff morale. Adminticipant who was pleased istration's undervaluing of day care workshop. Rosamund van L found the information staff's work was further evident in ; ful. "It increased my *who approach supply a recommendation to utilize she to said. "Knowi ; grievances give staff and 10 month contract work. not only in thei The economic need of day care workbut also in the ers, who are already underpaid, to of their efforts work a full year is ignored, as well Untinen adv as the impact of such staffing arraenting informati ngements on the quality and continthe appropriate uity of care offered to the children. must be thorough Thankfully, City Council deferpresented in cl but added that red all these recommendations. not have to i It is our understanding that sis. "Writin district COMSOC officials have been terious, com pressing the afore-mentioned changes only someone she said. " to many day care centres. We hope have been w that other municipalities will also personsPart wit we resist this backward step. U o t In this respect we are delighted to report that the City of Thunder Bay is taking real leadership by urging the province to retain the indirect subsidy. This, and other positive actions, arose from the City's Community Services Committee meeting on March 10th. With day care children and their parents packing Council Chambers, the Community Services Committee gave a sympathetic hearing to the briefs submitted by Thunder Bay Advocates, NWO Regional Day Care Committee, C.U.P.E., and individual parents. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor * c �by LENNY ASHTON Connoisseurs of short stories are in for a delightful treat. In a book titled "DARKNESS", Bhareti Mukherjee has compiled twelve outstanding short stories for your reading enjoyment. The setting for some are Canada while for others it's the U.S. What they all have in common is their elegance and sedulity. The characters in the stories are semi-assimilated Indians (from India) who are trying to bond themselves to a new community and lifestyle, yet unable to discard their sentimental attachments to a distant Their tribulations kept me homeland. so riveted, I was unable to put the book down until I had read it from cover to cover. Bhareti has also written two novels and a travel memoir which she co-authored with Clark Blaise (her husband.) Have you read any of these works? While we're on the subject.... Have you read a good book lately that you would like to recommend to others? Just fill out the form below and submit it to me at the Northern Woman Journal and I will acknowledge your returns in the next issue of the pap- read any good books lately? cayenne TITLE: AUTHOR: COMMENTS: YOUR NAME: er. WOM A N WOR DS ACROSS DOWN 1. A movement supporting sexual equality. 6. and lascivious. 1. Worry,as women often 8. is. 9. Ancient British tribe led by Queen Boadicea. 12. Male lioness. 14. Yes 15. Wrongful entry. 16. Last letter of Greek alphabet. 18. Physical or social ! support. 19. The female Egyptian 20. 21. 22. 23. 26. 27. 28. 31. 32. 35. 36. 40. 41. 42. 44. enigma. Asexual reproduction. " and out" Gertrude's companion. The forefront of a political movement. Preposition. In or on the position of (Conj.) Holly Found in belly buttons, Birthplace of Sappho. Spreads out. Ferron album. Sweet potato. 3.141 (22/7) Female (Greek) Original lesbian poet. rif do. 2. Discrimination (oink 3. Egyptian goddess of fertility. 4. Ms. Campagnolo. 5. A specific task or responsibility. 6. Women's 7. To victimize subtly. 10. Channel Islands (abb 11. Judy 13. What every woman's entitled to. wheels (see pist 17. head) 19. Possession of sexual power. 21. 22. 24. 25. 29. Within the uterus. Bye bye baby (spanis Insect. She's quite a Greek muse of love poetry. Any woman can. (Parachute Club) 33. Hysterectomize. 34. All the better to kiss you with. 37. Ingest, chew and swallow in turn. Farrow. 38. Short sleep. 42. Chinese board game. means 43. (word frequently understood as 'yes' by men) NORTHERN WOMAN. page 14 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Women and words: an open letter An Open Letter to the Members of Women and Words and to the Community of Women We want to thank the women from across Canada who shared in the vision of the 2nd Pan-Canadian Conference of Women and Words and who sent in comments and suggestions for workshops; however, the black women and women of colour have withdrawn from the organizing committe, and we understand there will be no Pan-Canadian Women and Words Conference in Toronto in the summer of 1986. Any organization that fights sexism must also confront racism. It was our understanding that the conference was to address the theme "Diversity is strength", which in our understanding meant seeking the full participation of women writers(both selfidentified and not) who have been traditionally excluded from the mainstream and ensuring that the conference address both the local and national concerns of women so that it would reflect our diversity of language, race, class, sexuality and geography. We were also committed to increasing the representation of older women, younger women, physically disabled women and poor women. The focus was not to be On women writers of the dominant race /class /language, but rat- her on the women whom the larger society has tried to mute. In the interest of time, we will give but fewl'of the incidents that led to our withdrawal. That we sought to draw in black women and women of colour was seen as exclusionary rather than' affirmative, with the result that, we were told we ought to have done more to make white women comfortable in participating in the committee. It is an outrage that we who have been excluded from all levels of the dominant society since colonization began 500 years ago are now expected to make white women's comfort a priority. We were criticized for not being "conciliatory", i.e., for challenging racist remarks, for not smoothing over "unpleasant" moments. We were criticized about how slowly we worked, how information about the conference took long in filtering through the "white" women's literary community. What was ignored is that in our efforts to preserve the vision of the conference most of the active work the outreach, the phone calls, the rental of office space, the incorporation of the society, the raising of funds, etc. fell on the black women and women of colour. There were complaints that white women in the organization "felt like minorities," indicating that they believed their concerns would not be addressed. To assume that we would exclude issues that did/do not appear to affect us directly is a projection and an insult. It was suggested that we were being unrealistic in wanting to address racism/multiculturalism and bilingualism. What then was the conference about? Are we to believe that women's writing is divorced from these issues. In withdrawing we wish to point out that: It is not our-responsibility to comfort and reassure white women who are unaccustomed to working with black women and women of colour. Racist remarks and attitudes are not open to conciliation and negotiation. Any women's conference that does not seek to address a diversity of issues affecting the lives of women serves only women of the dominant race and class. It is not the task of black women and women of colour to educate white women about racisT. In closing, we'd like to say, that just as we have worked successfully in the past with white women who are confronting their racism, so too do we, in the words of Audre Lorde, look forward to working with ...all women who can meet us, face to face, beyond objectification and beyond guilt." Unfortunately, the Toronto Women and Words Committee does not appear to be the place. Makeda Silvera Sharon Fernandez Michele Paulse Stephanie Martin Last call ! The Dalkon Shield is an intrauterine device (I.U.D.) marketed by A.H. Robbins Company in the 1970's without enough testing for safety and effectiveness. In mid 1972 the company was warned of its dangers by one of its own consultants. Only in 1975 was it withdrawn from the U.S. market after causing: septic infected abortions, perforations, pelvic inflammatory disease(P.I.D.), infertility and death. In 1974, A.H. Robbins offered it to the U.S. Aid Population Office at a 48% discount for distribution in the Third World...a bargain: In 1980, clinics in El Salvador were still inserting the Dalkon Shield in women. In December 1983, U.S. District Judge Lord shared these word with reps from A.H. Robbins..."Nine thousand women have mad claims that they gave up part of their womanhood so that your company might prosper." and "This is corporate irresponsibility at its meanest." In 1985, the A.H. Robbins Company filed for bankruptcy protection in an American court. The court has approved an official committee of Attorneys which has established a 2-step procedure for filing claims in the U.S. 1.Write to: DALKON SHEILD BOX 444 Richmond Virginia,23203 Give your full name,.address and telephone number and state that you are making a claim against the A.H. Robbins Company. Send your claim by registered mail in sufficient time to ensure that it is received on or befor April 30,1986. The po'stmark will not govern;the claim must be received by the deadline. 2.You will receive a questionaire upon filinq your claim. Complete and return this by July 30,1986. You may wish to file a claim even if you have no present health problems. If you miss the deadline and health problems occur in the future,you may have no recouse. You may also initiate a lawsuit in Canada against the Canadian subsidiary of A.H. Robbins by issuing a writ and statement of claim. These proceedings could be adjourned pending an offer of settlement from the Committee of Atorneys. If the offer is not satisfactory, the Canadian action could ther proceed. Medical records are necessary to establish a casual link between use of the Dalkon Shield and health problems. A lawyer can advise of the medical evidence required to establish a claim. The Winnipeg Women's Health Clinic has retained a lawyer to apply to the American Court for an extension to the deadline. At present, however, that Apri130.1986 deadline for filing claims remains a critical one. CREDIT: WOMEN'S HEALTH INTERACTION NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN AND THE LAW WOOC41V011V1) I-4 OUTDOOR TRIPS FOR woriffn 2550 Pillsbury .Ave. 50. .41.A/ 55404 Information at Women's Centre and Woman's Bookstore. NORTHERN WOMAN page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS SPRING '86 "NEW"Business Division -EQUAL OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM (Post-Basic) one semester-September to This one-year certificate program is divided into two parts: December-in the college; second semester-January to April-in a field placement environment. Field placements and job opportunities will not necessarily be in the Thunder Bay region. Subjects in the EOM Program may be taken during the day or as offered during the evening through Community Programs. For further information, contact the Director Equal Opportunity Programs (807) 475-6278. GENERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE DIPLOMA PROGRAM emphasizing Women's Programs Curriculae may be taken full-time during the day or part-time (evenings) through Community Programs. For further information, contact the G.A.S. Program Co-ordinator (807) 475-6390. CAREER PLANNING FOR WOMEN is an 8-week program to assist women entering or re-entering the labour force to understand present employment conditions, to select realistic career goals and to enter appropriate employment or begin suitable training. Tentative Start Date -- September 1986. INTRODUCTION TO NON-TRADITIONAL OCCUPATIONS (I,N.T,o,) is an 8-week program that helps women to explore opportunities for employment in non-traditional jobs. Students study job search Work placement gives women actual job experience. skills, goal setting and plot a career path. Tentative Start Date -- September 1986. WOMEN INTO TRADES & TECHNOLOGY (.W,I.T.T.) is an 18-week program designed to expose women to all aspects of practical trades training and the world of Hi-Tech. Tentative Start Date -- September 1986. For further information on CAREER PLANNING FOR WOMEN, I.N.T.O., W.I.T.T., contact the Chair Industrial & Motive Power (807) 475-6215, or Women's Employment Centre (807) 623-2731. BASIC TRAINING IN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT (B.T.s.D.) Academic Upgrading Grades 8-12; English For further information, contact the Chair Secretarial & Hospitality as a Second Language. (807) 475-6318', or your local Canada Employment & Immigration office, or the Women's Employment (807) 623-2731. Centre, 130 S. Syndicate Avenue, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1C7 PROGRAMS FEE: : ZW 013 (99) TOWARD CHANGE: FEE: : An opportunity for women with disabilities to come together to address difficulties they face in their daily lives and to make effective changes that will enhance their self-image and increase This will happen through their coping abilities. a combined process of presentations, films, discussions, skill sharing, etc. Mondays 7:00-9:30 p.m. DATE/TIME START DATE: April 7, 1986 June 16, 1986 COMPLETION: INSTRUCTORS: Margaret Buffington/Wave Watson ROOM: 160, Shuniah Bldg $25.A90 WOMEN & DISABILITIES maintenance and general operation. DATE/TIME Tuesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. START DATE: April 8, 1986 COMPLETION: May 13, 1986 Dave Wirta INSTRUCTOR: ROOM: 149, Dorion Bldg. Auto Shop $18.00 In this elective post-secondary credit subject women will learn the basic procedures of car MOTOR VEHICLE (WOMEN KNOW YOUR CAR) WT 843 (99) REGISTRATION INFORMATION Commencing Friday March 21, 1986 registrations will be accepted in the Registrar's Office (Shuniah Building) daily from 9:00a.m. to 7:30p.m. Monday to Thursday. Fridays from 9:00a.m. For further information contact Community Programs at (807) 475-6116. to 4:00p.m. WOMEN & STRESS MANAGEMENT GS 143 (99) : This elective post-secondary credit subject is intended to examine situation stresses in our 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 problem-solving. A lifestyle and attitude approach to changing their stress response will be developed by each individual. DATE/TIME Wednesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. START DATE: April 9, 1986 June 11, 1986 COMPLETION: INSTRUCTOR: Bert Hopkins ROOM: 331, Shuniah Bldg $30.00 FEE: EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS WELCOMES YOUR SUGGESTIONS, CALL US AT (807) 475-6232 Northwestern Ontario residents may call TOLL FREE 1 - 800 - 465 - 6961 1 Feminist Books JUST RELEASED THE rCVt.% RESISTING 5V% §anetw P71146 Available @ $6.50 each from NORTHERN WOMAN'S BOOKSTORE, 69 N. Court St. PH..345-7802 69N.COURT STREET FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH POT LUCK ********* WOMANSPACE ********* 11.30 - 4.1i0 11.30 - 6.00 Fiction Poetry Sci-Fiction Third World NORTHERN WOMAN'S BOOKSTORE 69 N. COURT ST. THUNDER BAY, P7A 4T7 344-7979 Theory Health Bp :rituality Thursday, Friday Saturday Peace open The Ontario Coalition for Abortion Clinics (OCAC) PO Box 753, Stn. P Toronto, Ont. M5S 2Z1 ****************************** PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Second Class Mlil Registration No. 5697 INSIDE THIS p2ISSUE: Don't forget to renew you subscription! Here's my sub: p3 UPDATE p4 NO MORE LABOUR PAINS p5 NATIVE WOMEN'S STATUS p6 UNIVERSITY WOMEN p7 ENTRY-RE-ENTRY AND EXIT o Individual PUhlta o Asada:clonal $10 ************ ************************f1 p10 FICTION: JESSE'S STORY pll DEPO-ACTIVE p12 DAY CARE NEWS Name Address (postal code) .5.5 IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR LABEL?? PLEASE RENEW. YOUR SUBSCRIPTION ************************************* p13 INDIRECT SUBSIDY p14 BOOK REVIEW/CROSSWORD D15 WOMEN AND WORDS RETURN TO: THE NORTHERN WOMAN 69 N. COURT ST. THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7A 4T7 WORKERS IN THIS ISSUE: Lenny Ashton,Elaine Goodwin,Carolyn Greenwood,Mary-Ann Kleynendorst,Karen Maki,Anna McColl,Gwen O'Reilly,Margaret Phillips,Rosemary Pittis,Heidi Strobl. ReturnPostage Guaranteed Northern iiihroman Journal 69 N. Court St., Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T7 (Four Issues) $5.00 $10,00 Business oT 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 4 Description An account of the resource Vol. 9, No. 4 (April 1986) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: Pornography Journal funding Women’s resources Thunder Bay Third-World women’s movement Transnational feminist solidarity International Women’s Day Taskforce on Pay Equity, Thunder Bay Faye Peterson Transition House Women in Crisis-Sioux-Hudson North Kenora’s Women’s Place Nipigon maternity ward closed Access to maternal care/labour healthcare in Northwestern Ontario Indian status and band membership for Native women Status of Native women Indian Act Women’s Centre Coalition Conference University women Alternate education systems for women Poetry Northwestern Ontario Women’s Decade Council Social programs/social work Depo provera Canadian Women’s Movement Archives Daycare news Special committee on childcare Daycare subsidies Feminist book list Women and Words Conference Confederation College women’s programs Authors/Contributors: Carolyn P. Greenwood Joan Baril Lynn Beak Gwen O’Reilly Carol Quesnelle Mary-Anne Kleynendorst Rose Pittis Cheryl Hodgins Margaret Phillips Lenny Ashton Elaine Goodwin Karen Maki Anna McColl Heidi Strobl 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 1986-04 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/16/2791/1986_Vol_10_No_1.pdf 71fa93a34824c27707b0905da7f1e1a3 PDF Text Text $1. 5 0 Northern Woman Journal ATYUST 1986 VOL.10.1. THUNDER. BAY, ONTARIO EN .HooLING SCANDAL DALE SPENDER PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Editorial Thunder Bay readers will by now be aware that the Northern Women's Centre, which receives a financial grant from the City of Thunder Bay, is being reviewed by City administration. For the benefit of our regional/ national/international readers the details of this situation is reported elsewhere in this paper, as we believe it is important for feminists everywhereto be aware of the escalating attack on women and women's services that we are all being increasingly subjected to. Last year it was HERizons, last month it was Halifax Women's Centre, this month it's Northern Women's Centre. Next month it could be ... your newspaper ... your women's centre ... your day care advocacy group ... your transition house ... you ... Be prepared. The local situation began when the Right to Life Association of Thunder Bay and Area appeared before City Council, ostensibly appealing the refusal of the City to provide Right to Life with a grant. What evolved, however, was an attack on Women's Centre by a Right to Life member who demanded that "twenty questions" be answered. It remains unclear whether this man spoke as an individual or a Right to Life representative, as the president of the Right to Life Association waffles between disassociating his group frdin the "twenty questions" and taking credit for the review. In any event the majority of Council succombed to the intimidation, and approNed a review, however, on debating the matter a second time, saner heads prevailed and the-"twenty questions" were withdrawn. Superficially, the issue at hand is perceived to be the "abortion question". It would be misleading to reduce the issue to this equation. Rather what we have been witnessing must be understood in it's full depth... that is ... an attack on women, on women's integrity and on women's human rights. What is being attacked is the existence of a Centre that serves women, the existence of a service that respects women, and that offers the resources, information and support from which women may be empowered to take control of their lives with dignity and self-respect. It is the empowerment of women to become self-determining, fully human people that is so threatening to our detractors. No, it is not the "abortion question". Right to Life activists (and presumably most members of City Council) are fully aware that it is the Thunder Bay Branch of the Canadian Abortion Rights Action League that is the political lobby that advocates repeal of Canadian abortion laws. Similarly, they know that the responsibility for providing education about the pro-choice position is undertaken by Childbirth by Choice, the educational arm of CARAL. Ascribing these activities to Women's Centre is mischievious and designed to obscure the real attack against the Centre. Those of us who might be tempted to be lulled by the modest reforms that the women's movement has made must reconsider. We must be alert to the full dimensions of the backlash. Gone are the days when the demands of feminists were dismissed with patronizing condescension. Feminists are now taken seriously... thus must be stopped by any means, and in every arena. So, it is not simply the "abortion" issue. The backlash erupts when we ask for quality day care for our children, when pay equity appears on the agenda, when we urge adequate pensions for older women. The backlash seeps in more subtly with the bureaucratic institutionalization of the transition house movement and the rape crisis centre movement. The backlash appears in proposed legislation that obscures the issue of pornography by confusing hate literature with sex. to stand up for their beliefs and/ or rights. I am what is referred to as a white Indian. My mother was white and my father was native. I grew up on a reserve but left it when I was 15. I am now 28 and back to where I was born. I know I walked around all weekend with a chip on my shoulder both towards whites and natives. I am not trying to apologize for my actions because that was where I was at, at that time. To All Women: I just wanted to write to express my feelings now that I have had a chance to analyse myself and what was said at the Conference. (Northern Ontario Women's Conference) This was the first conference I have ever attended and I can assure you it won't be the last. For I now do feel a sense of gratitude to the women's movement. I can now appreciate what they have done to help me get where I am, and for that, I do thank all those women who had the courage Ah, yes, woman is evil, and sl must be contained. Anti-woman material proliferates. It is instructive to read "pi life" material which devotes as mu( discussion to the "immorality" of homosexuality, or the evils of feminism, as it does to abortion. We aren't suggesting that you expend your time reading these diatribes. We do, however, recommend that you read immediately Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale. But don't delude yourself into thinkin4 that Atwood is writing fiction. N.W.J. Future We are delighted by the generous response our subscribers have made to the Journal's appeal. Your donations have eliminated our financial crisis, have enabled us to apply for membership in the Canadian Periodical Publishers Assoc., and pay our debts. Thank you' to everyone who made donations. We cannot, however, be complacent .. with three more issues to be published, and ever rising production costs we encourage each of you to promote new subscriptions to keep our cash flow in a positive positio The -fall cus on the arts. Interviews with local artists and craftawomen are planned. Literary submissions are encouraged. Target date for receipt of copy is August 30th. For more information call Carolyn at 345-584 !;over photo by Carolyn Greenwood I know deep down inside my heart that I am an Indian but I am a very ignorant one. I very much would like to have the respect of my people but I know I will have to earn it, first. For, I myself have discriminated against them. I am a native, but I am also ignorant towards my own heritage. I am going to learn more on my own, and also with the help of the next conference planned to deal with all the different native issues. I wanted to thank all the women in the movement and my early,special thanks to the native women who I am sure will be working very hard to or ganize another conference to help us understand them better. Thank - you all for your support for now I do fe el we do stand a chance in getting r of some of the discrimination that i going on to-day. Thank - You Your friend and peer, A Newfie Indian. , A-MAZING "Within a culture possessed by the myth of feminine evil, the naming, describing, and theorizing about goc and evil has constituted a maze /haze of deception. The journey of women coming is breaking through this maze springing into free space, which is an a-mazing process" (Mary Daly 197f from A FEMINIST DICTIONARY PDF compression, NORTHERN WOMANOCR, page 2web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Women's Centre Under Attack Across the country status of women organizations are under attack. An orchestrated endeavour by Campaign Life, R.E.A.L. women, and local Right to Life groups are mounting campaigns to protest government funding of women's services. In fact, every organization that has received a grant from the Department of Secretary of State Womens' Program has been "targeted" for attack. This anti-woman lobby is persistent, and is focusing also on municipal governments and federated charitable appeals that provide funds for women's services. Thunder Bay is no exception. Thus, we find the Northern Women's Centre subjected to yet another "review" by city administration. What is to be reviewed remains unclear, however it is why this review was approved by (a majority of) Council that deserves our examination. But first, some background. Northern Women's Centre has, since 1980, annually-received financial assistance from the City of Thunder Bay. It is well known that the Right to Life Association of Thunder Bay and Area has long been antagonistic to Northern Women's Centre. Right to Life members lobbied Council to oppose Women's Centre funding. In 1983 WOmen's Centre representatives were asked (at a Council meeting) if the Centre was proabortion. Women's Centre advised that their position was prochoice. A Council member further asked if the Centre would forego their position if it affected City funding-. The answer was no. * In 1984 and again in 1985 the Right to Life Association requested a City grant of $20,000. Council recommended a grant of $1000. In 1985 Women's Centre's grant was reduced by close to $5000. Some members of Council advocated giving this $5000 to Right to Life, but this was not approved. Women's Centre simply lost the $5000. Confused debate within Council during the grants discussion saw an attempt by some aldermen to compare the activities of Right to Life and Northern Women's Centre. Northern Women's Centre, exhibiting admirable patience, repeatedly explained the comprehensive services they provide to women of Thunder Bay. Near the close of this meeting a motion was put forward recommending $5000 be taken from Northern Women's Centre and granted to Right to Life. The motion lost by a vote of 11-1. At a subsequent Council meeting another motion was attempted recommending a grant to Right to Life. The motion failed to get a seconder. The Right to Life Association appealed the decision. The City's defined procedure for appeals is for the appealant to appear before the Financial Assistance Review Group to lodge the appeal, and when required to provide further documentation and justification. The Financial Assistance Review Group reviews the appeal and makes further recommendations to Council who make the final decision. from NEWSMAGAZINE This release further explained that abortion counselling was not carried out by the Centre arid that no City funds were directed to any organization advocating reform of abortion legislation. As well, the Thunder Bay Branch of the Canadian Abortion Rights provide in orma ion a ou is mandate. (The purpose of CABAL is to ensure that no woman in Canada is denied access to safe, legal abortion. CARAL's aim is the repeal of all sections of the Criminal Code dealing with abortion, and the establishment of comprehensive contraceptive and abortion services, including appropriate counselling, across the country. CABAL regards the right to safe, legal abortion as a fundamental human right.) * 1986 requests for City financial assistance were dealt with at an Administrative Services Committee meeting in March. A grant of $20,000 to Northern Women's Centre was approved. A grant request of $3000 to Right to Life was denied. A grant request of $2600 to Childbirth by Choice (the educational arm of CABAL) was denied. After reviewing the Right to Life's appeal the Financial Assistance Review Group recommended to Council that the appeal be denied. This recommendation came before the City's Administrative Services Committee in May. Prior to this meeting heavy lobbying of some members of Council was carried out by Right to Life members. (Councillors Kennedy and Miller were not incluthat the lobby concentrated on opposition to Women's Centre rather than justification for Right to Life's grant request. Selected members of Council also were provided with an article written by John Carroll that appeared in a newssheet called the Interim. The article, said Karen Maki of the Northern Women's Centre calls Betty Kennedy "a wellknown abortion supporter" and Dusty Miller "well-known for her pro-abortion views". Rather than dealing with the administrative report of the appeal the Administrative Services Committee chose to dispense with their rules of procedure and permitted Carroll, as spokesman for the Right to Life, to address the Committee. The address, rather than defending the Right continued on p6 A release by Women!s Centre following this debate again clarified the Centre's position on reproductive choice, by stating "With regards to the issue in question, the Centre endorses the United Nations Human Rights Declaration of 1968, signed by Canada, whereby 'Every couple and every individual has the right to decide freely and responsibly whether or not to have children, as well as to determine their number and spacing, and to have information, education and means to do so". PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAN page 3 �UPdate goo Joan Baril will no longer be writing the Update column for the Journal. In Joan's words " For several years now I have been writing the Update column. In fact I started the column. But as with anything that you do for a long time (love, marriage, paying rent etc.) the thrill slowly goes and the thing becomes a chore. So it is with Update. I loved phoning everyone up, 'networking' around town, meeting different people - all enjoyable. But the time has come to focus on something else. I will still be submitting other things for the Journal and I also want to do interviews from time to time." Elsewhere in this issue there are articles by Joan. N0 Daycare facility on Lakehead University Campus. In a recent comment from the Lakehead University Administration support for child care facilities on campus was practically withdrawn. The University pledged only $14,000 to the development of a childcare facility and suggested finding premises off campus or buying newer trailers (at a cost of $41,000). Homebase: A Forum For Mothers at Home is a newsletter issued by the non-profit group, Mothers are Women. The objectives of the newsletter are to " raise the consciousness of a society which tends to undervalue our contributionl and to bolster the self esteem of home based women who do not work for pay and should not feel pressured to consider themselves supermom's" Published 4 times a year, address Homebase,"12 Farm Gate Cres., Nepean, Ontario, K2E 7N7 sumer and medical representation, If you want more information or want to help lobby to make these hearings public ones contact the Women's Centre nearest you. In Thunder Bay call 345.7802.o.. Canadian Labour Congress says sexism rife on Parliament Hill. ie: a female support service employee was the object of sexual harassment. Her manager touched her, leaned against her and rubbed up against her. When she objected, she was given a heavier workload, and was later given a poor performance appraisal and transferred to another job. Workers rights- "Your Rights as a Worker in Ontario", a brochure which discusses; hiring practices, sexual harassment, terms and conditions of work, including minimum wage, hours, holidays, sick days, equal pay for equal work, pregnancy leave, conditions of firing, domestic workers rights, health and safety on the job and trade unions. Published by and available from the Ontario Women's Directorate, 4th floor, Mowat Block, 900 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario. M7A 1C2, phone: (416) 965-4801. As of June 1, the new Divorce iLaws went into effect, its aim is to make divorce cheaper and quicker. Under the new law, the only ground for a court approved divorce is marriage breakdown, which can be proved by a separation of one year, or by adultery or cruelty. Gone from the law are such grounds as three years separation and sodomy, bestiality and non-consumation of the marriage. If divorcing couples can negotiate terms successfully it could save them money as they wouldn't need to pay lawyers for expensive co- urt time. A San Francisco pregnancy testing service has been sued by a The Health PrOtection Brarth (HPB) of Health and Welfare Canada is planning Autumn meetings in part to assess opinion regarding approval and safety of Depo Provera. The meetings are to be by invitation only with a limited number of spaces per location. Meetings are planned for September with no definite dates set as yet. Six cities have been targeted: Hallfax,Montreal,Toronto,Winnipeg,Calgaty and Vancouver. The committee will report to Dr. Burt Liston, Assistant Deputy Minister with HPB. Karen Kennedy, a consultant with HPB, is both organizer and chairperson of this soon to exist committee. Kennedy appears to be leaning towards a medical committee, but has not yet finalized membership. She defines the committee's task as "being a messenger", hearing "what we think and what we feel." The committee also wants to hear from the public about fertility control methods in general. And they will produce an information pamphlet about contraception! Kennedy has asked the Canadian Coalition on Depo Provera to let her know who should speak across the country. She stresses that she wants the Coalition to be well represented However,if the Coalition assists her in screening who is to speak, credence will be given to the invitational pretext of the meetings. This is not the kind of process that the Canadian Coaltion on Depo Provera requested in December.(See last issue) The Coalition had asked for and is still asking for open public hearing into Depo Provera use and issues related to that use, full media access to these hearings, and that the committee have equal con- forced to view slides of aborted fetuses before being allowed access.to the results of her pregnancy test. Carla Abbot accuses a " Free Pregnancy Clinic" of engaging in unfair business practice and false advertising. She says she chose the clinic because of its promise of free pregnancy tests but claims after she was given a urine test, she was told it was mandatory that she watch a slide presentation on abortion before getting back the results. The slide show reportedly showed aborted fetuses and featured a narrated account of a woman's death during an abortion and a teenager's entered the building. An injunction was secured to bar these people from the premises. Once a week or so - there is still the odd picketer. C.B.C. funding is secured. Congratulations to the womei of Geraldton for hosting a tremendously successful conference May 30 and 31. Enthusiasm was high as nearly 20( women from the Geraldton area joined together for their first Women's Conference. Key note speaker Maude Bari( set the stage - skillfully addressim the spectrum of issues that affect women today. On Saturday a variety of workshops were held on pertinent topics( family law, health, networking, financial planning, lobbying, dual careers, computers.), all were well attended and thoroughly enjoyed. The Conference concluded with a fine presentation by the Nellie fMcClung theatre (of Winnipeg).who expertly use theatre to consciousness raise as well as entertain. The organization and hospitality of the Conference was superb - and appreciated by all. Look for many interesting long term results of the Conferencewe heard talk of on-going workshops and plans for a Geraldton Women's Centre! WHIN Conference! The first annual N.W.Ontario Women's Health Information Network's Health Conference, Healthy Herizons!!! October 3rd 4th, and 5th 1986 at Confederation College, Thunder Bay, Ontario. The theme will be Women and Reproductive Health, throughout our years! Some of the workshops which will be offered will be, menopause and aging, exploring life changes,reproductive heaitl 'hazards, Midwifery, then now, in the future, PMS: the social implications, Assertiveness: dealing with the medical system, Birthing options in N,W,0 07or ore nformation cal 345-1410, or write 8A N. Cumberland St. #17, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7A ou es. FEMINIST CARTOONISTS! In order to establish a talent bank of feminist cartoonists across Canada, women who would like to be included are invited to submit their names, addresses, and a sample of their work to Susan De Rosa c/o Communiq'Elles, 3585 St. Urbain Street, Montreal, QC H2X 2N6. The bank will be accessible to feminist: magazines and associations across Canada. The Next Step., a series of 3 films produced by the National Film suicide following an abortion. Board in colaboration with the federal elm In the face of the growing Women's Film Program, examines the urbacklash against the right to free gent need for services to battered woabortion on demand. over 100 women's men. These 3 half-hour films along wigroups in Quebec have united to take th the users guide that accompanies the offensive under the label of the them contain suggestions for pre and Coalition quebecoise pour le droit a post screening discussions and ideas l'avortement libre et gratuit ( Quebec for action to implement and improve Coalition for free abortion on demand). service's in all types of communities: The new coalition is comprised of wom- urban, rural, northern and native. en's student and union caucuses, healso. Notable Women Records and th workers, shelter and youth groups. Tapes, a catalogue of Canadian women'E The coalition is responding to threats records, tapes, and music = related from a very vocal pro-life movement, books, has been released. Bertha says reduced provincial funding and the reof her catalogue "I believe in the turned Liberal government that brought revolutionary and spiritual power of Dr. Morgantaler to trial 3 times durmusic. The music offered here is disting their last administration. He was inctly varied in style, yet amazingly aquitted each time. similiar in so far as it speaks to us woe Calgary Birth Contrcl Associntimately, bringing the realities of iation. At this year's city funding our daily lives into focus with humor meeting their local " Campaign Life" and humility. By illuminating the truwas not given a chance to speak re: ths of our lives, music becomes an ef C.B.C.A.'s funding. One day, six memfective tool for revisioning, transfobers of campaign life sat in their rming and healing ourselves and our office for one full day. A banner was world." A copy of this catalogue can placed across the doorway to the buibe obtained from: Notable Women Recolding which houses many agencies. PeoContinued-on- page ple were verbally attacked as they PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAN page 4 �N.O.W. Conference by KATHRYN FOURNIER Participants at the recent Northern Ontario Women's Conference in Sudbury have already decided to hold a future conference on Native women's issues and to establish a more effective network among Northern feminist groups. The projects reflect the dominant_themes of the highly successful Conference, held June 20-22, which brought together some 150 women from many of the smaller communities in. Northern Ontario as well as from the larger centres. With strong representation by both Native and Francophone women, as well as Anglophones, the Conference provided a forum for the discussion of concerns by all communities. While participants addressed a number of issues during workshops, panels and informal discussions, the struggle by native women and the problems they encounter in the larger women's movement became a conference theme at the opening keynote address when speaker Susan Hare described the discrimination and prejudice native women still encounter. Participants decided by an overwhelming majority to organize more actively around Native women's issues by holding the next NOW Conference on that theme on Manitoulin Island... a conference organized by Native women with input by non-native feminists. The need to establish greater links among women in the North also became clear as participants presented the work, going on in their own communities during the Regional Update session. Feminists are active in even the smallest and most isolated communities in Northern Ontario, but often do not know about other groups who may have experience or expertise to share. At a special meeting to discuss networking, women discussed the possibilities of using existing northern women's media to communicate, establishing a northern clearinghouse, creating a networking committee, preparing a northern women's directory or simply staying in touch. A number of women from various communities will continue to discuss these and other options. Conference organizer Jennifer Keck also announced that the National Action Committee on the Status of Women may hold its annual mid-year meeting in Sudbury later this year with the theme of Regional and Economic Development. The weekend began with an evening of participatory theatre on Friday. As women used themselves to create living group sculptures, a number of ideas and feelings about being Northern Ontario feminists emerged. The keynote speeches of Saturday morning, presented by OISE scholar Dorothy Smith and Susan Hare from the Homemaker's Club of West Bay Reserve, provided contrasting perspectives on the character of power and the strength of women. While Dorothy Smith outlined how women have traditionally been excluded from power and how our current strength comes from our organizing, Susan Hare discussed the particular problems of Native women, who are often considered to be the from HYSTERIA most disadvantaged in Canada. While Native women face very real obstacles in their struggle for empowerment, Susan Hare also pointed out that Native women have a respect for individual choice and a sense of relationship that can be useful tools. A number of workshops on Saturday were built around the practical themes of successful planning, effective speaking, and creative organizing, and most were presented in French and English. In addition several workshops addressed Native women's concerns. Anglophone, Native and Francophone women were all represented and their specific concerns were addressed at times. Although women from all groups expressed a need and a desire to build greater links, the conference indicated there are still a number of barriers between the communities, and between individual women, that remain to be addressed. It was clear that many women have political and cultural links to their own communities that are not always fully understood by others and many are involved in struggles involving larger problems not always identified as "women's issues". However the desire of participants to come to an increased understanding of those problems and to include them in a broader feminist perspective was clearly expressed. Creating an effective network and meeting again to discuss the specific concerns of Native women will help to realize the initiatives undertaken in Sudbury. WOMEN' STUDI S Courses in Women's Studies are offered by correspondence in both the Winter and Spring Sessions. Women in Modern Society The History of Women and the Women's Movement Women and the Arts Women and Religion For more information or for registration material, contact: Margaret Kechnie Women's Studies Programme Coordinator, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario P3E 2C6 (705) 675-1151, ext. 380. V Laurentian University PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �D'EN'S CENTRE continued from p3 The amendment lost on a vote of 8-5. (Mayor Masters and Councillor Polhill joined Kennedy, Laakkonen and Miller in supporting the amendment. It is significant to note that Laakkonen and Polhill supported the amendment with thoughtful procedural arguments despite their previous opposition to funding of Women's to Life's grant request, took the form of an attack on Northern Women's Centre, describing the Centre as "pro-abortion" and "pro-lesbian". Carroll demanded an investigation of Women's Centre and presented 'twenty questions' to be answered. (The questions, many of which were repetitious, asked about Women's Centre's position on abortion, lesbianism, Catholicism and prositution. They also dealt with Women's Centre's personell policies, and with Board members affiliations.) The Administrative Services Committee passed a motion to establish an administrative review. The minutes of the Administrative Services Committee came before Council for approval on June 12. An amendment was moved by Councillor Betty Kennedy (seconded by Councillor Allan Laakkonen) to delete from the minutes the recommendation to review Northern Women's Centre. In speaking to her amendment Councillor Kennedy announced that she had instructed her lawyer to serve notice on John Carroll and the Right to Life Association of Thunder Bay and Area for defamation. Councillor Dusty Miller also announced that she too had instructed her lawyel to serve notice on Carroll and Right to Life. (Kennedy and Miller had by this time obtained copies of the Interim article.) The president of Right to Life, Claude Wyspianski, in a press interview after the meeting-4is7, associated himself from the art- Centre.) A further amendment to delete the 'twenty questions' from the review subsequently was passed. Discussion of this amendment demonstrated that the majority (but not all) Councillors were uncomfortable with questions that clearly contravened the Canadian Charter of Rights. For some the anticipated cost of required legal advice in respect to the questions may have been the deciding factor. So the "review" sans 20 questions goes Why was John Car Question 2: roll allowed to attack Northern Woi en's Centre? Why was he not ruled out of order when he digressed froi the subject under discussion .. ie whether the City should approve or deny Right to Life's appeal. Will Council meetings become the arena through which any individual can proselytize their particular dogma (or will this vendetta be confined to attacks on women's services?) Question 3: Was John Carroll speaking as a Right to Life representative or as an individual? The issue was Right to Life's appeal. Yet the president of Right to Life Claude Wyspianski, was quick to disassociate his organization from Carroll's 'twenty questions', and even quicker to disassociate Right to Life from the Interim article. At the same time, Wyspianski, on behalf of Right_to Life, took credit for Council's decision to revi( Women's Centre. ahead. What needs to be questioned is not Northern Women's Centre, which has a respected history of providing service to Thunder Bay women, but rather the intention of the City Council members who approved the review. Why were Council's Question 1: established procedures abandoned to permit a representative of Right to Life to address the Administrative Services Committee? This action negaes the entire Financial Assistance Review process. What precedent will this set? Will any group who disagrees with another rou 's program or philoSo0 City Council? . Clearly, the opposition to No] thern Women's Centre by Right to Life can be expected to continue. The essential question is whether City Council will continue to provide the forum for Women's Centre bashing. And if so, WHY? - - icle. FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH WOMANSPACE \fr POT LUCK 69 N. COURT STREET 345-7802 "Without exception, groups which consider themselves part of the Canadian Women's movement and define themselves as feminist, stand firmly committed to two principles; choice and equality. We believe that neither principle can exist independently of the other. The right to choose to marry or remain single, to become a parent or remain childless, to work inside or outside the paid labour force - is the cornerstone of the Canadian Women's movement upon which all demands for equality are based." (Chaviva Hosek) NORTHERN WOMAN page web 6 PDF compression, OCR, optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Pay Equity 5. If employers have to pay women more, fewer women will be hired. COMMON ARGUMENTS AGAINST EQUAL PAY FOR WORK OF EQUAL VALUE LEGISLATION: A REBUTTAL REBUTTAL: Employers who have exploited women in the past by suggesting that they are lucky to be working under any circumstances have been quick to use this argument. Evidence from countries such as Australia, however, shows that women have not been adversely affected by equal value laws. by the Sudbury Women's Action Group 1. Women choose to work for less; the free market principle has determined the value of their jobs. REBUTTAL: It is naive to imagine that women ever entered the labour force under a "free market" principle. Their work was devalued from the beginning, and wages were set at a rate about two-thirds of men's -- remarkably like the ratio that still exists today. Moreover, because the range of jobs available to them was so limited, they exercised very little "choice" in the kind of work they did. Even today they continue to be channelled into only a few kinds of work by a variety of societal forces. This situation has resulted in a glut of labour in women's jobs, which continues to keep wages low. To create a truly "free" market we must open up other job areas to women. But we msut also ensure that the work they do now is fairly evaluated: this will ensure that new areas of women's work will not become "ghettoized" and devalued in the future. 2. Equal value legislation will result in undue government interference with wages. REBUTTAL: The government has not hesitated to interfere when it realizes that a principle of social justice is at stake; for example, in minimum wage legislation or the current equal pay law. Injustices sometimes require legislation as the only means of redress. Employers have had plenty of opportunity to voluntarily correct discriminatory wage scales, and they have not acted. 6. It will cost too much. 4. Job evaluations will be too difficult to develop. The task is too big and too complex. REBUTTAL: It is misleading and unfounded to assume that a comprehensive, province-wide evaluation scheme will have to be developed. When individual jobs within a company are compared, cases of discrimination quickly become obvious. In fact, even opponents of equal value legislation are ready to admit the injustices of many case by case examples. Using the four area evaluation system (that is already described in the Employment Standards Act for comparing similar jobs) will provide a fair and reasonable method for evaluating the worth of different jobs. Many employers already have such systems in place. The method has proven workable in enforcing Federal and Quebec equal value legislation. NOTE: Australia, New Zealand,and the European Economic Community all have equal value legislation. 45 of 50 U.S. states are studying or have implemented it in the public sector. REBUTTAL: Again, evidence from other countries suggests that the cost is not nearly as high as many employers fear. In particular, employers who enact they own programs and do not wait for complaints and costly courtordered settlements have found the costs to be manageable. (In Manitoba 1% of the total payroll was set aside for four years.) Furthermore, although in the short term there may be some expense, in the long term it must be remembered that increasing women's wages to a fair level will correspondingly increase their spending power and provide a boost to businesses. Underusing the talents of 42% of the work force is also costly. Low pay forces women into poverty. Money that is now spent to support single mothers who are unable to earn a living wage or to subsidize elderly women who have not earned enough to build up pension credits could be freed for other use if pay equity were achieved. 7. It will not close the wage gap, only narrow it. REBUTTAL: Although this is true, equal value legislation will address the most significant factor underlying the current wage gap and is essential if we are to begin to work toward fair wages for women. Other programs, notably affirmative action and increased public awareness, will be necessary to eliminate the gap altogether. Women: A Journal of Liberation 3. Equal value legislation will have a devasting impact on collective bargaining procedures. REBUTTAL: This does not need to be the case. Once those jobs which have been undervalued because of sex discrimination have been identified, they need only be compared to men's jobs to determine fair wage scales. From this point, bargaining can be as usual. Part of the process should be to identify inequities and negotiate increases in these before across the board percentage increases are negotiated. "Pro-active" models of legislation, such as that enacted in Manitoba, have made collective bargaining a central part of the legislated process. N.O.W. Conference Photo by JOAN BARIL PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAN page 7 �DAY CARE NEWS By MARGARET PHILLIPS SPECIAL COMMIllEt HEARINrS With articulateness and passion Nol.thwestern Ontario day care parents workers, administrators and advocates presented their concerns about the future of day care to the parliamentary Special Committee on Child Care at hearings in Dryden and Thunder Bay in mid-May. The message was clear - and consisent - from Fort Frances to Geraldton, from Marathon to Red Lake - the municipal and nonprofit day care we have in Northwes-r tern Ontario is high quality care, is important to families from all income levels - and is in jeopardy ... unless senior levels of government make the commitment to develop a comprehensive child care system in Canada and provide the funding to ensure high quality care. The Committee heard as well from evolving new day care groups such as Lakehead University Day Care Committee and the Big Trout Lake Women's Group about their struggles to initiate necessary day care services. The need to recognize the value of child care work, and provide adequate wages and benefits for workers was also stressed. The Committee was also made aware of the particular problems Northwestern Ontario isolation creates... and the need for resources appropriate to individual community's needs to be readily available. The Special Committee has now completed its hearings and is expected to; complete its report by late fall. Meanwhile, the very excellent Child Care Report prepared by the Katie Cooke Task Force is being ignored. And millions of Canadian children continue to be denied quality COMUNIlY DAY CARE NEWS In the process of preparing for the Special Committee hearings the Ontario Coalition for Better Day Care, through a grant from the Ontario Women's Directorate, produced a series of video-tapes portraying the day care situation of diverse communities across the province. Northwestern Ontario Regional Day Care Committee participated in this project and with the enthusiasm of Marathon and Sioux Lookout day care people, the expertise of Monitor North, and Fiona's newly found editing skills, we have two very informative video-tapes, which describe the day care situation of an established centre (Sioux Lookout) and the newly developed day care'service (Marathon) You may be interested in viewing these videos - please contact N.W.O.R. D.C.C., Box 144, Thunder Bay, phone 345-7802 for more information. Best of luck to Big Trout Lake Women's Group as they continue to pla for day care in their community...we' all behind you. We're also happy to know that interest in a day care pare nts/advocates groups is evolving in Kenora. Thanks to the leadership of CO= unity Services Chairwoman Dusty Mille the City of Thunder Bay has appointec an Advisory Committee on Day Care wit representation of parent users of cer, tres and private home care, Thudder Bay Advocates for Quality Child Care and City administration. This is a ve positive development which we believe will have an important impact on the continued development of high quality municipal day care in Thunder Bay. PROvINCIPL HAPPEIHFS Ruth Wells ( Thunder Bay Advocat es) and Holly Rupert (Red Lake) atten ded the recent Ontario Coalition for Better Day Care meeting where plans were made to continue organizing acti vities and refine the Coalition's rec ommendations for provincial action. Although the provincial Treasure r's announcement about negotiating wi the federal government to develop day care as a public service is a positiv step, it must be recognized that such negotiation will be a slow process an will not be achieved in time to save our Northwestern Ontario centres whic are threatened with closure at the en of December. The province must aot-mol to stabilize and secure the funding for existing municipal centres and re lieve the anxiety and stress that fam ilies and day care workers are now day care. suffering. Midwifery Task Force of written submissions will also have an opportunity to make oral submissions to the Task Force at hearings to be held in various communities in Ontario in the fall. The Task Force's itinerary will be publicized through local news media. Submissions addressing the following matters will be particularly helpful to the Task Force: education and entry requirements for midwives scope and standards of practice locations and types of practice patient access relationship with other health professions personal experience with midw-t ife-assisted or physician-assisted deliveries It will also be helpful for persons or groups wishing to make oral sumissions at hearings to so advise the Task Force. The members of the Task Force are Mary Eberts, Chairperson; Alan Schwartz, Q.C., Vice-Chairperson; Rachel Edney, M.D.; and Karyn Kaufman, R.N., Submissions may be addressed ti and further information obtained fm Linda S. Bohnen Executive Director Task Force on the Implementat: of Midwifery in Ontario 14th Floor, 700 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z6 Tel. No.: (416) 965-5094 . . . RE:BIRTH, . . A Task Force has been appointed to study and make recommendations to the Government of Ontario on the impplementation of midwifery in the province. The Task Force was appointed by the Minister of Health and will make its recommendations both to him and to the Minister of Colleges and Universities. The mandate of the Task Force is to recommend a framework for establishing midwifery as a regulated profession and part of Ontario's health care system. The Task Force invites written submissions from all interested groups and members of the public. Presenters . CN.M. "Mother, what is a Feminist?" "A Feminist, my daughter, Is any woman now who cares To think about her own affairs As men don't think she oughter." - An. Dow Miller, MI NORTHERN WOMAN page 8 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �C.F.P.C. by C. Greenwood. I recently had the good fortune to attend the Canadian Feminist Periodicals Conference. This was the first conference of this nature that I have attended(sort of coming out as a feminist publisher) and the impact of being with so many women committed to feminist publishing was rejuvinating. I had a chance to put faces to names and publications and of course all those women together have a tremendous energy output! Serious issues were addressed; Race and Class, Lesbian Visibility and the politics involved in designing editing and publishing Feminist press. Our weekend began with a panel discussion, which introduced us to some of the women and issues, participating and addressed in the workshops. The workshops themselves were wideranging and my only complaint is that I couldn't attend them all. Donna Gollan(Broadside) gave an excellent workshop on fundraising, something dear to the Journals heart. We dealt with everything from government funding to advertising.Needless to say, we went over our allotted time(a theme common to most of the workshops). The Politics of Design workshop was hosted by a group of women from Pandora, who shared their considerable design sense with us. I also had an opportunity to speak with Moe Lyons, who was acting as a production skills resource person. Moe looked at our last issue, page by page and gave suggestions for improvement. If this so-gunds like an exercise in masochism - it wasn't. Moe gave many helpful tips and once again I wish there had been more time. The workshop on lesbian visibility went far overtime but it was time well spent. The workshop sensitized us to the isolation experienced by lesbians working in feminist publishing.We also examined perceived differences in lesbian and feminist politics, and we agreed to work towards the elimination of heterosexism. I suppose to summerize the weekend, I cam only say it made me aware of the tremendous network of feminist publication's across Canada. It gave me a feeling of unity with other publication's, from colour glossy to tabloids. We are all struggling with the same problems and gain strength by working together. The conference gave me a renewed sense of purpose( so much so, when I returned to my collective I was unbearable) and commitment. I'm looking forward to next year. Future Feminists Shivaun Daughtelt o4 Miniam Ketonen Kendra DaughteA oi Joan Wittiamz Photo'4 by CakoZyn Gteenwood SaiZZe Daughters o4 Teteza Legowzki Ju6tine Daughtet o6 Pam Dunk Out o6 the Ashes It'z a nice place In a tou/sy Zocati_on Af t. night the gultz 'ty The -)W n4 go back and 4onth back and Otth ACADL the yaAdZ,, A Hock away Someone wuz shot: My window haz a Zovety view 04 a 4oAmen. bawdy hou6e. I tteaLute the memory 04 good maimed ScatteAed anozz a tie o6 We 6unction in the woAZd o4 men tike second thoughts a good idea someone had to take up the 6tack. We'Ae patuted by hiz wizdom; it i eep/s PLUM event' pone and, i6 one evet 'shut's hiz mouth, anothen hotteu, "Move!" We'n.e the onus who Zook and Zaten, pouting Love and sympathy into ham without a bottom, into nothing ... endte44ty. GeAt Bead e. Quiet desperation: Many yeaAz 4Aom now How wiZt I temembet The guetz? Suzan Cott,(" vs WOMAN page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISIONNORTHERN PDFCompressor �Family Law * Reformed Again Also such agreements should now be accompanied by financial statements fully disclosing the assets and liabilities (debts) of both people. Lastly, the sections allowing family members to sue for damages for loss of guidance, care and companionship and for recovery of expenses when a third person injures or kills a family member remain substantially unaltered. AREAS OF LAW WHICH WERE CHANGED by LYNN BEAK This is the first part of a two part series on the revisions to family law statutes that affect residents of Ontario. This part focuses on the new Family Law Act, and the second part will review the new Divorce Act and the support order enforcement acts enacted by the federal and provincial governments. Family law in Ontario has been reformed for the second time in seven years. Although many of the changes will be of benefit to women, the fact that the law has been revised again will make it more difficult for many women to understand the options that they have upon separation or the death of their spouse, It has become increasingly importbmt for women to seek legal-representation as soon as possible after family breakdown, and in some cases even before separation, since many new time limits have been included in the Family Law Act of 1986 (FLA). The FLA came in force March 1,1986 and its provisions have retroactive effect. Therefore the rules may have changed even for couples separated before March 1, 1986. AREAS OF LA!%! !IHICH REMAIN UNCHANGED There are several areas of law which remain unchanged. Firstly, the provisions for division of property and sharing property still do not apply to people living in common law relationships (not legally married). The only benefit a person in a common law relationship can apply for, after separation, is support payments, not a sharing of property. Secondly, the rules governing the granting of child custody orders remains unchanged. It is still "the best interests of the child" that will foLa the judge's decision. Thirdly, the rules governing the 50% division of the matrimonial home (between legally married couples only) remain fundamentally unchanged, although the rights of third parties (especially creditors) are clarified. Fourthly, both lvally married and common law couples can still prepare domestic contracts governing the main financial aspects of their situation, which will frequently override the FLA. However, marriage agreements, cohabitation agreements and separation agreements should now be prepared only when each person has independent legal representation. 1. FAMILY PROPERTY (MARRIED COUPLES ONLY) The most significant changes have occured in the area of division of family property for legally married couples. Now a spouse can apply for division of property not only on separation but also within six months after the death of their spouse. This means that the surviving spouse has to choose within six months whether she wishes to take what her spouse has left her under the will (or the rules of intestacy if there is no will) or to apply for division of family property. It will be necessary for the surviving spouse to see a lawyer soon after the death of her spouse to determine how she wants to procede. The other major change is in the definition of family assets; these now include virtually all assets acquired by either spouse during the marriage. This means that pension funds, family farms, businesses and private bank accounts are now included in the items to be divided as well as household belongings, vehicles, campers, etc. Exclusions are limited to assets owned by each spouse before the marriage (except the matrimonial home), gifts, inheritances insurance policy proceeds, damage awards and subsequent property traceable to one of these exclusions. The family property (minus debts and liabilities) owned by each spouse is then totalled and the spouse who has the higher value must compensate the spouse with the lower value so that the value of assets held by each will be equal. Some limited reasons are stated for allowing exclusions to the complete equalization of family property. 3. CHILD SUPPORT Minor changes were made to the child support sections. The parental obligation to support a child does not end at age 18 any longer, but continues while the child is enrolled full time in a school, college or university. If a person who is considered a parent because they have "demonstrated a settled intention to treat a child as a child of his or her family" is sued for child support, that person can bring the birth parent (or parents) into the application to have the child support distributed between all parties. 4. SPOUSAL SUPPORT (MARRIED COUPLE) A legally married spouse who wishes to sue for support for herself (not the children) must now commence the application within two years after separation, or else she will be required to obtain a judge's consent to allow her application to proceed. Furthermore, spousal support is being seen by the courts only as a backup to division of property and only for the purpose of helping the applying spouse to get back on his or her feet. The primary obligation for spouses is to support themselves, and therefore the courts have been giving support awards for shorter periods of time. Of course, if someone is disabled or otherwise entering or reunable to entering the workforce, the judge's have the choice to award spousal support for a longer period of time. SPOUSAL SUPPORT (COMMON LAW COUPLES) For couples in a common law relationship spousal support is the only benefit provided by the FLA. If two people have been living together for more than three years (reduced from 5 years), or if a child was born to the couple, then either spouse can apply for spousal support within two years of separation. 2. DIVISION OF ASSETS BEFORE SEPARATION An interesting provision, included for the first time, allows a legally married spouse to apply to the court for division of family property even though the spouses are still living together if the applying spouse can demonstrate that her husband will squander, waste or deplete the assets. This section may be useful for a woman married to a chronic gambler or alcoholic who wishes to preserve her share of the family assets but to remain with her husband. continued on p14 PDF compression, NORTHERN WOMAN OCR, "page 10web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Meeting a Lesbian by CAROLYN KOWCUN Reprinted from Arthur Canadian University Press Most straight women do not know how to react when they meet a lesbian. As a result, when a straight woman actually meets a lesbian face to face, the situation becomes a little embarrassing for all parties concerned. This column is full of sound advice and practical information on what to do on that fateful day you finally meet a lesbian. If you think you will never meet a lesbian, or believe that you presently don't know any, here are a few facts to consider. It is estimated that anywhere from one in twenty to one in six women are lesbians. Surely you know at least six women; you probably know at least twenty, maybe more. Statistically speaking, chances are you do know a lesbian whether you are aware of it or not. Now, if you wonder how you would react if a lesbian actually told 'you she was a lesbian, this article 'is for you. The following sixteen hints, carefully compiled by a team of experts (whose names escape me), should be studied carefully and memorized if possible. Perhaps it would be best to clip and save this article and carry it around in your purse. You never knoF when the following advice will come in handy. This is serious stuff. Are you ready? Here we go. When you meet a lesbian - Hints for the Heterosexual Woman: 1. Do not run screaming from the room. This is rude. 2. If you must back away, do so slowly and with discretion. Do not grimace at all costs. 3. Do not assume that she is attracted to you. 4. Do not assume that she is not attracted to you. 5. Do not assume that you are not attracted to her. 6. Do not expect her to be as excited about meeting a heterosexual as you may be about meeting a lesbian. 7. Do not immediately start talking about your boyfriend and/or husband in order to make it clear that you are straight. She probably already knows. 8. Do not tell her that it is sexist to prefer women, that people are people, and that she should be able to love everybody. Do not tell her that men are as oppressed by sexism as women, and that women should help men fight their oppression. These are common fallacies and should be understood as such. 9. Do not invite her someplace where there are men unless you tell her in advance. Feminist Bo 10. Do not ask her how she got this way. Instead, ask yourself how you got that way. 11. Do not assume that she is dying to talk about being a lesbian. 12. Do not expect her to refrain from talking about beingWOMAN'S a lesbian. NORTHERN BOOKSTOR 13. Do not trivialize her exper69 N. COURT ST. ience by assumingTHUNDER it is aBAY, bedroom P7A 4T7 issue only. She is a lesbian 24 344-7979 hours a day. 14. Do not assume that because she is a lesbian she wants to be treated like a man. 15. Do not assume that her heart will leap out for you if you touch her arm (condescending? flirtatiously? powertestingly?) it may make her anotdet yowl copy now o gry. & 16. If you are tempted to tell THE the FEMINIST DICTIONARY her she's taking easy way out, think about it. Now, that wasn't so difficult was it? Perhaps the next time you see a pink triangle, you won't faint from fear of the unknown. If you do faint, though, you should read this article again ask yourself 11:30 6 Fri what open andThwo. you are afraid of.Satanday 11:30 Oh yes, I almost forgot about helpful hint no. 17. Do not stop breathing. Lesbianism is not contagious, nor is it caused by a virus. ; PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �INTERVIEW with RUTH CUNNINGHAM by JOAN BARIL After twelve years in women's programs at Confederation College, Ruth Cunningham is retiring. At her retirement dinner on June 5, Ruth received tributes from several women who had worked with her in nursing and education. She received scrolls from the City of Thunder Bay, presented by Mayor Jack Masters, the Province of Ontario presented by MLA Mickey Hennessy and from the Government of Canada presented by a representative for Lain Angus MP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan. Here she speaks with Joan Baril. Joan: At the dinner many people said they couldn't believe that you would really retire. I can't imagine you without some sort of commitment. It seems to me your life has been one of commitment. Ruth: I was ten years old when I sat behind the ranch house and said to myself 'There must be something better than doing dishes and cleaning. There has got to be something better. Joan: Did you get that idea from a book? Ruth: Oh no. I didn't have any hooks. We lived on a ranch in Saskatchewan. The only book I had until I was twelve was a Happy Gang book. I was an intellectually deprived child. But I did have time to do lots of thinking. I decided at ten not to get married. When I did, I practically made my future husband write in blood going to have a career of my own. I was not domestic and I didn't have any intention of working inside the home all the time. But I did want children. Joan: Did your mother influence you? Ruth. I'll never forget it. My mother said, "Do your own thinking, Ruth". Joan: Has this been your philosophy? Ruth: I believe that adults should be free to make the decisions which affect their lives, be willing to take the responsibility for those decisions and have the opportunity to carry them out. Joan: You've been at the College for twelve years in Women's Programs. Can you talk a bit about this? Ruth: A Community College has a mandate. It is to meet the needs of people in the community. A college has to address itself as best it can to do this. My mandate was to women. Within my twelve years I have implemented programs into every division. I think there's been a woman's revolution from day one. But it's never really been won and it's a continuing struggle. Joan: Do you see a role for women's studies? Ruth: There certainly is a role for women's studies. If I didn't think that I wouldn't have been here for twelve years. That role is now enlarging rather than decreasing because many people see that they need women's studies in order to find themselves and learn something about their history. Joan: At one college, the president refuses to allow women's studies. He claims it is discriminatory. Ruth: Men are not forbidden to attend any of our programs such as Assertiveness Training, Women in History, or Women, Society and Change. So we are not discriminatory. Joan: This college believes it is the content of the courses which are discriminatory since they focus on women's experience. Ruth: They are no more discriminatory than to focus on the study of Natives or any ethnic minority. That president is wrong. I have in my office documentation to show that special programs are covered under the affirmative action code of Ontario and the Canadian Human Rights code and consequently we are able to do special programs for women. I have passed this information on to the different divisions, I'm having a hard time selling it and I think it's important that they have it in writinv I also have articles on this. I spoke on special programs for women to the Association of Community Colleges(note: this association is for college presidents,management,and boards of governors). I was the speaker last year concerning special programs versus integrated programs. They were amazed when I told them we had a General Arts and Science program emph- Educational institution's have a history of sexism. They have a nistory of reacting rather tnan leading, Joan: But you were a pioneer. Ruth: Well, educational institutions have a history of sexism. They have a history of reacting rather than leading. They therefore change only when pressure groups force them to re-evaluate their modus operandi. I could write a book! But since I've been here it has evolved from a period of outright hostility to tolerance and acceptance and finally some recognition that women are here to stay and that they have been disadvantaged in education and unemployment. asizing women's curriculum. Women over the years have worked hard to legitimize women's programs. Joan: What about the future? Ruth: There has to be a plan for maintaining. I already foresee erosion. The government has decided to "privitize education" without adequate monitoring. It's an open opportunity for women to be exploited, for a company to make money instead of the issues being addressed. I'm very glad I'm leaving at this time. I feel I've done a good piece of work but I think if I were to stay I would see it erode and disappear. And no one wants to see the work they have done disappear. Especially when there has been personal cost. Don't paint me as a victim. I'm not that. But I really do think we are at the crossroads. Joan: When .I talk to my students they tell me that everything is so much better for women now that there are few changes to be expected in the future. Ruth: Society never stagnates. You either go foreward or you go back. Of course, there have been gains. We have the Charter, But we had to fight for the equality clause. We do have affirmative action in the Ontario Human Rights Code but hardly anybody knows it is there, Joan: What's next? Ruth: Fighting ion: Vellt%Ifd-'tiot- underestimate the opposition. Joan: Why is that do you think? Ruth: Women have been socialized to nurture. That has been their greatest contribution. They are very uncomfortable working for change. It's threatening to their husbands. It's threatening to their families. This leaves women's organizations very vulnerable. The family is resistant. We've had indicatrUms of this in our work with women over the years, Women tend to put the family before themselves and they come out at the bottom of the heap many times. Joan: We end up paying for our virtues. Ruth: Yes. Of course many women have heavy family responsibilities. They have so much to do. Many women are working very hard. They don't have much energy sometimes even to read the local paper. As for some of our students, many of them have so little income. They have to sacrifice a lot for their children. There's no day care here. It's only for those who can afford it, not for those who can't afford it. So with the kind of socialization and burdens placel on women it's going to take a great revolution for many to move from that position, Joan: Is that revolution happening? Ruth: I think there's been a women's revolution from day one. But it's never really been won and it's a continuing struggle, a never ending struggle. PDF NORTHERN compression, OCR, WOMAN page 12 web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Imo UPDATE moo continued rds and Tapes, Box 3294, Stn D, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5J8.000 goo CALL FOR NOMINATIONS .e. The annual meeting of the N.W.O. Decade council is fast approaching, to be exact, 18 and 19 of October, 1986. At this meeting we will be hold ing the election for the executive. Anyone who is interested or requires further information, please contact either Margaret Lanchok at 807-345-63 45 or Pat Wilson at 807-939-2803, or write Box 1091, Stn F, Thunder Bay, Ontario,P7C 4X9. The positions to be filled are: President, 2 Vice-Presidents, Secretary ooLaurentian University offers an impressive Women's Studies program. Of particular value to regional women, is the Correspondence Courses program. Courses include: Women in Modern Society, Women and the Arts, A History of Women and the Women's Movement: Renaissance to the Present. For more information contact - Women's Studies Program, Thornloe College, Laurentian and Treasurer. igloo University, Sudbury, Ontario.*** goo Received from Ian Scott, Minse Women's Art - Womanspirit ister Responsible for Women's Issues: Art Resource Centre of London, Ontario " I am very pleased to announce the regrets that it must close its doors appointment of Dr. Elaine Todres as to the public due to lack of voluntethe new Assistant Deputy Minister of ers. The main body of the centre's the Ontario Women's Directorate. As research materials - the slide registformer Director of the Policy and Rery of women artists, their collection search Branch, Dr. Todres has contribof books, periodicals and magazines, uted a great deal to the work of the and other research and reference matOWDO She has helped map a course for erials will be moved to Weldon Library tLe OWD, and for this Government, what the University of Western Ontario, ich has put Ontario in the forefront and will be available to the public.... of policy-making on women's issues. I look forward to working with Dr. Todres and I'm sure she can count on your continued supporto"ooe ooe All our good wishes to Liz Poulin, president of Decade Council for a speedy return to health and her usual dynamic energy.oso LE FESTIVAL DES. FEMMES CANADIENNES 3D-161 STAFFORD STREET WINNIPEG, MANITOBA R3M 2W9 (204) 477-5478 PRO-LIFE (?) TACTICS The "pro-life" crusade occurs on many fronts ... from trained subtle harassment of abortion clinic patients (called sidewalk counsel*goo Contrary to rumor there will ling), 1i to planned violence, to verbe a Canadian Women's Festival this bal and written attacks on anyone year. The 3rd Annual Canadian Women's who does not share their anti-aborMusic and Cultural Festival will be tion views. held September 5 & 6, 1986 at the CeIn 1985, 27 (U.S.) health clintre Culturel Franco-Manitobain. As nics offering birth control and aboryet we do not have a final schedule. tion services were attacked by bombBut be assured that performers are be- ings or deliberate fires. These asing contacted, women artisians are be- saults, which have numbered 50 in the ing sought, and visual artists are be-past two years, are becoming increaing eyed. singly life-threatening to the women Like many women's organisations working in the clinics. In December, the Festival is experiencing a severe a bomb exploded during office hours lack of dollars. Last years event le- at Manhattan Women's Medical Centre, ft the organisation with a substantial the same month, the Feminist Women's debt. This, coupled with an intransig- Health Centre in Portland, Ore. reent anti-culture federal government ceived a letter bomb. No one was infunding policy leaves us in dire st- jured in either attack but according raits. Consequently 1986 has seen a to Nanette Falkenberg of the National flurry of fundraising activity, a co- Abortion Rights Action League, "This mmitment to not incurring another de- is really the first time that it's bt, and occasional flirting with the clear the intent is to kill people." fine edge of panic. We are in the mi- (Kinesis, April 86) dst of a membership drive and are weCanadians are not immune to lcoming women with $5.00 or more into "pro-life" violence. In 1983 the our fold. Toronto Women's Bookstore was set on This years festival is going to fire by an arsonist. The Morgenthaler be quite different to previous ones. Clinic was located on the second floWe will be having a more extensive or of the building in which the Bookvisual arts program including film store was situated. and video showings and workshops. It Recently staff members of the will be a smaller, more intimate aff- ,Morgenthaler Clinic have been subair, held indoors on a Friday night, jected to increased harassment as Saturday and Saturday night. In this "pro- life" demonstrators have picketspirit we are making every effort to ed the staff's personal residences and distributed leaflets to their arrange billets for our out-of-town neighbours urging the neighbours to friends. Your involvement at previous fe- persuade the staff not to work in stivals has been greatly appreciated abortion clinics. The Morgenthaler and Scott Cliand we thank you in advance for your participation in this year's festival.nics are not the only targets. On Looking forward to a nice time in Se- May 14, protests were held outside ptember and we are hoping you can at- Canadian hospitals (including Thunder Bay hospitals) that provide tend. Until then we remain, therpeutic abortions. In Solidarity, 'Pro-life Abortion Services" (the The Canadian Women's Festival. contradiction is deliberate) are also being using established in many cities. FOr PDF compression, OCR, web optimization a watermarked evaluation an excellent discussion of these ser! , copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �QUOTABLE NOTABLE QUOTES ANSWERS TO LAST ISSUE'S CROSSWORD a matching quiz by JOAN BARIL 110 11110111N111111Z11 El ROI PI, 1/11t1011 ,,11 1. When one is pretending, the entire body revolts 11411111M .1011 g ILIE11114 A 111111_ '60 A. Germaine Greer 2. It is better to die on your feet than live on your . 5 FM .111'4111111M 'Is, knees. It1011111311\-.',7,-,13911110 B. Gloria Steinham 3. The liberation of language is rooted in the liberation of ourselves. C. Margaret Trudeau 4. In search of my mother's garden I found my own. D. Simone de Beauvoir 5. Marriage is a great institution but I'm not ready for an institution yet. E. Mary Daly ri II .11 111,',-.11 n 111111111111116101111 111111 111111,11'.111_imin!;!,) G. Delores Ibarruri F. Anais Nin 7. Women have very little idea of how much men hate them. 6. I can't be a rose in any man's lapel. H. Alice Walker 8. A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle. I. Lily Tomlin 9. Woman is not a completed reality but rather a becoming. J. Phyllis Diller 10. There will be sex after death - we just won't be able to feel it. K. Mae West 11. My only concern was to get home after a hard day's L. Rosa Parks work,, 12. Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight. 'fZI IOT !G6 !q8 !VL !09 !MS =H.17' !H tOZ FAMILY LAW ,,_,T,_,,, (z111P5 and 011.---LIN6 R5 c6R. WOM.,N continued from p10 in itle, ;------0 The same considerations as discussed in the previous section on amount and duration of the support award apply here except that the concept of "family property" does not apply to common law couples. However, if a woman has contributed to the acquiring of an asset registered in a man's name (or vis versa) then she should speak to a lawyer since other laws may assist her to recover her investment. Voriplace,, at .5OCLCIJ , On the- S'Mer and In tAe, bbarefroorn. .evld 146 9e9tAr favourite quip6,..bak citionuirric9L,th and cralitaHt. d-Lorouirou lighthearted or yeriouh and yharp ; we' I print Ci I/ thctA fib To frirtt I 04 CtMPIVATIONC)F.R6ATCOM6MCK5fbR_,41,-OCCA516111. 139 _portion of -tci CONCLUSION WeAerbe- 64del-16)461-Its 13dIered proce,e,c1U vrne,v1).. Cbolitibn of L'7helicr send to This has been a brief summary of some changes to the family law in Ontario. As a result of these changes many people may wish to see a lawyer in order to revise their will or assess their situation. Since this information has been very genetal,-IT.MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON, OTHER LEGISLATION MAY VARY THE SITUATION. If you wish to obtain legal advice, you should see a private lawyer, contact the lawyer referral service (Zenith 58600) where you will be given the name of a lawyer who will provide you with a half hour interview at a low cost, or contact your local legal clinic. C,Vertr5 RETORTS Box #167 253 College St. TORONTO, M5T 11-6 S U A P P M E Y I a a - NORTHERN 140MAIV:paged4 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �WOMAN WORDS Intrigued by the book covers on our cover? Here's a bit more about them to whet you appetite. A FEMINIST DICTIONARY by Cheris Kramaral and Paula A. Treichler is a different kind of dictionary. Indispensible to every woman who has felt put down or made invisible by male-defined language. The authors state their purpose in compiling the dictionary was "to document words, definitions, and conceptualizations that illustrate women's linguistic contributions, to illuminate forms of expression through which women have sought to describe, reflect upon, and theorize about women, language and the world; to identify issues of language theory, research, usage and institutionalized practice that bear on the relationship between women and language, to demonstrate ways in which women are seizing the language; to broaden knowledge of the feminist lexicon; and to stimulate research on women and language." Doubtless, many readers will be stimulated to expand their own study and reading from introductions to new thinking, new writers, that the dictionary provides. A FEMINIST DICTIONARY will be a great present to yourself. In the expanding body of literature exploring violence against women, it is encouraging to note the growing contribution of Canadian publications. NO'SAFE PLACE:Violence Against Women and Children, edited by Connie Guberman and,Margie Wolfe is a timely anthology that links the issues of wife aa'ault, child battery, rape, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment and pornography. The articles included in this volume not only examine the data documenting the extent of violence in our society, but also analyses the institutional response to the demands of feminist for action on these issues. That political response has been evidenced in the past few years (particularly in respect to rape and wife battering) poses a distinct dilemma for feminists who increasingly witness the "institutionalization" of these women's issues. While governments have become receptive to funding crisis services "...the state has done nothing which really changes the social order that produces violence in the first place ... Until society focuses on the real causes, we cannot hope to eliminate the problem". The demands of providing services for victims of violence too often overrides the need for continual analysis of society violence. NO SAFE PLACE is a valuable contribution to encourage our continuing feminist analysis and an increasing awareness of the need for qualitative societal change. Another new Canadian publication is Pat Armstrong's LABOUR PAINS: Women's Work in Crisis which "... presents a stunning analysis of current (economic) patterns, exploring for the first time the effects of the 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 ... warning.. that unless they get together and do something about it, the working women of Canada will emerge from this crisis in a more uncertain position than before." Anyone interested in girls and women's education will want to study Dale Spender's INVISIBLE WOMEN: The Schooling Scandal. The heart of women's oppression is their silencing. Spender, a communications expert, analyzes how the educational "system" has been set up by men as an adjunct of another system - the patriarchial system. She describes and quotes studies which show what actually happens in the classroom - the negation, trivialization and silencing of girls, teaching them to be invisible. A 1986 Women's Press fiction publication is SUBVERSIVE ELEMENTS by Donna E. Smyth. Described as "an intriguing melange of voices that entice us to explore two seemingly unrelated strands - a highly romantic and unlikely love story and a timely account of the controversy surrounding uranium mining in Nova Scotia. Textually and thematically subversive, these two narratives resonate off each other creating a story that is both innovative and moving". Winnipeg writer Carol Shields recently released collection VARIOUS MIRACLES will be a welcome addtion to the bookshelves of all short story enthusiasts. Other fiction titles we suggest for your summer reading include: FABLES OF BRUNSWICK AVE. by Katherine Govier; SPARE PARTS by Gail Scott; INLAND PASSAGE by Jane Rule; TENDER WARRIORS by Rachel Guido de Vries; SOMETHING OUT THERE by Nadine Gordimer; and Doris Lessing's DIARIES OF JANE SOMERS. Judith Petch, a faithful NWJ reader responds to our call last issue and sends her suggestions with her comments. They are MANY TENDER TIES: Women in Fur-Trade Society, 1670-1870, by Sylvia Van Kirk - The economic and domestic survival skills of women, particularly native women, played a crucial role in the development of the North American fur trade, especially during its early days. A POISON STRONGER THAN LOVE, by Anastasia Shkilnyk - A whole community, individually and collectively shows signs of emotional (and mental?) illness when hit by successive waves of economic and social dislocation and an environmental disaster. A lot of testimony about the resultant problems is given from women's perspective. 136 Good-bye Simone by JOAN BARIL The first book I read by Simone de Beauvoir, Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter, bored me. The life of a bougeois French girl was foreign to me, seemingly unconnected with my own. As for The Second Sex, it seemed to go on forever, full of rich images, yes, but I couldn't grasp the meaning. The concept of woman as "other", a person without "projects" (projects?), the references to philosophy and French literature, the long descriptions of women's lives so different from my own left me disoriented as if I had found myself in a wood with a hundred paths and no clear direction. It was all too French, too foreign, intellectually over my head. It took several years, but slowly all the paths merged into a pattern. There was no sudden "click". I just grew enough to understand de Beauvoir. I believe I read everything she wrote. Some of it was unforgettable. She wrote about her love life, her mother's death, movingly about her own encroaching old age. In future years I think she will be remembered as an historian because her series of memoirs are as much an historical account as they are a personal. When she wrote The Second Sex, she was way ahead of her time and roundly criticized by her friends. Virginia Woolf had the same experience with Three Guineas). Later in the seventies she was criticized by feminists. Because the book was written in 1949 it was freighted with assumptions of the period which even a mind as adept as de Beauvoir's could not uncover. She accepted many of the criticisms as just. She was never afraid to change her views. She revised her ideas on women as many articles and interviews show. It was amusing at her death to hear the same old critiques trotted out as if what she wrote in 1949 was exactly what she believed in 1986. De Beauvoir combined an active political life with a theoretical one - a life of praxis. She was in the forefront of political activity in France and the forefront of the women's movement everywhere. She died this spring, 1986. Good-bye, Simone. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION'NORTHERN PDFCompressor WOMAN page 15 �PROGRAMS The Confederation College of Applied Arts & Technology REGISTRAT1CN INFORMATION: For ALL subjects begins August 5th (5-7:30pm) and commencing on August 6th from 9am-7:30pm every weekday except Fridays from 9am-4pm in the Registrar's Office. MALL Registration from August 18th to 23rd, 9:30am to closing at Intercity Shopping Centre. to obtain a registration form contact Community Programs (807) 475-6116. Deadline MAIL -IN: is September 2nd; no postdated cheques accepted, VISA is accepted. Thunder Bay District EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS FAIL ' 86 "NEW**Business Division-EQUAL OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM (Post-Basic) one semester-September to This one-year certificate program is divided into two parts: December-in the college; second semester-January to April-in a field placement environment. Field placements and job opportunities will not necessarily be in the Thunder Bay region. Subjects in the E.O.M. Program may be taken during the day or as offered during the evening through Community Programs. For further information contact the Associate Registrar (807) 475-6365. GENERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE DIPLOMA PROGRAM emphasizing Women's Programs Curricula may be taken full-time during the day or part-time (evenings) through Community Programs. For further information contact the G.A.S. Program Co-ordinator (807) 475-6390. GS 010 (99) PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING RR *KR) This subject will give women practical instruction in personal economics, the art of handling money and managing one's financial affairs. Topics covered include budgeting, banking and investing, credit, housing, insurance and car ownership, together with other topics in which the students may express an interest. This subject is targeted for women only. Tuesdays 7:00-10:00pm DATE/TIME September 9, 1986 START DATE: December 16, 1986 COMPLETION: INSTRUCTOR: Lauretta Johnson 267, Shuniah Bldg ROOM: $56.25 FEE: : CAREER PLANNING FOR WOMEN is an 8-week program to assist women entering or re-entering the labour force to understand present employment conditions, to select realistic career goals and to enter appropriate employment or begin suitable training. Program commencement dates: October 13, 1986 to December 5, 1986 January 19, 1986 to March 13, 1987 WOMEN INTO TRADES & TECHNOLOGY (W.I.T.T.) is an 18-week program designed to expose women to all aspects of practical trades training and the world of Hi-Tech. Program commencement dates: September 15, 1986 to January 16, 1987 February 2, 1987 to June 5, 1987 For further information on CAREER PLANNING FOR WOMEN or W.I.T.T., contact the Chair Industrial & Motive Power (807) 475-6215, or Women's Employment Centre (807) 623-2731. GS 143 (99) WOMEN & STRESS MANAGEIWT This subject is intended to examine situational stresses in our lives,-family, job, social relationships, conflict, change, developmental crises, etc., as well as potential sources of stress you bring to every situation because of your personality, belief system, life rhythms and style of problem-solving. A lifestyle and attitude approach to changing your stress response will be developed by each individual. DATE/TIME START DATE: COMPLETION: INSTRUCTOR: FEE: $37.50 : BASIC TRAINING IN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT (B.T.S.D.) Academic Upgrading Grades 8-12; English as a Second Language. For further information contact the Chair Secretarial P. Hospitality Programs (807) 475-6318, or your local Canada Employment P. Immigration office, or the Women's Employment Centre, 130 S. Syndicate Avenue, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 1C7 (807) 623-2731. YOUR SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME ... CALL THE ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AT (807) 475-6189. Northwestern Ontario Residents may call Toll Free: 1 Mondays 7:00-10:00pm' September 8, 1986 November 17, 1986 Shirley Stevens 265, Shuniah Bldg ROOM: GS 026 (99) ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING (FOR NbMEN) This subject will provide women with the skills necessary to negotiate honestly for the things she wants--on the job, at home, in the community. Assertion is not to be confused with aggression. Assertion takes into account the rights and feelings of others. This subject is targeted for women only. Thursdays 7:00-10:00pm DATE/TIME September 11, 1986 START DATE: COMPLETION: November 13, 1986 Shirley Stevens INSTRUCTOR: ROOM: 267, Shuniah Bldg FEE: $37.50 : WT 843 MOTOR VEHICLE OtmEN Khow YOUR CAR) In this elective post-secondary credit subject, women will learn the basic procedures of car maintenance and general operation. Section 99 DATE/TIME START DATE: COMPLETION: Mondays 7:00-10:00pm September 15, 1986 October 27, 1986 Section 98 DATE/TIME START DATE: COMPLETION: Wednesdays 7:00-10:00pm September 17, 1986 October 22, 1986 : : Dave Wirta INSTRUCTOR: 149, Auto Shop, Dorion Bldg ROOM: FEE: $22.50 ZW 027 (99) BECOMING MYSELF: BODY IMAGE If you learn to accept your body, you will Do you consider your body your friend or enemy? gain self-esteem and confidence. To help you do this, we will be listening to our bodies, examining cultural influences, body image, eating patterns and taking control/changes. We will use a variety of methods including relaxation techniques, colour, imagery, simple movement, group sharing as well as private writing time. INSTRUCTOR: Eleanor Albanese FEE: $37.00 Tuesdays 7:00-10:00pm DATE/TIME: 342, Shuniah Bldg ROOM: COMPLETION: October 28, 1986 START DATE: September 16, 1986 - 800 - 465 - 6961 3 -1 2, 0rD (76 tv rD 0- a. so O m3 n Ru 3 0 re, es> CL o n' 3 o m 02 ° 0 0 a m- -0 0. 4 C n 0fp .. n ro f m- e ro o et 0. Cr ..-- 9, -n f... = 7.7 2)- 0 = cs' 5' '' =co < M vii 5. a0- , ..7-. 2a) DJ .". Ln 3 ,..<:,_ z- -h -, ..,. -a 0 "" ... M , CL 3 a c." 30 0- r° =,) 3 0 -3 -0 * O .7.- ess, m t4n LI, 0 n (1) rD (t) 0 1:6 C -0 1,??. -6 0 c 5. o n < rD g =- a_ o F,1 5 3 a.° 0- et, oci z z -% 0- O.) 13., 2) , CICil M -, .. ti) C vim, O )-)- (-) 3 ci, 0 o, 3 CT n o 1., co 0_ sl, < _ (0 3 0 < > -, z fo -.. rn (,) ,;.' rD B. -0 M ao 0n CD = C -o -r, 0M 0 a_ n zp.. -0 0 -) n v., fD O B CD <. :7 0- 73* 330' coo ?'al.,o3 v) w tro ''v. 2 .54 6 es, !tr.:. . Q CIO PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Second Class Mail Registration No. 5697 RETURN 19: THE NORTHERN WCHAN 69 N. COURT ST. THUNIER BAY, ONTARIO P7A 4T7 Return.Postage Guaranteed Don't forget to renew your' subscription! Here's my sub: Name Address (postal cede) o Individual 0 .5 institutional $ 10 ***********************0:************ IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOU4LABEL?? p2 Editorial/Your Voice p3 Women's Centre Under Attack p4 Update p5 Northern Ontario Women's Conf. p7 Pay Equity p8 Day Care/Midwifery Task Force p9 Feminist Periodicals Conf. p9 Future Feminists p10 Family Law Reformed Again pll Meeting a Lesbian p12 Interview with Ruth Cunningham p14 Quotable Notable Quotes p15 Woman Words WORKERS THIS ISSUE: Elaine Goodwin, Carolyn Greenwood, Mary-Ann Kleynendorst, Anna McColl, Margaret Phillips, Rosemary Pittis. PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION **********4g************************** Northern Woman Journal 69 N. Court St., Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T7 (FOUR 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 10 No 1 Description An account of the resource Vol. 10, No, 1 (August 1986) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: Journal funding Protests against women’s centres & women’s services R.E.A.L Women Forum for mothers at home Depo Provera Sexism in politics Worker’s rights Divorce law Abortion access Calgary Birth Control Association Women’s conference, Geraldton Northwestern Ontario Women’s Health Information Network Conference Northern Ontario Women’s Conference, Sudbury Native women’s struggles Pay equity Daycare news Midwifery Task Force Canadian Feminist Periodicals Conference Family law reform Family property law Child support Spousal support Lesbian experience Candian women writers Ruth Cunningham interview Women & educational institutions Pro-life movements Confederation College programs for women The Next Step, film on battered women Authors/Contributors: Kathryn Fournier Sudbury Women’s Action Group Margaret Phillips Carolyn Greenwood Lynn Beak Carolyn Kowcun Joan Baril Elaine Goodwin Mary-Anne Kleynendorst Anna McColl Rosemary Pittis 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 1986-08 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/16/2792/1986_Vol_10_No_2.pdf 795fb2fd2fc4897d71088805c9bd3788 PDF Text Text $1. 5 0 Northern Woman JournalNovember 1986, Vol. 10 No. 2, Thunder Bay, Ontario PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Editorial This issue of the NORTHERN WOMAN celebrates the artistry of women. In our small way we try to make VISIBLE the creativity of women. As Sasha McInnes (Interview p7) states "Women's art is images that empower us, that tell the TRUTH about who we are, who we can be, where we've come from not just about how we are viewed and treated in this malestream culture, but about who we are in the depths of our souls. These images are so deeply threatening in their truths and potency to the patriarchy that they have insidiously worked to eradicate them every time they have re-surfaced throughout history. Be sure that their invisibility is no accident of historical circumstance, certainly not due to some inability on the part of women to produce beautiful and meaningful works of art but a comprehensive and determined move on the part of patriarchal powers to eradicate the female principle from the face of the earth - to murder female energy - that of ALL women, white, black, red, yellow, from every socio economic stratum, everywhere in the world." In searching for new forms of expression - be they visual or literary - women's creativity enrichs and empowers us all. VIMEN'S CENTRE $ In the last issue of the NORTHERN WOMAN (Aug. '86) we described the attack on Women's Centre which culminated in a City "administrative review" following a City Council meeting where the Right to Life Association of Thunder Bay appealed their grant decision and their spokesman John Carroll was permitted to use the Council forum to attack Women's Centre. (The Right to Life Association subsequently disclaimed association with Carroll, and Carroll apparently now indicates he does not represent Right to Life -- however this contradiction seems to be lost upon Council). The report of the "administrative review" was presented to Council in late August. The report was little more than a summary of Women's Centre's financial information and program data for the past 51/2 years. The "pro-abortion" and "pro-lesbian" charges which brought about the review were not addressed. Without discussion or comment Council referred the report to the 1987 Financial Assistance Review process. We ask again WHY this review was undertaken. The answer may lie in the realization that to accommodate the review Women's Centre were obliged to waste weeks of precious time responding to City bureaucratic requests. Such diversion of women's energies deserves analysis! Now that the review is complete will the issue go away? Not very likely! It is to be expected that the Right to Life Association will continue to take every opportunity to oppose Women's Centre. But, as we have stated previously, the essential question is whether City Council will permit its offices to be the forum for Women's Centre bashing? This experience calls into question the whole issue of governthent funding for alternative services. How much necessary feminist work is subverted, how much energy diverted, by dealing with malestream funding agencies? Yet feminists are taxpayers too, and shouldn't we enjoy some of the benefits of our hard earned tax payments? This is not a new debate. But the time is ripe for the Thunder Bay feminist community to again analyze this issue. 4.- Women in. yews OICE Dear Women: This is post from Switzerland, from a woman, who would like to go to Canada for about one year, from April '87 until spring '88. I've got your address from GAIA'S GUIDE. I'm 21 and until now I've done different things, so I haven't got a profession yet. To meet and work with women from another country would be a great experience for me! So if you know about anything in Canada, where there's a possibility to go, please write me back! I'd be very happy to get an answer from you! Thanks a lot. Eva Keller Im Lee 13 CH-8400 Winterthur Switzerland Cover Credit: Detail of MENARCHE Tapestry Sasha McInnes History Dear Friends, I recently had my name changed back to my maiden, surname, Sherette. It has been a desire for'so long and of course quite a lot of resentment when I found out there never was a reason to have a name change with marriage. A pretty well kept secret by the "good old boys". A little late to be sure. I was 69 years old June 25, 1986, but anything that made me feel this good can only be right. Lawyer Patrick Smith made the change in 10 minutes. I thought it would be weeks or months. How many times has the same story been told in the past year or so? I appreciate the Northern Woman Journal so much and feel guilty because I am unable to give any of my time. The days are all too short. But I feel happy and secure to know there is a Northern Women's Cenre support group. Thanks and Love, Lester D. Sherette. Open the window, push aside the heavy curtains and beyond is the most fabulous vista- scenes of love, death, striving and creation beyond the twentieth century imagination. There are many windows into history, but the saga of women's lives gives us the richest and deepest understanding of the complexities of women's lives today. The course at Confederation College starts on Wednesday, January 14 at 7pm. Participants need not have taken any other history courses. The sessions will make full use of slides, films, pictures, videos and lectures as well as ample time for group discussions. For further information phone Joan Baril at the college (474-6336) or at home (344-6708) or watch out for the college callendar of night courses " The Owl", which will come out on November 26. Registration will start at the college December I. Since this course is also a college credit course for college students, the class fills up quickly. The cost is $56.25 for fifteen evenings. HOME TO SHARE Apology: The credit of graphic used on Page 3 of our August '86 issue should have read: the Newsmagazine by Alberta Women. Home to share co-operatively in Current River. with another non-smoking woman. Will consider children. Phone 807-683-5669 or write c/o Northern Woman Journal NORTHERN WOMAN page 2 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Family Law * Reformed Again by LYNN BEAK The two part article on Family Law now has been separated into three parts. This issue will deal with divorce and the next issue will address the new Federal and Provincial Support Enforcement agencies. In 1986 Canada received a new Divorce Act. It was the first major amendment to divorce since 1968 and it is an interim measure in an ongoing sociological and legal revolution, that will in time alter the nature of marriage and divorce significantly. The intention of the new legislation was to make the process more humane and the'results more responsive to people's practical need. In the past the divorce laws have been part of the pioblem rather than part of the solution, for women facing marriage breakdown and the intention vas to.make significant improvements.. The int-ost notable change is the elimination of fault oriented divorce, at least partially. There are now three grounds for an application for a divorce: the first is living separate and apart for 12 months; the second is adultery; and the third is physical and mental cruelty. The Federal officials are hoping that since litigation on the fault grounds (adultery and cruelty) is so costly, emotionally messy, and would probably take more than a year to get through the Courts anyway, that the one year separation is going to be a serious al- The new Act also shortens the time it will take to obtain a divorce In the past in areas outside of Toronto where the Supreme Court did not sit regularly, there was often a significant waiting period for a trial date. Once the hearing had been held, there was a further 90 day waiting period before the divorce was final. Now, an uncontested application for a divorce can proceed speedily since the parties will not have to wait for a trial date and the order is final 30 days after it has been signed by a Judge. In order toflarify what is meant by living, #eparate and apart for 12 months, the new Divorce Act has clearly stated that attempts at reconciliation during the 12 month period will not start the waiting period all over again. The parties can agree to resume cohabitation for periods as long as they do not exceed 90 days in duration in total and if reconciliation is the primary purpose for resuming cohabitation. Therefore if a couple have separated and want to try to save the marriage, they can live together for periods of up to 90 days and, if it doesn't word out, they can still proceed with the divorce at the end of 12 months. Support orders for both spousal and child support can be obtained during a divorce if these matters have not been resolved before the application for a divorce. The conduct of the parties is no longer a factor to be considered when assessing the amount of spousal support. The assessment now will be based on the needs of the parties and will assist the parties to move toward selfsufficiency. Obvlausly, the length of A woman who has performed housekeeping functions during a lengthy marriage will have greater difficulty finding a place in the work force and thus achieving self-sufficiency. Similarly a short term marriage, or one in which the womand worked during the marriage, will lead to short term orders for spousal support since self-sufficiency has already been established. This has put the Federal Divorce Act in line with the Provincial Family Laws and represents a recognition that both men and women have an independent obligation to support themselves. In the matter of custody, the new Divorce Act specifically sets out "joint custody" as an option to sole custody for one spouse. There have been few cases of joint custody in the past, and it has not been imposed upon unwilling parties. However, if mediation leads to less emotionally disruptive separations, then joint custody may become a viable option for more parties. The simplified divorce rules may lead to one problem. Many women do not know that they must make a claim for division of family property before or during a divorce. A etittnt*folt - - PrtY insTilot be commenced after aA' orce, since the parties are no longer spouses. If a woman obtains a diiorce on her own, and then tries to make an application for division of property, she may be too late. It will remain important for women to have legal advice to ensure that they are not jeopardizing any interest in property or funds that they may have. the marriage antfunctions performed during it are relarant when deciding on the amount of spousal support. ternative. Secondly, the new Divorce Act / attempts to move toward mediation rather than litigation as the forum for resolving disputes concerning the amrriage breakdown. At this time mediation is not mandatory but must be suggested by the lawyers acting for either spouse. If at a later date standards have been established for mediation services across the country then it is possible that mediation would become mandatory. The new Divorce Act also contains a provision allowing the two spouses to make a joint application for divorce when the grounds are living separate. and apart. Another improvement is Ole elimination of the necessity of a trial in uncontested divorces. Therefore if there are no contentious legal issues in the divorce and both parties want the divorce, then neither will have to attend at Court in order to obtain the divorce. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAN page 3 �Update by PAT WILSON .e. The Social Assistance Legislation Review Committee, which is reviewing Ontario's welfare system will hold public hearings in Thunder Bay on December 10,1986. The overall direction of social assistance will be examined, and objectives set for program changes to meet the needs of the future. The review will also examine specific questions such as: is there sufficient direct support provided to social assistance recipients; is assistance available to all who should receive it; is assistance provided in a fair and efficient manner; what role do and should emergency food banks and hostels play. The review will cover the municipal welfare system, foster parents allowances, disability pensions and single parents assistance. Groups and individuals wishing to have input into the review should attend the public hearing and/or submit briefs or letters to the Committee. For more informations contact the Social Assistance Review, 2195 Yonge 10th Floor, Toronto, M4S 2B2. St. legislation this fall that will require private business to pay women the same wages as men if their work is considered to be of equal value. Mr. Scott has just released the report of the Pay Equity Commission. "The report indicates significant support for pay equity" stated Mr. Scott but he further added "however, the legislation must respect the interest of private enterprise in maintaining its economic edge". The Equal Pay Coalition, a lobby group representing a variety of women's and labour organizations feel the government is hesitant to bring in stong laws that would open the way for women in a wide range of jobs to achieve pay equity. It is about time that the subsidization of employer's profits by women's low wages was ended. 'RATTIER TAM CIVE you Ibu Ass: MR Iva *get ell GET A WIVI N LLM$RitVOR LESS UN YOU-. MORE mogey I WOULD PUT A MN ON/ YOUR WO , 000 Atikokan Transition House, having recently purchased a building are now busy winterizing, renovating and decorating the House. Anyone who would like to help please contact Eva Shields at 597-2868 000 000 Hoshizaki House, Dryden, have received funding to enlarge their paid staff. Within the near future they -hope to be employing an outreach counsellor, part-time child care worker and part-time House coordinator. The House will also be receiving the assistance of two students through Canada World Youth 000 000 Josie Wallenius of the Women's International League for Peace and Friendship is hosting 'Nuclear Alert', a series of six monthly programs on peace-related issues that will be shown on the cable tv channel. The first program 'Back to Basics' airs October 30th at 8 p.m., followed on November 27th by 'Seeking Alternatives'. 000 000 The Northwest Enterprise Centre has developed a non-traditional learning model for women who are considering small business as a career option. Susan Loppacher, of the Enterprise Centre stated "Women who are attempting to re-enter the job market are recognizing that they have fewer employment opportunities in the traditional employment generating industries. As a result, many women are considering self-employment as a career option. The six month program will cover financial management, business research, marketing, advertising, employee relations and communications skills. Anyone requiring further information regarding starting dates and cost of the next session contact Susan Loppacher at (807) 475-6400. An interesting footnote: More women are now starting their own businesses, but numerically there are still more new male entrepreneurs - however - when it comes to bankruptcies male owned companies far outnumber female owned businesses going bust 000 000 Ontario Attorney-General Ian Scott stated on September 3 that the provincial government will introduce 000 The Canadian Coalition on Depo Provera are requesting funds to assist them in their fight against the federal government's move to license Depo Provera for general use. Send your contribution to the Coalition c/o 25 Sixth St., Wards Island, Toronto, M5J 2C2 000 000 C.A.R.A.L. is seeking funds from all who believe in the freedom of choice. Donations will go to the C.A.R.A.L. Ottawa Lobby Fund and will enable the league to make plans for a strong presence in Ottawa this fall. Our Ottawa lobbyist will be able to provide educational material to the politicians immediately as our issue comes up. Send donations to National office, 344 Bloor St. West, Suite 306 Toronto M5S 1W9 000 000 have we anotner urown Attorney trying to make a quick name for themselves? A Portage la Prairie woman has been jailed for contempt of court for refusing to testify against her common-law husband, who is charged with assaulting her. Crown Attorney Linda Giesbrecht said the woman was charged with contempt because she continually failed to appear in court and refused to swear on the bible the times she did appear. The 20 year old woman is serving a three month sentence 000 000 Take care when referred by your doctor to an out of town specialist. Get your doctor to double check that the specialist is certified by the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons, as only specialists so certified are covered by the Health Travel Plan grant. It has come to the notice of the local MPPs that some patients have been refused payment of the health travel grant. MPP Gilles Pouliot has contacted the Health Minister Murray Elston but to date there has been no response.000 000 Newfoundland has become the second province in Canada without a legal abortion service. The first was Prince Edward Island, when in June, the only hospital on the island to perform abortions disbanded its therapeutic abortion committee. In Newfoundland the circumstances are not exactly the same - there is still a therapeutic abortion committee, but the province does not have a gynecologist who is willing to provide the service. According to Dr. Robbins, medical director of the General Hospital in St. John's, doctors in Newfoundland are subject to intimidation and harassment for carrying out abortions and they don't want the hassle. As things stand at the moment most women from these two provinces requiring an abortion travel to Montreal at the cost of $870 000 000 As of October 1st, 1986 the minimum rate of pay in Ontario will be increased. The general hourly rate will be $4.35, learner $4.25, students (under 18) $3.50 000 000 In mid-August sixteen Canadian women left for a two week study tour of Nicaragua. Organized by the brigades committee of Canadian Action for Nicaragua, the Simone de Beauvoir Tour will be hosted by AMNLAE, the Nicaraguan women's organization. Organizers believe this is the first all-woman tour to visit Nicaragua from Canada. The group includes edu,lators, artists, journalists, and women with a wide variety of experience in community, solidarity and women's organizations 000000 After watching various Democratic women candidates lose the 1982 election because of lack of funds, Ellen Malcolm became the founder and president of EMILY's list. EMILY is an acronym for Early Money Is Like Yeast - it makes the dough rise. EMILY's list formed explicitly to raise money early enough to ensure women candidates successful campaigns. So far $183,000 has been raised. Spokeswoman Kathleen Currie says "We use many of the political networks of the women's movement to assess a candidate's viability, then we talk to both the candidates and their staff. The candidates we choose have to be progressive, pro-choice, pro-ERA women who are viable candidates for a Democratic seat in the Senate. Curry feels the EMILY's list is "an interesting maturation of the political aspect of the women's movement. We've learned how to run a campaign, how to get out the vote, how to canvass." But Malcolm notes "We have to master the money issues, we hope to be able to support statewide races eventually." 000 A former Progressive Conservative candidate, Sharon Wolfe, has been named by Prime Minister Mulroney as the new Adviser on Women's Issues. Although active in organizations such as the Canadian Committee for Soviet Jewry and the Canadian Association for Children with Learning Disabilities, Ms. Wolfe has not been associated with any women's organizations. Time will tell how she feels about women's issues 000 C' fa k; ti-..) fx` Cv (3, con't page 14 WOMAN page 4 PDFNORTHERN compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Fiction Friendship by SUSAN G. COLLINS I want to tell you about myself and about my love affair; but where to begin?. For you to really understand, I'd have to start with my childhood. I wasn't starved or beaten, but I was a latchkey child in a troubled home, until I became a ward in a foster home. And then I met someone who promised me marriage, a home and a university education, and I swore an oath before God to love him and be faithful to him until death, because I thought I had to in order to avoid damnation. And then when he deserted me, five years later that oath came back to haunt me; and through the years of single parenthood and between the nervous breakdowns, the men came and went but I had them without wanting them, without caring for their efforts or their promises except as a salve to a broken spirit. So what was one more affair? The difference maybe wasn't in him; maybe he was no more special, or compatible with me, he didn't appreciate me, I should forget him. The difference was in me. I was divorced some years and ready to care again. I had no illusions; as he told me once, I played no games. I didn't need his promises; he never made any. That was his defense, when he severed our relationship: "I never said I couldn't,Teplace you," he said. I never said...and so on. Was that supposed to make me feel better? I thought. I had never expected I would ever live with him, but somehow I thought he would always be there for me: we were friends. Love, I had learned, doesn't last forever; but frienship, I believed, lasts a very long time. I was glad at first that he didn't ask me to meet his friends; I had my independence, I had my own life, and my time with him was spent alone with him. I wanted to be alone with him; I wanted to get as much of him as I could, and not have our relationship diluted or diffused with other people. But when he became really special to me...well, then he went back to an old girlfriend, and they spent time with friends and family, and then it hurt me that he acknowledged her, that she was "legitimate" in a way that I was Missing Dan isn't just his kisses, his muscles, his gentle voice and awful jokes. It's also not ever seeing the sun come up from his house, or trying to cuddle in his queen-sized bed, or fighting with his cat--the trappings, the specialness of the everyday. Nobody but Sylvie seems to understand the deep regret for all the things we never got to do as well for the ending of those things we did. Even after he went back with Dorothy, Dan would see me occasionally; and when I misplaced my diaphragm, I had it replaced, expecting him to come back to me. The crisis came when my period was late and I was on the verge of failing all my Christmas exams. Let him worry too, I thought. I pushed him for an answer--would it be me or Dorothy? " I'm not in love with you," he said. I sure will be glad to see my little Sandy again, after two months. He was camping with Joseph and according to Joseph he had a good summer. And oh, those mornings were special. Every other day, he was up early for work, while I, night person that I am, slept as late as I could manage. But at Dan's place I was up with the dawn, seeing the light filter through his curtains, opening the door to the cool of the country morning and the smell of the dew on the grass and in the bush nearby. I knew his schedule, and I dragged him from bed while he whined and groaned and called me a nag. Three years it took him to say that. The mornings watching the sun come up, the nights we wrecked the bed.-"We're lust friends," he said:. and I thought, "what else is there?"' I'm playing it cool now, lots of male friends but no one special. Lately I've been interested in a guy named Mike, I've known him three years but you know we were both involved with other people. He's Sylvie's old boyfriend. You know he's never asked me out, but now he's free I think I'll ask him. Love, I guess I've always known, doesn't last forever; but frienship, I still hope, can last a long, long time. not. I keep a diary, and I recorded some of this relationship, like when I saw him and he said that he would no longer see me. There is so much that never went on paper, but sometimes I tried. Like this entry: August 27 19-Sandy is coming Saturday! Last night Sylvie stayed over and I made a vanilla cake with apples and took the extra to friends. Got pretty much caught up on my sleep as Sylvie sleeps late. Joseph phoned and woke me up. Talked to psychologist briefly about Dan. Supposed to call him (Dan) tonight but he'll be late I bet. a feminist quarterly Justice ir Poverty 4' Race and Class 4i Motherhood I Global Lesbianism Issues # Social Policy 4 Sexuality 4 Peace Older Women 9 Labour # and more! $10 individual $20 institutions Breaking the Silence Box 4857 Station E S20+ supporting Ottawa. Ontario KIS Sit PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAN page 5 �* * * It's zad, and bunny. Right to the bit test end, I tan my COLOUAZ into your palate. The mutky btown didn't daze you much. I guess, as an aAtizt, you're used to creative mishaps. Is this a cuts e, at a ptayet? Fading you out into distant itiendship, imagining out paths will ctoss hearts open, again, when tip_ adds bright warmth to greying temples, TWO WOMEN MEET Old in my shell young in my heart walking when I want to dance you tun me .vet as you tace bast shaking mottality in seatch (16 identity Look zee my eyes shining with the bitth oi wotds how the wind is in my hait zepatating each sitvet strand Do you zee me? I zee myset6 in you Tossing and tatning in the hczl glow o.6 memoty's 6tail image, between windblown touch and tettot ass tenderness .Ls swept into dust. Hey man, gonna drown? Ctouched inwatd by woman's bteaking out q6 zo6t shell into Volcanic Fotce, can't you handle it? young daughtet, sis ter, tnavetting companion completing each cycle enteting each new passage o6 tight my heart soars with passion undaunted by this slaw shell which now houses me I shall continue as me, as you Vout quiveting chest bettays the neaity packaged iceman. Youtt emotions, disguised as thoughts, zimmet heattache pietces uv the calm catattlkng violent storms. Rosalyn Taylot Suelynn r 03-7: .1: .44.7, fril je At en '11.-4 -4.4. "Trrp$71 rprWipPW,7:770-19-, .4.1-57; Mt 4-44 211,t2taLkAttr 141* 4" 181P/ Employment Equity Avw.1,-..41basntAam...,dFki Book Feminist by MYRNA HOLMAN Employment Equity in Thunder Bay appears to be off to a good start with the establishment of five Employment Equity programs. The City of Thunder Bay, St. Joseph's Hospital, the Lakehead Board of Education, the Lakehead Separate School Board and Lakehead University have hired coordinators to develop and implement Employment Equity strategies. Funding for the five programs comes from the Ontario Women's Directorate and the Ministry associated with wach organization. Unfortunately, the funding for the School Boards, Lakehead University and St. Joseph's Hospital ends December 31, 1986. It is important for the government to continue funding these programs. The need for Employment Equity in Canada has been well researched and documented. Many institutions and businesses in Thunder Bay should establish Employment Equity Programs. As well, Employment Equity funding should be expanded to include people with disabilities and visible minor- Equity. The members have written a brief to the Honourable Ian Scott, Minister Responsible for Women's Issues, which outlines concerns about funding for Employment Equity and makes recommendations. Also of note in Thunder Bay is the Equal Opportunity Management Program which is being offered by Confederation College for the second time. This program is unique in Canada and has attracted students throughout Ontario and from other provinces. The course includes three months of classes followed by a three monTh work placement. Graduates of the program are qualified to develop and implement Employment Equity programs. If you would like more information about Employment Equity, a member of NWOEEN can be contacted by phoning any of the organizations listed above and asking for the Employment Equity Coordinator. ities. Since the establishment of the five programs in Thunder Bay the Northwestern Ontario Employment Equity Network has been formed. NWOEEN was established to meet the needs of practitioners in the north abd of the northern community. NWOEEN members are available to give presentations to groups interested in Employment WANTED: WILD WOMEN WHO WRITE New lesbian/feminist press seeks material for possible publication,especially short stories and novels. For more information or to submit, please contact: Impertinent T'ress, Box 397 918-16 Avenue N.W. Calgary, Alta. T2M OK3. theory .fiction health poetry spirituality peace international periodicals NORTHERN WOMAN'S BOOKSTORE 69 N. Court St. 344-7979 A DVO CAT E S I am interested in Thunder Bay Advoca for Quality Child Care. Please send more information Name Address Clip and, mail to: Thunder Bay Advocates for Quality Child Care Box 144, Thunder Bay P7C 4V5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAN:page, 6 �INTERVIEW SaAha McInnes i4 a natutat media aAtizt tecentty moved to Thancuttentey -tying to det Bay. She maintain het zanity white titling amidt boxes, durt and catpentuo white waiting bon het ouudJo to be 6iniAhed in otdet to continue wank on a zeiLia (16 13 tape4tAie4 which witt become the 6ocuz of a 6itm by Studio D, Nationat Fitm Boated o6 Canada and which witt be exhibited at the London Regionat Acct Gattety, opening AL Hattom Eve, 1990. Saha tai with Routtyn Tayton, Donna Phoenix and Catotyn Greenwood about women in/and acct, women'4 ApiAituat pa/mage and powet. nook, tite4 R. Where shall we begin? S. I'd like to begin with the present because most of my life is in such disarray at the moment due to my recent (and happy) move to Thunder Bay, that I need to ground myself in what is happening right now. R. Okay, what's happening right now? S. Because my current series of tapestries involves-the cycles of women's lives, I had planned to travel to Ireland in the spring of 1987 in order to experience the sacred wells, standing stones and caves as well as to participate in a number of earth festivals relevant to women. However, since making the decision to move to Thunder Bay, I recognized tie folly of going to a country which is perpetually foggy at that time of year after spending my first winter in the north. Coincidentally, an artist friend from the U.S. invited me to meet her in New Mexico next spring to collaborate on a few pieces as well as to do some rituals together and attend several festivals. We want to do a cross-cultural collaboration in the belief that women around the world share deeply in common symbology and common celebration. So I will take special symbols and natural materials from Thunder Bay and we will integrate them with others from New Mexico, documenting our rituals both through photography and through imbedding the elements of our ritual into wall pieces. We're both inspired by the stories of Spider Woman and Spider Grandmother, who, according to the Navajo, brought weaving to the people and these stories will be our point of departure - or our point of return, depending on your perspective. rites and celebrations - just as they appear to be happening within the native communities in the north - stemming, I believe, from their desire to reclaim their traditional cultures and to become more centered in their rituals, but I think' that you would know more about what is going on here than I do. R. I don't either. D. I don't. S. Well, for example, there is a new native cultural centre in Thunder Bay - Nanabijou on Archibald St. - which, in my view, is very important. Oddly it's funded by the Children's Aid Society - clearly the Thunder Bay CAS is more enlightened than others. Two CAS women, Peggy KeesickPalkert and Dorothy Bird lobbied successfully for the centre,because they believe that native families need have a space in which they can become more grounded in their culture. They recognized how very critical it is for an oppressed people to reclaim its symbols and rituals so the centre will be undertaking Sacred Circle meetings, native language classes and art groups along with support programs such as baby-sitting and playgroups for their children. Since moving here I'm discovering that indigenous people everywhere seem to understand that their artists play a major role in helping centre them in their culture, providing them with affirmation and strength through making visible the symbolic language which reflect their beliefs and values. I'm excited about this because I resonate deeply with their fundamental belief in the power of symbols to enhance and transform reality which is what real power is all about and, as a feminist, I believe that our movement must integrate the cul- as a retreat from political action. To me, culture - which includes art and spirituality - and politics are inseparable. The lies about the nature and function of woman that are intrinsic to patriarchal religion and art have formed the legal, educational, political, economic and medical/psychiatric systems of our society and are accepted as "natural truths" by even the most modern and/ or atheistic citizens: I was an artist before I became a feminist and I found my fullest aesthetic expression as a feminist and also found my most far-reaching and meaningful political expression as an artist. I agree with Robin Morgan who has written somewhere that a political revolution that does not take seriously its artists, and does not see the aesthetic vision as inseparable in integrity from all,political action, is, by definition, a patriarchal revolution. R. Does this have anything to do with women's art being unnoticed or diminished? S. Yes, I believe that many of us have adopted male identified attitudes - which shouldn't surprise anyone once they consider what we learn about ourselves and who we learn it from. One of the great challenges of feminism is to move beyond the confines of patriarchial thought and methodology and narrow, constricting roles to become whole. And yes, I believe that the recognition of the power of symbols has a great deal to do with women's art being largely unnoticed - in fact largely invisible. If what you -mean by "women's art" is images that empower us, that tell the TRUTH about who we are, who we can be, where we' ve come from, not just about how we resonate deeply with their fundamental belief in the power of symbols to enhance and transform reality which is what real power is all about and as a feminist, I believe that our movement must integrate the cultural work of their sisters into feminist analysis and practice, Images tell us I who we most profoundly are and can be and it is folly to ignore or diminish their importance to our work, D. When did all this happen?' S. Michelle Morris and I have been corresponding for a number of years now but our plan to work together is a recent one - over the past few weeks. There are so many things going on in New Mexico that are interesting and compelling to both of us - many to do with women's tural work of their sisters into feminist analysis and practice. Images tell us who we most profoundly are and can be and it is folly to ignore or diminish their importance to our work. It's been my experience that too many feminists criticize our work as a form of cultural nationalism or are viewed and treated in this malestream culture, but about who we are in the depths of our souls. These images are so deeply. threatening in their truths and potency to the patriarchy that they have insidiously worked to eradicate them every time they have re-surfaced throughout history. Be sure that.their invisibility PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAN page 7 �is no accident of historical circumstance, certainly not due to some inability on the part of women to produce beautiful and meaningful works of art but a comprehensive and determined move on the part of patriarchal powers to eradicate the female principle from the face of the earth - to murder female energy that of ALL women, white, black, red, yellow, from every socio economic stratum, everywhere in the world. I read something recently that really energized me - Paula Gunn Allen in her book THE SACRED HOOP suggests that feminists don't have to look very hard in our search for evidence of matriarchal existence because they had existed all over the northern, central and southern hemispheres until the arrival of the Europeans and, while threatened, continue to exist within a handful of logically sky oriented and indifferent to art. This period of patriarchy began about 5000 years ago. As male gods took precedence over the ancient Goddess and her female clergy, men assumed the right to make all the major decisions, because the male god had given them that right. What was left of the powerful images of the Goddess was diffused in the beliefs of classical Greece and Rome, where She was fractured into many parts, each subservient to the male god Zeus. The father had replaced the mother as the ultimate deity. In her book WHEN GOD WAS A WOMAN, Merlin Stone traced the image of the very first mother back to the times when She had come to be known as the earth and all of fife. From the small Venus figurines of the Paleolithic age, some 40,000 years ago, to the multitude of clay, bone and not approve of what the men did they had the power to impeach them! The Europeans refused to deal with the women and would only negotiate with native men. Many people believe that this is why the indigenous people of North America got such a raw deal the Indian men had little experience negotiating political issues and just signed everything away! R. But then, going back to Ireland, according to the NFB film Nuns: Beyond the Veil, there is a point where the Goddess imagery was replaced by the whole hierarchy of the church and made invisible. I never knew about any of this until I saw the film. S. Yes, the christians were very clever in choosing the methods with which to anihilate the Goddess. While they exerted enormous physical power (some scholars claim that 9,000,000 Goddess worship, so widespread in ancient periods, was araduallv sunpressed and obliterated by later religions that worshiped male deities and which were mobile, warlike, ideoloaicallv sky oriented and indifferent to art. This period of Patriarchy hewn about 5000 years ago. bands despite the attempt to bury them completely through acts of cruelty and matricide. She suggests that if we, white feminists, don't recognize this history and learn from it, if we deny its existence because of our patriarchally imposed modes of learning, then we are a racist movement. And I believe she is right. I believe that we have a whole lot to learn from native women, we have much in common, especially with those women who are trying to reclaim their culture. We share so many things, not the least of which is our efforts to ensure peace in the world and a loving, mutually supportive and respectful existence for all living things an end to violence and to the powerover dualistic thinking of the patriarchy. For this reason it was a very simple thing to change my plans to go to Ireland. My recent discovery of the similarities between my pre-Christian heritage as an Anglo-Irish and that of indigenous women convinces me that I will find the same female spirit in New Mexico as in Ireland. To me, that is a wonderful revelation! D. But you wanted to go to Ireland because that's the only place where the Goddess wasn't destroyed and is stronger? S. Initially I wanted to go to Ireland because that_is my heritage and the Goddess is present there despite the christian efforts to anihilate Her. But I hadn't looked in my own back yard and when I did I found that She hasn't been destroyed here either - we can see this from the literature of the past decade as well as by the mere fact of our coming together to talk about Her. She certainly is present in this vast and gorgeous Northwestern Ontario! D. Do native people have Goddes- stone statues of the earliest Neolithic and Chalcolithic cultures, there is evidence that for thousands of years, our ancestors revered a Goddess as their creator. On the tablets of ancient Sumer, they wrote of Her as Ama-tu-an-ki, the mother who gave birth to heaven and earth. She had different names in different parts of the world but She was one. Until about 10 years ago, that story had been suppressed and largely forgotten. To get back to your question Donna, according to Paula Gunn Allen, until the coming of the Europeans, women in native cultures were also very powerful and revered as creators there were many symbolic representations of female spiritual power just as there were on other continents the Pueblo people knew Her as Spider Woman, the Hopi as Huruing Woman, the Navajo as White Shell Woman and Changing Woman, the Athapascan's of Western Canada called Uer Asintmah, the Bella Coola people of B.C. had Somagalags, She was Sun Sister to the Eskimo. When the Europeans arrived on the continent they found people who had strong connections to Her and women who had enormous power within their clans and they set out to systematically destroy them, using the same approach so successful on other continents thousands of years earlier. It was at the will of the women of the clans that their sons and husbands held powerful positions - if they did women were burned alive by the christian church) in their attempts to obliterate the womencentred religions, they correctly recognized that in order to maintain control they would have to co-opt our symbol system as well (the same way they do today through cultural censorship - keeping information from us through their refusal to publish, exhibit, record, and so on). By removing, replacing and subtly transforming our models for self determination, physical force was not needed to maintain control. R. How does this work? S. Religion is a system of symbols which act to produce powerful and long lasting behaviour and attitudes in a people of a given culture, Because they have both psychological and political arrangements that correspond to the symbol system, force is not necessary to keep them in line. Once people have internalized the symbols of a particular system those symbols function as internal police and the threat of violence or punishment is enough to trigger obedience. We see this everyday in the power the pope has regarding birth control and abortion for example! It is because religion has such a compelling hold on the deep psyches of so many people that feminists cannot afford to leave it in the hands of the fathers. As feminist scholar Carol P. Christ has pointed out, symbol systems cannot simply be rejected, they must be replaced. Where there is ses? S. Let's back up a bit and consider Her for a moment. According to Merlin Stone, the American sculptor, a long, long time ago, in the very beginning of human life, in Europe, Asia and Africa, people revered the mother of all life. Just as they'd been born from their own mothers, they envisioned a mother who had given birth to the cosmos and the very first people in the world. The Creator was the first mother. Goddess worship, so widespread in ancient periods, was gradually suppressed and obliterated by later religions that worshipped male deities and which were mobile, warlike, ideoNORTHERN WOMAN OCR, page 8 web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor PDF compression, �When I enter menopause I'll send out hundreds of gold embossed invitations to all my friends so that they will come to my party and celebrate with me as I enter crone time! D. Let's bring back the menstrual hut! I don't call it menstruating any more - I call it "bleeding" ... S. ... yes, the bloods, moontime. Some native people, those who have not been overly influenced by the Europeans, have an interesting perspective on women who are bleeding. White people believe that Indians view women who are bleeding as dirty and that this is why women are forbidden to enter the sacred sweat lodge during their menstruation. The truth is that they believe bleeding women to be so incredibly potent that they will throw everyone else off kilter should they participate in the sweat. R. I had always assumed that the stories whites tell about this were no replacement, the mind will revert to familiar structures at times of crisis, bafflement or defeat. C. You were saying earlier that you need seven more tapestries for the film and exhibition. S. Ten more - I'm doing thirteen in total - one for each cycle of the moon, one for each menstrual period. D. Have women always used the number 13 or did we get it when men became afraid of it? S. Fear is a good word to describe their relationship to the number 13 since in Tarot the number of the Death card is 13, the magical lunar number of witchcraft and the religion of the Goddess, A year is composed of 13 lunar months. It was patriarchal culture that abondoned the 13th month, contrived the solar Calendar and put an aura of Jed luck around the number 13. Once the most sacred of numbers, signifying the end and the beginning, the number 13 now makes people so uptight that a hotel can't have a 13th floor! This speaks to me clearly to the distortion that has taken place in our culture over the issue of death because of patriarchal fears of and efforts to control nature Before the advent of electric lights and the nuclear family, when women lived and worked together as a collective unity, they also bled and ovulated together with the light and cycles of the moon - the cycle was 13 - perhaps this is another reason why the number has become taboo, D. I've noticed still that when women get together they menstruate together. C. I went to Michigan one year and everyone was menstruating at the same time. S. I love it Can you imagine the power at the festival? C. It was incredible - we were there for four days - you could really feel the energy! S. Blood everywhere - everybody washing out their sponges! D. Women have been trying to explain what happens to us during our cycles for a long time. Have you given this any thought? S. It is not easy in this day and age to imagine the shamanistic power inherent in menstruation. With many women in this country suffering from PMS and relating to their menstrual cycles as troublesome, painful or fundamentally negative, the idea of "psychic power" or "feminine potency" associated with menstruation may seem incredible. Yet healer Vicki Noble has shown that until recent history, a woman in her bleeding time was considered to be in a heightened state of awareness and wisdom. In ancient and "primitive" cultures, women went "underground" into what native people call the Moonlodge for 3 days and did not act in ordinary ways. They tuned into their innate psychic abilities at this magical time, opening to oracular messages from the spirit realm. They did this listening within for the benefit of the entire community, acting as shamans or healers, rather than as individual persons. In THE CULT OF THE GODDESS Lawrence Durdin-Robertson says that the first blood at the alter was women's menstrual blood, a potency given in a natural and living way in her monthly courses. He suggests that the entire ethics of religion rests on the question of from where the necessary blood is gotten. Ancient matriarchal religion, he says, got it naturally. When that religion was wiped out and replaced all over the world with patriarchy, the blood had to be gotten in other ways. Animals and humans were slain for the precious life force, a practice that continues today. The remnants of recognition of female blood power can be seen in the ways in which patriarchal culture defines menstruation as "unclean" and pathological. Western culture expects women to go ahead with "business as usual", rather than take time out to tune into themselves. Feminists have sometimes taken the position that women have no problems during their menstrual periods, nothing should prevent them from being Prime Minister or whatever they might want to do. This is a very shortsighted view, in my mind that requires rethinking and much discussion. If women take traditionally male positions and act them out in male-identified ways, then we are bound to experience menstrual problems such as PMS. However, if we were to replace men as leaders and power-holders, and to operate in inherently female ways, taking time out for sacred psychic work to make decisions from the deepest possible place, we would likely see real change in the fabric of our society. The menstrual cycle represents healing power - a transformation an exchange of the inner and outer powers, in balance - a time for going within. D. Now it's called the "curse" or the "rags". S. Yes, we have so few visible rites of passage in our culture this is one reason why I wove "Menarche" - it was a very important celebration for me and I will continue to celebrate deliriously my cycles. true: S. Clearly some native people have taken on white male attitudes just as some women have taken on pat-' riarchal attitudes and behaviour. However, I believe that many contemporary Indian people are, like all women, survivors of patriarchal woman hating and are working to reclaim the truths of their culture just as feminists are. Fortunately, many of their elders are still alive and so they don't have to sift through centuries of old and hidden documents to find their truths. D. You are saying, in a sense, that our elders are our Goddesses, the women who have gone before our role models, the women who we know were strong. They are our elders and we are trying to listen to what they had to say and we're trying to bring back truths that were lost. S. Yes, in many ways that's true for me yet on some levels it hasn't been so conscious. For example, in 1976 I had an exhibition in which the tapestries were based on a series of books by Evangeline Walton about prechristian Ireland. It was claimed by the publisher to be a fantasy series - you know, one person's fantasy, one person's myth, is another person's history. Often women's history is categorized as "myth", especially pre-christian "history" thereby diminshing it and suggesting subtly that it's not to be taken too literally. Anyway, at the opening of the exhibition, a man came up to me and said something like "You are obviously into Robert Graves, you obviously have read his The White Goddess". I had no idea what he was talking about and so intrigued and fascinated that I bought the book and what I learned was utterly exciting and affirmed my emerging belief in ancestral memory and the collective unconscious. I discovered that women in every part of the world had been using the symbols I had used in this series of tapestries - totally without awareness. I learned that forever and always women have been using universal symbols in every culture - the moon, the chevron, spiral, circle, inverted triangle, animals such as frogs and turtles, trees, water, shells - for one reason or another they all relate to the Great Goddess. I was so energized by this discovery literally changed my life and since that time other discoveries have come to me that have helped me in various ways to understand my heritage and my position in contemporary society. For one thing, the fact of our common symbols is used against us by NORTHERN WOMAN page 9 ' PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �cultural agencies, the art establishment and the boys who run it. They seriously diminish our work by stating "it's been done - it's dated" thereby dismissing it without consideration. If it's been done, I ask, why don't most of us know about it? Why haven't we seen this work? Why hasn't it been exhibited in our galleries and interpreted in our art press? What are they afraid of? If truth be told it is my view that the ancestral memories of our cultural workers compel them to deny our work because if it were truly considered and if its visibility were facilitated, contemporary men and those who cater to them would have to confront and deal with their complicity- through silence - in the violence and matricide which women have had to endure these past 10,000 years. If the cultural establishment, the gatekeepers of our symbolic language, those who practice cultural censorship with such "professionalism", were to permit us through the gates, they would have to deal with their own fears of our potency, they would have to confront and deal with their own woman hating, their own weakness, their own dependency. I, for one, don't believe for a minute that they could cope with the horrendous guilt - the consequences they would have to bear for denying us our lives for so long, for inventing and spreading atrocious lies about us, for condoning, through their censorship and silence, unspeakable acts of violence against us and their children - it just runs too deep. Starhawk once told me that young boys and girls were made to watch as their mothers and other female relatives were burned alive at the stake and I have thought a great deal about what this would mean for the women and men who have followed - their children and children's children, all the way down the line to 1986. Can you imagine watching your mother burn? Can you contemplate the horror? Can you allow yourself to consider the messages that this would give you about what it means to be a woman or a man in this world? If you would, for a moment, suspend disbelief and consider the idea of ancestral memory - the notion that we remember, through our very bones, events that occured to our ancestors. The realization that men and women carry memories inside them today is very instructive and revealing. It would explain to me why so many women deny the reality of our/their lives and refuse to join' us. It would explain why so many men work so hard to deny us our lives, to deny the truths of our power - even to themselves - for if they were to do so, their shame at the recognition of what has been done to us by their brothers, and continues to be done, in the name of their god, would simply propel them - en masse - into Lake Superior. Women who have influenced me: Andrea Dworkin, Kathleen Shannon, Starhawk, Carol Christ, Georgia O'Keefe, Nelle Morton, Hildegard of Gingen, Nor Hall, Emily Carr, Michelle Morris, my maternal grandmother Molly Craig, my mother Mary McInnes, Vicki Noble, Paula Gunn Allen, Mary Daly. Favourite books:(at the moment) The Journey is Home - Nelle Morton The Moon & the Virgin - Nor Hall I send a Voice - Evelyn Eaton Music and Women - Sophie Drinker The Crone - Women of Age, Wisdom and Power - Barbara Walker Four Essays in Feminist Ethics Marcia Freedman When God Was a Woman - Merlin Stone Einstein's Space and Van Gogh's Sky, Physical Reality and Beyond -'Lawrence Leshan and Henry Margenau The Sacred Hoop - Paula Gunn Allen The Silbury Treasure and the Avebury Cycle - Michael Dames anything by E.M. Broner, Andrea Dworkin, Susan Griffin, Mary Daly, Anne Cameron, Adrienne Rich, Barbara Walker, Paula Gunn Allen, Vicki Noble, Starhawk. Carolyn P. Greenwood manipulate that record. I do thit through the manipulation of the actual piece and also because my work is staged. I don't photograph "slices of life". Each individual piece is created for that moment. In a way each piece is a still-life, created as an individual but also meant to be seen as part of a whole. The whole being that particular body of work. A body of work as a form of storytelling. I'll start by telling a little about myself. I am a woman photographer, feminist, 31 years of age and recently returned to Thunder Bay. I studied photography at Ryerson in Toronto. I went there not to become a commercial photgrapher but to learn the technical skills necessary to express myself in my chosen media. I had been aware for some time that I had a need to express myself through an artistic medium. Painting didn't seem to be the answer. I found that the anchor to the concrete, the realism photography offered was what I needed. In order to be free to explore I needed some constrictions. Believing as I do that you cannot express an artistic view until you master the skills necessary, I studied to free myself. I first started working in black and white, dealing with the isolation I felt, heth emotional and physical, living in an urban environment. The silver process expressed this better for me than colour would. Even though I wanted the realism photography sug- gested, I wanted to step back a little from it. As my vision evolved and the focus of my work changed I realized I needed something different than black and white. I became interested in different historical processes and because of this was introduced to. Kwik-Printing. The Kwik-print process is photgraphic in nature. A large negative(s) is made and from this the image is printed. It is a colour process in which the colours are put on in layers (somewhat like silkscreening) or in particular areas. I was attracted to the process because while it is in colour, it is colour that I have total control over. Both in choice of actual colours themselves and placement. The way in which I use colour is extremely important to my work. I can colour things as realistically or surrealistically as I like. While I like the realism of- The stories I tell are personal, based on emotional responses to mine own environment. The colours I use are taken from my dreams and memories and are meant to evoke an emotional response in the viewer. The symbolism I use is also dream related and again is meant to awaken a recognition on behalf of the viewer. I am presently working on a body of work still in the birthing process. It deals with the past year of my life, my responses to my feelings about family, connections between people and places. fe -e,? bq n photographic process I need the freedom to explore offered by Kwik-Printing. I like the idea of a manipulated reality. The camera records what is placed in front of it. PDF compression, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN' WOMAN page OCR, 10 �Gert Beadle Honoured Our nation's highest honour, the Order of Canada, has been awarded to Gert Beadle, feminist poet and long time Northern Woman Journal member. I exist in a .gaud .hence here at the bottom o4 the wett. I heat mysetA singing as though I cowed straddle a high note and tide beyond myset4 to whete the game is. Evetything a too neat here, the agenda o4 my possibte tAip was wait beAote my time, when tadies sat on cushions and only boys coutd ctimb. I beat my head in anguish against I.W.Y. What i4 the drum that beat the otd yeah in and out was hottow, we danced. the tacky watt oA .cove, and pray AoA wings to lift me to the etements above. Oh! caAeAut, cateAut 4:4 my ti4e and naAAow is my poAtion, and I who die to Aide the tivet, singte-handed on a tact, must ptetend to be a viotet shtinking to avoid the dAaAt. What i4 we knew the peopte who made the drum and catted the shots were toughing. To hett with them we're dancing. (1936) Emerging in 1974 to finally share four decades of hidden writing, Gert has delighted, excited and inspired not only her Northwestern Ontario friends but countless others through her readings and her published works. As the introduction to her first volume of poetry Salt and Yeast describes... "we found her questioning the roles of woman as child, as mother, as grandmother, and finally as feminist who could look in retrospect and see herself in transition, not as a new feminist at last, but as one who concealed herself in the poems she hid .... she cemented her philosophy, the true courage, the great heart and the common oppression". 'WOMAN'S SONG Fat we wilt make out own drum and beat it too, we'tt wnite the music and the words and keep on moving, step-step shuAAte-whiAt and hustte. Gert left Northwestern Ontario a year ago for the gentler west coast climate but Gert's northernness is as integral to her being as her feminism. I want to go,Aon bAoke. I want to tisk it.att, NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO Aee the day I'm in, hear tomottow catt. ,one we a di44etent breed, has this abandoned bastard chid o4 the pampered east seasoned us Act the sttuggte o4 Aecognition conditioned us to tooting deeper in this stubborn soft o4 poveAty and pot hates - The ketnet in the straw a what I'm Wen, Having no need {y of seAvite gratitude I want to peel the orange and crack the nut o4 taughtet. Have we become move ttuty outzetves, with nothing to Lose but the pretension o4 tank and the tip smice o4 detinquent potiticians. Do we fleet {nett to challenge the buteauctacy on its policies (14 tape without consent and it's patAiaAchat 'w es o4 thumb. Behind this Notthetn Shield we ptactice the otd auto o4 sutvivat, out aAtows gy east as a matt etc o4 ptincipte, pticking theit sensibilities into awareness that we ate not impressed by pateAnatistic gestures (tam the decadent regimes. We shatt not be taught, on bought, an bribed to suntendet what tha north has told us. We ate the non conpAming inhetitotz oA a culture that made it's own music. I want the .cove in toying, I want the satt in teats, I want the sweat in stAiving, I want no wasted yeau. I want to watk beside you, matching you, stride AoA stAide, I want to be sepaAate, tog ether, not hatA oi a &Learn that died. Salt and Yeast, published in 1977, was followed by Risirig in 1980, and her most recent volume The Resisting Spirit in 1985. In each instance Gert has directed the proceeds from her publication to assist women's caused in Northwestern Ontario. The Journal, the Northern Women's Centre and Faye Peterson Transition House have all benefitted from Gert's generosity. The Journal, and all your NWO friends salute you Gert, on this most recent and prestigious achievement. We expect this experience to gender much new writing. Not off the press ! CHILD BRIDE AM They asked me: "When Can we Vance At your wedding?" THE 1987 CANADIAN WOMEN'S THE DIRECTORY A bilingual index At last! of women's groups across the And I thought: "No one Witt Vance At my wedding." country 2,000 useful addresses An essential networking tool! ,00G NID Susan Cottins Available in bookstores $7.95 + $1.00 (postage & handling) Les Editions Communiqu'Elles 3585 St. Urbain Street Montreal, Qc, H2X 2N6 (514) 844-1761 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN;WQMAN-p4gp:41 �A KIND AND GENTLE MAN We were mattied which seems zo tong ago The totment thtough the yeaAs no one wilt eves. know He was a tolling and gentle man ALL the mote harden to undetztandFUn emetging within him was a beast Once suqaced my tine began to cease Knowing this about him I quickty Learned to blame myzeti What had I done to maize him this way, On he showed kindness with evetyone ase It Vatted out so beautiiutty The house, the chitdten kilted with glee Then out 6itzt teat argument came that stopped me in my ttacks Fot about my head and lace he gave same powequt smacks My 6itst instLnett went to take the children and go With hits stinging wands and Lying 6iztz he changed my mind with blow by blow I waz ttapped with no way out, sot who cowed undetstand Atitaid to stay, a4taid to Leave th,i.s kind and gentle man NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO WOMEN'S DECADE COUNCIL Wetwatdz he'd hold me in his arm and tett me that he eared That he'd atwaqz Love me and we had out fives to shake Supporting individual women and organizations as they work together for ---- He's say with a teat, I'll never do Lt again I am so sonny that I caused you such pain Please don't Leave me, don't even go I Love you so much and need you so This went on sot many yeaAs Inside me a tivet oi unshed teats Fot I cowed no tonget cty on stet The nightmate I Lived was so unteaf Who could possibfy undeutand To otheAz he stilt zeemed such a gentte man equality for women in education, employment, the home and community. - -- Working to eliminate the barriers that prevent local and regional women from reaching; their full potential. - Lobbying on issues to improve the quality Of women's lives in Northwestern Ontario. - Providing resources to existing and emerg- Thete wete no mote zottiez, just thteat Wet thteat Fat i6 I even te4t him, I would not Live to tegtet ing status of women's organizations. -- Networking area women's organizations to share ideas and concerns. I ever teit him, I would not .Live tong enough to tegtet Fot So with a knik at my throat and site in his eyes I sett my mind explode as he said hiz godd byes I heard the baby cky and the other holler, daddy please don't An .inner zttength 9/Lew inzide as I hotteked to het, he won't As I gtabbed the chadten and tan I 'okayed, God please Let me make Lt to the door Once out side the door I knew not what to do It seemed 6otevet since I'd had a 6tiend to say I cake about you Thete was a kind ad woman standing in the hall She had heard my cut y On help, ptom the distance I had carted Opening he door she said I undeAstand, pteaze come in here Fot I've seen many times in yout eyes the tonetine44 and beat Foil. I too Lived son many years as a battened wise You can acts° through a helping hand buitd a betters ti6e h'tdtie 01111( MVOs 111-11101111711' With I epresell Lawn iron: rn.rn.1 roginna! communities. Chit' achy:lies mu! pri(:rittes ale ciesigned to relied the i;;110. prosonted N'orilitycstem Ontario women. I FOR FURTIIFR INFORMATION, CONTACT: NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO WOMEN'S DECADE COUNCIL 221 BAY STREET THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7B I RI (807) 345-3606 Bonnie Agnew BOOK REVIEW: by LYNN HAUTA Lily Briscoe: A Self-Portrait by Mary Meigs, 1981, Talonbooks, Vancouver, 260p. Mary Meigs is an American artist, now living in Quebec. This, her first book, is autobiographical, describing her growth as a person and artist. She provides tantalizing glimpses of her life as a young girl growing up in a wealthy, politically influenial family in Washington, D.C. The scope of her privileged, isolated state can only be guessed at by most readers. Imagine if you can, not knowing until you're in your twenties that people exist who are poor, do not have servants and do not invite the president to supper, This family background became an enormous source of guilt to her since painters typically have to "suffer" in some way in order to bring their art to life - a fact that other artists and art critics seldom failed to mention. She appears to be extremely insecure, constantly defending herself throughout the book. The fact that she prefers women to men adds to her emotional distress. It is not until late in life (she wrote the book at 60) that she could accept herself as a lesbian without putting the words "sort of" in front of the word. Although she says that she has resolved her problems, I still find her at the end of the book defending herself and her life with the only difference being that she has added death to her list of things to worry about. I found that I enjoyed the book especially at the beginning. She writes eloquently about her feelings and her struggle to gain self-confidence but after a while I grew tired of reading about anecdotes that illustrated her insecurity. I found myself getting impatient with her for constantly putting herself down. I was also disappointed that there was, not more about her life with Barbara or Marie-Claire. I would think that after living with Barbara for 15 years she would have much to say about their relationship and how it affected her, and yet we are only given glimpses of it. The six years she lived in a triangle relationship with Barbara and Marie-Claire must have had a great influence on her emotional state and her painting but it is glossed over with a fats lines. about her What she dog,private life left me intrigued and wanting to know more, but it's not there, This book would be superb reading for anyone that is interested in self-analysis and enjoys reading about other people's thoughts. Personally, I would have preferred to read about more concrete incidents in her life rather than what she dreamt at night and what the dreams could be interpreted to mean. The book must have been a catharsis for her, to help her straighten out her feelings about herself, but the general reader, unless going through the same process of self-discovery, will find some of the book tedious. NORTHERN WOMAN page 12 web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor PDF compression, OCR, - �MATCH THE MASTERPIECE by JOAN BARIL lo Aurora Leigh A. Novel: Kate Chopin 2. Laughing Forest Bo Poem: Elizabeth Barrett Browning 3, The Book of the City of Ladies C. A 15th Century defense of women: Christine de Pisan 4. The Woman's Bible D. Science Fiction: Charlotte Perkins Gillman 5. The Edible Woman E. Suffragette song: Cicely Hamilton 6. The March of Women F. Diary: Maria Caroline de Jesus 70 Unshackled G. Poems Stevie Smith 80 The Awakening Ho Painting: Emily Carr 9. Greatgrandmothers I. Film: Studio D, National Film Board 100 Three Guineas J. Autobiography: Christabel Pankhurst 11. Herland K. Novel: Margaret Atwood 12. Child of the Dark L. Essays: Elizabeth Cady Station 13. Not Waving But Drowning M. Non-fiction: Virginia Woolf O'CI !d'ZT !WIT !WOI !I'6 !V'S !ft !a`9 !N`g o's/ / / !SiaMSNV !0`£ !WZ // 15, A ifkle, 1W,14/41/11///41, / ,/// / / // WOMAN WORDS ACROSS 1. The Journal celebrates her.27. 6. Ibsen character. 10. The Big Boss in Syrian patriarchal religion. 30. 14. Rapidly 34. 15. russes 35. 16. The zenith 36. 17. Assassinated president of 37. Egypt. 18. Charged atoms. 19. mite: rock 20. Asked earnestly. 21. A massacre of the sons of women. 22. Pilot 24. Blayton: author of children's stories. 26. "Desert of the Heart" author. 2 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. What a woman is exp to do in male-domin society. Anti-censorship spo The Eskimo people Liberals Unit of square measu Subjected to abuse b What P.M.S. used to Goddess of Nature And so forth A Latin American wo A social group base respect for all the our Mother gave us. Prepare for public a ance. 45. "And Now We A. Milne children's 3 111 rillillIl 14 15 7 18 20 1111 21 1111 27 '8 11111 30 29 III 11111 37 38 ill Nil 43 44 [ill 48 01150 51 56 57 III 60 61 Fill PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �UPDATE 000 continued MATCH, the only Canadian development agency concentrating its support exclusively on women through overseas project funding and education, has produced a video entitled 'Women; All One Nation', composed of images of women worldwide and tightly woven together with a lively narration and evocative music. 'Reproductive Hazards in the Workplace: Some Cases', a new booklet produced by N.A.C.'s Employment Economy and Health Committees, is particularly designed as a training manual for unions and other interested groups. (NAC 344 Bloor St. W., Ste. 505, Toronto, M5S 1W9 - $1.50) toe* Resources Against Pornography has an action-oriented workshop series which they are prepared to offer women's groups.Workshop 1 'Pornography Lies' encourages the individual to acknowledge their personal responses to pornography, and ends positively with an exploration of alternatives to pornography. Workshop 11 is Making Connections - the connection with rape, incest, wife battering, sexual harassment, reproduction, prostitution and women's economic inequality. Workshop 111 'Yes I Can!' There is something you can do about pronography. Group members are invited to discover their own resources for combatting pornography. Workshop 1V 'Yes We Can! We can all work together to fight pornography. Group members share their individual action experiences and receive moral support for future efforts. A detailed brochure about this workshop series can be obtained from Northern Women's Centre, or you can write Resources Against Pornography, Box 695, Station C, Toronto M6J 3S1. A unique manual has been prepared by the Victoria Women's Sexual Assault Centre. 'Working With Survivors of Sexual Assault' provides knowledge which will enable helpers to approach this subject with more assurance. Other publications from the Victoria group include 'Let's Talk About Sexual Assault' and 'Reservations for One: A Woman's Guide to Safe Travel. (Victoria Women's Sexual Assault Centre, 1045 Linden Ave., Victoria, V8V 4H3. Anyone interested in the 1985 World Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, and Forum '85 should pick up the Spring/Summer issue of Canadian Women's Studies, published by the York University Project. The whole issue is by and about women of all nations who attended these two conferences. 'Women: All One Nation' explores how women are disadvantaged at work - unpaid in the home and underpaid in the work place - how this contributes to the global feminization of poverty. It also portrays women's exclusion from most decision making structures, and documents the pervasiveness of sexism in all societies. The conclusion focusses on women's emerging consciousness, solidarity and organization. (Contact MATCH, 401 - 171 Nepean St., Ottawa, K2P OB4) Two new films of particular interest to women - 'Working Girls' and 'Loyalties'. Lizzie Borden, writer, director, producer, and editor, made Working Girls, set in a middle class Manhattan brothel, to de-romanticize and de-mystify prostitution. Borden spent many years researching the backA new publication encourages battered women to seek financial com- ground for Working Girls, and from this research has attempted to make pensation for their injuries. The an honest down-to-earth film reflectbooklet, 'Compensation for Battered ing the lives of prostitutes and their Women' explains, in an easy to read customers. According to Borden it is format, how an abused woman can go a film about "love or the lack of it, about getting compensation either it is about passionless power, and through civil lawsuit against her options, or lack of them". attacker or through the Ontario CriIf you live in Quebec you will minal Injuries Compensation Board. be able to see 'Working Girls' but The booklet was put together by law unless two cuts are made, we in Ontastudents at the University of Westrio will not get the same chance. Are ern Ontario under the direction of we that much more immature in Ontario, Professor Connie Backhouse, and is or is the Ontario Film and Video Reavailable free of charge from Univerview Board frightened that our sensisity of Western Ontario, Faculty of bilities would be shocked by real Law, London, N6A 3K7 sec ' 000 New publications/reports of interest A recent study entitled "An International Survey of Private and Public Law Maintenance of Single Parent Families" reviews the economic situation of the single parent family in Canada. This paper, by Karen Bridge, examines the various problems met by single parents; the awarding and enforcement of maintenance orders; constitutional difficulties; current federal and provincial initiatives; and the conflict between the private and public law support systems. (available from Status of Women Canada,,,Documentation Centre, 151 Sparks St. 10th Floor, Ottawa, K1A 1C3. The Canadian Congress for Learning Opportunities for Women (CCLOW) has just released 'The Decade of Women: Special Report". This collection of 22 articles examines the themes of the Decade - Equality, Development, Peace, from the perspective of how they have influenced women's education, training and employment issues, in Canada and in Third World nations. (CCLOW 47 Main St. Toronto M4E 2V6. life. At the moment of going to _p_rettsr ... The National Film Board has announced the release of 'Feeling Yes, Feeling No', a program on the prevention of child sexual assault. This program is available in both film and video formats, and includes a comprehensive guide, classroom plans and activities. An adaptation for use in the home is available in VHS and BETA formats. The film is offered at a special price of $24.95 plus tax, or is available at the NFB this decision is under appeal.'Working Girls' received its world premiere last May as an official part of the Cannes Film Festival, and at the Montreal festival screening drew rave reviews. 'Loyalties', directed by Canadian Anne Wheeler, is about aspects of Metis life in Canada, involving the friendship between an upper-class British woman and an uneducated Metis woman. Critics have called this movie "a wonderful, heartwrenching film" aim offices. e. LA A e. .1....;--AN V7 v7 v, LN tA ;' V' V Ni7 y' V V PINK TRIY:r.L-7, NORTH PRESS RELEASE Pink Triangle North Consists of gays of the North concerned with homophobic.opinions which recently appeared in the media. Homophobia is described as varying degrees of fear, dislike, and hatred of homosexuality. These feelings often result in prejudice, discrimination and hostile behavior toward people believed to be gay. Pink Triangle North members are gay and prou& We would like to hear from others who support equality for gays/lesbians. Donations will be greatly needed. Through factual information, homophobia can be reduced. We are offering information and support to those insulted by homophobia. Because of our lack of rights, confidentiality is definitely insured. Please write: THE MISSING LIMB I zee you, in my mind Az cleat az the pictute That I catty: The mizzing timb L ztitt My heantteachez out To thi4 Hezh T 0 R N FAOM my own Yet Exizting zepatately. Susan Cottin6 PINK TRIANnE NORTH Kinesis BOX 2311 TIMMINS, ONTARIO. P4N 8E7 PDFNORTHERN compression, WOMAN pageOCR, 14 web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Bill 7 As we go to press Bill 7: An Act to Amend the Ontario Human Rights Code, which includes a clause (Section 18) which will ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, is being debated by the Ontario legislature. The debate has included an opposition filibuster which has delayed passage of the Bill. More seriously, the debate has prompted a type of media response that can only abet homophobia. An analysis of this response is important, thus the Northern Woman Journal is departing from our policy of publishing only womanauthored material to print the following thoughtful statement prepared by Gays of Thunder Bay. HUMAN RIGHTS IN ONTARIO: A CALL FOR HONESTY, FAIRNESS AND EQUALITY The following remarks are a response by the Education Committee of Gays of Thunder Bay to the current debate on Bill 7. This release is dated Saturday, November 29, 1986. At this time, a vote on final passage of Bill 7 in the Ontario Legislature has not occurred. For the past week we have witnessed an accellerated debate on Bill 7: An Act to Amend the Ontario Human Rights Code. Bill 7 contains a clause, Sectiot 18, which will ban discrimination in Ontario on the basis of sexual orientation. It is this sexual orientation clause that has galvanized public attention and come the focus of the debate. In the Legislature, the case in support of Bill 7 was initially presented by Attorney General Ian Scott and Evelyn Gigantes. Ms. Gigantes originally moved the sexual orientation amendment to Bill 7 when it was in committee, where the amendment received all party support. In the days following Mr. Scott's and Ms. Gigantes' presentations, other members of the Ontario cabinet and NDP caucus members spoke in support of the Bill. Without exception, the contributions to the debate in support of the bill have been characterized by brevity, generousity and an attention to detail. Again and again they strove to bring the focus of the debate back to the actual Bill itself, what it says, what it will and will not do. The nature of the debate in opposition to Bill 7 has been characterized by fear, distortion, bigotry, irrelevance and at times, simple ignorance. On the floor of the Legislature we have seen and heard fear and hatred addressed toward gay men and lesbians. We have heard pious statements about how gays should be treated the same as anyone else, followed by distortions of fact and misrepresentations of the implications of the Bill. Locally in Thunder Bay, some of the media have echoed most of the worst elements of the legislative debate. Published statements have included the following: - "Homosexuals may work where they wish and cannot be fired for their sexual preference." This is simply false. Gay men and lesbians have been fired from their jobs for decades in Ontario. We have factual cases of this happening in Thunder Bay. Further, such cases and other examples of discrimination against gays were documented in a brief presented to all members of the Legislature, titled 'Ontario Human Rights Omission'. - Bill 7 will give homosexuals "special rights and enshrine their lifestyle and behaviour". It will do nothing of the kind. The Bill seeks to address an imbalance in the human rights granted to citizens of Ontario. Currently gay men and lesbians can be lawfully discriminated against in areas of employment, housing and public services without recourse to appeal. These are rights already shared by other citizens of Ontario. The Bill will extend those rights to the gay community. These are not special rights. These are the same rights other Ontarians already have. We have not heard anyone speaking in opposition to Bill 7 explain what special rights they are talking about. This is a specific point of distortion utilized to fan fear and righteous indignation. As to the issue of lifestyle and behaviour, the Ontario Human Rights Code does not now - nor will it when Bill 7 is passed - enshrine anyone's lifestyle or behaviour. Anyone's behaviour that breaks the law is subject to the conditions and punishments of the Criminal code of Canada. Bill 7 does not alter that fact. - "Homosexual behaviour and lifestyle is against Christian morality" and threatens traditional family values. This has nothing whatever to do with Bill 7. Yet it is frequently raised as a flashpoint issue in the debate. Ontarians live in and share a pluralistic society. Hindus, Moslems, Jews, Buddhists and Sihks or atheists cannot be discriminated against because their lifestyle may be - and more than likely is - in conflict with Christian morality. To suggest homosexuals should be discriminated against because they threaten Christain morality might be grounds for religious discrimination in reverse' the triumph of the self-righteous. - Bill 7 will force workers and neighbours "to put up with .. unwelcome association with homosexuals". Yes. In areas of employment, housing and public services, discrimination will not be allowed. The journal that published this statement immediately added: "Friction, and probably violence, will surely follow". (emphasis added). That a responsible journal would make such an inflammatory remark, escalating fear and loathing of homosexuals, is almost unbelievable. No justification either in fact or logic was offered in support of that statement. The truth, is something altogether different. Quebec has had in place similar legislation for almost a decade. Friction and violence have not "surely followed". As well, certain municipal governments in Ontario have had similar bans against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in place for areas under their jurisdiction. The result has been largely that people get along with each other. The spectre of wild, repugnant and unwelcome behaviour by the suddenly legislatively "freed" liberal homosexuals is a sham. It is shameful and a disgrace that responsible journalists repeat this lie. In the final analysis, what is being attacked and condemned in this debate is homosexuality itself. Intolerance, bigotry and hatred are openly being utilized to encourage fear and loathing of homosexuals on an unprecedented public scale. It has become, in fact, the unacknowledged focus of the debate. And in the zealous rush to generate and inflame greater fear toward gays and lesbians, sight is lost of just what Bill 7 - the legislation - is: an act to extend human rights in Ontario. In the long run, after Bill 7 has been voted upon, regardless of which way the vote goes, we will still be here. There will still be homosexuals. Society will still go on. We must still live next to each other. The Bill will not change this. But the debate has already changed the conditions of life after Bill 7. The hatred and fear that is being generated now has done real damage to lesbians and gay men in Ontario. The inflammation of fear and ignorance has worked toward undoing years of progress toward tolerance and equality. And it is an ugly legacy to be given to the young in society: a legacy of bitterness, fear and hatred. The opposition to Bill 7 has done a disservice - in the manner and tone of how they've presented themselves - to the health of society. It cripples our abilities to live in tolerance and fairness, qualities necessary for life after Bill 7. Edi.tout note: The amendmentz to Sitt 7 wee passed by the Ontaitio teg-bstatww. on Dec. 3/86. This Ls onty the beginning of the stAuggte to efiminate homophot tflat has allowed the above mentioned corer ent)s to be made in what we a7Le asked to beZieve -L6 a PLee hoeietyo "141.41C2 d Womens Newsletter PrEI5r,(1)0/Adisi P.O. Box 2306 Pleasant /Jill, Cd 94523 send $2 for sample issue Telewoman is a national lesbian networking newsletter with an emphasis on resources & contacts for women who write poetry and fiction, women in the arts and photography, and women whose spiritual perspectives are central in their everyday lives. Book reviews, exquisite graphics, outstanding cover art by lesbians, links between country and city lesbians. Subcriptions $20.00/yr. a- PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �WHAT'S NEW in the BOOKSTORE Those who have been delighted by Vicki Noble's MOTHERPEACE: A Way to the Goddess through Myth, Art & Tarot, will certainly want the companion Astr logy and the Motherpeace Cards: THE OTHERPEACE TAROT PLAYBOOK, by Vilcki Noble and Jonathan Tenney (Wingbow Press). The PLAYBOOK gives detailed explanations for expanding the use of the Motherpeace Tarot Cards and will be useful to both veteran or novice Tarot readers We're pleased to advise that Beatrice Culleton's exceptional novel IN SEARCH OF APRIL RAINTREE (Pemmican Publications) is back in print. Other interesting titles by Native American rawn are THE WOMAN WHO OWNED THE SHADOWS by Paula Gunn Allen(Spinsters Ink), THE SUN IS NOT MERCIFUL, short stories by Anna Lee Walters (Firebrand) and A GATHERING OF SPIRIT, edited by Beth Brant (Sinister Wisdom). The Women's Press provide an impressive selection of new books this season including DY(KE)VERSIONS: Lesbian Short Fiction, edited by the Lesbian Collective "... makes a significant contribution to the growing body of ne women's literature. Fifteen writers... craft an anthology that interprets the diversity and intricacies of lesbian lives. With joy and sensitivity the writers FIREWORKS: The Best of Fireweed, edited by Makeda Silvera, brings together highlights from the past eight years of Fireweed, provide finely honed and vibrant fiction that is both affirming and powerful". OUT OF BOUNDS, Women, Sport and Sexuality, by Helen Lenskyj ...examines the relationship between sport, and our concepts of women's femininity and sexuality during the last century... OUT OF BOUNDS provides a wontifful portrait of women and sports "d. ADVERSE EFFECTS: Women and the Pharmaceutical Industry, edited by Kathleen McDonnell /I ... this provocative anthology looks at such concerns as women, mood-modifiers and the elderly; hormone manipulation; DES; depo-provera; and drugs and population control. ADVERSE EFFECTS is an important expose that needs, to be read by all". To keep track of yourself next year we offer the 1987 EVERYWOMAN'S ALMANAC (this year the theme is Women, Physical Fitness and Sport) HERSTORY 1907, the Canadian Women's Calendar;, the WOMEN WRITERS DESK CALENDAR 47. These date books make wonderful afts as do the variety of Women's Notebooks. For your music loving friends how about Heather Bis hop or Connie Kaldor albums. Your younger friends will love Heather's BELLYBUTTON or PURPLE PEOPLE EATER. South Gillies author/illustrator Freda Kamstra Aedy's new book 'BIRD BITS will also be a favorite with youngsters. Come browse at the bookstore you may be tempted by a good selection of health theory and international books that are now on sale (10% -- 50% off). For out of town readers we remind you that the Northern Woman's Bookstore offers a mail order service. Happy reading: mew= OP 0101C COULD YOUR STORY HELP OTHER WOMEN99?229 CAMArdADVAMSTIONJIMCMCDSACTICKIJIMMI(MARAL) ASSOCIATION CANADUNINS MOON LS DOW A L'AVOSTOSUINT im.43A) Have you freed yourself from an addictive or self-destructive relationship? Canadian editor seeks personal growth stories from women who broke the bonds of such entanglements. Did you try to save or rescue an alcoholic or gambling or depressed The Purpose of CARAL Is to ensure that 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 abortion as a fundamental human right." mate? Your personal testimonial is needed for a forthcoming self-help I manual for women. support the etatementofpurpossotCARALandwielitobecornea msmbsr t'kar"e: Address: Postal Coda Occupation: Hanes of Federal Riding' Phony. Individual Member Limited Income Funny" Slain Sustaining Donation =IWO -I4UMD $150)0 RETURN TO: CARAL, Box 3134, Thunder Bay,Ont. P7B 5G6 Have you struggled to break the habit of falling for needy or selfdestructive mates? Your advice and inspiration can help other women to break free of co-dependent relationships. Although your story may be used in this self-help publication, anonymity is assured. For questionnaire write to: POETRY 0' c), 44X/211--/ 0 gertlage 6;\\7 *° //M 030 available from the NORTHERN KSTOWOMAN'S BOORE 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: p2 Editorial/Your Voice p3 Family Law p4 Update p5 Shortstory p6 Employment Equity p7 Interview p10 Kwik/Printing pll Gert Beadle Honoured p12 Book Review p13 Games Page p15 Bill 7 p16 Bookstore News ***********************0:************ IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR LABEL?? PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION ************************************* Don't forget to renew your subscription! Here's my sub: Name Address (pestaloodo) 0 Individual d 5 0 institutional $10 RETURN '10: THE NORIITERN WCHAN 69 N. cam ST. WORKERS THIS ISSUE: Elaine Goodwin, Carolyn Greenwood, Mary-%nn Kleynendorst, Anna McColl, Karen Margaret Phillips, Rosemary Pittis, PatMaki, Wilson. THIMER BAY, CCITARIO P7A 4T7 ReturnPostage Guaranteed Northern Iiikenan Jountai 69 N. Court St., Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T7 (FOUR 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 10 No 2 Description An account of the resource Vol. 10, No. 2 (November 1986) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: Women & art Government funding for Thunder Bay Women’s Centre Women in history Family law reform Divorce Act Social Assistance Legislation Review Committee Hoshizaki House, Dryden ON Women’s International League for Peace and Justice C.A.R.A.L. Depo Provera Pay equality Abortion access Newfoundland Minimum wage Women & friendship short story Poetry Employment equity Gert Beadle awarded Order of Canada Resources Against Pornography Single parenthood Child sexual assault prevention Pink Triangle North Human rights code amendment (Bill 7) Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation Thunder Bay Women’s Bookstore Authors/contributors: Sasha McInnes Lynn Beak Pat Wilson Susan G. Collins Suelynn Rosalyn Taylor Myrna Holman Bonnie Agnew Lynn Hauta Joan Baril Elaine Goodwin Carolyn Greenwood Mary-Ann Kleynendorst Anna McColl Karen Maki Margaret Phillips Rosemary Pittis 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 1986-11 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/16/2793/1987_Vol_10_No_3.pdf 476ffefb1bd14166178ef81f1fce048c PDF Text Text Northern Woman Journal June 1987, Vol. 10 No. 3, Thunder Bay, Ontario $1.50 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �DATELINE: KENORA by TERESA MALLAM David Ramsay, parliamentary assistant to Northern Development and Mines Minister, Premier David Peterson was in Kenora last month to announce a grant of $100,000 for Women's Place Kenora to purchase an existing building. The selected building will be used to house a telephone crisis service, counselling and meeting rooms, office space and programming for women's services. A ministry news release noted that Women's Place had been recognized in its role of helping "more than 500 women in crisis in the last ten years and serving over 20,000 people in the region". Following the grant announcement by Ramsay at Pinecrest Home for the Aged on March 12th, Charlotte Holm expressed the group's appreciation to the Premier and to Katie Heikkenen of the ministry's Thunder Bay office. She also expressed her sincere thanks to the Transition Houses, family resource centres and women's groups from all over Northwestern Ontario who supported the application for funding, as well as local organizations such as Kenora-Keewatin Business and Professional Women's Club and the Kenora Family Resource Centre. The funding was urgently needed in order that the organization simply survive said Holm. Beyond that, Women's Place will now be able to improve its services to area women and respond to unmet needs in the community. "Our organization is very much accustomed to dealing with poverty, and we think we do that very well" she said in response to the ministry's announcement. "But we are less accustomed to prosperity and news of this impending announcement has left us somewhat stunned and glassy-eyed. There is a lot of apparently aimless rushing about ... however, we are confident of our ability to cope.." In addition, Holm gave thanks to the Northwestern Ontario Women's Decade Council staff and members "who keep us well informed, supported and relatively sane". And a special note of appreciation went to Lisa Bengtsson, of Secretary of State Dept., Thunder Bay, "who keeps us focussed and is consistently helpful and supportive." had nothing to give. We recognize that our survival and our accompli ments are the result of a culmulat effort, and we want to assure thos people that their contribution is remembered - and valued." Women's Place hopes to reloca this summer. The organization has formed a committee who will invest gate real estate in the area. At d moment the group is busy comparing notes on several prospective build. ings. As well, in the search for neI premises, Holm said they will be looking for a building which could accommodate an extensive resource library on women's issues (the current collection is overflowing the shelves!) and provide revenue bearing suites for an ongoing source of income in future years. "Last, but not least, we want to thank our own members - those who have stayed with us through some very difficult times, and those newer members who bring energy, enthusiasm.and a fresh perspective. We also want to recognize and acknowledge the efforts of past members, Board members and staff who sometimes gave until they tiny apartment without enough money Unlike most right-wing groups to buy thedoes necessities of life. NAC not advocate only one kin -YES, of more childcare is available family. Indeed, the only sorts than before. since thousands familiesBUT... we consider unacceptable more. those mothersin ,areworking,outeide-the, which there-Ascploitatii home and many have to or support themviolence, abuse incest. selves and Have theirrecent children, the supply decades been comp of good child care spaces is more tely bleak for the women's movemen squeezed and inadequate ever. mile Of course not. But than for every Why after decades of fighting have come, there's an extra mile ti have we go. come such a little way? One reason is that the closer get to woi As Canada's most we important achieving real change, the greater en's organization, NAC plays a vit, the resistance we meet. Equal pay for role in doing research, public edu( Canadian still a long the samewomen work,are which meant little betion and lobbying on all issues of way from being equal men. cause women andtomen have very differcern to women. We are the united v< Consider this ent jobs, was... relatively easy to obof Canadian women. Our support is -YES, the wage gappay between men of andequal vatain. Equal for work ong and growing. In the last year women has much lue,dimished, which is BUT... essential to less break this lone our membership has risen from than people realize. a womvicious cycle, In is 1971, blocked or delayed 360 to 470 women's groups. an's earnings were 60% of man's. business almost everywhere bya strong I am writing to you today to In 1984, they were 65%, so that we opposition. you to help us continue to be a st1 have gained Also, only 5% thirteen have years. ourinsuccesses created voice for Canadian women. We speak On average, a woman with a university a backlash. Now we see right-wing gromillions of women from all parts of degreeups still earns less than a man unashamedly spreading lies about the country. Please add your voice with a the highwomen's school movement diploma. and our group. ours. -YES, Most we have succeeded outrageous is in thehaving lie that the Your cheque for $30, $50, $10C laws changed throughout Canada National Action Committee to on enthe Staor whatever you wish to send is ess sure a tus fairer sharing of assets betof Women (NAC) is "anti-housewifes" tial ween spouses on divorce. BUT ... most "anti-motherhood", and "anti-family". Please help us continue to sps divorcing people ownalways very little, NAC has insistedand that our out for Canadian women. Your suppor the trend is for support payments is our strength. Please mail your d society should recognize thetocrucial be smaller and smaller and last for ation today. role of the family - and women's masthree years at most. Withasclose to homemakers sive contribution wives, Louise Dulude half ofand newmothers. marriages to end We expected have always supported President in divorce, the -likelihood of a young measures such as pensions for homeNAC bride becoming poverty-stricken sinmakers - athat would give housewives 344 Bloor St, gle parent is skyrocketing. the respect and financial security Suite 505, -YES;: they minimum pensions have been raideserve. Toronto, M5S 1W' sed with every recent federal elec- of motWe have fought on behalf tion thanks to feminists and other The Northern Woman Journal Collect hers and pregnant women - defending concerned citizens. BUT ... Canada's apologizes for the long delay bet., their right to generous maternity lepopulation is aging very fast, and issues. Moving to our new locatiol ave and benefits, higher family allowmost ofances, the very old are widows with took priority over publishing., We quality day care, and protectincome ion below the poverty line. As it want to make up for lost time and against reporoductive hazards in is, a woman who spent her life as a get the next issue out very soon. the workplace. And we support the middle-class housewife is almost cerContributors please note deadline right to choose whether or not to have tain of ending her copy for next issue is July 10/87. children, and days when.alone in a I PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Carolyn Greenwood This article is titled Rebirth because of the feelings we all have since centre has moved to her new space. When City funding was withdrawn, I think the general feeling was one of gloom. Even though we didn't really expect Council to do the unexpected and stand up to the pressure from various groups, the finality of the averted faces and not even bothering to explain was a setback. Or seemed to be at the time. The reality, once the smoke cleared, was a feeling of elation. Hence Rebirth. Bpcause our funding was withdrawn we no longer have paid staff, but, many women have stepped in with incredible energy. The feeling i$ "This is OUR centre ", and it is. Eqeryone is putting in long hours with the sense of working for ourselves. With the Court Street building sold, Centre has moved just down the street to 184 Camelot. Our new home is on the corner of Camelot and Water Streets across from the Bus Terminal. The storefront is divided into three sections: the Northern Woman's Bookstore, Northern Woman Journal and, of course, Northern Women's Centre. smoking' lounge, and There is a kitchen area along with a large common room used as a work area, social space, and resource library. There is some parking at the side of the building. We have a large, bright space to work from. The move from old to new was accomplished (in hindsight) with a minimum of fuss and bother. The majority of the organization and guidance came from Karen Maki, who pulled it off with ease and her usual panache. She was not alone though. Many women came out to help when they REBIRTH could. Evenings or weekends. There was the excitement of shared woman energy. This feeling was carried through to the construction that had to be undertaken at our new home. There was quite a bit of work that had to be done. The majority of the space was open and had to be divided. Particularly to separate the bookstore from the main area. Enter several builders extraordinaire. A wall was built complete with door. This seemingly humugus task was finished in what seemed like a remarkable speed. Everyone did a wonderful job. It looks great! Much work is being done internally at centre as well. Our Resource Library has been reorganized and material is available to members, researchers and students for a period of three weeks. Journal space is now separate, I'm sure to everyone's relief (we can be rather messy during the layout stage). Centre is having regular meetings on the first Tuesday of every month. Also, regular meetings are being held to form and record policy. A mammoth task. The first meeting came up with a mission statement as follows: The Northern Women's Centre is a meeting place that provides a strong feminist voice for women in Northwestern Ontario. To achieve this the centre will: 1. Focus on feminist resources, interests and energies. 2. Promote community awareness of Northwestern Ontario women's concerns. 3. Lobby on feminist issues. Serious issues have been discussed at the many meetings held so far and will continue. We are concentrating less on social service and more on our own needs as feminists. Policy meetings are open to any woman who wishes to take part in the future growth of centre. If you wish to take part all meetings and announcements are posted as the centre. Our policies will continue to grow with us. Centre has also received another boost of energy'in the form of a grant to host, plan and organize an Ontario Women's Centre conference in September, in Thunder Bay. Our goals are to examine issues of survival for Women's Centres, to develop support system and communication network, to look at the future needs and issues, what the future of women's centres may be and to deal with the institutionalization of women's issues. Karen will be coordinating this event. Much work has been done already and we are all looking forward to this exciting event. We realize that we have much work to do but are entering into an energizing new time in our lives and the life of Women's Centre, We can look back at the work we have done so far and rejoice and look forward to the work we have yet to do. Solstice Celebration Sat June 20 . , i i /1 - ??? 8:30 , I PORT ARTHUR PROSVITA SOCIETY HALL 540 South High Street. 7'*i42.142, 1.13°5c. ol ,txAv, $5.00 AT THE DOOR FOR WOMEN ONLY For more information contact the Women's Centre at 345.7802. NORTHERN WOMAN page 3 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �A Collage of Barriers Addtms by Leni Untinen, NWO Women'4 Decade Councit, to the Nipizzing Ttanzition Howse WO_ kmautt Conietence Panet 'How Society Haz FaLeed , The Abus ed Woman' I have been asked here today to address the situation of northern, rural and isolated women. I have some problem in doing this because, although I live in a rural municipality, I work in Thunder Bay and do not feel particularly rural. Being part of a women's network, I don't feel isolated. And, until I started going to Toronto as part of the Battered Women's Movement, I never considered myself northern. However, I am part of the Northwestern Ontario Women's Decade Council Violence Subcommittee and certainly many of our constituency fits the categories of northern, rural and isolated. I will try to speak to their needs and their frustrations in accessing a system that attempts to provide safety and protection from battering and purports to offer alternatives to victims. I want to speak for Agnes. Agnes lives in a rural farming township in Northwestern Ontario. She is a farmer's wife, the mother of 10 children. Her shopping is done at the village store and she travels to a small town 30 miles away for business that canaut be transacted in the village. The only trip in her life to the city was for medical reasons. Her academic education is minimal; her skills are. related to home and farm. Her limited socializing is attached to the church and to the Legion of whichhher husband is a member. Agnes is a strong woman. Her future is on the farm. The future of her sons is on the family farm. The future of her daughters is as wives of farmers in the same community. Battering is not foreign to Agnes. It is a part of life when things are bad. Things are bad a lot on the farm. The idea of a transition house is foreign to Agnes. The thought of life without the farm, without the man, is foreign to Agnes. I want to speak for Dorothy. Dorothy was battered periodically for 23 years. When her last child had grown and left home, and after a beating by her husband, she fled her home and community to the city 200 miles away. Within days, she had a job, though minimally paid, and a shared apartment. Then the letters came. From her husband, an executive, pleading with her to come back. It looked bad for him at work and he couldn't understand why she had done this to him. From her children, weekly reports on how lonely and sorry dad was, and telling her how they worried about her. From the minister of her church 6 in all - telling her what a good provider and father her husband had been, reminding her of her responsibility to her husband and her family, in the eyes of God. NORTHERN WOMAN But Dorothy was strong and other than being lonely, life was good. She would share the letters and ask for support in her decision from the women that she sought help from originally and now called her friends. At Christmas Dorothy's family begged her to be with them for the day. And she wanted to go. The idea of not beingwith them at Christmas hurt. What hurt more was that her family, her church and her neighbours saw her as the "bad one", "the deserter". She told us she felt strong enough to go home, to make them all understand, and to have them stop worrying about her. She was fine and happy. Dorothy never came back from that visit. I saw her a year later at a women's conference, and I asked her how she was doing. She said that things weren't good, but that she was surviving. She also said she would not try again. She had failed in her attempt to leave. In leaving, she had failed her role as wife and mother and she had failed her faith. Dorothy is still surviving in her home. She is still periodically beaten. Helena is the daughter of a company family, wife of a company man, in a company house, in a company town. When she tried to leave her battering husband, the company said there was no other housing available to her. As a separated woman, she was no longer a company asset. With no other house in town, and not wanting to leave her community and the rest of her family, her only support, she stays. Her company husband continues to beat her, her company family attempts to console her and to hide the truth from the company. It is difficult to speak for the battered native woman. They need and want to speak for themselves. While we share in their pain, their lifestyles, their culture and their traditions hold their own uniqueness and their own barriers. However, they have told us of how traditions of the family that are the basis of their strength and pride are also their prison when they fall victim to an abusive partner. We have learned that pressing assault charges on a Reserve (policed by special constables, often connected by family or fraternal relationships with males on the Reserve) ranges from difficult to impossible. In remote areas, if somehow charges do get to court, the whole village and beyond attend as this is their opportunity to visit. It is viewed as the only game in town. The entire village witnesses the shame of the relationship. They tell us - in a community where all homes are owned by the Band Council - that housing opportunities are non-existent if the Council has chosen to be supportive of the male who is often affirmed as having the right to control his family. They have told us of the heartache when choosing between fleeing for their saftey or their life and having to leave their children who are viewed as the children of the extended family, children of the community. Many times if they choose to walk, they walk alone. Mostly, they have told us how leaving their home, their family, their world, shakes the very foundation of their spirituality. Many times, the native women find themselves in a new and frightening environment. An environment without support, without adequate funds, and surrounded by a chaos that is confusing. They now walk in a culture that claims to have done away with discrimination, that claims to be compassionate and caring, and claims to be effective. The task of going to a shopping mall to purchase underwear for her children is frightening for a woman from a small, isolated, northern Reserve. The task of meeting with white social workers, white lawyers and white Crown Attorneys is frightening. Suddenly, the woman may be given more money than she may ever have been in charge of, only to find that adequate housing may cost more than half of it. From the rest, she will pay high installation and operating costs for telephone and utilities; transportation costs around the large city to the places she must go and scrimp to buy groceries from shelves that are loaded with abundant choices. She can become more than a little discouraged. Battered women from rural, isolated and northern communities face a collage of barriers, each heaped one upon the other. This is a land bearing a male image - of miner, of logger, of trucker, of labourer. Hard working, hard talking and often hard drinking. It is a strong and physical image, of males in charge, in control of life, his family, and the little woman. There is no room in the dream of the north for the reality of a strike or mine or mill closure; for the despondent unemployed male; for the chaos that racks the entire community when a town busts and the dream is not a reality. There are very few services to handle the stress or to deal with the dilemma of families in personal crisis in small northern towns. page 4 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �We need more subsidized housing and second-stage housing for the women leaving our houses in every community in the north. We need social assistance raised to an adequate level to reflect the real needs and costs experienced by battered women and their families. We need the public to understand and support the battered woman, the separated woman, the woman on welfare. We need more jobs, paying equal pay for work of equal value. We need more afforable child care to give working woman a fighting chance. There is no room in a boom town for a separated parent with children needing housing, when accommodation is a premium and prices are skyrocketing. There is little truth to the promise of confidentiality in a community of 4000 with a transition house, where everyone knows what kind of car everyone else drives and where children arrive at the same school but walking from a different direction. There is little protection for a woman living on a country road, 5 or 10 miles from her nearest neighbour, in an area served by 4 or 5 OPP officers covering over 100 miles of highway and a web of back roads. Or for a woman living in a town or village where the community is unable to financially support A police detachment around the clock. There is little encouragement for women from small neighbouring municipalities' Who to larger - centres and will possibly end up on their welfare roles, which are already experiencing constraints. There is little chance for a mother of 5 or 6 children when there are only 40, 4 or 5 bedroom subsidized units in a city of 110,000, and nonsubsidized housing of that size costs $450 - $650 per month. There is little opportunity for a mother of 3, working for minimum wage in the many clerical or service industry jobs that are filled primarily by women. There is little hope for a separated and independent woman to break into the higher paid non-traditional occupations in communities where unemployment is above the national average, where males are viewed as the primary labour force which must be employed, and where youth is targeted for make-work projects. BATTERING IS A BRUTAL DEMONSTRATION OF POWER. PHYSICAL POWER, FINANCIAL POWER, We continue to press for more services. We need our existing transition houses and family resource centres. As women in communities without services work toward establishing new shelters, we will support their efforts. The houses have truly been for many women their only protection and life-line. Unfortunately, we will never have transition houses'in the over 450 organized and unorganized communities in Northern Ontario. There will always be gaps. All our needs will take a lot of money, and that will take a lot of time. But if I asked Agnes, or Dorothy, or Helena what they want right now, I am sure that they would echo what the majority of the women we have worked with would ask. MAKE HIM STOP! And for that we need a concentrated effort on education, directed at this adult generation and the next. We need to start in our school system, teaching young people (from the wee ones up) that violence directed at another individual is unacceptable. MAKE HIM STOP We need to teach children to verbalize and to negotiate their problems and their needs. Teach them to ask for support and to support others who need help. We need to teach young men to respect themselves and others and particularly to respect the differences between themselves and young women. We need to teach young women that good relationships are not based on dependency. That the possibility of being financially responsible for themselves and their families is very real, and that they should be prepared personally and through education and skill development for that possibility. Battering is a brutal demonstration of power. Physical power. The stronger individual controlling another by brute force. Financial power. We will have little chance to support our families should that necessity be forced on us as long as we continue to be financially dependent, earning 65% of male wages, viewing ourselves and being viewed as a secondary labour force, filling traditionally low-paid, female job ghettos in clerical and service positions. It is an issue of socialized power, handed down through the centuries; entrenched in attitudes too long gone unchallenged. Supported at first by inadequate laws and presently by inadequate interpretation or enforcement of the laws. AT THIS MOMENT, SOMEWHERE IN NORTHERN ONTARIO THERE ARE WOMEN BEING BATTERED We are trying,to turn that socialization around. Broadcasting messages once a day at best, speaking to community groups, classes and conferences whenever we can, forcing the the issue before the press and into women's magazines. And while we labour, another country or rock song hits the air waves reinforcing the traditional male role and undervaluing women's worth. Another million violent war or space toys are produced, and another million pornography roll off the presses. And magazines esrole do I think we use the power that we can access effectively. The collective power of women and community groups speaking out against violence, lobbying for change, and supplying the kind of protection transition houses afford. We must use the power within the law to demonstrate that assault is a crime. Batterers must be made to understand that a criminal act involves a social and public consequence. Men are used to power. Men respect power. The power that they respect must carry the message that violence against women is unacceptable. You will remember that it was only a few short years ago that men who were perceived to be leaders and have political power saw the situation of battered women as humourous. They have feverishly tried to make amends for that insult to women, pouring millions of dollars and resources into prevention and support systems for battered women. It is not enough. We need their voices. Not only an apology and support to women, but man to man and men to men that battering is not condoned and that men will use their power to stop it. We need the voices of industry, employers and union leaders reiterating that the degradation of women and boasts of physical control and punishment of their female partners is not considered appropriate or heroic lunch room conversation. The message must go out across this country that "real men" don't beat women. IF WE DO NOT ADDRESS THE BARRIERS WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEE OURSELVES AS FAILING IN HELPING Simplistic in its approach, this is the type of public education that batterers, steeped in years of stereotyping and attitudes, will understand. There are many women that we, as a society, have failed. At this moment, somewhere in Northern Ontario there are women being battered. There are many women trying to recover from violence, trying to understand, trying to cope, trapped in situations which they see no answer to. But we need to hope that we will succeed. continued P6 NORTHERN WOMAN page 5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �I want to tell you about Carol. Carol's referral to a transition house came from the manager of her husband's company. They want her to be safe. They want her to choose the direction of her life, independent of the fact that they have referred her husband to a mental health worker, and are allowing paid time for his appointments. I want to tell you about Jean. Jean called a transition house terrorized, desperate - with no money, needing to flee a small town. When the shelter worker went to arrange the pre-paid bus ticket, the agent by-passed the agent and the station in the woman's town and arranged with a trusted driver to pick up Jean, who never believed until she reached the transition house 60 miles away that she would escape alive. A system of caring people is beginning to work. I want to tell you about Marion. Marion arrived at the transition house from n distant Reserve. Beaten for years, without money or resour- fall. Marion is never going to be beaten again. She says so every th There is hope. There are messages in this pi sentation. It is not that we have work harder to support victims. It is that battered women are facing barriers and if we do not address the barriers we will continue to ourselves as failing in helping. l message is also that power is not ways bad. It is how it is used the can make it bad. Battered women ai strong; they have survived incredible circumstances. They need to I empowered to take control of their ces, she brought five children, one of whom was handicapped and required special education. Marion is receiving social assistance. She has a subsidized unit in a new complex across from a recreation centre. Her special child is enrolled in the necessary school. Her other children are involved in all sorts of groups, sports and recreational activities. Marion is active in the native community in her new city and is going to take some college classes this lives. Each time we, as women, leant new skill or new knowledge, each time we access new resources, eacl time we feel the strength of shari in a collective effort, we become more powerful. Each barrier we tal down for ourselves, we take down our sisters. Each time we celebrat our strength in unison, we give si ength to other women. Each time w( feel hope, we give hope. Keep on keeping on. I A Collection of Films Dealing with Women's Well-Being THE WOMEN'S BODY POLITIC D.E.S.: An Uncertain Legacy 55 min. 1985 Between 1941 and 1971, a synthetic estrogen, diethylstilbestrol or D.E.S., was prescribed to pregnant women to prevent miscarriages. This practice resulted in numerous cases of reproductive and genital abnormalities. This film looks at the development, marketing and medical consequences of D.E.S. The Best Time of My Life: Portraits of Women in Mid-life 58 min. 1985 Reflecting a wide range of income levels, lifestyles, careers and backgrounds, ten women in their middle years share their experiences of menopause. Is It Hot In Here? A Film About Menopause 36 min. 1986 Turnaround: A Story of Recovery 47 min. 1984 Five women were brought together by a common illness - all had a dependence on alcohol, prescription medication, street learning to face painful truths. The Recovery Series Related to Turnaround: A Story of Recovery, this series of four films focusses on individual women who are recovering from drug or alcohol dependency. Debby and Sharon 15 min. 1985 Recovering alcoholics, two sisters talk about their battle to shake alcohol and drug addiction. A factor contributing to their menopause. This film is an informative and sometimes humorous look at contemporary social attitudes, symptoms and treatments relating to menopause. their Native Indian culture. 1984 Delia 12 min. 1985 Delia spent years counselling women to confront their alcoholism and drug addiction while ignoring her own alcoholism. Fi- nally she quit her job and sought the Of the estimated 30 to 50 million induced abortions performed annually, more than half are illegal, and an estimated 84,000 of treatment that enabled her to gradually build a new life for herself and her son. them result in death. Filmed in Ireland, Japan, Thailand, Peru, Colombia and Canada, this film is a survey of the reali- Lorri ties of abortion. support services victims need to rebuild their lives. drugs, or a combination of these. Living in sense of self-worth and helping to maintain their sobriety is a renewed commitment to 55 min. A series of three films that deal with the nature and scope of woman-battering and the Aurora House, a residential treatment centre in Vancouver, these women are One of the least understood and most universal of women's experiences is Abortion: Stories from North and South The Next Step 14 min. 28 min. 1985 Sylvie recreates her experience as a battered woman seeking help at a Montreal transition house. This film emphasizes the importance of women speaking out and points out the role of the transition house as a safe place for sharing experiences, ob- taining support and counselling. A Safe Distance 28 min 1985 Filmed in Thompson and Portage La Prairie in Manitoba, and West Bay Reserve in Ontario, the film looks at providing 1985 Humiliated by her inability to control her drinking, and feeling confused and suicidal, Lorri committed herself to a psychiatric ward of a hospital, where she recovered. shelter and services for battered women in rural, northern, and native communities. Moving On 28 min. 1985 A co-ordinated effort by police, lawyers, Ruth 14 min. Sylvie's Story 1985 At 14 years of age and in search of an escape from painful memories of childhood physical, mental and sexual abuse, and prostitution, Ruth turned to alcohol and doctors and social workers has resulted in an effective response to woman-battering in London, Ontario. Services for victims and therapy for offenders are part of this city's attempt to break the cycle of violence. drugs. After 18 years of addiction she joined Alcoholics Anonymous. These films are available for free loan in Spirit of the Kata 28 min. 16 mm from all National Film Board offices in Canada. Video rental, in VHS format, will 1985 Five women, all black belts of world-class calibre, discuss how an ancient martial art has transformed their lives. i> National Film Board of Canada Office national du film du Canada also be available from NFB offices as of March, 1987. For more information, contact the NFB office closest to you. NFB Offices in Canada Halifax: (902) 426-6001 - Sydney: (902) 564.7770 - Saint John: (506) 648-4996 - Moncton: (506) 857-6101 - St. John's: (709) 772-5005 Corner Brook: (709) 637-4499 - Charlottetown: (902) 892-6612 - Montreal: (514) 283-4823 - Chicoutimi: (418) 543-0711 - Quebec: (418) 648-3176 Rimouski: (418) 722-3086 - Rouyn: (819) 762-6051 - Sherbrooke: (819) 565-4915 - Trois-Rivieres: (819) 375-5714 - Toronto: (416) 973-9093 Ottawe: (613) 996-4863 - Hamilton: (416) 572-2347 - Kingston: (613) 545-8056 - Kitchener: (519) 743-2771 - London: (519) 679-4120 North Bay: (705) 472.4740 - Thunder Bay: (807) 623-5224 - Winnipeg: (204) 949-4129 - Regina: (306) 780-5012 - Saskatoon: (306) 975-4246 Calgary: (403) 292-5338 - Edmonton: (403) 420-3010 - Vancouver: (604) 666-0718 - Prince George: (604) 564-5657 - Victoria: (604) 388-3869 NORTHERN WOMAN page 6 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �es Women on the Move could be considered our theme this winter, as Women's Centre, the Journal and the Northern Woman's Bookstore have all re-located to 184 Camelot St., just two blocks from our former quarters. We're now at the corner of Camelot and Water Sts., just opposite the Bus Depot, with a nice view of the Lake. The new space is great and thanks to everyone who helped move, renovate, decorate, etc. --- but especially thanks to Rose and Mary Ann whose carpentry skills are much appreciated. A celebratory opening will be held in the near future. Decade Council also has a new home, at 905 Tungsten St. (corner of 10th St.) Decade's new phone number is 623-7556. And the Immigrant Women's Centre also has new quarters. You can find them at 217 Van Norman St. Can you imagine getting a phone call telling you that you will receive $100,000 -- yes, $100,000 -from the provincial government? Well it happened toWomen's Place Kenora. We understand they are still in shock Anyway, we think it is great - and there is no group in the country that deserves it more! (see article this issue for details) o Women's Health Information Network has had an active spring. WHIN has received funding for their Sharing The Information Skills (SIS) project. A mini-conference was recently held in Nipigon, and future conferences are planned for Kenora and Marathon. Board development is also planned as part of the project. WHIN says "Wdcare at a stage in which the board wants to grow and increase its skills. Since two of our board members have recently left, there are a few openings of the board. If you are interested in joining a dynamic group of women and interested in women's health issues...let us know. WHIN's board is a regional board looking for more regional representation:' The Health Network also hopes to prepare a booklet to Assist Women Who Must Travel Out Of Their Own Com-. munity To Give Birth. If you would like to share your story regarding this issue please write WHIN, 8A N. Cumberland St., Thunder Bay, P7A 4L1. Locally WHIN sponsored D.E.S. Awareness Week with comprehensive media coverage and the distribution of an information package to many health care professionals. D.E.S. Awareness week was very important in focussing attention to this urgent issue. "We've had over a dozen responses from across the area" Heather Woodbeck stated. "We've established for certain that D.E.S. was used in several communities. People have described to us classic symptoms that read like a pamphlet." D.E.S. Awareness week, which was held across the country, coordinated by D.E.S. Action Canada, is necessary as thousands of Canadian men and women between ages 16 and 46 still may not know that they were exposed to the drug. D.E.S. (diethylstilbestrol), a synthetic hormone, was supposed to help women with a previous history of miscarriage, carry their babies to term. The drug was used around the world, in Canada between 1941 and 1971. It has been estimated that between 200,000 and 400,000 Canadian women were given the drug. When D.E.S. first appeared on the market, it was touted as a wonder drug. Both doctors and expectant mothers used the drug in good faith. The story of D.E.S. does point to the larger issues related to the pharmaceutical industry and drug approval in general. Although early studies did link D.E.S. to cancer in laboratory animals, testing during the 1950s indicated that it had no measurable effect on carrying babies to term; the drug remained available until a direct link to human cancer was made. Even then, D.E.S. was only banned for use by pregnant women. D.E.S. is still used as a Morning After Pill and as a treatment for various types of cancer. Although the drug is now rarely used at all in Canada, it continues to enjoy widespread use in under-developed countries. For those who were directly exposed to D.E.S. while in utero, the effects range from the benign to the severe. These complications tend to concentrate around the reproductive organs. Daughters may develop a variety of uterine and cervical abnormalities. Most of these are benign, although they result in significantly higher rate of fertility problems and miscarriages than those faced by unexposed women. The most dangerous among these problems is the greater risk of ectopic pregnacies. A rare form of vaginal cancer has also been linked to D.E.S. exposure. Sons are also more prone to benign cysts and abnormalities, as well as fertility problems. The high incidence of such complications has prompted D.E.S. Action to produce a Fertility Guide for children exposed to D.E.S. Finally, the women themselves who took D.E.S. run a higher risk of developing breast cancer in their later years. Many of these complications will respond to treatment, particularly if caught early and understood to be related to D.E.S. exposure. What should you do if you believe you have been exposed to D.E. S. Daughters need the special D.E.S. examiniation. Contact the Obstetrics and Gynecology department of the nearest hospital or D.E.S. Action Canada for a referral. Sons should see a urologist if they have problems. Mothers should tell their children so they can get the medical care they need. They should also take care of their own health by examining their breasts every month and getting a professional breast exam once a year. Contact WHIN for more information. Imo Still on health concerns a new national organization Dalkon Shield Action Canada has been formed. This organization provides information and support to the victims of the Dalkon Shield. They publish a newsletter and maintain a national registry of lawyers with experience in Dalkon Shield cases. For more information contact Dalkon Shield Action Canada, c/o VancouVer Women's Health Collective, 888 Burrand St., Vancouver, V6Z 1X9. As they say in the business, "There's a pill for every ill!" Other useful information from Women's Health Interaction. The Report to the Health Protection Branch of the Regional Meetings on Fertility Control which received many briefs on Depo Provera has reported at last. Regional meetings were organized in response to pressure from groups across the country, although advocacy groups had demanded open public hearings prior to the approval of Depo Provera. The major difficulty with the report is that it did not propose clear cut recommendations on the use of Depo. Groups like Women's Health Interaction are concerned because there haven't been open hearings and so consumers have not had a chance to express their concerns about the drug. We understand the government plans to decide on the future of Depo without holding open public hearings. You can help by writing your MP or the Minister of Health and Welfare Jake Epp and asking for open public hearings. If you want to be involved or receive more information contact: Madeline Boscoe, 304-414 Graham Ave., Winnipeg, R3C OL8. WHI also reports that the drug Flagyl contains metronidazole. As early as 1983 warnings were issued that metronidazole had caused cancer in test animals. Yet the drug has not been banned. Flagyl is prescribed for vaginal infections caused by trichomonas. Extreme care must be taken that Flagyl is used only when the infection is proven to be caused by trichomonas and not by the more common yeast infection. Even then it is questionable that the benefits out- weigh the risks of using Flagyl. moo A woman's group and legal fund are using the Charter of Rights to challenge the Ontario government in court, over the exclusion of domestic workers from the Employment Standards Act. continued on P12 NORTHERN WOMAN page 7 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �POETRY Amazon 1. Visions o4 cambAic in autumn winds II. The drape p4 the dress canezz bteasts thighs sighs III Mesmerized I state at the speaking stone Those ate the wands I atways wanted to say Don't make me your Because then I hav Festiva. Women IV° And make it worth I Sings of Love and Wendship voyages 14 I don't have to ate the rhythm o4 peace viAtue You won't 6ind me the beat o4 a cottective drum bwtni.ng ambZems A You want me to be tesonant in the suntight the sound o6 a guitar stAum You say, and I bet V. Bound to het 4athet's speait Though the e44ott AdmiAation gows thtough she was hunted To Learn and be an every tytic o4 evety song actoss tiveAs and oceans I know you can hav sunvivat Ls the theme in a won.Ld with 40 much wrong Arc tow sttaight You can choose and to another shote But don't makeime Don't ctippte my L Festiva . women zing a woman' - song cetebtating each other VI. I'm not sttong eno Without sisteitis But maybe Lave is the iabtic wither Sometimes to bting us togethet We can hotd hands. VII. We are ate axcheAs Rosalyn Taytot Antemis S. Batty Btidgetown, N.S. NORTHERN WOMAN page 8 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Change Ls oppoAtunity, titez o6 pazzage bon the zhaping oi a sout. I had nothing back, not even time bon I have caught the thythm in my teeth that maven me into each new metamotphoziz. I have used up the meaningz o6 each note az a ptepatation bon the next change. Yet att my ti 6e hays been in chnyzaW I have on!y changed within the cacoon o6 mantz dezites bon hiz own ptopetty. The totez were tAaditionat az womeniz ate to be evetything bon evetyone on catt within the 6amity patameteAz. There are things that one mutt do zometimez nature demands it, yout zpitit obeys you have no choice, the chAyzaUs thtows you out o6 .its cocoon and Lc, you have wings. You ate both mote vanetabZe and zttonget Pitta Az oi pliendzhip: Thee one things to do and you must do them Keeping the earth in ptace, things to zee and you mutt zee them Holding up the zky. tiez to bteak and you must bteak them Waz I att thoze things that nev etc. ending Suzan Cott it October 1986 cycte (16 zetgezzners, My crane zet6 manvetZ This 6inat change to the ezzentiat me Who Aemainz a vitgin becauze thete iz a parr t (16 me untouched by mat.e. petzuazion. Tkiz the sum ob my changes, my wings ate boded, I zpecutate on a ceasing citae Get Beadte on bon tiuing give you a ti6e time my ..41r. %IP. v. MO, "We 410110 4111P 111/~ 114 .111P 11131. you appointment. .eopt "pp. Ar - "41P "111/ or_ 411P,Ip. .A114;;..---. can it be mine v. i6e NORTHERN WOMAN me choose to zhake it page 9 keazon 6ot tiving ith gout needing me. at both o6 uz Cott ins ?belt 1986 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �DAY CARE NEWS By MARGARET PHILLIPS Lots happening on the day care scene -- unfortunately not all of it is positive. First the good news. The Northwestern Ontario Regional Day Care Forum re-convened April 24/25, bringing together day care parents, workers and advocates from across the region. This was a high energy weekend with delegates sharing information and planning strategy for the next six months. Northwestern Ontario day care people are determined that our day care services are going to survive and grow. Efforts will focus on pressing the provincial government to provide direct grants to all nonprofit day care centres to ensure that quality services are maintained and parent fees kept affordable. Another positive development is that day care is a high priority with the Ontario Federation of Labour. The O.F.L., in conjunction with the Ontario Coalition for Better Day Care, has been holding forums across the province, from which they will develop recommendations they will make to the Ontario government. Forums were recently held in Dryden and Thunder Bay, and again day care people presented briefs explaining Northwestern Ontario concerns: the crisis experienced because of the elimination of the long held Liberal policy of support to the non-profit sector). Government funding of the commercial sector could set day care in Ontario back years. While the commercial issue has not been a significant factor in Northwestern Ontario - as less than 3% of our day care is commercial - we do NOT want it to become a factor in this region. Thus, we must add our voice to provincial and national advocacy groups to oppose any provision of public dollars to forprofit day care. All evidence points out that in commercial centres quality and standards - not to mention staff wages and working conditions are inferior to non-profit care. In Alberta, where commercial care dominates, horror stories abound. We don't want this to happen in Ontario. Children are not a commodity from which profit should be made: (for more detailed discussion of this issue see insert below.) A video tape on this issue has been produced by the Ontario Coalition for Better Day Care which is an excellent information vehicle which groups could use to raise awareness in their communities. To rent/borrow this video contact N.W.O. Regional Day Care Committee, Box 144, Thunder Bay, P7C 4V5 (leave message at 3457802). the indirect subsi =dy; the need for , On the federal scene day care problems accelerate. The long-awaited report of the Special Committee on Child Care was released the end of March and, - as was feared - their recommendations will do nothing to produce the comprehensive day care system needed in Canada. The Special Committee report it should be noted - is a report of the Conservative members of the committee, the N.D.P. and Liberal com- secure funding; the desire for a comprehensive system to meet all families needs; and our opposition to commercial day-care. Commercial day care has become one more issue that day care advocates have to address. Earlier this winter the Hon. John Sweeney, Minister of Community and Social Services, indicated that he is considering providing direct grants to for-profit day care centres (which contradicts es',411.,EffraCARaEditI-P 0 mittee members each having produced a minority report. The Conservative recommendations focus on tax measures for individual taxpayers (assuming this tax break will help parents purchase day care in the marketplace) - ignoring the reality that quality, licensed day care services are available to scarcely 10% of the families that need them. Most of the $600 million funding recommendations would be directed to these tax measures. In fact, barely 13% of the suggested spending would go to operational and capital grants to non-profit day care. Further, the report ignores the link between equality for women and day care. As a Toronto Star editorial (March 31/87) nointS out "In Canadian society today, the paramount barrier to the achievement of equality by women is the unavailability of day care for their children ... Unfortunately, that issue was scarcely recognized by the special parliamentary committee on child care in its 160 page report tabled yesterday. By trying to be all things to all people, the Progressive Conservative majority on the committee proposes scattering $600 million of the federal government's scarce resources so thinly as to be utterly ineffective in solving the basic problem, which is an acute shortage of day care spaces. ... By ..OPPOS ; DIRECT GRANT Over the past decade, childcare advocates, women's, religious, and voluntary organizations, labour groups and many others have developed a consensus around a future direction for childcare in Canada. ,:.-7$777e7774""ecir7a7I ion family must ' system which ,ensures :occessobst,WITtz,,,:affordability,'par.enfal onvi)14.7ielifVeviiie;'"Virectic,W1'dOOd y Ara DIRECT GRANT . S FROM FEES & SLIISIDIES FOR FOE CHIED CHB: CARE CARE PROFIT FOR-PROFIT DAYCARE NON-PROFIT DAYCARE In a non-profit program, all income - from parents' fees and public funds - is used for childcare. sponsorship adequate Wages and working In a for-profit program, a portion of income - from parents' fees and public funds - 6;;;;aiiic;g1tk!Qtfe' goes to the owners, and is lost to childcare. - - ett ;VIA.; Ibme Economics Many of those who have advocated for high quality childcare believe that public funds should not be used to support for-profit childcare. WHY? WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO? Profits can be increased by reducing salaries and operating expenditures. Salaries in foi.-profit centres are an average of 30% less than those in non-profit childcare programs. Even with a direct grant, in a for-profit program, less money would be spent on the child core program, and salaries would still be considerably lower than salaries in a non-profit program. THIS IS A POOR USE OF PUBLIC DOLLARS AND POOR PUBLIC POLICY. How does a for-profit sector affect the quality of childcare? All evidence indicates that the for-profit sector is much less likely to provide high quality core, and much more likely to provide poor care than the non-profit sector. The for-profit sector, in Canada. and in other countries, has actively worked to reduce childcare standards, and has lobbied against improvements in regulations and financial accountability. Improved public funding for for-profit childcare, particularly in the form of capital or direct grants, will allow the for.prolit childcare sector to eupond to dominate the field and determine the quality of care. In Alberta, this has resulted in on erosion of childcore standards. What can you do? I Oppose any federal or provincial moves to improve public funding to for.profit childcare owners 2 Phone, write, or visit your federal and provincial Members of Parliament or provincial legislature 3 Contact your provincial Minister in charge of childcare and the federal Minister of Health and Welfare 4 Ask other individuals and organizations to do the same THE CARE WHICH CHILDREN RECEIVE IN THEIR EARLY YEARS, IN THE FAMILY AND IN ALTERNATIVE SETTINGS, IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE. CANADA NOW STANDS AT A WATERSHED IN THE Am. DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC POLICY WHICH WILL OFFER FAMILIES A RANGE OF OPTIONS TO HELP THEM COMPARISON OF NON-PROFIT AND FOR-PROFIT CENTRES FOR-PROFIT MN NON-PROFIT =Z5i9 NORTHERN WOMAN some size same fees PROVIDE THIS CARE. LET'S BEGIN TO BUILD THE SERVICES WHICH WILL DO THE BEST JOB, AND MANE THE BEST USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS ... ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, HIGH QUALITY, AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT CHILDCARE. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Notional Action Committee on the Status of Women Conadion Day Care Advocacy Associotion Ontario Coalition for Better Day Care 416-922.3246 613-594-31;5 416-535-41S8 page 10 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �HERizons Laid to Rest HERizons' distributor serviced the "upscale" bookstores across the country. It's a wide distribtion HERizons has suspended publicabut narrow and in many centres tion. The last issue came out in the magazine was never available to March. the general public. HERizons started out in WinniNowhere was this more noticeapeg as a newsheet staffed by volunble than when HERizons did a lead teers, a typical feminist alternacover article on Thunder Bay rock But five years ago tive newspaper. star Lauri Conger of the group "Parwhen it went national and moved to achute Club." a glossy format it made an immediate Conger is extremely popular in impact. At the time it seemed everyher home town. People line up for one was getting a subscription. It her autograph whenever she comes was praised, not only for its proIt should follow home for a visit. fessional polish but for its up-tothat a magazine with her picture the-issue content. on its cover could expect huge However from the beginning HERnewsstand sales in Thunder Bay. Yet, izons had two disabilities to overexcept for the Women's Bookstore, come. First it was Canadian, one ofnot one issue of HERizons could be the few Canadians braving the massfound on any display rack or in any market publication ocean--an oceanbookstore in Thunder Bay. owned and operated by American products. It is a sad but true fact that 95% of the money spent op magazines in Canada goes to American publications. A quick glance at any news stand will tell the tale. The major magazine distributors, the ones who stock your local supermarket, the corner newsstand and the mall book chains, give priority to American publications with the exception of our two tokens--Maclean's and Chatelaine. Other mass market Canadian magazines are classed as "alternatives." "Alternatives" get a rough time. They are displayed irregularly, given a short shelf life. One month they show up at your corner store, and the next month not Its no way to build a newsat all. stand readerAhip. HERizons would be classed as an alternative by the distributors. Even Saturday Night is classed as an alternative! This is one of the most prestigious magazines in Canada, 100 years old this year. Next time you are at your corner stores, give the magazine rack a quick nationalistic eyeball to check if Saturday Night is available. YOZ>V<ZoKZoroZOK2A4.44:14::AcC>k<SVICAr'ZIA4Z9.' by JOAN BARIL DAY CARE pting ... a scattergun approach, report fails women. 'Child care a ramp that provides equal access the workforce for mothers' wrote ge Rosalie Abella in 1984. This ort is mighty weak material for p-building. The government ought think twice before implementing provision of direct grants to nonprofit day care. We asked for VISION in the development of a quality system. We didn't get it. So the struggle continues. Across the country day care advocates are mobilizing to oppose the Special Committee's recommendations, and to state again our need for a comprehensive, quality day care sys- The Special Committee report n only anger and frustrate the rthwestern Ontario day care comnity. Much time and effort was exnded by many people in preparing d presenting briefs to the Commite's 1986 hearings in Dryden and under Bay. Although the Committee stened to us, obviously they didn't ar us. Not one of the over 30 NWO bmissions recommended tax measures. at we, and most other Canadians, d call for was a comprehensive y care system with high standards quality care; a wide spectrum of rvices to meet families varying eds; a recognition - through apppriate wages and benefits - of e value of child care work; the tem. Addendum As we go to press we learn that the Ontario government's White Paper on day care policy has just been released. While there has been no opportunity to study/analyze this document, the public announcements suggest that the government is taking the first step to remove day care from its present welfare context. The provision of direct grants to non-profit centres is a positive move which we applaud. Mr. Sweeney's June 4th announcement is the first good news day care has received in many years. We all know it takes years before a new magazine makes a profit- most people in the business say ten years. The news sheet U.S.A. Today, which has all the advantages of nationality and distribution, just announced it first profit exactly at the ten year mark. So HERizons, like many another Canadian publication had to fill in the gap with government grants. In Canada, there are grant-supported magazines by the dozen, most with very thin subscription lists- trade mags, academic journals, health news sheets, poetry publications, literary efforts, architectural glossies--all dependent on the Canada Council, or a provincial arts council or a government department. HERizons, which was seeking a mass market, had to lean on something called LEAD (rhymes with "weed"), a program of the federal department of Employment and Immigration. To get LEAD (Local Assistance and Development) a venture has to "demonstrate financial growth" and continue to demonstrate it each year. And every year HERizons sailed thro -. ugh the financial hoops. Each year of publication showed a solid advertising revenue and a subscription increase. (Their most brilliant stroke was to buy the Ms magazine subscription list and canvass Ms' Canadian subscribers. Subscriptions jumped. As everyone knows, you can't publish a quality magazine for peanuts. LEAD invested $900,000 in HERizons in total--the amount decreasing every year. The HERizons administration estimated it would take another $500,000 to carry them through to the ten year self-sufficiency mark. Yet LEAD and the federal government decided to axe HERizons. Why? As usual, when dealing with the bureaucracy, the truth has been buried in the bushes. At first officials stated that LEAD had a policy of only funding a venture for five years and no longer. This statement is misleading and untrue. Next LEAD said the magazine had not "demonstrated financial growth" and would never become self-sufficient. Also misleading and from all indications untrue. Finally there is the question of pressure from the anti-abortion organizations which had publically announced their intent to pressure governments to cut off funding to any groups which support the women's movement. The minister, Benoit Bouchard, admitted he had received "a number of letters on the subject." Although he labels the material in HERizons as "controversial", he also claims the letters were "not a factor in the decision to discontinue funding." Whatever the true reason, LEAD led HERizons down the garden path, into the woods and just before it had come to a break in the trees, turned and destroyed it. NORTHERN WOMAN page 11 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �UPDATE continued from Page 7 Intercede, a domestic workers' rights group, and the Legal Education and Action Fund want the governTent to demonstrate the exclusion of domestic workers from the provisions on grounds other than cost to employers. Judith Ramirez, spokesperson for Intercede, described the challenge as "a simple and clear cut issue of social justice". Domestic workers, many of whom are women and immigrants, are excluded from the hours of work and overtime provisions of the Act. Many women work from dawn to dusk for families while also being expected by Canadian immigration to use this time to demonstrate their eligibility for life in Canada, by improving theL it education, becoming involved in community groups, and saving money. (from BROADSIDE) 000 ow) Five half hour videotapes examine the 17 year period of the abortion rights movement in Canada from the liberalization of the abortion law in 1969 until today. The tapes present the abortion rights issue in an overall political context and cover: the history of the movement since 1969; access to abortion and family planning across Canada; the history of the movement in Quebec; the impact of the economic recessions; and Dr. Morgentaler's challenge to the abortion law from 1983-1987. "The Struggle for Choice". written and directed by Toronto video artist Nancy Nicol, raises a number of questions: Why.is there a crisis to access to abortions today, althoCanada has a so-called liberal law? How is women's reproductive freedom affected by the economic recession? Why is there a persistent and on-going oppression of women around this issue? Why the reemergence of anti-abortion forces today? What are the major gains the struggle for abortion rights has achieved and how were these gains achieved? What is the history of the movement in Quebec and how is it different from the history in the rest of Canada? Who are and were the women and men involved in the struggle? Placed in an overall political context, the history of the prochoice movement reveals the commitment, strategies, and dedication of individuals and organizations to the struggle for free abortion on demand. For information about "The Struggle for Choice" write V/Tape, 183 Bathurst St., Toronto, M5T 2R7. (from BROADSIDE) ows 000 Over 200 pro-choice supporters attended a meeting in late January to discuss plans for opening a free-standing abortion clinic in Vancouver. The first item of discussion was whether to establish a freestanding abortion clinic similar to those in Ontario and Quebec or to establish a facility called the Women's Community Health Clinic which would provide other services such as birth control and pre-natal counselling as well as abortion. Those who supported the more comprehensive clinic said that it would have a broader based appeal for fundraising and that it would be harder for government to attack. Supporters of the free-standing abortion clinic argued that a comprehensive clinic would require much more energy and money, and it would be seen as an abortion clinic anyway even if it offered other services. A resolution was adopted that women's reproductive health clinics be established throughout the province which will include abortion services funded by provincial medical services plan, and that, in the meantime, an abortion clinic be established in Vancouver, with the goal to have this clinic established within a year. (from IMAGES) sem oeo A belated but none the less sincere congratulations to the women who organized International Women's Day (Week) activities. It was the most ambitious celebration of IWD in Thunder Bay to date. The week's acti vities included a film showing at Women's Centre of Desert Hearts and Lianna. The Congress of Canadian Won en sponsored 'Towards the Year 2000: Without Nuclear Weapons' with women peace activists Elena Kemenetsky of the Soviet Union and Connie Van Prat of the United States. The Canadian tour of these two women symbolizes the hope of peace groups to unite us all in the movement for peace. Lakehead University Women's Centre held a day of workshops and events, and Women's Health Information Network led a PMS seminar. As well, Decade Council organized a two-day Conference of Transition Houses and Family Resource Centres. Northwestern Trans ition House workers deeply appreciated the opportunity to share information, build links with other houses and reduce the isolation and burn out they often experience. The week culminated with a wonderful Women's Party where the Company of Sirens performed the Working People's Picture Show. This performance, along with the traditional IWD pot luck, music and dancing was greatly enjoye Famous Foes by JOAN BARIL The woman and her adversary, now and through history. COME AND VISIT INSTEAD: Match them up. 1. Margaret Sanger a. Napoleon 2. Nellie McClung b. The Roman Empire 3. Emmeline Pankhurst c. Henry II, King of England 4. Madame de Stael d. The British War Office 5. Florence Nightingale e. Prime Minister Mackenzie King of Canada 6. Boudicca f. Ovid 7. Caroline Norton g. Premier Rodmond Roblin of Manitoba 8. Fanny Kemble h. Norman Mailer 9.. Mary Wollstonecraft i. Anthony Comstock and the Comstock laws 10. Eleanor of Aquitaine j. Pierce Butler 11. Rosa Parks k. Premier Maurice Duplessis of Quebec 12. Christine de Pisan 1. Jim Crow 13. Margaret Atwood m. George Norton 14. Emily Murphy n. Jean-Jacques Rousseau 15. Therese Casgrain o. Prime Minister of Great Britain Herbert Asquith OTLUCK AND REBIRTH SHOWER AT THE CENTRE WEDNESDAY JUNE 24 at 6:30 p.m. suggestiono include: garbage bag oitet papek, and ecotogizek, too, Wing cabinet, welcome mates and ??? answers on Page 15 NORTHERN WOMAN page 12 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Family Law * Reformed Again by LYNN BEAK THE ENFORCEMENT ORDERS For many women, it took a long, painful time to obtain a child sup-' port order. Further disappointment occurred when their ex-husband did not pay the order, because they then discovered the protracted and often unsuccessful process called "Support Order Enforcement". The fact that an order for child support has been made by a Judge does not mean that the father will pay it. initiatives '75-'87 Compiled and edited by Fiona Karlstedt, NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO STATUS 3F WOMEN INITIATIVES 1973-1987 is nearing completion. Commissioned by the Northwestern Ontario Women's Decade Council, the document traces the ebb and flow of the women's movement in Northwestern Ontario, identifying trends and processes that contributed to the increased social, economic and political equality of women in Northwestern Ontario. In all over 75 conferences, action research projects, studies, workshops, political action committees, self-help grou-)s, feminist services, lobbies and other actions are considered. Historically, support for and advancement of women's rights have occurred only during periods of economic prosperity and generalized social reform. The present political and economic climate is depressing. The emergence of groups like R.E.A.L. women is synonymous with the times-closed minds accept myth most easily, but a frightened society seeks it actively. If we are to rationally anticipate the future, we must understand how the present has grown out of the past. If we are to continue developing strategies which will enable us to move on together as a movement, we must draw on our experiences and enormous skills. Clearly, an understanding and appreciation of our own history is essential to that process. Most support orders are unpaid or in arrears. Women were shocked to discover that they must act as a collection agency, often with limited assistance from the Family Court. However, there are changes to the law that are intended to assist women to enforce support orders against fathers and husbands who will not pay. Both the federal and provincial governments have recognized that the present system does not work and have developed new systems which are intended to provide real assistance. In Ontario, an act called the Support and Custody Orders Enforcement Act was proclaimed in 1986. Its purpose is to establish regional offices whose sole function is to enforce support and custody orders, and separation agreements which have been filed in Family Court. Any orders which have been filed in the Family Court for enforcement will be moved to the Enforcement Office when it opens. The office will have the power to obtain information as to the place of employment, address or location of the debtor from any person or public office in Ontario. They will have the power to check federal records and those in other provinces in some situations. The Enforcement Office for Northwestern Ontario will be opening on July 2, 1987 and will be located at 430 Waterloo St. South, with phone number 623-7327. For those women who already have support or custody orders they will be invited to file their order for enforcement. Filing will be voluntary, and the Toronto office staff anticipate a large demand for services. There will be a public information campaign once the office is open, and they will have an 800 line telephone for long distance calls. They anticipate that the staff will be busy locating debtors and their assets, and bringing them into court to explain their default in paying. Although this new government service will assist many women to obtain their support payments, there are some words of warning. For debtors without assets, or those who have hidden them cleverly, an enforcement hearing will not bring any money to the woman. Also, if the woman is receiving welfare or single parent benefits, any support payments received will be fully deducted from the benefits. Despite these limitations, I hope that the new Enforcement Office will assist women by obtaining for them the support payments that the courts have ordered and thus decrease the number of women-headed families that live in poverty. Although not an exhaustive account of developments in the region over the past 14 years, NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO STATUS OF WOMEN INITIATIVES does reflect, in whole or in part, the experiences of many of us. It records not only what Northwestern Ontario women have done, but also what they tried to do - the motives and goals that impelled them to strive for some- thing better. It is a record not only of achievement but potential. It validates the contributions women have made and attests to their credibility as decision makers, organizers and negotiators. Obscured from public view, women's social and political participation is often seen as inconsequential. In mirroring our visibility and collective strength, NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO STATUS OF WOMEN INITIATIVES sets the record straight. If the Government in Ottawa gets its way, they may take this magazine right out of your hands The Great Depression; two world wars; a small, spread-out population; recessions; inflation; overwhelming competition from the U.S.-none of these could kill Canada's magazines... ...but the current Government in Ottawa just might. Pr he Government is considering demolishing the delicate structure of postal, tariff and tax-related incentives that helps keep the Canadian magazine industry alive. If this happens, many Canadian magazines will die. Those that survive will cost more to readers and publishers and will be more vulnerable than ever to competition from foreign magazines that have the advantages of huge press-runs and lower per-copy costs. Those that survive will be less profitable and, therefore, more likely to succumb to adverse economic circumstances in the future. CANADA'S CANADIAN PERIODICAL PUBLISHERS' ASSOCIATION, 2 STEWART STREET, TORONTO, ONTARIO M5V 1H6 MAGAZINES ...a voice of our own NORTHERN WOMAN page 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �BOOK REVIEW: reviewed by MARGARET PHILLIPS NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO WOMEN'S DECADE COUNCIL OTHER FIRES Short Fiction by Latin American Women, edited by Alberto Mangeul, Lester & Orphen Dennys, 1986. OTHER FIRES is a selection of short fiction by Latin American women, edited by Alberto Manguel, a native of Buenos Aires, who now teaches at York University. Manguel advises that while interest in Latin American literature has flourished in North America since the 1960's all the translated authors were male, while " ..so many of the best untranslated books from Latin America had been written by women." OTHER FIRES gives us a taste of this excellent talent. Although I did not find the stories equally interesting, even the less impressive ones sparked a desire to know the writer better. As these writers are, in the main, novelists, I sincerely hope their longer works will also be translated. In the forward to the anthology Chilean writer Isabel Allende says "In this selection I feel interpreted as a Latin American woman. These writers of diverse Latin American countries have expressed our fears and hopes:our delicate ceremonies, our secrets and rebellions, our love and rancor. They are feminine voices trying to interpret the hidden meaning of the sexuality, the power, the ambition, and the injustice of the macho world where they must live. This anthology demonstrates that Latin American women have their own vision of the world and know how to express it in their own personal, irreverent, furious, fantastic, ironic, and poetic language. They tell of the multiple forms of violence they suffer and, in doing so, violate the first rule imposed upon them since birth: the rule of silence. They do not accept it; they do not bow their heads; they do not resign themselves; they are not silent. These stories were written with tears, blood and kisses." 0000=p000000a,===opuucceccocco:". WHAT'S NEW In the BOOKSTORE Now that we are moved and settled in our new home, our efforts are re-focussed on ordering new books and wonderful, new women's books continue to pour off the presses. The Bookstore expects new shipments weekly - so drop in regularly. New titles that may interest you include: HEAR THE SILENCE: Stories by Women of Myth, Magic and Renewal, "Some of edited by Irene Zahava. these stories can be easily identified with the broadest definition of spirituality. Others are so subtle that you have to look between the words to see that slight shimmer of cosmic consciousness. All of them have the potential to reveal another truth, one which lies just beyond the surface of our daily lives." NORTHERN WOMAN OTHER FIRES is an impressive anthology, and the diversity of the stories will make the book attractive to readers with varying tastes. "Magic realsim and political realism are the two main currents of Latin American literature" Manguel tells us. Readers who tend toward magic realism will be more than satisfied. Given my own bias I would have welcomed more political selections, however, those that are included are indeed fine. The Guerrillero, by Albalucia Angel (Columbia), the shortest story in the book, is a truly remarkable self-dialogue of empowerment and courage; while The Stolen Party, by Liliana Heber (Argentina), defines most powerfully the awakening of a young girl's class consciousness. One story that will stay with me for a long time is Ines Arredondo (Mexico) The Shunammite, which is perhaps the most subtle depiction of the multifaceted violence of a patriarchal society I have read. It's The Fault Of The Tlaxcalteca by Elena Garro (Mexico) I plan to read again and again in the hope of truly understanding it. I am interested in learning Garro's heritage. The story suggests to me Indian heritage and I'm continuously fascinated by the universality of themes and images in native writing - north or south. The women contributing to this book are established writers in their own countries. They are middle aged or older, the youngest being 44 and the eldest 87, and much of the work was first published 20 or more years ago. With these writers as role models and given the expanded publication of women's writing in recent years, we should assume there are also many new young women writers who are augmenting the scope and excellence of Latin American literature, and we can only hope that their work will also be available to a Canadian readership. =.6,Q**=NIXPOCCCANNIMCCMXXXX1NN)=400,,T.C.04= DZELARHONS by Anne Cameron. The long awaited successor to Daughters of Copper Woman. BAKE FACE and OTHER GUAVA STORIES, by Opal Palmer Adisa. "Bake Face and Other Guava Stories brilliantly captures the complexities of our island homeland, Jamaica (Adisa's) stories chart the experience of island women ... with a deep understanding and compassion, and a true sense of their terror and pride, the ghosts that dog their tracks, the dailiness of their lives." (Michelle Cliff) RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE: Fairy Tales for Feminists. "Rapunzel's Revenge is a feminist re-writing of fairy tales .... revealing that Snow White organized the seven dwarfs into a trade union, .... exposing Cinderella's prince as a foot fetishist, and .... showing that feminist fairy tales can be written in fairy tale language." Supporting; individual women and organizations as they work together for equality for women in education, enmloyt ment, the home and community. - Working to eliminate the harriers that prevent local and regional xvomen from reaching their full potential. - Lobbying on issues to improve the quality of women's lives in Northwestern Ontario. - Providing resources to existing and emerging status of women's organizations. - Net \corking area women's organizations to share ideas and concerns. neC.Itle (enure I/ meet, b1-1111)11I/1/y %% All It'ilIV.st'IlIailt)/1 1W/11 /11.1/1% it'gl011,11 communities. Our at priontles are de+11meti to reflect the i:Nne, presented esters) )ntario women. 1-011 FUR111LIZ INFORMATION, CONTACT: NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO WOMEN'S DECADE COUNCIL 905 TUNGSTEN STREET THUNDER BAY, ONT. P7B 5Z3 807-623-7556 :000=N000====v00.101100AW=VVCCM WOMAN OF POWER magazine. Issue 5's theme is Healing, and Issue 6 is Art As Activism. NO FAIRY GODMOTHERS, NO MAGIC WANDS: The Healing Process After Rape, by Judy H. Katz. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF WOMEN AND THE LAW, Vol. 1 #2, Women and Reproduction. "This issue highlights the theme of male control over women's reproductive capacities and activities - a theme that pervades the seemingly disparate issues of abortion, sexual ideologies, reproductive ethics, artifical insemination, "surrogate" mothering, prenatal screening techniques, the pharmaceutical industry, reproductive hazards, eugenics and lesbian mothers." And for Heather Bishop fans, Heather's newest release - A TASTE OF THE BLUES - both record and cassette. page 14 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Upcoming Events From August 14-21, 1987, the CANADIAN WOMEN'S WRITING RETREAT will be held at Far Hills Inn, ValMorin, Quebec. Women writers of English fiction, poetry, plays, nonfiction prose, and translators working from French to English, will be able to take intensive workshops. Well-known Canadian women writers will conduct morning writing workshops and afternoon discussion groups. There will also be a panel discussion led by representatives of the Canadian publishing industry. The Retreat will not be devoted solely to work. As well as the readings over the week, there will be time for recreation. In the Laurentians, the well-appointed inn offers hiking, swimming, boating, tennis, squash, billiards, and just plain relaxation. For further information, please contact Debra Martens, c/o Centre for Continuing Education, Dawson College, Victoria Campus, 485 McGill St., Montreal, Quebec, H2Y 2H4, phone 514-931-8731 local 6102; or call Greta Hofmann Nemiroff at 514931 -8731 local 6075. SOLSTICE CELEBRATION: Saturday, June 20, 8:30 - ?. Port Arthur Prosvita Hall, 540 South High St. $5.00 For women only. Call at the door. Women's Centre 345-7802 for more info. 0.1e. Fera Sevichter The 12th MICHIGAN WOMYN'S MUSIC FESTIVAL takes place August 12-16. The Festival "is a gathering of mothers and daughters for womyn of all ages. We come together to celebrate our common experiences and unique strengths as womyn - to cel brate our culture, our similarities and our diversity." Brochures with full info are available at the Bookstore. The Third Annual KINGSTON WOMYN'S MUSIC FESTIVAL will be held July 2426, 1987. The Festival began as the vision of two womyn, Georgia Ferrell and Merri Macdonald. In 1983 Georgia bought a large area of undeveloped land on a lake north of Kingston. She bought it to live on, but also to provide womyn with a place to come together, to celebrte nature and each other. The Festival with musicians from Ontario, Quebec and the U.S., along with workshops and crafts, will provide a great weekend. For more information contact GAIA, Kingston Womyn's Music Festival, P.O. Box 1792, Kingston, Ont. K7L 5J6. (Brochures available at Northern Woman's Bookstore.) A Peace Festival is happening in Thunder Bay on Saturday, August 8th. If you would like to sing, dance, sell food or crafts, read a poem, show a picture, or share ideas and energy call Tanya at 622-1416. POT LUCK at Women's Centre, Wednesday, June 24 from 6:30. Housewarming gifts that would be useful include - garbage bags, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, herbal tea and a filing cabinet. -ftliwttgetkol ANSWERS to FAMOUS FOES 1--i. Sanger, American birth control pioneer, repeatedly defied Comstock and the Comstock laws which defined information on birth control as obscene. 2--g. The Premier of Manitoba was a staunch opponent of women's rights. Nellie used all her organizing ability and her famous wit against him, even caricaturing him in a "Mock Parliament". 3--o. Through political maneuvers and lies, Asquith was determined to prevent women's suffrage. He encouraged Street violence against the women, had them arrested on trumped up charges and later set up the policy of force-feeding. He hoped the movement would give up. It didn't. 4--a. Madame Germaine de Stael, prominent political thinker and writer, supported the ideals of the French Revolution but turned against Napoleon when he made himself dictator. Forced into exile she continued her opposition. 5--d. Nightingale fought a life-long battled with the war office to improve hospital conditions for troops. 6--b. Boudicca rallied the tribes of southern Britain in a revolt against the Roman Empire, killing as many as 70,000. Defeated she took poison. 7--m. Norton left her brutal husband but the laws of the time did not allow her custody of her children. Her public agitation resulted in the passing of a custody bill. When her husband seized her money she worked for the successful passage of a bill to allow a married woman to own things. 8--j. After her marriage to a wealthy man, Kemble, a famous actress, discovered he owned a southern plantation. He thwarted her efforts to help the slaves and refused to allow her to publish her book about slavery on threat of taking her children. Eventually he did take them and she did not see her daughters until they were adults. 9--n. It was in order to refute and counter the misogynist ideas of Rousseau that Wollstonecraft wrote her famous 'Vindication of the Rights of Women'. 10--c. Eleanor led a revolt against her husband and landed in prison for fifteen years. Released by his death, she consolidated the kingdom for her son Richard the Lion-Hearted and went on to make her Dutchy of Aquitaine a centre of literature and learning. 11--1. Jim Crow was a system of laws and customs which oppressed Blacks in the southern States. Parks, coming home on the bus tired and with sore feet, refused to obey the driver and move to the Black section of the bus. This refusal touched off the Atlanta bus boycott and fueled the civil rights movement. 12--f. De Pisan, the great medieval writer, was angered by the hatred towards women shown in the works of Ovid and other writers. She wrote 'The Book of the City of Ladies' in 1405, the first treatise on women's 13--h. When PEN, the international writers organization held a congress in New York in 1986, Atwood was one of those who protested to American branch president Norman Mailer about the small number of women writers on the panel. Mailer refused to agree claiming that the women writers he could have invited were mediocre. 14--e. Prime Minister King gave plenty of lip service to the idea that Canada should have a woman in the Senate and that the B.N.A. Act should be amended so that Canadian women could be declared as persons and therefore eligible to hold a Senate seat. However he did little to help Murphy and four companions (the Famous Five) steer the case through several court battles. However when they won he acted in typical male political fashion. He did not give the first Senate seat to Murphy as was expected but to a woman who had no connection with the long struggle but who had worked for years for the Liberal party. 15--k. Duplessis, an unswerving opponent of women's suffrage was premier of the province from 1926 to 1940. Women's groups worked hard for his defeat and in 1940 won the vote at last° rights. Women and Environments NORTHERN WOMAN page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �CHANGE OF ADDRESS THE NORTHERN WOMEN'S CENTRE THE NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL NORTHERN WOMAN'S BOOKSTORE Are pleased to announce their new location at 184 Camelot St., Thunder Bay P7A 4A9. We have a spacious new storefront facility. Why not drop in? PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Second Class MAL Registration No. MAIL TO: 5697 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: p2 DATELINE KENORA/YOUR VOICE p3 REBIRTH p4 A COLLAGE OF BARRIERS p6 NFB FILMS p7 UPDATE p8 POETRY p10 DAY CARE RETURN TO: THE NORTHERN WOMAN 184 CAMELOT STREET THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7A 4A9 Return Postage Guaranteed Don't forget to renew your subscription! Here's my sub: Name pll HERizons Address p12 FAMOUS FOES (postal code) p13 FAMILY LAW/INIATIVES $ 5 p14 REVIEW/BOOKSTORE NEWS o Lestltatlosal $10 p15 UPCOMING EVENTS *********************************** WORKERS THIS ISSUE: CAROLYN GREENWOOD MARY-ANN KLEYENDORST MARGARET PHILLIPS ROSEMARY PITTIS *IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR LABEL? t * PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION * * * * * *********************************** Northern Woman. Journal 184 CAMELOT STREET THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7A 4A9 (FOUR 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 10 No 3 Description An account of the resource Vol. 10, No. 3 (June 1987) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: Women’s Place Kenora Crisis services City funding withdrawn from Northern Women’s Centre, Thunder Bay Northern isolation Violence against women Barriers for women who live in the North Feminist film list Women Health Information Network Poetry Daycare access Daycare policy For-profit childcare Herizons Domestic workers Abortion rights movement in Canada International Women’s Day Child support legislation Family law reform Feminist book review Other Fires Northern Women’s Bookstore Authors/Contributors: Teresa Mallam Carolyn Greenwood Leni Untinen Rosalyn Taylor S. Barry Susan Collins Gert Beadle Margaret Phillips Joan Baril Lynn Beak Mary-Anne Kleynendorst Rosemary Pittis 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 1987-06 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/16/2794/1987_Vol_10_No_4.pdf 0aa077e2c1514edbfa2c8742af40173b PDF Text Text Northern Woman Journal October 1987 Vol. 10 No. 4 Thunder Bay, Ont. $1.50 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Dear Sisters: AFRICAN NATIONS AND AIDS POLITICS According to a report released in June 1987 by the Geneva based World Health Organization (WHO) about 50,000,000 Africans are supposed to be carrying AIDS and that the disease had reached epidemic proportions in Central, East and Southern Africa. Many African nations are often outraged and embarrassed when their countries are associated with AIDS and have sometimes refused to cooperate with Women's groups and organizations that make such revelation to Western sources. Zambia, for instance, has banned health authorities and women's organizations from sending any information on AIDS outside the country, and Zimbabwe has refused to assist with funding the projects or programs of all women's bodies or organizations that release the latest figures of AIDS carriers in the country to the outside world. Kenya, with 10,000 cases of AIDS has so far coninued to deny the existence of thatMagnitude of AIDS and has blamed Western media for gross exaggeration of figures. At the International AIDS Conference held in June 1987 at Washington D.C. USA, a revelation was made by Dr. Robert Gallo, an American AIDS specialist, that 10 Nigerians were identified with a special AIDS virus whom he called "Nigerian Red Virus". In the usual re-action of African governments over the association of AIDS with their countries, the leader of the Nigerian delegation at the Conference, Dr. E. Essien, became outraged with Dr. Gallo's revelation and emphatically denied the existence of the "Nigerian Red Virus". Uganda, which has the greatest share of AIDS victims in Africa has opined that "They saw no point in making people panic when there is no risk of an epidemic". Thus African nations continue daily to deny the threat of this disease to the citizens of their countries so that their so-called national image abroad may not be tarnished while the battle to fight AIDS is raging in Western countries. Indeed, the Refugee, Famine, and Drought problems are not of more threat to human lives in Africa than AIDS. An Italian source has revealed that an average AIDS patient runa hospital bills roughly $10,000 which could potentially bankrupt a country's :public health system if the number surges. What becomes the national economies of the already impoverished countries of Africa which develops a care free attitude to the existence of AIDS in their countries? NORTH ERN WOMAN_ loggg,;g., The USA budgetary allocation to AIDS has risen from $5.5 million to $411 million in the past five years. Britain has unleashed a media blitz to alert and enlighten the public on the killer disease. The anxiety is much the same throughout Europe and America, but in Africa the response has not by the least fraction matched the problem. The combined health care budget of all Central African countries afflicted amounted to a paltry sum of $1 million in 1982, and the figure for this year is hardly an improvement. Coupled with this is a general reluctance of governments to admit the enormity of the problem. In addition, it is the sexual aspects of AIDS that has riveted public attention over the disease and it is not without good cause. Sexual transmission is the most common route; some 65-75% of AIDS in Europe and America have occurred in homosexual men between 20-40 years and intravenous drug users who share dirty hypodermic needles. But the opposite is the case in Africa where heterosexual intercourse and female genital mutilation has been the major routes of AIDS. In Africa women are noted carriers. In a survey recently concluded in Uganda, of the 170 pregnant women tested 3/4 were found to have AIDS and half of those affected were sexually mutilated. In Equatorial Guinea, of the 100 women who were tested 78 of them carried AIDS and 65 of them were those whose genitals Aremto prove Prof. Uli Linke's research in the University of California, Berkeley, USA that female genital mutilation is one of the causes of the present widespread of AIDS in - Africa. We, of this centre, have decided not to fold our arms and wait for government action against the deadly disease. We have launched a massive campaign of education and persuasion against female genital mutilation and spread of AIDS by homevisiting countryside enlightenment tours where women are addressed in public places. Campaign by literature; newspapers, radio and television. But our problem is lack of funds to run the campaign and our services as a non-governmental voluntary organization with limited funds. We therefore through your magazine appeal to all feminists, womensfolk, women's groups and organizations to come to our _lid by donating to our campaign fund in the interest of international feminism; for as Virginia Wolf said "as a woman I have no country .... as a woman my own country is the whole world". We shall accept donations by cheque, bankdraft and currency notes in any currency. Send your donations, gifts and enquiries to: HANNA EDEMIKPONG, WOMEN"S CENTRE, BOX 185, EKET, CROSS RIVER STATE NIGERIA, W. AFRICA. I enclose my thoughts on th issue of abortion, which were pr mpted (finally) by the advertise ment in the September 5 C-J enti led, "Candidates on the Level", Campaign Life Northwestern Ontar I believe that due to the large amounts of money the pro-life mu ment seems to have (due to the n bers of ads and films and variou promotional materials put togeth, over the years), this movement h a distinct advantage over the pr, choice movement and/or women who believe it is their right to hay, access to abotions if they belie' it is necessary to their well -be: (Physically, emotionally or final cially). This is unfair. There are v, numbers of people who are confuse about the issue of abortion, or who are neutral (they haven't ma, up their mind about where they stand on it; some have expressed they don't know if they can take a stand, firmly, on one side or the other). All of this material - especially the more grotesque (such as colour pictures of aborted foetuses in trash cans) -and does corrupt. Much of it is blatant propaganda. I am thorougl ly opposed for reasons stated in this letter, to the pro-life move ment getting any more mileage oui of what has been often slimy and distorted tactics based on misinformation, which are now aimed al election. there is a very were in orderstrong opposing view to the prolife movement, but the pro -choice movement, I fear, is much less ai fluent. Many of us are students, single women and men in low-payir lobs, single parents and on sociz assistance or U.I. We do not have $20, $50 and $100 to donate to -CI Canadian Abortion Rights Action League, or any other organization supporting women's rights. For this reason, I am writin and will urge other women to writ to make our views known. We are n high profile, but we are there; however, a nation of letter write we are not, and I fear the worst: that we won't be heard. However, starting by writing to the following people and organizations I fe, should know this opposing viewpoi: The Chronicle/Journal/Times News (Editorial Department) Campaign Life Northwestern Ontari( Mr. Taras Kozyra Mr. Mickey Hennessy Mr. Don Smith Mr. Chris Southcott Ms. Evelyn Dodds Mr. John Maclennan Ms. Lyn McLeod Lakehead Living (Editorial Dept.) Northern Woman Journal The Argus Mr. lain Angus MP Mr. Ernie Epp MP The Canadian Abortion Rights Attic League In Sisterhood, HANNAH EDEMIKPONG (FOR WOMEN'S CENTRE). PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Pay Equity by Liz Poulin During the last several years the issue of Pay Equity has been a major topic of debate in Ontario. Often the emotional form of this debate seemed to obscure the basic principles of fairness and justice that women were seeking to have addressed. The new terms and language complicated the discussion and caused many to throw up their hands in frustration and wait for others to plough through the rhetoric and the misconceptions to the core issues. It cannot be stated strongly enough that it was the concerted and relentless work of feminists that finally brought legislations forward. It was these women who, firmly committed to the improvement of the status of all women, pushed pay equity to the top of the political agenda and, indeed, kept it there. The women of the women's movement are the real stars and their effort must be given full recognition. All this in spite of the enormous opposition from most segments of the business community. Pay Equity is not a new, untried idea. Both the federal government and Quebec have had legislation since the mid-1970's and Manitoba since 1985. The European Economic Community members, Australia, New Zealand and many state and municipal governments in the United States have also legislated various forms of the concept. Much can be learned from their experiences - we don't have to reinvent the wheel. We just have to make it run on our own soil. At this point we can only give an educated guess about how this legislation will affect us here in Northwestern Ontario. There are holes in it that will mean little to women in our small resource-based towns with a single industry. For example, the legislation will apply best to the populated cities and areas where large businesses, industries and governmental agencies locate. Establishments with less that 10 employees are not included in the legislation. Small communities have many under 10 employee businesses, and many of these provide the traditional work of women. This requires further legislation - these women can not be left out. So pay equity will serve many women but by no means all. What we will continue to lobby for will be employment equity which includes a broad range of initiatives that address discrimination against women in the workplace. One of the Pay Equity initiatives is a pay practice based primarily on the relative value of work performed whether the worker is male or female. It is simply another way to express equal pay for work of equal value. Two Bills were introduced in the Ontario Legislature in the past year. The first, Bill 105 was brought forward by Hon. W. Wrye, Minister of Labour. It covered the Ontario Public Service Employees and the second, Bill 154, introduced by Hon. Ian Scott, Minister responsible for Women's Issues, covered private sector firms with more than nine employees and the broader public sector such as employees in hospitals, municipalities, school-boards,s4iniveraities., town ity colleges and Crown agencies. Bill 105 was strongly. criticized and died in the committee stage and Bill 154 was amended in committee to include the Ontario Public Service employees. The purpose of the legislation is laid out in fairly straightforward language and I quote Section 4(1) "The purpose of this Act is to redress systemic gender discrimination in compensation for work performed by employees in female job classes", and Section 4(2) - -Systemic gender discrimination in compensation shall be identified by undertaking comparisons between each female job class in an establishment in terms of compensation and in terms of the value of work performed." The onus is on employers to develop plans and strategies to address discrimination that is gender based. If the establishment is unionized then employers and union representatives must work together to identify comparable jobs, review workers' salaries and identify any pay inequities in female dominated jobs. Employers will need to clarify the values of their organization. For example, what is most valuable to the firm - technical skills?, interpersonal skills?, Product knowledge? etc. Once a firm knows this then it can move to compare Female-dominated job classes, (i.e. there must be 60% or more females), are compared with male-dominated jobs classes which must be 70% or more males. These percentages are higher than womens' groups recommended and may well prove to be a stumbling block in some cases. Compensation (wages and benefits) of the higher paid job (read male!) cannot be lowered to meet the lawer paid job class (read female). Criticism from the business community revolves around the need to compare dissimilar job classes. They say it can not be done. However, it already is being done in many management and administrative areas. The Hay Job Evaluation System is an example which has been widely used for over 40 years. The Community Colleges use this method. The value of jobs is assessed by using the criteria of skill, effort, responsibility and conditions of work. Skill may include education, experience and special expertise. Effort encompasses physical and mental efResponsibility includes problem fort. solving, decision-making, and having responsibility for people, machinery or budgets. And finally, conditions of work concerns the work environment, both the physical and mental aspects of stress. These kinds of guidelines as well as experience in other jurisdictions will all enable employers to meet the legislative requirements. The legislation makes provision for four exceptions. They are: seniority, merit pay, temporary training as i Ekets es ii oy p differences in c..7-7,ensation are be- cause of one or more of these exceptions. Most women across Northwestern Ontario have always had difficulty accessing any kind of training opportunities so the temporary training assignment exception will not affect any great number. However, skill shortages will. Males have the best paid jobs in our resource dominated economy and women have made little headway in moving into them. There is a problem accessing skills training courses, surviving the training, finding jobs and maintaining the energy to be exceptional over a long period of time. The Equal Pay Coalition has this to say - "We strongly object to labour market shortages as a factor for exclusion .... Rather than avoiding the spirit of the legislation by paying high rates to attract the few men with the skills, we would like to see employers spend the money training women to do traditionally male work." The inclusion of this exception is not helpful to the women seeking non-traditional work. jobs. Unions can-play a vital role as they are in a prime position to have input into plans and to monitor the implementation process. Women will be depending on them for this. However, it needs to be noted that women in small Northwestern Ontario centres will not benefit greatly since many do not work in unionized establishments. page 3 NORTHERN WOMAN PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �PAY EQUITY (continued) An independent Commission with sufficient resources and a strong and clearly defined mandate was believed to be essential to the success of the legislation. As set up the Pay Equity Commission (two sections - the Pay Equity Hearings Tribunal and the Pay Equity Office) will be in charge of administering and monitoring the implementation of the legislation. It will provide specialized educational materials and consultative services, investigate employees' complaints, hold hearings if necessary and make the final decisions. it will have the power to order compliance with the legislation, The enforcement mechanisms will include fines, search of files, require answers and impose changes. One of the first assignments of the Commission is to conduct a study into sectors of the economy where employment has been predominantly female and where there are no appropriate male job classes for purposes of comparison, i.e. child care centres, social service agencies. This study is to be completed within one year. Since this has been a major concern because large groups of women working in these areas had been left out of the legislation, we can only applaud this amendment to the original bill. This report ought to help in the early addition of these groups. Keep your eye on this so we can all lobby as soon as possible. Concerted efforts of women are going to be need. ed again. The biggest critics of Pay Equity have attacked the Commission as expensive, a waste of tax dollars, another big bureaucracy, arbitrary and powerful. It has been called the "Pay Police". Women fervently hope it will be powerful and thorough in its work. Most of us would view an agency that will work hard on our behalf as long overdue. There is no doubt that the Commission is the key to how effective this legislation will be. Will sufficient resources be allocated to it? Monitor this as well. Two real disappointments in the legislation are its gradual implementation and the lack of coverage for those in very small (under ten employees) establishments. There is no question that both of these resulted from the heavy lobbying done by business organizations. Their argument stated that the very small business operations did not have either the staff, time or resouces to go through the exercise of job comparisons, job descriptions and so on. Thus, it was decided that the public sector and private sector businesses with 500 or more employees, large personnel offices and more sophisicated policies and systems would lead the way. The following is the schedule: Public sector and private sector employers of 500 or more employees - 2 years (from date the Act comes into effect). Private sector employers of at least 100 but fewer than 500 employees - 3 years Private sector employers of at least 50 but fewer than 100 employees - 4 years Private sector employers of at least 10 but fewer than 50 employees - 5 years. Private sector employers are required to set aside not more than 1% of their payroll per year to begin making the wage adjustments and public sector adjustments must be completed within five years of the implementation period. It might be seven years before all the inequities are addressed - a long ti -me indeed. With this legislation we are moving in the right direction. It cer-. tainly takes us many steps along the path to fair compensation for our work. On the one hand it has been called a "bold initiative" and on the other "highly interventionist". The debate is still going on and the monitoring by women will still be necessary. So take a deep breath and eat some high energy food because we'll be the real "Pay Police"::: BEST SELLERS A somewhatdifferent listing than you will find in Macleans. These are the best sellers at the Northern Woman's Bookstore since opened. If you like this best sel. column we'll do it on a regular bi NON-FICTION 1. 2/4 2/4 2/4 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. FICTION 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. If the Government in Ottawa gets its way, The Great Depression; two world wars; a small, spread-out population; recessions; inflation; overwhelming competition from the U.S.-none of these could kill Canada's magazines... ...but the current Government in Ottawa just might. The Government is considering demolishing the delicate structure of postal, tariff and tax-related incentives that helps keep the Canadian magazine industry alive. If this happens, many Canadian magazines will die. Those that survive will cost more to readers and publishers and will be more vulnerable than ever to competition from foreign magazines that have the advantages of huge press-runs and lower per-copy costs. Those that survive will be less profitable and, therefore, more likely to succumb to adverse_ economic circumstances in the future. CANADA'S CANADIAN PERIODICAL. PUBLISHERS' ASSOCIATION, 2 STEWART STREET, TORONTO, ONTARIO M5V 106 NORTHERN, WOMAN, . page 4, , . 8/9 8/9 10. they may take this magazine right out of your hands MAGAZINES WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST by. Michele Landsberg STILL AIN'T SATISFIED edited Maureen Fitzgerald, Connie GI erman and Margie Wolfe NEW OUR BODIES, OURSELVES by the Boston Women's Health Bo( Collective VOICE FROM THE SHADOWS by Gw' eth Ferguson Matthews MOTHER WIT by Diane Mariechil HOW TO BECOME AN ASSERTIVE WOMAN by Jean Baer BATTERED WIVES by Del Martin WOMEN AND MALE VIOLENCE by Susan Schechter CHOICES: A TEEN WOMAN'S JOUR] WOMEN'S WORKBOOK by Patti Schom-Moffatt& Cynthia TeIfi THE COLOR PURPLE by Alice Wa THE HANDMAID'S TALE by Marga Atwood WOMAN ON THE EDGE OF TIME by Marge Piercy MERIDIAN by Alice Walker DAUGHTERS OF COPPER WOMAN by Anne Cameron OBASAN by Joy Kogawa SARAH JANE OF SILVER ISLET b Elizabeth Kouhi DESERT OF THE HEART by Jane BLUEBEARD'S EGG by Margaret Atwood THE TATTOOED WOMAN by Marian Engel NWJ Subs The financial health of the Northern Woman Journal is dependen on subscriptions. If there is an asterisk on your label it means that your subscription is due for renewal. If there is a ** double asterisk on your label it means that your subscription is way past due and that this is the last comlementary copy you will receive. Now you don't want us to cut you off do you?? We'd be really pleased if you also decided to give all your friends a NWJ subscrition for Christen ...a voice of our own PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �As a result of the $100,000 grant from the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, received earlier this year, WOMEN'S PLACE KENORA has purchased a house at 530 3rd St. N. There will be a celebration on October 17th to coincide with the Northwestern Ontario Women's Decade Council annual general meeting in Kenora. The official opening of the new centre will take place later in the fall. A high Court judge made British legal history when she told a 23-year old student he was not entitled to a court order preventing his girl friend from having an abortion. This landmark case represented the first time an expectant father had sought to prevent an abortion on the grounds that it would mean killing a child. The student argued that an 18-weekold fetus could be born alive. The judge ruled that evidence presented to the court did not allow her to say with certainty that the child would have been born alive at 18 weeks. A feminist political party held the balance of power in the Icelandic parliament in April after voters handed the ruling centre-right coalition a major political defeat. The Women's Alliance, which first sent feminists to parliament in 1983, doubled its vote to 10% and could find itself included in a new government. The two current ruling parties hold only 31 of the 63 seats in parliament. Pay Equity: A Cost Benefit Analysis.. Housing for Canadian Women: An Everyday Concern, Bill C-31: Equality or Disparity?-The Effects of the New Indian Act on Native Women Personal Autonomy and the Criminal Law: Emerging Issues for Women Women Entrepeneurs Briefs: Progress Toward Equality for Women in Canada Caring for our Children Booklets: Planning our Future: Do We Have to Be Poor? CACSW Annual Report 1985-86 Fine Balances: Equal Status for Women in the 1990's Newsletter "Inside Out", the CACSW'S Newsletter is mailed periodically, In it you will find the latest Council news, findings from major research and highlights from recent and forthcoming publications, Dr, Mavis Burke, formerly chairperson of the Social Assistance Review Board and chairperson, then president, of the the Ontario Advisory Council on Multi culturalism and Citizenship, has joined the Ontario Women's Directorate, as Special-A ble Minority Women, "I believe we must work towards a perception which recognizes and reveals a diversity of race and gender in Ontario's workplace for what it truly is--an asset, not not a liability to be borne by our visible minorities,, My entire career has reflected my concern for human rights, My work at the directorate is but a logical extension of this commitment,' . A new national action group wants to help the 95,000 Canadian women who missed filing a claim against the manufacturer of the Dalkon Shield, The American-made intrauterine birth-control device was linked to pelvic inflammatory disease, blood poisoning, infection, sterility, spontaneous abortion and death before it was removed from the market in 1976. Dalkon Shield Action Canada was launched after an attempt to get the April 30, 1986, deadline extended for Canadian women failed last summer, and it is trying to reach these women. The lawyer appealing that decision is optimistic that it will be reversed, especially in light of growing national membership in Dalkon Shield Action Canada. For further information, write Dalkon Shield Action Canada, c/o Vancouver Women's Health Collective, 888 Burrard St., Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 1X9, The following materials are available free, from the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women, 110 O'Connor St., 9th Fl. Box 1541, Stn.B, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5R5, Forthcoming Books: Battered But Not Beaten: Preventing Wife Battering in Canada. Growing Strong: Women in Agriculture. Background Papers: A Critique of Bill C-114 as Proposed Legislation on Pornography: Principles and Clause-by-Clause Analysis. Immigrant Women in Canada: Current Is sues, The Canadian Jobs Strategy: Current Issues for Women.. . Arja Lane is back from two months in Finland and will be in Thunder Bay for the Interweave Conference. She is presently working on a documentary about housing problems in Sudbury, The Ontario Government recently committed total annual funding of 12,5 million to prevent and reduce family violence in the province, The new funding of $7,1 million is in addition to the $5.4 million in family violence prevention programs announced by the two ministers last september (Attorney General Ian Scott, Minister Responsible for Women's Issues, and Com-munity and Social Services Minister, John Sweeney,) The continuing focus is on support services and protection for assaulted women, and on the criminilization of wife assault, For women working and training in the Trades, the group "WOMEN IN TRADES" is collecting data on women working in non-traditional fields. Their goals include speaker's lists, role models and personal links, and they are looking into the formation of regional groups. If you wish to contact them please write or phone: Mary Addison Women in Trades c/o Times Change Women's Employment Service 22 Davisville Ave., Toronto, Ontario M4S 1E8 Telephone: 416-487-1776 000 BOOK STORE NEWS 000 We want to tell you about Ragweed Press, a woman-owned publishing house in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Libby Oughton, the owner/publisher became involved with Ragweed in 1980, purchased it in 1981, and yearly publishes 10-12 books. Originally, titles included children's books, regional cook books, fiction and poetry. In 1986, Oughton decided to concentrate on feminist and lesbian prose and poetry, which she publishes under the Gynergy imprint. From what we understand Ragweed has been, not only a publishing house, but also a resource centre for Charlottetown women's and peace groups. Unfortunately in July of this year arson destroyed the building adjacent to Ragweed, causing extensive damage to Ragweed's books, manuscripts and office. The loss is only partially covered by insurance - about $60,000 is needed just to bring Ragweed's published books back into print. With Ough.ton's determination and the support of friends and colleagues across Canada, Ragweed is being rebuilt. Readers wishing to support this important women's press may send donMontreal, Confederation Court Mall, 107 Grafton St., Charlottetown, P.E.I. You can also support Ragweed's future by purchasing their fine publications. Ragweed books that are currently available at the Northerm Woman's Bookstore include: THE FAT WOMAN MEASURES UP by C.M. Donald. These poems tell of a woman's conflicting feelings about being fat. "Sometimes her fatness is defiantly celebrated - 'Fat women/Are not few./ When we rise,/ The earth will shake.' And sometimes it is miserably loated, as she asks her thin sisters for more compassion .... Donald writes with power, humour and emotion about a subject that has received far too little positive attention and understanding." This is perhaps Ragweed's best known publication (at least in the women's community) and has received excellent reviews. THE BOOK OF FEARS, by Susan Lerslake (who was nominated for the Governor General's Award in 1985). "In these stories, Kerslake interrogates fear; she pins it under her lights and questions it until it confesses that fear leads to vision,,that fear may need cooperation; that fear, finally, is a power vacuum, a surfeit of possibility, and a silence. Kerslake is a gifted writer, with an extraordinary imagination. OUT ON THE PLAIN, by Frankie Out on the Plain is "of four women who meet and come together not so much in the physical world we know, but out on the plain, a mysterious and unfamiliar landscape which at first appears unfocussed but takes on colour and clarity as the bonds strengthen between the women. Finn. Cont. on page 14 NORTHERN ,WOMAN page 5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Michigan Womyn's Music Festival by Rose Pittis The ferry pulled away from the Wisconsin shoreline as we headed for the deck, found chairs, and settled in for the long trip. Although we were still hours from our destination it took only seconds to realize that the majority of people on deck were womyn enroute also. Womyn in groups of all sizes, dressed in everything from shorts and summer tops to woolens and heavy jackets, carrying guitars, boo ks and food hampers. A womon came up to us and asked if this was our first time. When we said, 'Yes', she said "Ahhh, you're going to Paradise-. The 12th Michigan Womyn's Festival was indeed a paradise, though a somewhat wet one as it rained at least half of every day we were there. Weather aside, the energy emanating from 600 acres of land holding over 7000 womyn is difficult to describe. The feeling of womon-power, pride, and community simply becomes a tingling in the scalp and a sob in the throat and something which I will never forget. From the moment of entering the land it became evident that the organization of the event was near-perfect. Womyn directed us to a parking spot where we registered and unloaded our gear,on a long island of grass ready for the shuttle service. (No personal vehicles go beyond the main parking area) We were then directed along.-a road to coloUr-coded parking lots. After parking, we were directed to an orientation tent where an information video played continuously explaining the philosophy of the land and the collective spirit. We then moved to the work tent where everyone is asked to sign up for a four-hour workshift in transportation, daycare, security, kitchen etc. Up until this point I had been amazed by the number of experienced volunteers that the festival organizers had collected together. Now .I realized that everyone I had met directing me along the way was a participant like myself already doing her workshift. This collective spirit is one of the secrets to the organizational success of the festival. In no other way could 7500 people move onto the land, set up tents, eat communally, and move off the land in the space of five days with very few problems. In celebrating womyn, the festival not only promotes the collective spirit but honours our diversity. Camping areas are divided into general, quiet, chem-free, and 'loud and rowdy' to provide everyone for the type of atmosphere they want. Camping areas for disabled were also available close to the hub of the festival. Other serices consisted of 'the Wqmb', a firstaid area; the Oasis for emotional support; and the Sober Support Tent. The Community Center Complex had tents for Festival Information, Womyn of Colors, International Networking, Womyn over Forty, and lost and found. The craft market offered crafts and art of over 150 womyn as well as literature and music. The day stage and acoustic stage were active daily from Thursday to Sunday, offering a variety of workshops in voice, instrumental and dance. Highlights for me were Heather Bishop's Children's concert where fifteen little people managed to squeeze up on stage to help Heather with her show, and The Reel World String Band who got thousands of women up square dancing for the afternoon. Every evening the night stage program provided a diverse program to satisfy all tastes in music. Jasmine, a 3-piece jazz band, showed excellent musicianship and tight harmonies. The Maxine Howard Revue, a glossy 7-piece band, gave us a big band sound and a night club routine. Faith Nolan, from Halifax, sang some beautiful folk pieces, and Phranc, from New York, performed from her original repertoire with such songs as 'I Want to be an Amazon' and 'I Like Female Mud Wrestling'. The L: ian Allen Band was a collection o: some of Canada's finest musicians with Lorraine Segato weaving harm( and Sherry Shute playing haunting echoes of Lillian Allen's lilting ice. Of course Heather Bishop, Ho: Near, and Ronnie Gilbert were the: playing old favorites and new mat( al to thunderous applause. On the final night the secon( last act was Robin Flower Band. they were playing their fine blue the skies opened up and provided incredible light show of lightenii while everyone sat in awe. A few I utes later a gale whipped up, the poured down, and Robin Flower Ban( had to run off stage in- danger/Mqm electrocution and the huge stage opy collapsing on them in the win( Stage crew and audience alike rust to cover thousands of dollars wore of sound equipment from the storm, In the glow of the lightening one could see the bodies of the light] and sound crew scaling the fifty towers to secure and cover their E pment, This was certainly a grand ale to an incredible week. 1:)( A c 1 The next day, thousands of we silently packed up their sopping and splashed through the mud to tt shuttle service,preparing themsell emotionally and mentally for the N outside paradise, A sadness fell our group as we slowly drove off land, vowing to return next year. August See ou GI r?J ip NORTHERN WOMAN 1 'Sak ma w page 6 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Name Change by LYNN BEAK expensive process, since the perTo change their name on documents son had to hire a lawyer, and such the as S.I.N. cards and driver's Ontario Legal Aid Plan seldom licences, paid they would write to those for the legal costs. agencies requesting the forms to change their name, then notify banks and SHappily, the rules have now employers of the change. been changed regarding name changes. The power to change the name on birth certificates has been given to TO OBTAIN THE APPLICATION FOR A LEGAL the Office of the Registrar-General. NAME CHANGE An application form must be filled out by the person wanting to change Write to the Office of the Regtheir name - it is not simple - but istrar-General, Ministry of Consumer it also does not need a lawyer. and Commercial Relations, MacDonald There is a fee of $100.00 and an adBlock, Queens Park, Toronto, and exditional $15 for each child. plain the name change that you want Both of the women in the and ear-they will send the appropriate lier examples are now able to forms chan- to be completed for a legal ge their children's names. Anyname per-change. son of the age of 16 years can apply to change their name, and the PARENTS only RIGHTS REGARDING CHANGING THE general restriction is the requireSURNAMES OF THEIR CHILDREN ment that the person applying has lived in Ontario for a year prior If parents are sharing custody to their application. of their children, then both of them WHEN IS A LEGAL NAME CHANGE NOT NEEDED For many years the change of name rules in Ontario did not meet A legal name change is not everyone's needs. If a woman was a needed in some circumstances. If a single parent, unmarried when her woman wishes to use a nickname, but child was born and she and the not birth actually change her birth certifather have registered the child in ficate then a name change is not his surname, she could not change needed. Anyone may use a name that the child's name to her surmaneis withnotlegally yours (such as the out the consent of the birth father. surname of6your legal or common-law If he could not be located, or spouse) was as long as they are not dounwilling to agree to the change, ing so in order to defraud creditors, the child had to remain in his name. avoid police or for any other improAlso, if a woman was separated per purpose. and reverted to her birth name, she could not change the names of the Just as a person may change their children in,kierustody without her name to (or hypenate that of their spouse without needhusband's consent. ing a legal name change, so may they The old rules required everyone change their mind and revert to their who wished to legally change the birth name on their birth certificate (or name whenever they choose to do so, that'of their children) to apply to either during the marriage, separation or after divorce. the court for an order. It wasafter an - Writer in Residence GOOD NEWS: Veronica Ross has n appointed Writer-in-Residence the Thunder Bay Public Library. s will take up residence at the erley Resource Library from Oct. 1987 to June 3, 1988. She will be ticipating in the new Writers-Inraries Program sponsored by the istry of Citizenship and Culture. The program is designed to inase public awareness of Ontario's writers and Canadian literature and to provide professional assistance to emerging writers. During the eight months of her residency, Ross will take part in public workshops, critique manuscripts, and provide ongoing creative and marketing advice have to consent to the change of the children's surnames. This would occur when both parents are living with the children or have signed a joint custody agreement. However, if only one parent has custody after a separation or due to the fact that the other parent never lived with the child, then the consent of the non-custodial parent is not needed unless a separation agreement or court order states that the child's name will not be changed without their consent. If the non-custodial parent has visiting rights, the parent with custody must notify them of the fact that the child's name is going to be changed. FURTHER QUESTIONS If you have further questions about name changes, you may contact the Registrar-General's office, a lawyer or a legal clinic in your area. to writers. While in Thunder Bay she will be working on her new novel and hopes to do some work with older adults and students, as well as individual writers. Veronica Ross is the author of three collections of short stories: Goodbye Summer (Oberon, 1980), Dark Secrets (Oberon, 1983) and Homecoming recently published by Oberon. A novel, Fisherwoman, was published in 1984 by Pottersfield Press. Her stories have appeared in a wide variety of magazines - several stories have won national awards. A native of West Germany, she grew up in Montreal, lived many years in Nova Scotia and for the past three years has been living in Kitchener, Ontario. She has been involved in two previous writer -inresidence programs in Nova Scotia where she taught creative writing, and she is presently the associate editor of Antigonish Review. If you are interested in bringing a group to the library, or if you would like to schedule your own appointment with Veronica Ross, please call Barbara Koppenhaver, Co-ordinator of Community Services at 344-3585. NORTHERN WOMAN page 7 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �No Pasaran by JOSIE WALLENIUS The World Congress of Women, held in Moscow in June was not only a political debate but a festival of culture, dancing and song. It started off for Canadian delegates in the Aeroflot Jet taking off from Montreal, with Arlene Mantle, singer songwriter from Toronto, leading us in some of her superb Women, class struggle songs. As one of her lines goes, "When you know that the Right is wrong, then all that's left is Left". Close to three thousand women from 154 countries gathered in Moscow to discuss Women's Issues. Peace and Disarmament, Women in Society, Women and Work, Women and Family, Women in National Liberation Struggles, Problems of Development for Women, Women in Education, Mass Media and Women, and the role of Women in the Forward Looking Strategies adopted in Nairobi in 1985. All this was convened by WIDF (Women's International Democratic Federation), an organization founded in 1945, which broadly speaking was meant to ensure that we would not bow to Fascism again, the political reality of Monopoly Capitalism gone criminal., I mention the reason for the founding of W.I.D.F. because fortytwo years later'in Moscow, in session after session and workshop after workship, women worldwide condemned our banks and our institutions as the root cause of their problems. Unless we women in the West stop playing the Sleeping Beauty, we will have betrayed not only our sisters but the planet itself. South African Women's Day Campaign As a priviledged woman who is literate and eats more than once a day, I went at first to the Peace and Nuclear Disarmament Sessions. I was initially disappointed, as I was looking for solutions, not a rehash of the problems. On the first morning I heard at least four Japanese women tell us again about Hiroshima, and there was an endless stream of women from countries in Liberation wars, bleeding from our Military Industrial Complex and the greed of our banks. Knowing of these things before I went, and being at the end of the speakers list I decided to leave and attend a workshop organized by U.S. activists, where Helen Caldicott was going to speak. I have always held Caldicott in high regard, and thought I could at least have my say in question time. However, after hearing Helen speak, I had lost the frustration I had felt, as she said the things so many of us had been waiting to hear. She started off by describing her experience with the Physicians for Social Responsibility. She had spearheaded this organization, done massive education work, only to find herself a -non person when the time came for the P.S.R. to receive the Nobel Peace prize. She returned to Australia, not only wounded, but aware that all of her vision and energy had been spent fighting shadows, and that the weapons and effects of war were not the only things we should be talking about. She spent the next two years studying the corporations, and is now talking about them. She said that the North American public is totally brainwashed, and the rich have orchestrated this brainwashing by T.V. She said that since World War 1 the corporations have spent billions of dollars in destroying our unions, and that the C.I.A. is as active in Australia as in Bolivia. She said that the U.S. is socialism for the corporations and capitalism for everybody else. NORTHERN WOMAN page 8 She agreed with an 85 year old won an who denounced the U.S. government as criminals and gangsters, E a few days later, when we spoke tc her in the dining room, she said i was now like the thirties, we have nothing to lose, we must confront Fascism. She actually used the wo/ revolution. This is Helen Caldicot speaking, not Angela Davis. I. thinksome libera.)._woW.a-faj to grasp the point. The ones who tumade a decision NOT to attend the sions run by Palestinian women, or those run by A.N.C. Women and Womer from the Frontline States, or who failed to seek out the Afghan womer to hear their story about the C.I..t orchestrated counter revolution in their country. To further illustrate this poi some women actually resisted what they saw with their own two eyes. C day some of us went to an automobi] plant where we were greeted by members of the Union, Women and Peace Committees. We ate, sang and dance( together, and then went to workers homes to talk more intimately. Abot common family troubles, sex, A.I.D. and anything we felt we wanted to. When we returned to the plant we the museum where cars were display dating from their first production. to the tanks of the war years, to modern cars of today, so that worki people can have pride in their history of accomplishments. t The plant had day care centres and medical centres at the site, an subsidised holidays on the Black Se resorts, yet some still were not im pressed. Perhaps one has to go with out holidays, or go hungry to pay a medical bill, before one is impress by Socialism. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Az a ItiorfAh I; -:AV. COUriTRY... MY CovnTR.Y dik* ATHC. WoRLD * .14 from Women and Environments A few days later, lazing on a seat on a pleasure boat on the Moscow River, watching families opening their picnic baskets, I wondered sadly if some thought secretly that the K.J.B. had organized this day for us. That they had ordered sections of the public to sunbathe on the river banks at a given time, that they had told the people to smile and the sun to shine. Another highlight for me was going to the indiginous Women's workshop. Seeing the Native Canadian women meeting the Indiginous Women from Australia and Paraguay, and finding out that they were going to unite and organize together. Feeling the strength of the Native Canadian women who have decided that spirituality is not enough to solve their problems. At the final Peace Rally, thousands and thousands of women gathered with Moscow citizens to walk hand in hand and arm in arm, with banners, balloons, clowns and colour, to Gorky Park. The last singer to perform was our own Arlene Mantle, and she sang, "We Shall Overcome", She sang it not with humility, as it is too often sung, but with full throated power, and we sang it back at her, and with her. She began to walk away, bending down to receive flowers from children, but the crowd did not move, so she sang again, this time the Central American Freedom song, with a Guatamalan woman singing at her side, Nicaragua is, after all, the Second Spain, As she finished, she raised her fist, and sang out, "NO PASERAN", the cry of resistance first shouted almost 50 years ago during the Spanish Civil War by the Spainards and the International volunteers, including Canadians, who fought to defend Madrid against the Fascist supported armies of Franco, A cry of Hope and Defiance meaning literally "They will not Pass", But fifty years ago they did pass, because the people in the West did not defy their governments who were supporting Fascism, pretending they did not know, as we pretend in Canada not to know of our governments support of the regime in El Salvador. I think Helen Caldicott has, like other women have started to do, made, not a marxist analysis, but a clinical assessment for this dying planet, and it remains to be seen what we do with it "If We Love This Planet". For myself, I know that there is a lone group of women on a picket line in our town. I don't know them, and probably if I asked them what Trident is, they would say it is chewing gum. I'm joining them on Monday, as a peace activist. While keeping the words "No Paseran" firmly in my head, I also remember reading the case of Suttons Hospital from 19th century Britain "The corporations cannot commit treason, nor be outlawed nor excommunicated, for they have no souls." ON HEALING I am a 'Loch s, quiet convictionz My Compa/mion Ent/Lenched with ofmtinacy Stnength unnoticed Waiting I am a pond LayeAz o6 Zi6e Peace in motion Unexpected depth Untimited Expto/Le my pond And you wit-E. (find The. /Lock I am a 6o/Lezt A banned-out oite.t that Rquzed to die Laughter pLom dapondence -ExpZoke my 6otezt my pond Within it Exptone my pond And you witt 6ind The 'Lock.. Suzan Cottin4 May 1987 page 9' NORTHERN WOMAN PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �In Search of a r.e.a.l. Womar by Teresa Mallam of Women's Place Kenora At Women's Place Kenora, we have come to the conclusion that R.E.A.L. women do not exist. We arrived at this conclusion after futile attempts to reach the aforementioned party through the telephone directory service - there was no listing for them. "I've looked under everything" said the harried Winnipeg operator "even under the heading WOMEN and there's nothing coming up on the screen." We thought so. We were just checking. Then we reached the same dead end from Kenora Information. "Never heard of them" said the operator. Then we phoned our good friends at Klinic-in Winnipeg and we were told R.E.A.L. women were not listed on their resource list. This did not surprise us given the fact that most employees of Klinic are of feminist orientation and R.E.A.L. women are above all else, anti-feminist. The group who call themselves R.E.A.L. women emerged in the domestic kitchens of its founder, Grace Petrasek, a homemaker from Etobicoke, Ontario. Rumour has it that.she was preparing the family meal - from scratch of course - when the idea struck Rer to mount a ,chalienge.to feminism - a group she felt only "thought they spoke for people like me" - but REALLY didn't. She then joined forces with Gwen Landott and together they set out to set the world upright again - or something to that effect. They began by denouncing prostitution, then homosexuality, then sex education, universal day care (based on want, not need) and no-fault divorces - or any kind of divorce for that matter. The group is also vehemently opposed to abortion, naturally, because many of their members sprang up from right-to-life groups. But R.E.A.L. women are still a mystery to our organization. The closest we have come to hearing the voice of R.E.A.L. women is on a Radio Noon Show from Toronto in which Grace remarks: "I really don't know why they (feminists) are so upset." Well, we are not really upset, just perplexed. WHO ARE THESE R.E.A.L. WOMEN? Do they, like their male counterparts - eat quiche? I mean some people have actually gone so far as to accuse us (feminists) of being jealous of their cleverly devised name. Harrumph. Even if we interpret R.E.A.L. as Real (and we do not), we can hardly be jealous given the word's real meaning. "Real" as defined by the Pocket Oxford Dictionary means "actually existing as a thing." Frankly, we would rather exist as people. We should also point out that "feminist" according to the same source is defined as "an influence of women, belief in or advocacy of ..." Columnist Doris Anderson unearthed some fascinating tidbits in her NORTHERN WOMAN _page. 10 1985 column "The Real Truth about Real Women" saying that "they are, not really women at all. They want to be dependent. And dependents by any 1985 (read 1987) definition are not adults. Dependents are children." Which brings us back to our original problem. If in fact R.E.A.L. women do exist, in whatever form things or children - (and that is interesting because neither Petrasek nor Landott will reveal her "real" age according to a Chatelaine article). I mean maybe they really are children dressed up in Mom's twinsets and pearls. Anyway, if they do exist, where are they? Part of our objective in finding them is that some of their platform (about 5% according to NAC president, Louise Delude) is the same as ours. 5% is_better than nothing. At least we have that much in common. For instance, the group is for the family unit. Well, what a coincidence so are we. They support homemaker's pensions. Funny, we thought we said that. They recognize the contribution of women in the home. Well, so do we. In fact, we were the first ones to say so. But the reason R.E.A.L. women are getting a lot of press lately and no, we aren't jealous of that either, even if Stan Graham, Tory M.P. does say their testimony is "like a breath of fresh air". So, who wants to be known as a group of airheads? But anyway, for three consecutive years they have been griping because they have not been given funding by Secretary of State Women's Programs. Now, you have to appreciate these programs are intended to further the cause for women. To promote advancement of women and to improve their status. Funding is not available to groups who wish to help with a movement backwards in time. But ... humor, maybe they should try another ministry, say Citizenshi and Culture. After all, no one can deny they are citizens. And funding for preserving old relics and ancien ways of life is certainly high on their list of priorities. We wish th real luck, we really do. P.S. If we ever succeed in finding this group, I have a'great recipe fc orange muffins.... maybe we could have a bake-off! Wanted AN INEXPENSI'IE LEGAL SIZE FILING CABINET IS URGENTLY NEEDED BY THE NORTHERN WOMEN'S BOOKSTORE. PLEASE CALL 344-7979. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �INTERWEAVE Sharing our common threads; strengthening our ties; designing the fabric of our future; INTERWEAVE is a conference for Ontario women's centre workers that will be held October 23, 24, 25, 1987. INTERWEAVE intends to examine issues of survival for women's centres; develop a provincial network among centres; and identify future needs and create action strategy for centres to deal with concerns such as the institutionalization of women's issues. INTERWEAVE believes that we must develop an analysis for change based on our own experience as women's cen tres. Workshop facilitators will draw on participants knowledge to create and implement strategy designed to ensure our future. All Ontario women's centres are invited to send delegates, and to be prepared to contribute their centre's unique experiences so that the result will be workable strategy for all centres. Workshop discussions will include an overview and analysis of organizational models/towaris the creation of a uniquely feminist model; funding possibilities and their implications; strategy to make positive change in a conservative world; why feminist issues are co-opted by non-feminist financial sponsors/developing strategy to reclaim and maintain our own issues; understanding lesbian visibiility/how internal conflict relates to homophobic and heterosexist reaction from without, and how that reaction is reinforced by the political and social climate; how women's centre workers find ways to satisfy and nurture themselves while working toward change/developing strategies to encourage a sense of ownership and involvement of new women, and target methods for renewing energy among seasoned members. INTERWEAVE will be held at Memory Lodge, which is located on the shores of Lake Superior, approzimately 40 miles southwest of Thunder Bay. Transportation from the Thunder Bay airport to the Conference site will be provided. Shuttles from town will also be arranged. Accommodation consists of shared cabins and rooms at the Lodge. All meals, entertainment and recreation for the weekend will be provided on site. For further information please call Northern Women's Centre (807) 345-7802 read any good books lately? NORTHERN WOMAN'S BOOKSTORE 184 Camelot St Thursday & Friday : 11.30-600 Saturday: 430-4 30 SpectAum Cotouted watts stide in and out pa termed tite4 and potished gtain some watts pretend to be tainbows tentacte4 cotoca teaising w with pnomtis es and dreams - -- Watts 6epakate cetts, /1.0001, people you and me btack shadow Watts s tatk_ white watts wtao astound me in an endtess 6og I took 6ot you Watts keep us waiting inside out isepatate cetts t/Lapped inside bodies that tage agai_nst hems elves aging gesh watts accommodate gtowing ptisons watts come ctoset to us cat tying tiie and death Shatt I paint myTh)atts with blood red gowets on golden dream-iitted takes? Sptinkte 0/Lange chat on gAey tty to pooh the waltz away? on play inside them tike a chitd ptanning 6/Leedom .. Rosatyn Taytot Pettett NORTHERN WOMAN page 1 1 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �- Abortion Access Reprinted from PRO-CHOICE NEWS Ontario residents will perhaps remember that during the provincial election in 1985 all three political parties agreed that access to abortion services was inadequate and needed improving. This was a remarkable admission and a significant one The poLiticians were no longer quibbling about whether abortions should be performed, but were in fact acknowledging that such a medical service belongs in the mainstream of medicine and provision of that service was now the issue. Perhaps they had finally begun to read the polls rather than only reading their antiabortion mail. Perhaps they had finally realized that pro-choice groups and virtually every women's organization in the province were speaking for the majority and were making sense. Perhaps, because they understood this they were more willing to display a little political courage. There was also the embarrassment of the Morgentaler clinic, a constant reminder that women in Ontario (and other parts of Canada) were not able to get abortions through the hospital system. The Liberals promised that if they were elected they would improve access, especially in Northern Ontario. The Liberals were elected and in June of 1986 (it only took a year) Dr. Marion Powell, who had been a member of the Federal Government's inquiry in 1977 into the operation of the abortion law (the Badgley Report) was asked to review access to therapeutic abortion services in Ontario. These were the terms of reference: (1) Review with those Ontario hospitals that provide therapeutic abortion services to: (a) identify the demand and availability of services by geographic area; (b) identify program components that women require and the means of achieving optimum provision of these components; (c) review the referral patterns and scheduling process; (d) review the operation of therapeutic abortion committees, and (e) encourage the development of this service as a total program. (2) To work with the public health units in Ontario to identify needs in their family planning programs and to examine ways in which the programs can be co-ordinated with those provided by hospitals. PDF (3) To work with local hospitals, public health units, and the like, to develop a regional or local referral system for birth control services. (4) To work The with firstconcerned phase of comthe study munity groups, e.g. Planned Parentwas undertaken in the summer and hood, to develop informational andmet with fall if 1986. Dr. Powell educational programs on family planservice providers throughout the proning. vince. Her report was released on (5) January To identify resources 27 ofthe this year. Its findrequired ings to assist and to expand as "damning" were characterized these services hospitals, health by the in media. Dr. Powell found the units, and so on. system rife with problems. Among the problems she identified were the following: (1) In over 50% of counties the majority of women obtaining abortions had the procedure outside their place of residence. (2) A minimum of 5000 Ontario women obtain in free-standcompression, OCR, abortions web optimization using ing clinics in Canada or the U.S. All the criticisms of the existing system of service delivery contained in Dr. Powell's report have been mode by provincial pro-choice and family planning personnel for years. All the critcisms of the existing system of service delivery contained in Dr. Powell's report have been made by provincial pro-choice groups and family planning personnel for years. For that reason Dr. Powell's report is a welcome and long overdue acknowledgement of the unacceptable delivery of service in the curarent watermarked evaluation hospital-based system. Itcopy is of also a credit to the provincial gov- CVISION PDFCompressor �RESPONSE OF ONTARIO GOVERNMENT TO POWELL REPORT In March, Health Minister Murray Elston announced his government's response to the Powell Report. The Province will spend up to $2.5 million to encourage hospitals to provide better service. In this way Elston hopes the need for the two free-standing clinics will be eliminated. The provincial government has hired Dr. Powell to begin implementing some of the recommendations of her report. In 1970 the late Dr. Elsie Gregory MacGill, member of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women and subsequent Honorary Director of CARAL, issued a separate statement to the Commission's Report. She said, in reference to section 251 of the Criminal Code (the section dealing with abortion), that if this law is not repealed immediately it "will linger on for a decade or two more to harass and punish women." Dr. MacGill's words were prophetic. We are in year 17 of that prophecy. The basis for the inequities and scandalous treatment of women seeking abor- tion care in this country is the abortion law itself. Despite protestations from some that access can be improved under the current legislation we have seen no evidence of this. In fact we have seen a constant and steady erosion of service across the land. It remains to be seen whether Ontario can honour its pledge to improve access, given the refusal to confront what everyone knows are unworkable and unnecessary constraints in the legislation, namely, the requirement that abortions be performed in hospitals and only upon approval by a therapeutic abortion committee. .************,.*****************.*40***********#*******.*****...***.*******.*..*.o.***.***.o.*****************.*********.** Women's feelings, needs and thouward right-and-far-right-wing conservatism, ghtsmanifested have consistently in reactionary been challengand right-wing governments ed on this issue. and organizations) of women's rights and freedoms (This issue is extremely complex. Theoretically, all of Canadian socI will forward a longer supplement iety's rights and freedoms are therewhich I have been moved to write, affore being eroded, but it is women ter all this time of trying to organwho are, and have been, paying the ize some personal response to all the price. members of the pro-life movement. Loewenberg and Dolgoff write: Many of these people, I think, are "A person can be said to be free well meaning, but in their zeal to only when all of the following condiprotect the "rights of the unborn", tions prevail: continued from p2 they forget those of us who've had 1. The environment provides a to live here for many years. However, set of options from which a person I am aware that many of the tactics can make choices. For reasons mentioned in the of the pro-life movement are very There Iisamnonot coercion attached 2. letter, signingon the destructive and uncaring of others- person from any source to choose a my name. I believe my thoughts rewitness firebombings and destruction given option. present those of many women, beof property -- and for this reason, 3. The person aware of all cause I have heard manyisexpress themI do not include my name, as I do not the available options. selves similarly to me. I am firmly wish to be harassed as a private cit4. in Thethe person hasthat accurate entrenched belief wom- inizen. I am not writing as a member about the cost conseen'sformation (and human) rights will and never of a party or organization.) quences to of become each option in order to be allowed a dead/nonI believe we must oppose-mnyabwillommm assess them realistically. issue, irrespective of the> prevailfurther suppression and denial of 5. The person has the capacity ing political climate. women's rights, as we should the denand/or initiative to make decision Suffice to say that I am awritial and suppression of the rights of theasbasis of this and assessment. ing on this a tax-payer voter, men to self-determination. Barring 6. The person a realistice and an L.U. student whohas works partminority males, men's autonomy and to I'm act writing on the basis timeopportunity at two jobs. this of self-determination have always been hisindividual, or her choice." as an and have not been regarded, historically, as a kind of this definition, women who coerced, By commissioned or otherwise sacred trust. are ordered an embryo cajoled to writetoitcarry by anyone otheror I firmly believe that if men foetus to full term, and give birth, than myself. Thanks for your time. could conceive and have babies, they are not free (the basic precept of would never have allowed the issue of our democratic society). Organizations Sincerely, of abortion, and of individual rights, such as Campaign Life (who ran the to deteriorate to its present state. latest advertisement in the Chronicle Make no mistake -- this is a women's Journal), if ever allowed to become issue. Men have a place in it, but the predominant activist organization TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: what ethical right do they have domon abortion, would see to it that inating it? I shudder at the conseabortions become illegal. This would I have always had a very hard quences of the potential acts of be a totalitarian, undemocratic act. unfeeling male decision-makers on time with hearing men predominate in I challenge the pro-life discussions about abortion, one ofmovethis issue. that to this: if you prove of the ment primary and true "issues" ourunder allThe circumstances, the pro-choice time. sad fact is that in prea pregnant say "As sentmovement Canadianwould society, it should not womabortion", then an,issue you must haveits an existence be an at all; argument, I will entire should be arefute basic this right, and a given. campaign. and wish been you success in your I have amazed and angered that this But youtoknow well as leaders, I listening maleaspro-life absolutemarchers nonsense. maleispro-life and organiof profact, (lately, the existence zers, andInindeed with the by groups confirms Babychoice "K" case), male ethicsdemocracy, profespro-life example, (and whereas thehaughtsorsthis consistently often fact of that it. The ily)movement discuss denies the various aspects pro-life movements exist is only abortion, including ethical/moral im- due the democratic to the good graces plications, attempts to of define life allowed country in which it is itself (something truly beyond the to the face operate, it including kicks it in grasp of mostyet, of us, theoundeby propounding an astoundingly logians and most learned professors), mocratic line. Thunder and what a woman -- And not in a man -- Bay, Messieurs Hennessy supshould or should not do and withKozyra her own Unbelievable, especially body.port More than not, when womitoften when Mr. Kozyra is such a staunch en are mentioned at all, it is as the of demoupholder of the principles villian, the vamp and/or the vessel. your OICE cracy: The crime of this entire issue is the gross erosion in present Canadian society (due primarily to the trend of the last several years to- NORTHERN WOMAN page 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �BOOK REVIEW: reviewed by MARGARET PHILLIPS The Myth of Women's Masochism, by Paula J. Caplan, Ph.D., Signet pb, 1985, $4.95 The myth of women's masochism is deeply entrenched in our society. That women contribute to our own misery; that women fear success, thus ensuring our own failures; that, some - if not all - women actually enjoy pain and suffering; are deeply held beliefs. The myth has frequently been "proven" by a variety of (usually male) "experts"; been embraced by the mental health profession; and has been widely accepted even by women. Feminists who have long been uncomfortable with the 'masochist' label will welcome the exposure of the myth that has been provided by Paula Caplan's important work The Myth of Women's Masochism. Caplan, a Canadian psychologist and educator, provides a solid analytical base to understand why women's behaviour has been mislabeled masochistic; the benefits that accrue a misogynist society to continue the myth; and the consequent difficulty in debunking the myth. It was only after some years of study and clinical practice that Caplan began to seriously question the accepted wisdom that women's behaviour is masochistic, leading to the development of theory that "the behaviour in women that has been called masochistic actually has other explanations" namely: " * the ability to delay gratifications, wait for rewards and pleasure, or attempt to earn happiness through effort. the capacity to put other people's needs ahead of one's own. * the belief, based on past experience, that what one has is about all one can expect to get, or * the effort to avoid punishment, rejection or guilt." Caplan believes women's unhappiness stems from our woman-hating society that creates attitudes, institutions and power relations that cause women much pain - a society that "uses the myth of women's masochism to blame the women themselves for their misery". When women are convinced their problems are pathological, we won't question "the social institutions that really are the primary cause of the trouble." It is the myth of womenls masochism that encourages depersonalization and sexual objectification of women, devalues womens traditional roles, and justifies verbal and physical abuse of women. No woman escapes the insidiousness of the myth. As Caplan says "The belief that females seek out pain and suffering, that we have an inate need for misery, poisons every aspect of women's lives." NORTHERN WOMAN page 14 Beginning with an examination of the theoretical assumptions that misname women as masochists, Caplan then leads us through an analysis of women as mothers; our relationships with men; attitudes towards women's bodies; women as victims of violence; women at work; and women in therapy. Through case studies, research, and analysis of other theories and assumptions, the contradictions that women face are thoroughly discussed. We're damned if we do, and we're damned if we don't. "If you don't become a selfsacrificing mother (or a mother at all) you seriously risk being punished and considered unnatural. If partly to avoid such punishment, you become a mother, then you are punished by being given enormous responsibility, little appreciation, and a great deal of potential blame." If you don't sacrifice your needs for those of your husband, you are not a good wife. If you do you are called masochistic. If you are competent at work you become threatening to male coworkers (a castrating woman!), if you suppress your competence to encourage co-worker acceptance you have "a fear of success." If your partner batters you, you must have done something to cause it. If you stay in a battering relationship - even when there is no alternative - you'll be labelled a masochist. I urge anyone who has casually, jokingly, or seriously used the term masochistic in reference to their own or other women's behaviour to read this book. I wager you will think twice before using the term again. Further, as Caplan advises, we must challenge others who glibly or professionally - are quick with the masochist label. Rather, we must promote or force discussion on the real causes of women's unhappiness - our lack of economic, social and political power. Only when we understand and challenge the misogynest society that benefits from and perpetuates women's so-called masochism will we demand the radical changes that we require. The powerful forces working to restrict such change must be continually analyzed. For me, the most disturbing aspect of Caplan's book is the Afterword, where she describes the struggle that she and other women have been obliged to mount within the American Psychiatric Association to prevent the APA from adopting "masochistic personality disoreder" as a new official category of mental disorders. Reading this Afterword is a chilling experience, as we realize the powerful misogyny of the APA, it's influence of the mental health profession, and the resultant effect this can have on women who may seek professional help. As well as trying to adopt "masochistic personality disorder" - later renamed "self-defeating personality disorder" - two other categories were proposed. "Premenstrual dysphoric disorder", which would make PMS a psychiatric disorder, and "paraphilic coercive disorder" to be applied to a person "who had repeatedly raped or been preoccupied with fantasies of sexual coersion for at least six months.' (An insanity plea for rapists!) It was only after enormous efj fort by Caplan, by Jean Baker Miller, the APA Committee on Women, and other feminist mental health professionals that a partial victory was obtained. "Paraphilic coercive disorder" was discarded totally. The proposals to categorize "selfdefeating personality disorder" and "premenstrual dysphoric disorder" in the APA manual were defeated. However, they are to be included in the manual's appendix, which may raise the problem of psychiatrists accepting these terms as official. And, as Caplan points out, attempts may be made to accept these categories for inclusion in the next APA manual, to be published in 1990. Caplan emphasizes that she and other mental health professionals cannot relax, but must be on guard to continually fight this battle. Women owe Caplan a debt of gratitude for making us aware of this disturbing situation, and feminist groups should offer all appropriate support as this struggle goeS forward. 3tjF is -ttif ft- Book Store News Cont.Emily Nasrallah's FLIGHT AGAINST TIME is a story about the immigrant experience. Nasrallah was born in Kfeir village, South Lebanon. She has published ten books, and won many awards for her writing and journalism. Her home (along with her unpublished manuscripts) was completely destroyed by the war in 1982. When asked why she stayed in such a strife-torn country, she replied that, as a writer, she felt compelled to document the devastating effects of constant war, and in particular the effect on women and children. Nasrallah has repeatedly spoken out in favour of the rights for women in Lebanon. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Matching Canadian women writers create memorable women. This month's quiz is to match the novel's major character with the author. To really test you, the next step is to match character, author and title of the novel. There's a prize, for the first reader to send NWJ the correct answers to this quiz. Character Author Character Author 1. Minn Burge (a) Margaret Atwood 2. Evelyn Hall (b) Marie-Claire Blais 3. Naomi Nakane (c) Anne Cameron 4. Rose (d) Beatrice Culleton 5. Isobel Cleary (e) Marian Engel 6. Chiclet Gomez (1) Janet Turner Hospital 7. Marian McAlpine (g) Joy Kogawa 8. Pauline Archange (h) Margaret Laurence 9. Felicity (1) Alice Munro 10. April Raintree (j) Dorothy O'Connell 11. Anne Gray (k) Jane Rule 12. Stacey McAindra (1) Audrey Thomas Novel 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 7 A15,13 Ni W 0 ./%" A r A. G. AD E 1 I EHN 1 S u B ri NU _1_ y 13 0 0 17 5 ET c o By 1 tn. m E3 E. r7 oBoE PERT E .5 A E. o0p AF E 5 1_ 5 -r RE.HEAF6E E. A !L 7 A NI R. uLE ID the answers to the Woman Words crossword our in last issue. P o,L O o N' S v4 A F L E c. ; 0 o 7.1 Our apologies for neglecting to include R.1 13 E- E6 ) X T a w 0' HEE A L. RoN LA51 0NE N aaT L._ A 0yA ViA,7 E 6 NORTHERN WOMAN page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �CASSETTES AVAILABLE AT THE NORTHERN WOMAN'S BOOKSTORE 184 CAMELOT STREET THUNDER BAY '=_II 11 fil LANIICCILICNIIII Of Films 1JedlIfig WIER INOMCITUS 1984 1985 1985 Delia spent years counselling women to confront their alcoholism and drug addiction while ignoring her own alcoholism. Fi- 12 min. Delia their sobriety is a renewed commitment to their Native Indian culture. sense of self-worth and helping to maintain addiction. A factor contributing to their Recovering alcoholics, two sisters talk about their battle to shake alcohol and drug 15 min Debby and Sharon Related to Turnaround: A Story of Recovery, this series of four films focusses on individual women who are recovering from drug or alcohol dependency. The Recovery Series Aurora House, a residential treatment centre in Vancouver, these women are learning to face painful truths. on alcohol, prescription medication, street drugs, or a combination of these. Living in Five women were brought together by a common illness - all had a dependence 47 min. Turnaround: A Story of Recovery 1985 Office national du film du Canada Well-DeIng 1985 Ontario, the film looks at providing 1985 the NFB office closest to you. March, 1987. For more information, contact also be available from NFB offices as of 16 mm from all National Film Board offices in Canada. Video rental, in VHS format, will These films are available for free loan in therapy for offenders are part of this city's attempt to break the cycle of violence. in London, Ontario. Services for victims and A co-ordinated effort by police, lawyers, doctors and social workers has resulted in an effective response to woman-battering 28 min. Moving On shelter and services for battered women in rural, northern, and native communities. in Filmed in Thompson and Portage La Prairie in Manitoba, and West Bay Reserve 28 min. A Safe Distance taining support and counselling. as a safe place for sharing experiences, ob- Sylvie recreates her experience as a battered woman seeking help at a Montreal transition house. This film emphasizes the importance of women speaking out and points out the role of the transition house 28 mm. Sylvie's1985 Story their lives. support services victims need to rebuild A series of three films that deal with the nature and scope of woman-battering and the The Next Step THE WOMEN'S BODY POLITIC 1985 D.E.S.: An Uncertain Legacy 55 min. in Between 1941 and 1971, a synthetic estrogen, diethylstilbestrol or D.E.S., was prescribed to pregnant women to prevent miscarriages. This practice resulted numerous cases of reproductive and genital abnormalities. This film looks at the development, marketing and medical consequences of D.E.S. 1985 The Best Time of My Life: Portraits of Women in Mid-life 58 min. Reflecting a wide range of income levels, lifestyles, careers and backgrounds, ten women in their middle years share their experiences of menopause. 1986 Is It Hot In Here? A Film About Menopause 36 min. One of the least understood and most universal of women's experiences is menopause. This film is an informative and sometimes humorous look at contemporary social attitudes, symptoms and treatments relating to menopause. 1984 Abortion: Stories from North and South 55 min. treatment that enabled her to gradually build a new life for herself and her son. nally she quit her job and sought the Of the estimated 30 to 50 million induced abortions performed annually, more than half are illegal, and an estimated 84,000 of 1985 Lorri Ruth National Film Board of Canada joined Alcoholics Anonymous. prostitution, Ruth turned to alcohol and drugs. After 18 years of addiction she cape from painful memories of childhood physical, mental and sexual abuse, and At 14 years of age and in search of an es- 14 min. Humiliated by her inability to control her drinking, and feeling confused and suicidal, Lorri committed herself to a psychiatric ward of a hospital, where she recovered. 14 min. them result in death. Filmed in Ireland, Japan, Thailand, Peru, Colombia and Canada, this film is a survey of the realities of abortion. Spirit of the Kata 28 mm. 1985 Five women, all black belts of world-class calibre, discuss how an ancient martial art has transformed their lives. NFB Offices in Canada Halifax: (902) 426-6001 - Sydney: (902) 564-7770 - Saint John: (506) 648-4996 - Moncton: (506) 857-6101 - St. John's: (709) 772-5005 Corner Brook: (709) 637-4499 - Charlottetown: (902) 892-6612 - Montreal: (514) 283-4823 - Chicoutimi: (418) 543-0711 - Quebec: (418) 648-3176 Rimouski: (418) 722-3086 - Rouyn: (819) 762-6051 - Sherbrooke: (819) 565-4915 - Trois-Rivieres: (819) 375-5714 - Toronto: (416) 973-9093 Ottawa: (613) 996-4863 - Hamilton: (416) 572-2347 - Kingston: (613) 545-8056 - Kitchener: (519) 743-2771 - London: (519) 679-4120 North Bay: (705) 472-4740 - Thunder Bay: (807) 623-5224 - Winnipeg: (204) 949-4129 - Regina: (306) 780-5012 - Saskatoon: (306) 975-4246 Calgary: (403) 292-5338 - Edmonton: (403) 420-3010 - Vancouver: (604) 666-0718 - Prince George: (604) 564-5657 - Victoria: (604) 388-3869 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Second Class MAL Registration No. 5697 MAIL TO: INSIDE THIS ISSUE: p2 YOUR VOICE p3 PAY EQUITY p5 UPDATE p6 MICHIGAN WOMYN'S FESTIVAL p7 LEGALLY YOURS/WRITER IN RESIDENCE p8 NO PASERAN RETURN TO: THE NORTHERN WOMAN 184 CAMELOT STREET THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7A 4A9 Return Postage Guaranteed Don't forget to renew your subscription! Here's my sub: p10 IN SEARCH OF A R.E.A.L. WOMAN Name Address pll INTERWEAVE p12 ABORTION ACCESS (postal mode) p14 BOOK REVIEW ladIvidaal $ 5 o lasdtettlooal $10 0 p15 QUIZ ************************************ * WORKERS THIS ISSUE: TANYA SHAW CAROLYN GREENWOOD MARY-ANN KLEYENDORST MARGARET PHILLIPS ROSEMARY PITTIS t *IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR LABEL ? t PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION * * * * * t t*********************************** Northern Woman Journal 184 CAMELOT STREET THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7A 4A9 (FOURISSUES) $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 10 No 4 Description An account of the resource Vol. 10, No. 4 (October 1987) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: Pay Equity Feminist book list Women’s Place Kenora Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival Legal name change World Congress of Women, Moscow Poetry R.E.A.L. women Abortion access INTERWEAVE solidarity initiative Powell Report Book review of The Myth of Women’s Masochism by Paula J. Caplan Feminist film list Authors/Contributors: Liz Poulin Rose Pittis Lynn Beak Josie Wallenius Susan Collins Teresa Mallam Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Margaret Phillips Tanya Shaw Carolyn Greenwood Mary-ann Kleyendorst Rosemary Pittis 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 1987-10 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/16/2801/1987_Vol_11_No_1.pdf 6b80b6abebbd1557ffe94aee3e4fe79d PDF Text Text Northern Woman Journal December 1987 Vol. 11 No. Thunder Bay, Ont. 1 tf.,2_57 A- $1.50 (jet1 /.4e K PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �The Superior Art Collection Press Release You've heard of tailor-made suits, custom-made cars, personalized license plates and designer sheets... Now, some lucky person can get a valuable designer custom-made work of art in a novel fundraising effort announced by the Northern Women's Centre. It's called the Superior Art Collection and involves four local women artists. Three of the works were on display at the Meet-TheArtists Night in October. One was missing...because it hasn't been made yet. That's because fabric and tapestry artist SASHA MCINNES plans to go to the winner's home, inspect the room and its atmosphere, and then design a wall-hanging specifically for that room. McInnes started in the 60s studying weaving in a small village in Peru. Since then her work has been hung extensively in southern Ontario galleries and exhibits and even Premier David Peterson's office. Now a resident of Thunder Bay, she sits on the Ontario Arts Council and the advisory committee for the National Film Board of Canada. Over the years, she has donated over $25,000 worth of art to feminist organizations. However, this is only the second time the artist has donated a customdesigned piece. "I Aid this once before in London, Ontario and the idea really caught on," said McInnes. There will be three other winners in this raffle as well. Local visual artist LORI GILBERT, whose work focuses on portraits influenced by television and old movies, will be donating a portrait of Marlene Deitrich. Gilbert graduated from Lakehead University in 1985 with an honours bachelor of arts as a painting major and participated in many local exhibits including the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Native artist REBECCA BELMORE studied at the Ontario College of Art and won the 1984 Special Juror's Award from the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. She integrates the modern world and the native experience with wit in her art, evident in titles like "I'm a High Tech Tepee Trauma Mama." Belmore will be donating a drawing. The fourth local artist LYNN SHARMAN is currently displaying her work at the Definitely Superior Art Gallery. She will be donating a colour collage. The draw date for the Superior Art Collection is May 24th, taking place at 8 p.m. at the Women's Centre 184 Camelot Street. There will be a total of four winners-one work of art -h.,711"4 Ct v)4. By SASHA McINNES PVp0 talk. Dear Northern Women' A great wk-end with Noreen has put me in the mood to embrace you, if not physically at a distance. It was wonderful to share with her growing network of women in this area who, without too much effort on my part use me as a resource for woman each. The winner need not be in att4 dance. Tickets are $2 each and are available at: the Northern Women's Bookstore or from any Northern Womei Centre volunteer. This is the first major fundra: sing event of the reorganized Women Centre in an effort to broaden theirevenue base beyond government fund: and "get more involvement from the community," said Joan Baril, projec coordinator. The Northern Women's Centre, e! tablished 1973, is a lobbying and support organization for area women For further information contac Joan Baril at 475-6368 or 344-6708, or call Carol Rusak at 475-6382. This has come about entirely as result of the poetry and of course that very prestigious award. I find myself in the position of being taken for granted that I am (1) political, (2) Radical Feminist, which I affirm, (3) Having Crone sight for the spiritual. With all of this I have an interesting journey before me. Many avenues of personal growth in the old religion to explore and the part Dominion Over has played in our oppression. I write letters to the Editor under the pen name Minerva. I can tell both church and state to get their sticky fingers out of our reproductive organs with out getting stoned which could very well happen in this province. My spare bedroom is well used by sisters from out of ONC? c, town just starving for feminist con versation, my bookshelf is current, Sonia Johnsons, Going out of Our Mi and Dalys Pure Lust. As well as Mo er Wit and Starhawks wisdom. The Unitarian Church is very open to the new age they use my poetry for some services and I have a little space in their monthly newsletter. The poetry group I belong to no longer write moon june and flowers they are into justice and dominatio great stuff. Was happy you lost your funding, life is boring when it is predictable. all my love to the Northern Womb that born me Gert Beadl NORTHERN WOMAN page 2 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �EQUALITY AT RISK? THE MEECH LAKE ACCORD The following article has been provided by the Ad Hoc Committee on the Constitution. WHAT WOMEN'S GROUPS ARE SAYING Women's groups across the country have welcomed the Meech Lake Accord for explicitly recognizing Quebec in the Constitution and for acknowledging that Quebec is a distinct society in Canada. But women are insisting that our government clarify the Accord's language and remove any potential risks to our rights. WHAT HAPPENED AT MEECH LAKE? Our governments agreed how to recognize Quebec in the Constitution. They agreed in clause 1 of the Accord that Canada's English and French speaking cultures are a "fundamental characteristic" of Canada, that Quebec is a "distinct society" within Canada, and that federal and provincial governments have roles in maintaining these characteristics. Then, in response to concerns raised by multicultural and native groups, they agreed in clause 16 of of the Accord that future interpretations of these provisions must not affect the rights of these groups. SO HOW IS IT THAT WOMEN'S RIGHTS MAY BE AT RISK? After the Accord was signed on June 3, 1987 and after it was ratified by Quebec on June 23, two things happened that our governments didn't anticipate. First, some Constitutional experts became convinced that the Accord's language puts at risk rights in the Constitutional Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Because some Charter rights (native and multicultural) are given special attention in Clause 16 and others aren't, normal legal practice would mean that other rights as guaranteed in the Charter would not have to be applied to clause 1 with equal care. In fact it is argued that these rights just might not be applied - because elsewhere in the Accord, if the Charter is intended to apply, the Accord says so! (Some governments' advisors have said the rights protected in clause 16 are collective, cultural, and give direction on interpreting law in a cultural and linguistic context. This, they argue, makes them different from women's rights and that's why women's rights aren't mentioned in clause 16. Some experts disagree and also point out that the Courts make no such definitive distinctions - so why should the Accord?) Second, on June 27th, in "the Ontario Bill 30 case", the majority opinion of the Supreme Court of Canada said that sections of the 1867 Constitution Act which are part of the "fundamental compromise" of Confederation are "immune from review", or unaffected, by the Charter of Rights. This may mean any time any government is operating within such sections, including any activities added by clause 1 of the Meech Lake Accord, it might be able to affect Charterbased equality rights. CONCLUSION Women believe that the Accord may risk our rights. We cannot conceive of any reason why Canada's governments should wish Canadian women to bear any risk to our rights, no matter how small some may think this to be. OUR GOVERNMENTS HAVE A DUTY TO FIX THE ACCORD BY CLARIFYING ITS LANGUAGE TO ENSURE OUR RIGHTS. Editor's Note. We understand that the Ontario government will hold Hearings on the Accord early in 1988. Women's groups should prepare now to make presentations to the Hearings. For more information contact the Ad Hoc Committee of Women on the Constitution, 118 Spruce St., Toronto, M5A 2J5, phone Pat Hacker or Linda Nye (416) 960-8417. .#....*******t*****.,,.******,.*****.*******.*********.***#*,*****..*****.*********+*#*#*.o.*****#***************** Most Important Books II I II III III by MARGARET PHILLIPS People who are "readers" love to know what other "readers" are reading. The casual question "What have you read this month?" or "What is your favourite novel?" can promote hours of animated conversation. With this in mind I decided to do a small survey for the Journal. I called a number of readers I know and suggested the following scenario: "Imagine that your entire personal library has disappeared. However, two friends are going to start re-building your library by giving you books for Christmas. What two books will you choose? Why?" Here are the responses. (I do apologize to my friends who became panic-stricken at the thought of losing their libraries.) Joan Baril: MAN MADE LANGUAGE by Dale Spender "because it unlocks the mystery of exactly how men have oppressed women through language". and NOT IN GOD'S IMAGE by Julia O'Faolian, which "is the best analysis I have read ... has an excellent grasp ... a historical sweep." Donna Phoenix: DREAMING THE DARK by Starhawk, "an empowering book .. .. made me feel I can do anything", MISTS OF AVALON by Marion Zimmer Bradley, "..took me away... and changed history." Lisa Bengtsson: FEMINIST THEORISTS, edited by Dale Spender. "History unfolded. I keep going back to it." SALT AND YEAST by Gert Beadle ".. is symbolic, the spirit of the times, and the connections I made with women all over Northwestern Ontario." Teresa Legowski: MISTS OF AVALON by Marion Zimmer Bradley. "I just loved it .. it's so well written, well researched. It's MAGIC. It has everything I like about a book. THE GOLDEN NOTEBOOK by Doris Lessing "is so powerful... very deep in exploring the psyche... fascinating from all aspects. Josie Wallenius: HOW THE OTHER HALF DIES by Susan George. "George wanted to understand for herself what was wrong with development, so she closeted herself and read and read, and she felt compelled to write a book about it. Everyone should read this." I, RIGOBERTA MENCHU "is a personal testimony of a Guatemalan woman about her life and the Indian people's struggle. It was hard to read this book but I'm glad I did. There is a message... and I heard the message." Helen Halet: MOTHERPEACE by Vicki Noble and THE GUIDE TO THE I CHING by Carol Anthony "because these are the tools I use and need on my journey down the path of life." Donna Gilhooly: BURGER'S DAUGHTER by Nadine Gordimer .."really awakened me to the issue of apartheid. Gordimer is one of the best writers alive.': THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ALICE B. TOKLAS by Gertrude Stein, "gave me personal insight into the lives of writers and artists of a famous period ... and still has impact today in terms of painting I like and what I read." Prue Morton: THE STONE ANGEL by Margaret Laurence, "gives a wonderful picture - in relationship to their former lives - of the difficulty experienced by no longer being independent", and MIDDLEMARCH by George Eliot "is a truly wonderful book." Karen Maki: A SPY IN THE HOUSE OF LOVE by Anais Nin, " ..it's like an intellectual conversation with herself ... I was fascinated because when I re-read this I found it completely different from the first time I read it. Finally my own choices: THE GOLDEN NOTEBOOK by Doris Lessing, which caused me to begin to understand the universality of all women's lives, an analysis I keep trying to mature; and SURFACING by Margaret Atwood, for the same reason, and besides it is so wonderfully Canadian. NORTHERN WOMAN page 3 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Bill 7 :Real Protection for Lesbians? by Cindy Moriarty Reprinted from"breaking the silence" On December 18, 1986, after a year of discussion, debate, vicious attack and spirited support, the Human Rights Code of Ontario was amended to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. The new legislation guarantees homosexuals rights to housing, employment, services, contracts, and membership in vocational groups such as trade unions and professional associations. As a lesbian working in the office of the MPP who introduced the amendment Bill 7, to Ontario's Human Rights Code, I was privy to a unique view of the lobbying that occurred beforehand. Across Ontario, there were equal numbers of proponents and opponents. Since my boss, Evelyn Gigantes (NDP, Ottawa Centre) introduced Bill 7, her support was guaranteed. Those supporting the Bill wisely chose to direct their lobbying efforts elsewhere. The opponents, however, were another story. Our office was inundated with calls and mail voicing fear, hate, distortion and every once in a while, hostile civility. The lobby against the amendment was closely connected to the antifeminist movement. In the Ontario Legislature, Evelyn Gigantes said: "The sexual pecking order is intimately linked to the economic pecking order of our society. Any man who declares that he is not a fullblooded man of whatever macho notion is, simply, a traitor to the most important system. It is the ultimate act of treason to the system. The system is one which connects the notion of men's "ownership" rights and role in the family structure, with the rights and privileges of owners in the economy... women don't rate as traitors. They can be rebels against authority, but not traitors because it's not their system. ...There are 125 elected representatives in the Ontario Legislature; 10 are women. If the sexual numbers and the social powers were reversed, I believe the clauses of section 18 relating to sexual orientation might not even be necessary. ...It is the maleness of economic and social domination of our society that is threatened by this reform, not the womanness or the childness, but the maleness that so profits by its domination through being male."1 ...little thought to lesbians. Opponents saw homosexuality, at best, as unnatural; at worst, as the root of all evil, responsible for the destruction of society, and as the leading cause of child molestation. Among this homophobic insanity one thing was abundantly clear: people thought the bill concerned gays; they gave little thought to lesbians. Over the years I have learned, personally and politically, all about lesbian invisibility, but it has never been so clear to me as during the lobbying process. As a feminist, I've been speaking and educating and rabble-rousing for years. I've dealt with all sorts of confrontations and attacks for my beliefs, As my life has changed, I have gained the "privilege" of dealing with issues on a quasi-intellectual level. Reaction to the Bill eroded my intellectual armour and everything was brought down to gut-level emotions. I was exposed daily to raw hate and fear that bordered on panic. The ugliness and distortion often made it impossible to comprehend the limits of human tolerance. No knowledge, intellectual understanding or analysis hits home like knowledge of the heart. For me that knowledge came with identifying myself as a lesbian. Lesbians are women, and women have never been a big deal (except to other women). Men were the big deal. Gay Men. Depraved men assaulting young boys. Assaulting young girls and women has never been a big deal. closet, but'a lesbian has to be pretty much "out" to lodge a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.The woman whose personal security is threatened unless she keeps her lifestyle private, will not be able to walk into her office and ask that her lover be covered under the pension plan. Landlords and employers can always find other avenues of discrimination and other reasons for dismissal or eviction. The law does not protect us against exile and family outrage. Often, we will be on trial and we will still have to prove our "innocence." .. qualified optimism. EGALE (Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere) is a national lobbying group based in Ottawa that co-ordinated a tremendous campaign around Bill 7 and is continuing its efforts on the federal level. Debbie Hughes of EGALE expressed qualified optimism. She sees Bill 7 as helpful, but is not convinced it will change much without federal legislation. "You have to be out to use Bill 7 and in order to be out you have to be very vulnerable." Ironically, Hughes says homophobic hysteria might ultimately work in our favour. She explains that legislators who might not no have voted in favour of the Bill did so in reaction to the hatre and viciousness expressed by the opposition. The more hysterical and vindictive those lobbying against the Pill became, the more apparent it was to the fence sitters where logic lay. From R.EA.L. Women to religious and business coalitions, the opposition stormed Queen's Park, but like all storms their protest blew over and the skies cleared with the passing of the Bill. Does the new legislation mean protection for gays and lesbians under the Human Rights Code? I believe the legislation has provided us with a battle-ground and not necessarily a victory. The onus remains on us to complain against discrimination to the Human Rights Commission. While the Bill provides a signal to employers, service deliverers and legislators, it does not solve an age-old problem. Rather, it provides a starting point for discussion and reform. It brings the issue out of the And what impact will Bill 7 have on the Charter of Rights? Speculator wonder about past provincial cases and the implications of Bill 7 befor the federal courts. Federal government policy says that "sexual orientation is irrelevant to whether one can perform a job or use a service or facility." Further, "sexual orientation is not grounds for denial of security clearance, or basis for discrimination within federal jurisdiction"2 Discrimination continues in employment practices, particularly within the RCMP and armed services. Federal policy may not be law, but I would wager it's one of the few federal government policies that can be so blatantly ignored by its own ministries. continued on p15 NORTHERN WOMAN page 4 web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor PDF compression, OCR, �Swimming Up St r Keynote addka to the INTERWEAVE ConAekence had Octobek 1987, by Makiana Vatvekde The title of my talk tonight is Swimming Upstream: Women's Collectives and Class, Race and the State. I would like to begin by relating an anecdote, a common incident, and unpacking that to get at the larger problems of trying to organize women's collectives in a social system that encourages neither women nor collectives, much less the combination of both. A few years ago I went with a couple of other women from my group (the International Women's Day Committee in Toronto) to open a bank account. The clerk got out some forms for us to fill out. We were first asked if we were a business. "Not really" was the sheepish answer. "We're more like a non-profit organization, and we're not incorporated". She looked at us and said "Well, all right. Then I only need the signature of the president, vice-president and secretary." So we looked at each other, smiled, and quickly came to an artibrary decision about who would put her name to each of these alien categories. Thee clerk, needless to say, couldn't understand why we were amused. Two conclusions arise from this. First, the hank does not exist to serve customers like us. It is there to make profits by providing a service, primarily to other businesses and secondarily to individuals. With the remarkable flexibility of modern capitalism, it does allow for the existence of alternative forms among their customers, such as non-profit, nonincorporated groups; but it first has to symbolically destroy our collective structure and replace it by the hierarchial form which is the only valid one in its books. Secondly, the bank not only fails to recognize collectives, but, more importantly for the clerk, it is itself not a collective. One could go on to analyze our interaction with the bank to reveal other levels of anti-collective and anti-woman structures. For instance, we could find out how the government's agencies for financial institutions reinforce the bank's insistence on hierarchy through laws and regulations that define who the band can deal with and how. This would lead us into the terrain of "the state". Then, while standing around at the counter, we could note that not everyone at this bank does the same work or has the same authority - certain people sit at desks and have their own office and phone, while others stand all day and process papers according to what appear to be routine procedures rather than intelligent decisions. Having noticed the texture of class relations, we could go on to note the ethnicity and gender of the two main class groups in evidence, i.e. clerks vs managers, and begin to theorize the relationship between class on the one hand and ethnicity and gender on the other. In the incident I have described, gender was not the main dividing line. There were no men present (at this particular branch even the manager is a woman), and whether our group was mostly men or mostly women was not relevant - though of course it would be very relevant in other contexts. But the crucial contradiction here was not between women and patriarchy but rather between a highly sophisicated capitalist structure (the Canadian Imperialist Bank of Commerce, to be precise) and a small organization based on the rejection of both individualism and hierarchy, the twin organizing principles of capitalist social relations. It's important to realize that many of the problems we experience in trying to function according to "feminist" principles are not caused by our own failings as individuals or as groups, nor are they due to inadequacies in feminist theory. Rather, most of what we think of as "our" problems are inevitable results of the social structures of bourgeois society, which I would define as a society in which the economic and cultural values of the bourgeoisie appear to be everyone's values, universal values. Bourgeois society imposes serious limitations on our ability to organize. It does not do so (usually) by the use of brute force against groups like ours. (Although it must be noted that force is always there in the background - for instance, the leaders of CUPW recently faced going to jail for defying back-to-work legislation; and more relevant to my example of opening a bank account, the new legislation states that anyone defying it cannot hold union office for five years - a clear case of the government imposing a certain form of organization on a group.) But direct force is seldom used in our society; it doesn't have to be used. The structures of capitalist economic relations and bourgeois social relations are like the walls of the houses we live in, or like the design of streets and sidewalks - we are so used to them, and they are so cleverly disguised as aids to facilitate safety and order, that we forget that they confine us, that we forget to ask who put them there and for what purpose. It is by surrounding us with social structures that appear as natural and normal that the bourgeosie can continue to rule with the consent of the ruled - for who will rebel against what is natural and normal? This process of disguising what is good for business as what is good for everyone is what is known in Marxist theory as "hegemony" - the subtle process by which a ruling class generates consent rather than opposition Patriarchy too is most effective when it can rule through hegemony, rather than through the direct coercion of women. And in a capitalist patriarchal system as sophisticated as the one in which we live, it can take a great deal of effort to expose the mechanisms of hegemony - to give a small example, it took me a while to unpack the interaction that took place between the collective and the bank. There are some women, some feminists, who are not interested in challenging the mechanisms of hegemony. Many people would rather not question these allegedly neutral structures, which do indeed facilitate business transactions such as opening an account, and which even allow us to have a collective, as long as we don't question the structures of capital. Some feminists want to be allowed access to the system as it exists, to share the economic and social power now exercised primarily by men. But I, and I suspect most of us here, are more interested in changing both the SOURCES anti the STRUCTURES of power. And that will involve destroying the structures that have determined and limited our political work, and replacing them by truly democratic structures that empower people. Our goal is women's liberation (as opposed to women's access to the status quo, which is not liberation but merely participation). This goal necessarily involves not only modifying but revolutionizing the economic structure of our society. In our society human needs are only met if, and insofar as, meeting them happens to create a profit for corporations. The profit motive needs to be replaced by the only legitimate motive of economic life, i.e. meeting human needs. Once we determine our goal in economic policy, we can devise new structures that facilitate this goal. This does not mean that we all have to take Karl Marx for our Bible K or believe that the Soviet Union is paradise. Marx himself said that to be a socialist was "not to create recipes for the kitchens of the future" but rather to clearly oppose the inhuman aspects of capitalist society. Feminists may or may not be Marxists, may or may not think that so-called socialist societies have improved the condition of women: but any feminist who wants to change the structures of power as opposed to participating in them has to be anticapitalist. cont'd on pg. 13 NORTHERN WOMAN page 5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �By Joni Mace The Ministry of Community and Social Services announced recently that a new set of provincial guidelines have been set up, and are in effect as of November 1, 1987. The new provincial guidelines create a change in the implementation of welfare workers responsibilities, which included inspecting the homes of recipients for signs of live-in companions. Pre-Guideline rules forbade recipients from sharing residence as the live-in companion was assumed to be contributing to the welfare recipient's income. Any recipient found to be living with someone, immedietely had their welfare income cut. The guidelines change this in that it now allows the recipient to have a line -in companion as long as they reside together less than three years. After three years the relationship is considered common law, and the couple is legally obliged to share support. Ontario s the first province to enact the policy which has particular significance to women- rierze guidelines prevent inspectors from using a woman's sex live to determine her eligibility for welfare. A single woman can now be denied welfare-only,if she lives with someone who is legally obliged to support her or her children or provide a significant economic contribution to the household. About'50% of municipalities who administer welfare oppose the policy complaining that it will cause increased workloads and encourage "cheating", as it is possible for one person to be employed full-time with another in the same household collecting public assistance. The changes are expected to ell.-tend eligibility for benefits to 99000 sole-support parents in Ontario by spring of 1989. A new national action group wants to help 95,000 Canadian women who missed filing a claim against the manufacturer of the Dalkon Shield. Dalkon Shield Action Canada was begun after an unsuccessful attempt to have the filing date of April 30, 1986 extended. The group is trying to reach the women who missed the date. The lawyer appealing the decision is optimistic, and is supported by a growing national membership in Dalkon Shield Action Canada. For further information write Dalkon Shield Action Canada c/o Vancouver Women's Health Collective 888 Burrard St. Vancouver, BC V62 1X9. Thunder Bay resident Susan Collins whose work has appeared many times in Northern Woman Journal, has had a short story accepted for publication recently. The Labour, a piece that appeared in the Journal a few years ago was accepted by Fitzhenry and Whiteside for their Canadian Anthology titled Celebrating_ Canadian Women. We congratulate Susan, and wish her luck with future work. The National Organization for Women in its 20th anniversary year has produces a video cassette commemorating two decades of progress for women's rights, as well as a look to the future. The NOW news release describes th-l.s video, based on the December 1, 1986 show featuring more than 100 actors and entertainers, as'a serious, yet humorous look at women's lives over the past 20 years. The film features celebritInies describing landmark events. terspersed with historical film clips, two major film essays narrated by Marlo Thomas (one on the Vermont state ERA campaign and one on Title IX), a monologue by Lily Tomlin and an inspirational speech by NOW President Eleanor Smeal. Also in the video are five musical numbers-- "Miss Celie's Blues" performed by Marlette Hartley, "I am Woman" performed by Helen Reddy, and "Sisters are Doing It For Themselves" performed by Mara Getz and Alaina Reed, "All Girl Band" performed by Edie Adams, Alaina Reed and Jackee Harry, and "Together We Can Make the Dream Come True", a song written especially for the show by Melissa Manchester and Carol Bayer Sager, and performed by Ms. Manchester -all accompanied by a 31-piece orchestra conducted by Peter Matz, The show was written specifically to include historical glimpses of the whole period and many issues. of the women's rights movement. The videocassette itself is a part of living history -- suitable for classrooms, public events and individual entertainment. Inquiries may be directed to: Peg Yorkin Productions 8105 West Third St. Suite i1 Los Angeles, CA 90048 Every two years, since 1984, women involved in feminist publishing meet at an International Feminist Book Fair. The first fair was held in London in 1984, the second in Oslo in 1986, and the third is being planned for June 14-21, 1988 in Montreal. Bringing together editors of books, magazines and newspapers with writers, translators, distributors and booksellers from around the world, the International Feminist Book Fair provides a unique forum for feminists to network and discover each other's work at the same time as making feminist authors known to a wider audience. The event permits an exchange across continents, languages and discip- The two official language will be French and English but we hope to hold some events in Spanish We are committed to facilitating fruitful and thought-provoking exchanges amongst feminists and lesbians through the conferences, readings, and panels that will be held during the week. We wish to provid a forum in which a diversity of voices can be heard, especially those which are so often censored elsewhere. In order to organize this even the fair organizers are urgently in need of funds Your contribution can help send out press releases, make the necessary international contacts and pay the Xerox and Government grants phone bills are pending, but private funds will be vital to the success of the Book Fair. Needless to say, the sooner Contributors' names the better! will be published in the official program of the Fair unless requested otherwise. (Send donations to: International Feminist Book Fair, 420 est, rue Rachel, Montreal Quebec, H2J 2G7, or call (514) 844America. . 3277). (Broadside, Oct. 1987) The Gallerie Annual is a new women's publication devoted to women's art and women artists. Gallerie will be published once a year, with the first issue appearir, in June 1988. The magazine will feature approximately 40 women artists. Most of the publication will be filled with photographs of their work, alongside their own descriptions of their art and their philosophy. Gallerie will also include articles addressing issued of lesbian cultur and history, women's cultural organ izations, our autonomous culture an women in popular culture, the avent garde, and mass media. Gallerie will also publish ann ouncements and advertisements from women's presses, women's galleries, women's music distributors, and oth cultural organizations that promote and encourage the work of women artists. Gallerie is now calling for en tries from all women artists regardless of medium. Information on how to submit can be obtained from Gallerie Publications 2901 Panorama Dr. North Vancouver, BC V7G 2A4 lines. The third Fair remains committed to the international character of the previous fairs, reflecting the plurality of woman's experience from various cultural and economic backgrounds. As this is the first time it will be held on the American continent, a special invitation is extended to women from Latin Healthsharing Cont'd on pg. NORTHERN WOMAN page 6 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Ontario Women's Directorate With this issue, the Ontario Women's Directorate commences its sponsorship of this page in the Journal. We intend to provide news items on issues of interest to women in the north - and hope to receive help. If you have any information to go on this page, (or even a title for it) please call us collect at 475-1481. HAPPY READING - Lynn Beak, Rae Anne Honey and Judy Decicco itiriOriOriggiFriPriP710KIOKIPIPIPAPI CONGRATULATIONS WOMEN'S PLACE KENORA After working for years for women in the north, Women's Place finally has a PLACE - it's large warm and wonderful. Thanks for asking us to be part of the official opening. Congratulations to all who have worked so hard for so long. May you continue in the spirit of women. OWD COMMUNITY GRANTS COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM funds community-based activities which enrich the economic, legal and social equality of women. Priority issue projects such as employment, family violence, child care should target the needs of women - northern, native, low income, visible minority, immigrant, disabled and elderly women. This year funding has been provided to the following: Rural Women's Network - a conference attended by approximately 80 rural and urban women, was an information sharing and support system for a network of women in the Rainy River/Fort Francis district. Women's Centre Interweave conference of provincial women's centres focused on the future of RESOURCE CENTRE The Northern Office has an extensive collection of publications, articles, books and audiovisual materials. Items may be borrowed from the centre for a period of two weeks. The most recent publications are in boxes waiting for the move to our new space on Johnson Avenue. Some of the new additions are: Women and Mental Health in Canada: Strategies for Change. CMHA, April 1987. Proceedings of the National Consultation on Women and Drugs, Health and Welfare Canada, 1987. Economic Status of Native Women in Ontario Marriage as an Equal Partnership, A Guide to the Family Law Act, Ministry of the Attorney General, 1987 Support and Custody Enforcement Program, Ministry of the Attorney General, 1987. Where Do I Stand? A child's legal guide to separation and divorce, Ministry of the Attorney General, ................. 1987 UPCOMING EVENTS Women's Health Information Network2nd Annual Health Conference HEALTHY HERIZONS January 29, 30, 31, 1988 Ramada Inn Training seminar on PAY EQUITYco-sponsored by Ontario Women's Directorate, Lakehead University, City of Thunder Bay and the Industrial and Business Training Department of Confederation College January 22, 1988 Seminar Centre of Confederation College SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT UPDATE On November 30, 1987 women trying to locate spouses who have defaulted on alimony or child support will have access to federal government data banks to assist in locating the defaulter. The Support Enforcement office in Thunder Bay (1-800-465-6828) can obtain this information. Next year, women will be able to garnishee unemployment insurance payments, tax refunds, pension cheques and other federal benefits for unpaid support. NATIVE FAMILY VIOLENCE HELLO! WE NEED YOUR HELP. The Ontario Native Women's Association is currently conducting preliminary research into Native Family Violence. If you are aware of any research, material or conferences scheduled in the past, present, or for the future, please call us COLLECT at (807) 345-9821...Philip or Jessie. umm..amm..401...4111111110-4111111111414111. 1987 EMPLOYMENT EQUITY AWARDS The Directorate has been encouraging the planning, development and expansion of employment equity programs in Ontario's public and private sectors. The winners of the 1987 Employment Equity Awards have implemented employment equity programs that fit the needs of and benefit both employees and employer. They are: .WATERLOO COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION .CITY OF OTTAWA .GENERAL MOTORS OF CANADA LTD and THE CANADIAN AUTO WORKERS UNION .DUPONT CANADA INC. Northwestern Ontario Regional Day Care Forum 1988 February 5 and 6 Red Oak Inn centres. Les Elles du Nord-87 francophone women from Geraldton, Nakina and Longlac gathered to share information, experiences and provide encouragement in decisionmaking on women's issues. Sasha McInnes received funding to assist in the completion of her works to be on display at the London Regional Art Gallery and Ontario North. Northwestern Ontario Regional Day Care Committee Forum regional representatives met in Thunder Bay to strategize around the day care Family Law Workshop for Ethnic Women Saturday March 5 from 9:00-1:00 Shuniah Building, Confederation College Women in Unions: Participation, Power, Payoff District Conference March 11, 12 and 13 Valhalla Inn - Planned Spring conference of Northern Ontario Women - WATCH FOR TIME AND PLACE issue. Women and Disabilities conference held in April focused on identified concerns with workshop on assertiveness, communications and sexuality. The Cycle of Violence conference coordinated by the Interagency Education Organization was held in October to create greater awareness, understanding and sensitivity about the issue of family violence among the helping professions. Women's Health Information Network (WHIN) will be hosting Healthy Herizons in late January 1988. FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION The Directorate will again be awarding grants to community based groups to sponsor local events during FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION SUMMER EXPERIENCE 1988 The DireCtorate is hoping to have funding for Summer Experience student grants in 1988. In the past, we have funded a student who researched the needs of ex-residents for Faye Peterson House, a student who coordinated a conference for the Women's Health Information Network and three students who developed child care programs in the crisis centres for battered women in Atikokan, Dryden and Sioux'Lookout. If your organization is interested, contact our office for further information in March 1988. MONTH. Grants allow groups to continue to heighten awareness about wife assault and to mobilize support from the community in an effort to prevent this serious social problem. Last year funding was provided to projects ranging from panel discussions, advertisements in local media, production of brochures, to posters and videos. This page is sponsored by the Ontario Women's Directorate. The material contained on it may be photocopied and distributed without permission, but with credit to the original source or the Ontario Women's Directorate. NORTHERN WOMAN page 7 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �HOME VIDEO equation(s) un dying Caresses are revolutionary. If there were three sexes I would be...triactual. I slip through the ice to caress your foot (counting the bones in my hand I lose sight of your other words). The opening grows and I am at your knees reaching up slowly to draw a breath I put on you. my tongue on your (breath) and begin to pull, back and forth, to be shouldered on an even flight above the surface of the thinly frozen water we divide. You ask me if I fished as a child and I look behind your eyes. The pike streaming its way across your lake bottom glows and fans a trail of ack-ack torpedoes (milk drops). We are fish on manoeuvre. Above the water line the two people look for condoms knowing the Shakesperian "to die" "to die in your arms" means I could die you could die. Dying to know who killed us Narcissus moves into fourth gear on all terrain. Your flight into my fancy has all the grace of a tank muffling the noise of its warring advance with chamois treads a pair of never-ending skin mukluks that rotate and grind the earth without a sound. I am lying here in the earth smelling the wind until you decipher the true meaning of the word camouflage. NORTHERN WOMAN page 8 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �I hide behind a rock disguise myself with grey stone face/ lattice lichen hair I hover while you advance onyour true course.. glancing at the control panel, turning what you think are the right knobs to the East to the West, a book lying open in your palm lap. I am earth. I have begun my descent to the bottom-most layer of my mother's crust. I will rise again and with my spirit eye my fingers will push forth green sprout buddings & raw red bleeding flowers will heal the snow. If you blast them with fire, flame-thrower, I will reach around the damp underside of a rotting log and place clots of decomposing wood on your eyes until you heal. You throw your voice. The lines you quote in dense support of your open book theory are the same ones that suffocated your mother, now at work, unseen. I ask simply that you place your hands on the outer edge of. a northern swamp make a triangle with your index fingers and thumbs and (facing North) consider your source. sharman (lynne) 11/28/87 0,4 0,-;0 NORTHERN )OMAN page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �DAY CARE NEWS By MARGARET PHILLIPS After four years in the making, the federal government, on December 3rd, 1987, finally unveiled its new child care "policy". Sadly, it is not a policy that will in any way solve the day care crisis that Canadians are experiencing. In fact, the implementation of this policy could be a serious set-back to the development of the comprehensive, quality, child care system we have long been advocating. $5.4 billion dollars to be spent over seven years. Sounds like a lot of money doesn't it? But when we also hear that $54 billion will be spent on submarines the perspective becomes clearer. Even the $5.4 billion figure is misleading because when you subtract (a) the $1 billion already in the system, and (b) the $2.3 billion allocated to tax breaks, it leaves only $2.1 billion to be spent on day care. We're told that over seven years this will create 200,000 new licensed day care spaces .. i.e. 28,570 spaces per year. Yet, at this moment, over 2,000,000 Canadian children require non-parental care for at least part of each week. Considering that only 50% of families might choose licensed day care it still means that 1,000,000 new day care spaces are needed right now. And we are expected to be grateful for 28,570 spaces? It is clear that the government chose not to listen to the recommendations made by day care parents and advocates. Having attended the Special Committee on Child Care hearings both in Dryden and Thunder Bay, I know what Northwestern Ontario parents said. Consistently, NWO representations advocated a comprehensive, high-quality, non-profit day care system. A system that provides a range of services to meet the needs of children of all ages and abilities. A system that is accessible to all families irrespective of their eco- nomic status, employment status or geographic residence. A system that is sensitive to the cultural and linguistic diversity of our society. A system that values the work of child care staff and rewards staff with adequate wages and benefits, A system that ensures parental involvement. In short, Northwestern Ontario parents want a COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM. Not one Northwestern Ontario representation recommended tax breaks. Yet more new $ are going to tax deductions and credits than will go to a day care system. While the child care tax deduction may be a politically popular move it must be understood that this deduction does not reimburse the child care fee, it simply reduces the amount of taxable income. Consequently this deduction is of most benefit to high income earners; low income people will receive little, if any, benefit. Further, tax deductions only serve families who are presently using receipted care (in the main those using licensed services, as baby-sitters rarely give receipts). Thus it primarily helps families using existing day care services... it will do nothing ase the availability of licensed, quality care. Then there is the matter of the tax credits .. available to low income families who don't use day care or use unregulated care. Let me state clearly that I am not against tax reform. Nor am I opposed to mothers who work only in the home being monetarily compensated for their valuable - and long unrecognized work. Although $100 a year is such sheer tokenism that it can scarcely be considered recognition. (In fact this $100 merely gives back the money that was taken away when family allowances were de-ind- What does this new child care policy mean for Northwestern Ontario It means that we must again scramble for whichever of these piece-meal me sures might provide us a little help The most positive initiative announced is the federal contribution to capital costs .. to be shared 75 %25% with the provinces. Hopefully some Northwestern Ontario communitie can benefit from this program. An initiative has also been pro mised for rural, native, special needs, and shift work programs. However the $ allocation is insufficien to address this priority need and will do little more than provide a few "pilot projects". The impact of the new policy is somewhat unclear in respect to commercial day care, with the issue being placed in the hands of the provinces. Some analysts suggest that the doors have been opened wide for commercial expansion. Clearly, this situation must be monitored closely and the Ontario government pressured to prevent the problem of commercial care developing in our region. Because of the federal government's piece-meal non-solution to the day care crisis, NWO day care ad vocates must continue to be vigilant in pressing for day care reform and new initiatives that will meet our needs. The new federal policy (along with provincial and municipal concerns) will be the subject of discussion at the Northwestern Ontario Regional Day Care Forum to be held in Thunder Bay in February. Readers interested in more information about the Forum should contact NWO R.D.C.0 Box 144, Thunder Bay, Ont. exed.) What I do object to is including tax breaks under the guise of day care initiatives. Tax reform is the jurisdiction of the Finance Minister. Child care is the jurisdiction of the Minister of Health and Welfare. They are separate concepts and must be viewed so. The result of lumping these concepts together is to pit at-home mothers against mothers in the labour force. Pitting women against women serves only the (male) politicians. It does not serve women. It certainly does not serve children. Listening to the public debate that is now flourishing about the federal policy I am struck by the focus of discussion on mothers/parents. How easily we ignore that what this is all about is children. a- e-rr NORTHERN WOMAN page 10 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �R eviews MUSIC Reviewed by JOAN BARIL. THE INTENTION, THE BLUE, by KIM ERICKSON Her voice is liquid crystal. The piano lines are as clear and spare as a northern winter night. Kim Erickson, in her first recording, uses that voice and piano to blend blues and New Age into something startling and unique. She mixes in nature sounds, African beats, and zen-like chimes into a minimalist accompaniment. Kim is one of the few Thunder Bay women musicians who have been independently produced. Previous to this disc which was originally recorded in Ottawa in 1982, Kim has worked with Sneezy Waters, Ian Tamblyn, Lois Garrity and Laurie Conger. Kim is a classically trained musician like her friend Laurie Conger, and she is a wearer of many hats singer, composer, performer, piano teacher, as well as wife and mother of daughter Reija, 21/2. At present she is studying with acclaimed voice teacher Annechien Menso in Holland, made possible by a Canada Council "Kim is more than a performer" says long-time friend Estella Howard. "Her music comes from the spirit, from a strong place within her. It's part of her study to go deeper to the centre. Her music comes from a strong centre but it's full of the spirit, full of heart." award. "The slow blues", Duke Ellington once said, "are the hardest thing of all." On the flip side of the disc, Kim sails through four traditional blues numbers with matchless phrasing and soul. The first side consists of her own compositions including the lovely instrumental, "The Intention". as well as her own arrangements of traditional tunes such as Corinna. The mixes of new and traditional beats, African and Zen, result in an almost mystical synthesis. BOOKS Reviewed by DIANA -MARIE KORBISSER STOLZ BEING PREGNANT CONVERSATIONS WITH WOMEN by Daphne Morrison I would not recommend this book to any pregnant woman. The idea, conversations with women on being pregnant, is good and the foreward by the author, Daphne Morrison, is warm and inviting. It is a moving account of fifteen women's experiences of pregnancy and childbirth but the overall tone is too sharp with unresolved sadness, tragedy and despair. All of these aspects and more may be a part of any pregnancy. I have heard too many fairy tales and am a strong advocate of dispelling myths but, at such a tenuous and vulnerable time in a woman's life, I think it is essential that truths be told constructively. We need support to help us overcome the shock of discovering that we have been lied to. This crucial element is missing, making the book too harsh and depressing as prenatal reading. I do recommend it for reading as a frank case study of women and pregnancy representative ent ages, cultures, ethnic backgrounds and social strata. The verbatim accounts are personal and powerful glimpses of the lives and struggles of women who have conceived, deliberately or unintentionally. You will be moved and struck by their honesty and courage. You will be stunned and outraged by some of their circumstances. Read it - well before or after your pregnancy. KWATCOMPAlit ANSWERS to MATCHING QUIZ Volume 10 #4 Character Author Novel Minn Burge Evelyn Hall Naomi Nakane Rose Isobel Cleary Chiclet Gomez Marian McAlpine Pauline Archange Felicity April Raintree Anne Gray Stacey McAindra Marian Engel Jane Rule Joy Kogawa Alice Munro Audrey Thomas Dorothy O'Connell Margaret Atwood Marie-Claire Blais Janet Turner Hospital Beatrice Culleton Anne Cameron Margaret Laurence The Honeyman Festival Desert of the Heart Obasan Who Do You Think You Are Songs My Mother Taught Me Chicket Gomez The Edible Woman The Manuscripts of Pauline Archange Borderline In Search of April Raintree The Journey The Fire Dwellers For the millions who can't read Give the gift of literacy More than four million adult Canadians can't read well enough to fill out a job application or understand the directions on a medicine bottle. You can help. Give money, volunteer with a literacy group, write to your MP, and read to your children. For more information, contact: Canadian Give the Gift of literacy Foundation 34 Ross St., Suite 200, Toronto, Ont. M5T 1Z9 (416) 595-9967 1,4 The Canadian Give the Gift of Literacy Campaign is a project of the book and periodical industry of Canada, in partnership with Telephone Pioneers of America, Regions- Canada. NORTHERN WOMAN page 11 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �* UPDATE continued from p6 The task force on the implementation of midwifery in Ontario 7released a report recently that was enthusiastically received by feminists, midwives, parents and childbirth educators. Canada is currently the only industrialized western country that has no provisions for midwives. In early 1986, then health minister Murray Elston announced the government's intentions to establish midwifery as a recognized part of the provincial health care system. Thus, the task force was created to discover issues such as midwifery practice, means of education, guidelines for entrance, operating procedures, and midwife/doctor relationships. The resulting report outlines 70 recommentations and predicts the legalization of midwifery in the province by as early as 1990. The report has provided the government with an excellent tool with which to integrate midwives into the health care system with recommendations such as: direct-entry midwifery education, making midwifery a self-regulating profession, developing a system of thorough assesment, licensing and integration of currently practicing midwives, provisions for midwives to work in hospitals, birthing centres and in the community including home births. The association of Ontario mi wives is the current governing boc for all practising midwives. The recommendations will legitimize a association as well as set up a cc ege of midwives. The report sugge that midwifery education be at the university level, and that a cours be accessable to Northern Ontario residents by recognition of course credits obtained at other universi The legalization of the pract ice will make midwifery financiall feasible for everyone. Where the fees for midwife se/ 7Aces have bee as much as $1,200, the legalizatic will allow for coverage under O.H. Midwives will have more legitimate medical back-up both in hospital and home settings. THE WIFE WILL HAVE TO TAKE RETRAINING The Judgement See the petty gift. She says she is a dezented wiee. No one cooed possibty teave het. Theteeote, He must have had a good teason. See the pretty gitt. Anyone wowed want het. She cooed have had every guy in town, Theteeote, I ass4me she did. See the pnetty gint. She wants support eot hetsete, She wants suppott eot het chitd, She's bateey otd enough To be in the wotkeotce, And she want's to be pensioned oei! I wLU not gtant suppokt, Het husband hats deb-to to pay: He haZ td pay eotWU can He has to pay 04 his stereo He has to pay Sot his cotot T,V, Besides; It wowed onty come oee o4 her Weteate. Go home, Putty Gikt, your mat tiage was only a joke, And you eat eot it. Go home, Ptetty Gitt, So we can stop taughing Suzan Gait Cotti_m Whete ate you Odd Canadian Sisteks Now that I wowed settee eot good convetsation? Where ate you, whose vitgin sout has not been penetrated by men's phantasy? Whose kites oe passage were through the mine {feeds oe eeminism Ake you tost among the btue hair oe the ttaditionat gkandmeke Whose silence need nevet be bought. Ake you dying among the Savages who created ptanned obsotescence and the batbatic custom oe eunetat pkecessions? Have you gtound the essentiat YOU beneath the tubbish oe sociatization Has the acne in you spoken tebettion as the ptopet posture Sot Semates,, Shaft we ptan to meet in some meadow with etowets in out hair and wigs on out toes and tt1Ja about what we might have tad them -Le they had asked us? Gerd Beadle NORTHERN WOMAN page 12 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �SWIMMING UPSTREAM continued from p5 This is what I think 'the class were still written from a white question' in the women's movement is (Anglo) perspective. And I concluded fundamentally about. There has been that I too had been guilty of an unfortunate tendency to think of seeing women of colour as having particular class merely in personal terms; am experiences that could be narrated I middle-class? do I have privileges for "our" enlightenment. I because I live in a nice house? how learned that white experience is just as can I get along better with my workparticular, and should be analyzed as ing class sisters? etc. I am certainsuch: for instance, how did Adrienne's ly not denying that personal privilRich's whiteness affect her experiege is important -- for instance, if ence and therefore her analysis of women lawyers and academics are thoumotherhood? How did the whiteness of ght of as natural spokepersons, then Nellie McClung affect the Canadian class privilege is at work and must suffrage movement? These are the be challenged. However, much quesenergy tions I am now trying to can be wasted in excessive personalanswer. Women of colour have often been "includizing of issues such as class. When ed": but usually they have been we coined the slogan "the personal put in the role of inspiring "us", of is political" I don't think it was enlighteneing us about what it's like intended that the political should in far-off places. In general they be reduced to the personal. have been invited so as to add a Class is not a personal attritouch of colour. This kind of inclubute, even if it is linked to persion makes the brown and yellow sonal attributes; class is a strucand black women who make up the ture, a basic structure of our socivast majority of the world's women, into obety. It should furthermore be pointjects for the white feminist gaze. ed out that the obsessive personalizing of political issues is a particularly middle-class and North American pastime. An anti-capitalist women's movement is not one dedicated to the personal criticism of middleclass lifestyles, but rather one dedicated to building strong links with labour, with socialists, with antiimperialist groups here and in the Third World, with a view to creating a powerful coalition for the defeat of both capitalism and patriarchy. In this; - struggle women of colour are playing an increasingly key leadership role; E6M-ih Gaffada and elsewhere. This is a crucial difference between the movement of five years ago and that of today. As a movement, we have barely begun to inCIL tegrate an anti-racist perspective into our work, so I am going to speak more personally about what I have learned from listening to and working with people of colour. I first learned that racism cannot be reduced Some organizations are now, for to a side-effect of either capitalism the first time in the history of femor patriarchy: it has its own reality inism, consciously trying to change and its own dynamic, and the struggle this: women of colour are taking against it is not a subset of some their rightful place as subjects, not other struggle. Theoretically this objects, actively organizing the movecaused me problems: just as I was bement, defining the issues, and using ginning to glimpse how one might comtheir experience to draw some general bine a feminist analysis with a socconclusions about gender oppression. ialist one, I realized that there was And what some white feminists are a third term which could not be rebeginning to do is attempt to inteduced to the two I already had. It grate an anti-racist was at that point that I gave up my perspective not only into the more obvious issues pursuit of the perfect theory, and (e.g. the situation of Native women decided to undertake (in my scholarin Canada's North, women in South ly work) concrete analyses of the inAfrica) but into our work as a whole. terrelations between racism, sexism I personally have done some soul searand capitalism at particular points ching because I now realize that my in history. I want to see how they book on sexuality (published in 1985) actually interact in a specific condid not make a serious effort to text, rather than trying to freeze think through the relation between history in order to draw an abstract race and sexual identity. What I was map of the structural connections betprobably thinking when I wrote it was ween them. that the sexual experience and sexual In my political practice, I beconsciousness of women of colour is gan to see that the hitherto usual obviously intertwined with their expractice of "including" women of colperience of race and racism: but it our here and there was reinforcing did not dawn on me that whiteness is the ethnocentric and racist strucas much of a colour as brownness, and tures we were supposedly attacking. I that one's feelings about one's body I noticed women of colour being put -which underlie all sexual experiin the position of telling personal ence -- are to an important extent experiences, experiences which were determined by the social construction interpreted as the particular probof one's race. lems of women of colour - the general books on motherhood, sexuality, etc., In collective terms I am sure that many of you are currently going through turmoil around the question of whether white feminists and women of colour can or should work togethel and if so how -- so I certainly have no recipes, but as a historian of fen ininsm perhaps I can give you the con forting thought that what we are all trying to do, under the leadership of women of colour, is truly unique in the history of the women's movement. One thing that we have learned is that we cannot naively think that all women are potential members of all women's groups. Native women, black women, Asian women, disabled women, women in particular sectors of the economy will have certain interests in common and will want to use autonomous groups both to put forward their specific politic and to give their members a safe place to be, a circle of non-oppression. How these collectives or organizations will cooperate still remains largely a question mark: the mainstream women's organizations (egNAC) are certainly changing, but the heritage of racism and bourgeois hegemony weighs very heavily on our collective shoulders, and it will be years before we all think of 'the leadership of the oppressed' as the normal process to deal with class and race differences. The tokenistic approach is still the usual response, it is what somehow 'comes don't want to look bad, so we find visible -minority woman to speak white cast (which is assumed to be the normal outcome unless one specifically plans otherwise). We have to think hard about the organizational questions that are often dismissed as either boring or bureaucratic: an anti-capitalist perspective, an anti-racist perspective, will not flourish in the women's movement unless there are consciously designed structures to make it happen. We can't pretend that structures are neutral; otherwise we'll re-enact the interaction I had at the bank, by expecting all groups of women to fit into the apparently neutral forms of organization that were developed in the course of oppressing those very groups we now want to ally with. In trying to organize both small collectives and larger coalitions, we also have to be aware of how deeply the state structures our interactions. This does not happen only when direct funding is given for a particular project and the organizers 'naturally' make their work fit the categories of the funding proposal; it happens even before we ask for funding, even before we form a group. The state sets out the framework for social and political life. It divides society into competing "interest groups" all at the same level -- instead of oppressed and privileged groups. Labour is not seen as representing the claims of the working class as a whole against capital: it is seen as just another pressure group, on a par with R.E.A.L. women or with the National Citizens' Coalition. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Women too are not seen as the oppressed majority but as Iggrely an interest group, and not an especially powerful one at that. Women are further subdivided and set off against each other through a myriad of programs which claim to help us but, in the long run, divide us: mothers on family benefits are put in one department, Native women seeking Native rights are put under Indian Affairs, mothers needing day care are told to speak to this other ministry, and so on. It is as though the state fragmented us -- not just into different groups, but even fragmented the same person into bits -- and said, now, this piece of you needs to interact with this arm of the state, and so on. The state -- as I'm sure Carolyn Egan will tell you in her workshop -- is it not neutral: among other things disorganizes us right from the beginning, even while apparently giving us certain benefits. Let me now try to move toward what I hope will be an upbeat conclusion. The structures of racism, of patriarchy, and of bourgeois society make it extremely difficult to work non-competitively. If we spend eight hours a day in the imperialist bank, obeying orders or giving them, silently competing for scarce promotions and so on, we cannot leave all that at the door of our women's meeting. What we can do is recognize it and try to subvert it -- but a utopian, naive denial of the individualist and hierarchial structures within which we function during most of our , volcanic eruptions in our groups and in our psyches. It is true that there are some women who are as egocentric and obnoxious as the worst man; but in my experience, for every one such woman there are twenty who do not speak up when they should for fear of appearing to be egocentric. The ethic of politeness and self-sacrifice does not work in the long run: rather, it leads to burnout, which Is probably the most significant problem in the radical women's movement today. Let me end by giving a small practical suggestion to deal with these difficult questions of personal interactions in groups: I propose that we abolish "niceness" in the women's movement. Let me explain. When I moved to North America at the age of 12, my siblings and I were quite struck by the constant use of the term "nice" among North American adults, particularly ladies. We would mimic my mother's friends and neighbours, saying "isn't this niiiice?" whenever something unpleasant happened. We commented on the fact that the word nice did not seem to have any stable meaning, and it certainly could not be translated into Spanish. But after twenty years of life in North America I have finally figured out what "nice" means. It means: let us pretend we are all unselfish, while firmly supporting our husbands in their ruthless struggle to get our family ahead of the Joneses. flaa.-aiWibenalfdifmakt"0....04 __14:a;,ggAijjl.gresult in resentments, silent recriminations, feelings of disappointment and betrayal, and other problems which have plagued women's groups. We also need to face the difficulties we have, as women in a patriarchal society, in building solid relations of work and friendship -as Adrienne Rich has pointed out, men have had "a man's word", a man's honour, and gentlemen's agreements to help them bond with each other in business and in war; but women have been told that our only loyalties are based on our instincts as wives and mothers, instincts which supposedly create our bonds to men and children. We have not thus bonded with other women, we have not been used to making intelligent (as opposed to instinctual) commitments to work and to politics. The absence of traditions of female bonding, together with the lack of self-confidence in our work and our thought, can create an unreasonable desire to sweep all conflicts under the carpet; we fear that any expression of disagreement will lead to But I don't want you to go awe thinking I advocate nastiness as a replacement for niceness. My point that those two modes are not the of possibilities - in fact, niceness ruthless competition are the two s: of the same Anglosaxon bourgeois ci tural coin. I am suggesting that we look somewhere else for a new concept o how to interact. Where I personall: have found a very different, and t. ly useful, model of collective pol: tical and personal interaction is my visits to Nicaragua. The first I was there, I was struck by the c4 stant reference to "love". "affect. and "tenderness" (amor, carino, te nura). I was translating for a gro . of trade unionists, and I had to t them (in English, and in embarrass tones) that this important male tr union leader was actually saying t "solidarity is the tenderness of o people for another". The Canadian trade unionists, typically, did no make the slightest facial expressi But by the end of the trip, even t most hardened Anglo was giving imp mptu speeches ending in heartfelt shouts and even hugs and kisses. S idarity really had become the tend ness between peoples. This tendern this kindness, does not sweep conf under the rug as niceness does; bu it makes sure that the conflict is talked about with respect and love This process, this way of being an working with people, is absolutely essential in the struggle of the araguan people against an incredib It means: politeness is more important than truth or justice. It means: we don't care if false politeness makes for stilted interactions and destroys any possibility of working together, for after all, women don't really work together, we just chat. It means: let us never admit that we feel passionate about our politics, about our ideas, about our loves -- for passion is destructive and nasty; it's not nice. tenderness, for one another and fo oppressed people the world over, w ch keeps them joking even in the m st of death. It is this love and tenderness which helps them to sur vive the burn-out of eight years o constantly swimming upstream in th mighty river of imperialism. I hav learned a lot from Nicaraguans. I have learned how to work so that w are empowered in and by our strugg instead of being exhausted by it. so I am bringing you neither souve nor recipes: I am bringing these w -- love, tenderness, affection -hoping that you will be able to fe their meaning, and let it empower you in your struggle. ,77:4E SWIrnmEit" .***.*.***.*.*******.********** NORTHERN WOMAN page web 14 PDF compression, OCR, optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �40. Wrath WOMAN WORDS 21. Norse goddess of the 1. 6. 10. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 42. sea. ACROSS 22. 24. 26. 27. One who tips. Object of infatuation. Exclusive Bundle of wood used to burn witches in 15th & 16th century. convergence. 30. of Many Colours. 34. Dolly Parton tune 35. He caused the Trojan war by kidnapping Helen. 36. Arrangment (abr) 37. Maize 38. Fountains 39. Familiar northern fish. Women teachers: School Trendy Raced Expect Absent without leave. Lowest woman's voice. Belgian marble. A reigning Hindu woman. Gaze intently. "Extraordinary lie designed to make people unfree" (Angela Carter 1983) 43. rr 2. ,-. 7 .., ,4 is IT 19 10 3 lo ) H 11 15 1 fo 11 12 21 45. 46. food. 47. 48. 51. 52. And others. Central cores. Should be "ah-woman" The 27th U.S. constitutional Amendment. Pertaining to the mouth. To repair or patch. Cut into wedge-shaped pieces. One who is brutal & 55, 56. 58. 111 24 28 27 30 31 3f 34 48 ss, Lo III lull 39 42. 41 44 4-5" DOWN 2. 3. 4. 47 40> 52. 33 5I 41 II 540 ,1 ".F: F. 111111 BILL 7 65. Ceases activity. 1. 54 Woman teacher; see 1 accross At a distance. Declaim vehemently. Womyn's Music Festival. Saint (fem. abr.) 6, Proponent of choice. (acronym) 7. Monetary unit of South Korea. 5. 9. Centre of immature orgasm in women. 10. Poet of Lesbos. 11. To drop with a sound of something striking water. 12. To be. (Fr.) 13. One who does. 21. What Reagan talks. 23. A theory or doctrine. 25. Tiny round mark. 26. Group gathering for some common purpose. 27. External border. 28. Fruit of the oak. 29. Injured by bull. 30. Ends of the forearms. 31. Monetary unit of Nigeria. 32. One who irks. 33. Top of a wave, southern 35. Corn U.S. food. 38. Feast or holiday. 39. Rind 41. Past tense of wear. and the Cha42. Chris Williamnged: son album. 44. Moved on wheels. 45. Goddess personifying men's blind impulses, 47. Void 48. Zenith 49. Impel 50. Concern 51. Among 52. Son of Aphrodite, 53, The others. 54. Fruit drinks. 57. Woman's name. 59, Rock containing valuable substance. : Toothed leaf edge. Require "well adjusted" woman in a patriachal soci- 32. 3i0 39 a feared. Mine opening. 26 21 40 .61. 62. 63. 64. ety. 23 atom. : 60. I 8. Electrically charged Lill. Canadian playright "The Occupation of Heather Rose" Roman goddess of grain & harvest. Theme Bread for International Women's Day. Have Worthless scrap of 41. continued from p4 As the new legislation takes hold we can hope to gain true equality and a sense of freedom in the lives we lead. While the nature of the law will be muddy for some time, the passing of the Bill clearly signals an acknowledgement of and disagreement with homophobia, The phones in my office are still ringing. A woman calls, outraged, trying to instill some "sense" into my head and warning me of the dangers of homosexuality. "Would you want one of those people teaching your kids?" "Would you want one of those in your home?" "You bet!!!" CALL TO ACTION: To support EGALE, you can donate your time or money (or both). Write or phone your MP and encourage her/him to support an amendment to the constitution that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Call or write the Minister of Justice and the opposition critics to voice your support for the amendment. KEEP TRACK OF YOURSELF THIS YEAR WITH EVERYWOMEN'S ALMANAC For more information: EGALE P.O. Box 2891, Station D Ottawa, Ontario KIP 5W9 1Hansard, November 25, 1986 2Toward Equality Report, March4, 1986 Editors Note: This article appeared in 'breaking the silence' Summer 1987 prior to the Ontario election, when, unfortunately, Evelyn Gigantes was unsuccessful in her bid for re-election. Consequently some of the references are out of date, yet the message given is still very timely. Available at NORTHERN WOMAN BOOKSTORE 184 Camelot St. Thunder Bay 344-7979 NORTHERN WOMAN page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �A NOTICE FROM THE NATIONAL ACTION COMMITTEE ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN WHY FREE TRADE WILL HARM WOMEN: It is vital that women speak out against free trade because we'll be most affected and can least afford bearing the "cost" of free trade adjustments. It will mean: 0.1..osV The reason women will lose more from free trade is because working women are concentrated in industries which will be most adversely aftected. In ri :Inufacturing most women work in textiles, clothing, food proc- ignoring health and safety, and fighting legislative protection which ensures equal rights for women. They will do this because their major competition under the agreement will be located in U.S. states with no minimum wage, poor labour legislation and very low levels of unionization. essing, electrical and electronic products, and other consumer industries. Even government studies admit that the jobs in these industries are most at risk. POORER -ACCE.Sp'iTO SOCIALFIROGRAMS In the service sector, where the majority of working women are con- The Canadian tradition of providing services to people through publicly supported facilities is jeopardized. centrated, jobs are threatened because many restrictions on the provision of services from outside the country will be removed. For example, in the case of data processing, there are many laws which require that data be processed and stored in Canada. When these are removed, many clerical jobs for women will be lost. The agreement says that U.S. firms must be given equal treatment and implies that they must be given equal access to LOWE 1NAGESRAND POORER WORKINgcoNOITIONS public funding. The result will be a great drain on our tax dollars and an increased tendency for certain services, such as health care and child care to be shifted to the private sector. Even in those places where women don't lose their jobs, increasing competition will force firms to reduce costs through cutting wages, When services are delivered through private means, they tend to be less accessible and more expensive. WHAT WOMEN CAN DO: It is important that everyone understand what free trade is about. You can help in many ways. distribute or post this where youopposition work andtoinfree your community tell your local M.P. or flyer M.P.P. of your trade give your support to activities in your community against free trade help NAC fight free trade through a financial contribution FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FREE TRADE AND WHAT TO DO CONTACT: The National Action Committee on the Status of Women 344 Bloor St. West, Suite 505, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1W9 (416) 922-3246 (Toronto) (613) 234-7062 (Ottawa) The Coalition Against Free Trade (416) 534-3523 Your District Labour Council or Chapter of the Council of Canadians La Coalition quebecoise d'opposition au libre-echange (514) 598-2273 The Pro-Canada Network (613) 233-1764 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Second Class *Ail Registration No. 5697 MAIL TO: INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Don't forget to renew your subscription! Here's my sub: p2 SUPERIOR ART COLLECTION p2 YOUR VOICE p3 EQUALITY AT RISK? p4 BILL 7 p5 SWIMMING UPSTREAM p6 UPDATE p7 ONTARIO WOMEN'S DIRECTORATE p8 POETRY p10 DAY CARE pll REVIEWS p15 WOMAN WORDS Name Address (postal code) individual $ 5 o institutional $ 10 Collectively produced MARGARET PHILLIPS - ROSEMARY PITTIS - CYNTHIA STOLZ MARY-ANN KLEYENDORST - JONI MACE RETURN TO: :*********************************** *IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR LABEL ? t PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION * * ! : * * THE NORTHERN WOMAN 184 CAMELOT STREET THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7A 4A9 * * tt*********************************** Return Postage Guaranteed Northern Woman Journal 184 CAMELOT STREET THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7A 4A9 (FOUR-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 11 No 1 Description An account of the resource Vol. 11, No. 1 (December 1987) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: Superior art collection Native artists Meech Lake Accord Feminist book list Bill 7 Human Rights Code of Ontario amendment Protection for lesbians INTERWEAVE Conference Women & class/race Welfare workers National Organization for Women Resources for Northern Women Women’s Place Kenora Native family violence Poetry Daycare access Music review Feminist book review Women against free trade Authors/Contributors: Margaret Phillips Cindy Moriarty Joni Mace Northern Women’s Directorate Sharman Lynne Joan Baril Diana-Marie Korbisser Susan Gail Collins Gert Beadle Rosemary Pittis Cynthia Stolz Mary-Ann Kleyendorst 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 1987-12 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/16/2802/1988_Vol_11_No_2.pdf 638edbe52ab92ef82d035633765201b9 PDF Text Text Northern Woman $1 5 0 ournal. May 1988 Volume 11 No. 2 Thunder Bay, Ont. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �U vv _r -147,x7crc.r.). :d7.,a may. 17' :4. - , 45- 6' .1!'bv? ON MARCH 15 A SHOT RANG OUT IN KENORA THAT ECHOED THROUGH THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF THE WOMEN OF ONTARIO, OUR DREAMS, OUR HOPES, AND THE CONFIDENCE THAT WE WERE SUCCEEDING, CRUMBLED. WE WEPT, WE RAGED, WE QUESTIONED. AGAINST THE TIDE OF MORE THAN A DECADE OF WORK BY WOMEN FOR THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN; A WOMAN DIED. THE VIOLENCE WHICH WE HAVE STOOD AGAINST, SHATTERED THE LIVES OF THE WOMEN OF KENORA AND TORE INTO THE BEING OF EVERY WOMAN COMMITTED TO THE SAFETY AND SUPPORT OF HER SISTERS. WOMEN WENT TO THE PLACE OF OUR INADEQUACIES AND WE STOOD NOT UNITED IN STRENGTH BUT STUNNED BY A PAIN THAT WE HAD ALWAYS KNOWN COULD COME. FACED WITH THE REALITY OF WHAT HAD HAPPENED, EACH OF US WAS SHAKEN BY THE SENSELESSNESS OF THE TRAGEDY. ELIZABETH WAS TO THE WOMEN OF KENORA, A FRIEND. TO OTHERS SHE WAS THE REASON FOR OUR WORK, OUR COMMITMENT, THE SHAPE OF OUR LIVES. MANY OF US DID NOT KNOW HER FACE BUT WE KNEW HER SOUL. OUR GRIEF HAD NO PATTERN TO FOLLOW. OUR HEARTS ACHED FOR HER CHILDREN AND THE FAMILY WHOM WE COULD NOT REACH. THE ISOLATION OF OUR DISTANCE OBSTRUCTED THE SUPPORT WE NEEDED TO GIVE THE RESIDENTS AND WORKERS OF THE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE. THE CIRCUMSTANCES BLOCKED OUR NEED TO KNOW AND TO UNDERSTAND WHAT HAD HAPPENED. HE REMAINED INVISIBLE, UNTOUCHED BY OUR ANGER. UNABLE TO KNOW, TO REACH, TO TOUCH, TO VENT OUR RAGE, WOMEN OF COLLECTIVE POWER WERE OVERWHELMED BY A POWERLESSNESS. WOMEN FELT FRIGHTENED. A FEAR THAT NEITHER LOCKED WINDOWS, SCREENED CALLS OR BARRED WINDOWS CAN EASE. IT IS A FEAR OF TRUST. A MOMENT OF TRUST HAD BETRAYED ELIZABETH. TRUST HAS BEEN AT TIMES BOTH OUR FRIEND AND OUR ENEMY. WE BECAME FEARFUL TO TRUST OTHERS, OURSELVES, OUR ACTIONS, OUR JUDGEMENTS. IT IS A FEAR WE NEED TO OVERCOME. TO FIND A BALANCE OF TRUST AND TO SEARCH FOR ANSWERS WE HAVE NOT FOUND BEFORE THE TRAGIC EXPERIENCE OF ELIZABETH WILL FORCE US ALL TO EXAMINE OUR EVERY MOVE, OUR PHILOSOPHIES AND PRACTICES. AND MUST DO THIS IN AN EXACTING AND CONSTRUCTIVE WAY FOR PROTECTION OF WOMEN. WEIGHING THE RIGHTS OF EACH WOMAN, THE RIGHTS OF ALL WOMEN. WE NEED TO FIND OUR STRENGTH AGAIN. IT IS THE VOICES OF WOMEN THAT WILL HELP US. The Voice oS Them Feat "I was realty aSnaid one night." "I was aSnaid he'd kilt me id it got any worse." "I used to 'may that my husband would hit me, on do whatever he waz going to do to me. I Siguned the pain coutdn't be wonse than tiving in constant dean." The Voice oS Theirs Pain "Hitting, pounding, kicking, these things hunt yours body and that leaves some scans I never had a chance to do but mostty yam body heats." "What hunts even /none anything with my tiSe." "Bruises and bones heat but .this ache never goes away." The Voice oS Theik ConSusion "I was dtatteked by his jealousy at din-at - I thought it meant that he toyed me." "But he neatly needs me. I guess that's why t keep going back." "He makes me Sea important." The Voice oS Theis. Needs "I just don't know what to do sometimes, especially when you don't have any money." "I think od others people din zt alt the time. I'm the most .important person, but I Songet that." "I neatty want to go back -to school." "Every time I Looked Son a pace and said I was on sociat sent/ices, they said it was taken." The Voice oiS Theirs Pride "There .is 40 many things I thought I could do." "I can be what I want to be." "I don't have to live Sot somebody ase. I'm my own person - I can do what I want." "WhenVoices you come, they're always so g.tad -to see you. it makes you Sea good." Than About the Houses "The treason I think tkauitLon houses arse 40 .important is that they can be many things Son diddenent women. Fon one woman they can be a way to physicatty sunvive, Sot another they pnovide shoulders to cry on. Fon anothe,t they intnoduce hen to things she can do to make it on hex own. You can't Lump battened women and .theirs needs .together. You need just about as many sotutLoms as .there cute battened women. No answet .is night Sot everyone." And Finatty "Ws tike they atma6t give you stnength to go on." STRENGTH, OF AND WE WILL BE STRONG AND WE WILL GO ON. EACH OF US ACCORDING TO OUR INDIVIDUAL SOURCES OF ENERGY, OF SPIRITUALITY AND BELIEFS, WILL DRAW UPON THE COURAGE NEEDED TO MOVE AGAINST THE VIOLENCE WE CANNOT ACCEPT. POLICIES TOGETHER WE WILL START FROM THE STARTING POINT OF THE VISION, A VISION THAT HAS BEEN BLURRED BY DOLLARS. BY HAVE TO DIE. THE ANSWER TO THIS HOW ELIZABETH DIED, IS WHY DID ELIZABETH AND BY PROGRAMS. A FAR BIGGER QUESTION THAN QUESTION LIES IN THE VISION. MADNESS THAT ALLOWS TOGETHER WE WILL FEEL THE POWER TO SPEAK AGAIN, TO MARCH AGAIN, TO HOLD SOCIETY ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE WOMEN TO BE BEATEN, DEGRADED, HUMILIATED AND MURDERED. Against our witt, despite out stnength Opposed to att we .tided to be Watts and iniendz could not pnotect Elizabeth's stkuggte don dignity Asking only to connect A time od viotence, marked by teanz To build a Sutune, share the dreams OS tide without the pain and dean With women and chitdnen we canny on Less one we've Lost to death We vow to change., pkotect and cake Now, in the name od Elizabeth submitted by: THE VIOLENCE SUBCOMMITTEE of the NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO WOMEN'S DECADE COUNCIL e4 NORTHERN WOMAN page 2 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �The Story of Esmerelda BY JOSIE WALLENIUS Esmerelda was a white woman who lived in white land. One day she woke from a long sleep, and found her mother dying. Esmerelda loved her mother. In fact, she could not live without her, so she started to find out from what her mother was dying. Not long after she began this investigation, she came across a small truth, and spoke it. To her great surprise and dismay, she was called black for telling this truth. Not having a clue what black was, except it was black, she looked it up in the dictionary and found it described as rather white. With great curiousity she then looked up white, and it seemed to her very black, blacker than black, because amongst other things Esmerelda had been brought up in church. However, Esmerelda forgot about this for a while, as when you have been brought up to believe black is black and white is white, its pretty difficult to unbelieve it. Some time later, Esmerelda went to a great gathering of women, and met some new sisters that were brown and also daughters of her mother, and found out another surprising thing. These women were from whitelands too, but were trying to go black and were being resisted by the white. In fact her sisters were suffering the most frightful misfortunes in their struggle to change colour, and Esmerelda felt badly. She felt so badly in fact that she fainted clear away when she heard their stories. When Esmerelda got back from this gathering, she forgot about all this as the air in white land was very white indeed, and she was used to what came over it, which kept on saying white was white, and nobody had a problem in breathing it. For a while, Esmerelda felt quite well, just as well as ever, except her mother was still dying, and everybody was getting more and more unhappy and not looking into each others eyes anymore like they used to in days gone by. Then one day Esmerelda read a book, called "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee", and she found out that until very recently the white land she lived in had been owned and filled with Brown people, and it had been ancient black, and Esmerelda began to get breathless attacks as she read it because the story was dripping with red from the white, and what made her more breathless was she knew the white had not meant her to read it. However, Christmas was coming, and she began to feel better, as Esmerelda loved Christmas, and wanted to shop. So she went to a lovely shopping mall and began to get REALLY breathless as the air in the mall was white smog playing Silent Night in the white air, and she saw red running from earrings and skirts. In fact hard as she looked she could see nothing that wasn't red white. However, Esmerelda was no spring chicken, and put it all down to old age, and went her way, keeping out of malls and going down to the lake through the trees, where somehow or other, come rain or shine, the air seemed blac Of course it must be noted that Esmerelda was very privileged to be able to do this as she did not live in an urban squat. One day, as she was sitting on a bit of black, a rock, she got an idea to go to a country of brown people who had just gone black as she wanted to help. When she got there she did not get breathless at all, not even in a shop, and forgot all about her breathlessness till she came back, and landing at the airport began to choke. A kindly white man, who obviously at some time had breathed black air, helped her to a chair, where she recovered enough to get home in a taxi. However, after this experience Esmerelda did not seem able to recover and took to her bed, quite ill, gasping for air all the time. Ill as she was though, Esmerelda still worried terribly about her mother and went on listening to the white air waves, which made her nauseous as well as breathless, and one day heard over them that the dream of the country she had been to was quite deliberately being strangled by the white nightmare which had long experience in strangling dreams, and Esmerelda felt full of absolute DREAD. She took a gasp of breath and jumped out of her sickbed and ran through the trees where the air was blacker than black to the green blue black lake and sat on her raven rock. She looked up at the golden black sun, and waited for the silver black moon and stars to come out, and the only white thing she saw was a gull, and that was black white. So Esmerelda decided to go black too, as for her it was the only way to breathe any more, the only way to resist the white, the only way to be a sister to those women at the gathering, and the only way to heal her mother. The funny thing was, AND THIS IS seemed to change. She heard no drum roll and say no mountains topple, though she did just hear a flute begin to play. Nobody started ordering her around and nobody seemed to care. Esmerelda started to clear away some dead wood but the main thing was that she woke in the morning feeling better, and did not get so breathless in the STILL white air. Esmerelda knew now that the way the white nightmare kept people in white land white, was making them fear black, and that was the trouble. Yet Esmerelda believed in dreams and knew other people in the white did too. WRTWJJ qlpM4N ,Apage 3 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �MATCH greater benefit of women throughout by Cynthia King the world. MATCH has financed, with the sup MATCH is a Canadian-based women's port of committed Canadian women and organization, committed with our Third men, a wide variety of activities of World Sisters, to a feminist vision Third World women's groups each year of development. Such a vision requires income generation, health promotion, the eradication of all forms of injusagricultural production, occupational tice, particularly the exploitation training, awareness building and organd marginalization of women. anizational strengthening. In the This is the philosophy statement future, we will be expanding this fors of MATCH International Centre, the of support to include integrated first non-governmental organization programmes involving Third World and anywhere in the world, and the only Canadian women. MATCH programmes will one in,Canada, devoted exclusively to support a variety of activities such promoting the development efforts of as research, publication, training, women. exchanges and educational tours, and MATCH was established by two conferences/seminars. Canadian women, Norma Walmsley and Suzanne Johnson, following the United Each programme will be built Nations International Women's Year around a theme identified by the woconference in Mexico City in 1975. This men involved. The themes we are now conference provided a forum for Third considering for further development 6,coadiutti~LVonutv Ptt. I World women, especially from Latin are violence against women, women in America, to voice their concerns about the workforce, expecially domestic This is the challenge which faced the effects on women of the development workers and free trade zone workers, MATCH in the beginning and which conprogrammes being implemented by govthe sex trade, including prostitutio tinues to challenge the organization ernments and by non-governmental orgpornography and trade in women, woas it celebrates its Tenth Anniversary. anizations (NGOs). These efforts, men in agriculture and women in the During the past decade, it has which purported to raise the living media. We hope that this method of been very satisfying to see many other standards for communities as a whole, programme, development will increase non-governmental, governmental and were in fact bypassing women and their the impact of the work we support. international bodies allocating greaneeds. We want to approach proposed ter resources to programmes designed Women make up 50% of the world's programmes with a view to addressing to ensure that women participate in population and one third of the officwomen's strategic needs and not only and benefit from development progial labour force. Yet they do 2/3 of women's practical needs. Strategic rammes. The women's movement in Canthe world's work,'groy 1/2 of all foodneeds relate to the root causes of ada and overseas has changed during stuffs, darn only 1/10 Of the income this time as well, with the growing women's subordinate status in sociand own less than 1% of real property.realization that we all have much to ety - attitudes, laws and practices which discriminate against women. In the rural areas of the Third World gain by joining forces with our sisPractical needs result from this dis the picture is even more grim, 18 hourters in other countries-As MATCH'S crimination - poor health, illiterac work days are not uncommon. One result; environment changes, we too must poor working conditions, lack of pai almost 2/3 of the world's illiterates adapt and focus our resources for the employment. It is obviously importare women. ant to meet such practical needs. MATCH believes, however, that long term change for women can only be brought about if practical and strategic needs are linked in programmes NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO that will challenge the root causes STATUS OF WOMEN INITIATIVES of women's subordination. 1973-1987 MATCH has supported a number of "strategic" projects in the past. For example, in Nicaragua we assiste women in a trade union to identify their special needs. The women received training to prepare them to assume positions of responsibility within the union. In Peru and Mexic6 MATCH has supported domestic workers to organize to demand fair wages and working conditions. In Zambia, MATCH funds have helped a group of women to examine sex stereotyping in popular songs with a view to improving -the image of women. MATCH embarks upon its second decade knowing that there is still much to do. It is up to women to org anize themselves to bring about change - not to replace men and do as ORDER FORM they have done, but to achieve an NAME egalitarian society where all seek fairness and have an equal, recogniz ORGANIZATION role to play. POSTAL CODE $12.00 per copy plus $2.50 postage and handling where applicable AMOUNT NUMBER OF COPIES ENCLOSED $ REQUESTED Northwestern Ontario PLEASE MAKE CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO: Women's Decade Council, 905 Tungsten Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario COST P7B 5Z3 PDF:40Rrtlti& compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor WOMAi �ROLE MODELING PROGRAMS 64.41.4 Ontario Women's Directorate UPCOMING EVENTS PAY EQUITY AND JOB EVALUATION One day workshop at Confederation College 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. May 27th To Register - Contact Patti Bain at 475-6494 NORTHERN ONTARIO WOMEN'S CONFERENCE Sault Ste Marie, Ontario Contacts-Elaine Switzman (705) 736-2324 -Gail Broad (705) 949-8912(evgs) Theme - Accepting One Another. A bilingual conference for Native and non-Native women to build a bridge between the three dominant cultures in Northern Ontario. NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST FREE TRADE June 12th 1988 FAMILY LAW SEMINAR Date to be announced Kenora, Ontario For moreinformation contact Lynn Beak (807) 345-6084 FAMILY LAW SEMINAR DateAto be announced Sault Ste Marie, Ontario For more information contact Lynn Beak (807) 345-6084 FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION MONTH November 1988 For the fourth year, grants will be awarded to community groups sponsoring local public education/awareness events. Application forms will be sent to groups next month. If you do not receive an application or would like more information contact Rae Anne Honey, 345-6084 SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION MONTH November 1988 SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION MONTH June 1988 For the first time this year, funds have been set aside for organizations to provide public education/ awareness in their own community around this issue. Contact Rae Anne Honey at 345-6084 for more information. CONGRATULATIONS PATHMAKERS and OPEN DOORS are both innovative programs designed to counter sex role stereotyping and promote education equity. These programs work by example and provide information to interest high school girls in a wider range of career options. PATHMAKER role models are university and college women who are training in the sciences, trades or technology. OPEN DOORS roles are women already working in their chosen fields. For high school girls about to make crucial curriculum and career choices, role models offer important encouragement and can motivate female students to explore their options and make informed choices. Role models are available to speak to classes, at career events or participate on panel discussions. Thanks to a local working committee these programs are in both public and separate school systems. The Directorate has commissioned a video to encourage potential rote models and working committee members to participate in these programs. Next week the production company will be in Thunder Bay and the video should be available by -to Women's Health Information Network, Northwestern Ontario Regional Child Care Committee and Women's Committee and Thunder Bay District Labour Council. These organizations held conferences recently - all were filled with excellent information, enthusiastic participation and strategizing around the issues. -to RAE MERCIER and the first Career Counselling Course for Francophone Women graduating class at Confederation College. Thank you for the opportunity to attend the wonderful breakfast ceremony. summer. \'ei - \\5esCx ...°°.(0°Ztt 101e eZ .11". "amononuagoliouw9140"014o faNkCs:,44 OWD PUBLICATIONS 4~14,144,1447,44~N~14P CAREER SELECTORS are a L3k-LIZCE series of seven booklets listing career options with education requirements, probable salaries, etc. soon to be available in French JOB SEARCH is an excellent tool to work through an action plan for women who are planning to enter the workplace for the first time or return after an extended absence. (English and French) FREE TRADE AGREEMENT is the Directorate's publication stating the impact on the economic position of women in Ontario. FAMILY LAW INFORMATION KIT-This kit provides information on recent changes in family law. Available in Spanish, Portugese, Italian, Cantonese, Vietnamese, French and English WOMEN OF ACTION is OWD's new poster celebrating the significant contributions of some Ontario women over the past 140 years. (French and The Resourc for you! A desk research in this bright room. Mat rowed for a two w We spent an Northern Women's Margaret Phillip quired many books Family Violence, Abuse and Native the categories t editions. Other new ad Immigrant Women Perspective, CAC CENTRE Pension Facts fo Information Grou Spring 1987 Working Together Volumes) produce Help Network, Co Access to Trades Ontario, Abt Ass English) OWD COMMUNITY GRANTS This program continues for 1988/89. The Grants Review Committee meets April 27 to review the first group of applications received. If your organization has a special project in mind which will enrich the economic, legal and social equality of women in your community, please call Rae Anne Honey at 345-6084 for more information and/or an application. Beginning this year, grants of $5,000 or less will have a shortened review process which will allow funds to reach you sooner. CHANGE AGENT PROJECT REPORTS: Equity at Work Physical Testing Demands Women in Road Paving Union/Management Collaboration Employment Equity for Women; How Does Your Company Measure Up? Women into Construction: A Blueprint for Action Gender Equality Indicator. This page is spo Ontario Women's material contain photocopied and out permission, to the original Ontario Women's NO PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �SUICIDE You will not need to cut me. You think of yourself as a master Sculptor, chiselling a rough block of stone into the image of Perfect Woman. (Remember that the amateur cuts just as deeply, if not always as well.) I will not make you cut me. I will chisel away at my own personality, destroying that which fails to please you. When I bleed, you can think you are innocent. I will do anything to hold you, give up any part of myself, as long as there is enough left to go on breathing, to go through the motions. You will not achieve Perfection. You will achieve a miniature not in keeping with the stature of the stone, at best your own chosen image out of all possibilities, a reconstruction limiting the potential of the stone. Another hand might choose to polish and smooth, enhancing the stone's natural beauty. But you do not appreciate this form. Perfection is not found in nature. Perfection is Man-made. The rough stone is the vessel of my love. Each cut diminishes to size of the vessel, each cut threatens its strength, its very existence. As the pieces drop away, my love lies fragmented. Will you be angry then? It's not your fault. changes were mine. Your hands are empty. But remember as you walk away: The I did it all for you. Susan Collins EYE BALL TO EYE BALL TAPESTRY He knew her better than she knew herself was his standard weapon for control when her thought deviated from his norm. She could never convince him that stupidity in her was innate and her imagination so gross that she could have thoughts that offended his vision of her. You are good and kind he told her hopefully this is not a person I can love, this bitchy, selfish-malcontent is confused you have been talking to women again. Thus we conceal the person we are to fit the expectations of wishful thinking. Only the male has the legitimate right to be obnoxious within the frame of conversation, so the female can practice her role of forgiveness and understanding. He will have it no other way, the woman glaring at him is an aberration, a stranger to herself, she can't seriously mean to tell him to F... off. Gert Beadle . pap,web :6 NORTHERN WOMAN, PDF compression, OCR, optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �A Matter of Choice Abortion in Canada is legal. We intensely hope that by the time this Journal is in your hands this statement is still true: Two months have passed since the landmark ruling of the Supreme Court of Canada, which declared Canada's abortion law unconstitutional because it contravened the Canadian Charter of Rights. We have long known that the abortion law, enacted in 1969, was unjust. Politicians have also long known that the abortion law was unjust. Pro-choice representatives, and even the government's own study (the Badgley Report 1977) demonstrated clearly the inequity and injustice of Section 251 of the Criminal Code. But governments could not be moved to repeal the law. Instead they used the smokescreen that the law was a "compromise" between pro-choice and anti-abortion positions. (It is the perspective of this writer that the 1969 law had much more to do with population policy than with accommodating antagonistic positions - but that is the subject of another article.) Reasoned approaches through the political process failed. Thus, the abortion issue became a legal fight --- a seemingly endless legal fight --- propelled by the extraordinary determination of Dr. Henry Morgentaler, whose committed struggle has culminated in the historic Supreme Court ruling.' What was the basis of the ruling? Section 7 of the Charter of Rights say "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with principles of fundamental justice." The Supreme Court found that the law violated Section 7 of the Charter ... "Section 251 (of the Criminal Code) clearly interferes with a woman's physical and bodily integrity. Forcing a vo,nan by threat of criminal sanction, to carry a fetus to term unless she meets certain criteria unrelated to her own priorities and aspirations is a profound interference with a woman's body and thus an in,. fringement of security of the person." (Comments by Chief Justice Brian Dickson and Mr. Justice Antonio Lamer. These judges further stated "One of the basic tenets of our system of criminal justice is that, when Parliament creates a defence to a criminal charge, the defence should not be illusory or so difficult to attain as to be practically illusory. The procedures and restrictions stipulated in Section 251 for access to therapeutic abortions make the defence illusory resulting in a failure to comply with the principles of fundamental justice." It is instructive to note that only Madam Justice Bertha Wilson found that "The deprivation of the Section 7 right in this case offends freedom of conscience guaranteed in Section 2(a) of the Charter. The decision whether or not to terminate a pregnancy is essentially a moral decision and in a free and democratic society the conscience of the individual must be paramount to that of the state." "section 251 (of the Criminal Code) clearly interferes with a woman's Physical and bodily integrity. Forcing a wurun by threat of criminal sanction, to carry a fetus to term unless she meets certain criteria... is a Profound interference with a woman's body and thus an infringement of security of the person" Chief Justice Brian Dickson We must not be lulled by a false hope that the January 28th ruling enshrines that a woman has a constitutional right to determine her reproductive future. It is important to understand that the abortion law was struck down not because the Court believes that the state does not have a right to interfere with women's right to choose whether to carry a fetus to term, but rather that the state's intervention must be equitable (which it was not under Section 251). Thus the headlines glaring in every major newspaper - WOMEN GET FREE CHOICE; THE BIGGEST STEP SINCE WOMEN WON THE RIGHT TO VOTE; RULING PLACES ISSUE BETWEEN A PATIENT AND HER DOCTOR have changed. Now we see HNATSHYN PROMISE NEW LAW; MOVE TO CURB SOME ABORTIONS MULRONEY SAYS and ABORTION: TALK ABOUT FREE VOTE. The euphoric and celebratory response with which we greeted the Supreme Court decision has given way to hard realism. The patriarchy will not tolerate the possibility of women really having CHOICE. And so the struggle moves again from the courts to the political arena. There is much to suggest that the federal government will move quickly to enact new legislation restricting abortion. The rationale for quick action is to try to make the issue "go away" before the expected fall election. It is not in the best interests of the politicians, we are told, to have women's reproductive rights clutter the election campaign. The new legislation will seek to be a "compromise". It may be decided by polls or pollsters. (The fact that poll results depend significantly on the way a question is asked can only add to the chaos.) The compromise that is speculated is a pregnancy stage restriction. (You are not a criminal if you abort at 10 weeks, you are a criminal if you abort at 14 weeks?) ABORTION IS NOT A CRIMINAL ACT. Our position must be clear and unequivocal. NO LAW is the only acceptable stand. The issue of choice has not been won. We must again embark on the distasteful process of lobbying our politicians. We must make clear to all politicians that a new abortion law is unnecessary and unacceptable. We must also demand that equitable access to abortion services must be available to all women. We must also continue to press for community-controlled women's health centres that provide comprehensive services. Finally, we must focus on an integration of reproductive rights within a total economic and social agenda for women. Rape, violence, economic insecurity, day care, employment equity, pensions, reproductive rights, are not separate issues, and we must not let politicians treat them as separate issues ... and in doing so divide us. The following pages provide a retrospective of the pro-choice movement as we perceive it has evolved.. Suggestions are also given for what each of us can do to ensure that freedom of choice becomes a reality for Canadian women. Abortion is surely the most personal and private decision a woman_ will ever have to make. How far we are from affording women that privacy. The lawyers, the doctors, the journalists, the politicians, the priests, the pollsters, are certainly having their say and threaten to drown out women's voices. So we must take whatever individual or collective action we can, for until all women are free, none of us are free. "In th,bs countky, accezz to abottion nequitez a t'taveY agent - and money." June Cattwood (Gtobe'S Mait Dec.3/86) "The taw haz trLeated women az though they weke chadken who had to be protected 6tom the in own ikkezponzibte imputzez - and then zuddenty noticed that they wee att 2/town up. Now, the judicial doors haz been pitied open wide enough to £e-t the keatity o6 women'z tivez enten..." Anne Cottin4 (Macteanz Feb.8/88) NORTHERNPDFCompressor WOMAN': PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION ti �Historical Perspective excerpted from an article in BROADSIDE Volume 2 #4, 1981 In all societies throughout history abortion has been part of women's experience. Women have always attempted to control their reproductive capacities regardless of societal controls or sanctions. Several factors determine the status of abortion in a particular culture at a given time: the definition of the beginning of life, the perception of ideal population size, and the influence of the medical profession. Until the late 19th century no society punished abortion in the early stages of pregnancy. The Greek city states and ancient Rome made abortion the basis of a well-ordered population policy. Christianity infused the fetus with a soul but debated for eighteen centuries exactly when the fetus became animated by the soul, thereby making abortion a serious crime. Early Christain theologians defined the beginning of life as 40 days after conception for a male fetus, and 90 days after conception for a female fetus, although no methods of sex determination were specified. By the 13th century abortion was tolerated as a less serious sin up until the time of "quickening", usually the fifth month when a woman could feel the fetus move. It wasn't until the mid 19th century that the Roman Catholic Church tightened up its official stand against abortion. Pope Leo XIII at that time declared life to begin at conception and as a result abortion became defined as murder. This decision was rationalized in a number of ways. First, a mid 19th century wave of humanitarianism pressed for abortion laws to protect women from infection and death at the hands of male medical practioners. Until antiseptic techniques became prevalent, an abortion in the first three months of pregnancy was 10 to 15 times more dangerous than delivery at full term (today legal abortions are oneeighth as dangerous as childbirth at full term). Second, biologists began to understand conception, and women were therefore able to practice more effective birth control - a good motive for tightening of abortion laws. This had ramifications for all countries where large families were essential to farming communities. Third, and much more subtle, English puritanism flourished in the 19th century and espoused the idea, still current today It woutd be great to cttebtate this ti6ting o6 an ancient cuAse two thousand yeaAz and mote without tecoukse to taw on pukse It woad be nice to say "it's -oven" Sat the deed was tkuty done when justice met intettigence democtacy Sot us was won BUT Th,lz L not about abottion as much as powet and the pte-eminence o6 mole seed oven nine months oi Serrate gestation It iz about tetigious 6ascism in out time and two thousand yearn o6 chAistain misogyny tooted in itz inteApAetation as sexual pteasute as itticit and wit. untess Lt keptenished the earth. It's about Aace and the ketucatance o6 white women to reproduce on command Son the 6atheas It's about owner hip and Dominion ova that ctumbting dynasty o6 church and state and the sepakation o6 these two monotiths And it .us oimatity about those who choose not to know the keatity as out tivez That dakk night o6 the sout with the tkauma o6 decision and the challenge o6 peAsonat tesponsibitity as 6tee women It is about the sad out haAnassing the had outs and the concealed angek ofi the 40,ed that sex for pleasure was bad, that pregnancy was a punishment for pleasure, and that fear of pregnancy wou reinforce degenerating modern morals It was in 1873 that a US federal law banned from the mails all literatur( medicine or article to do with contraception or abortion. The 20th cei tury has seen a series of movements directed toward the repeal of the 19th century laws prohibiting abortion. Access to abortion in any culture is directly related to its economic needs and therefore to its pe/ ception of an ideal population size. Historically, nomadic peoples have always limited their population whatever means available,yet in preindustrial agricultural societies large families were an economic asset and abortion more difficult to obtain. A major influence on access to abortion was the emergence of the male medical profession. Until the development of scientific medicine in the late 18th and 19th centuries a wide range of healers performed medical tasks. The female "witch healer" and midwife played important roles in the community. As European medicine became firmly established as a secular science, it was increasingly threatened by women healers, and the profession played an active role in the witch trials which spanned more than four centuries. By the 18th century male practftioners had a so made inroads into the last preserve of female healing - midwifery. The invention of forceps enabled mall professionals to claim that a surgical instrument must be used by experts. The job of the midwife - who had been, for most women, the only source of information on childbearin; contraception and abortion - was narrowed in scope, downgraded and confined to the women of the poor. Matters of reproduction among the middle and upper classes was transformed into a lucrative business and remains so today. 60t a choice they resisted that tesotts them to a noisy demonsttat ion o6 supetion mokatity and 6inatty it's about moving in the ditection 06 each othet Sot noutishment and bonding as 6tee women in common. from KINESIS SO It wowed be nice to cetebtate the Aizing consciousness oti the Supreme count Paying Homage to the 6emate input. Those who have not paid theist dues to innocence will continue to harass the coutt and kiss the shoe o6 theit oppkessou We have bettek things to do with out tives than tetutn the harassment o6 .ignorance we choose to turn the othet cheek. "The only time you're sum_ what abort on is is when you're ptegnant.' Mation Powell, Say Centke Sot Bitth Conttot wokket. Gent Bead& page 8 NORTHERN WOMAN PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �ProChoice Thunder Bay ce n the he nsipriith serrth t the se inree eneConsoure speeness" h con- nal "400 ain se hostic' to al." chapition sumtoric ading) that inics. e writpro- ion r Bay. Abore contum aborrganemal the stern eventmitted ThunGroup had ... l base... primarily with pro-choice supporters, but including a small, vocal group of anti-choice women and their "brothers" who persistently disrupted the meeting's agenda. Apparently frustrated by the pro-choice speakers calmness and logic, the anti-abortionists broke up the meeting with a vitriolic display of verbal abuse... which spilled out into the streets where deflammatory accusations of a personal nature nearly caused a riot. Totally stunned by this amazing experience the Abortion Caravan continued on to Ottawa apparently blanking out this experience as the Thunder Bay stop is omitted from all of the Caravan's historical accounts. Women's Liberation meanwhile matured their political sophistication. The value of the Birth Control Clinic cannot be overstated. For more than three years it provided a supportive and necessary service. But key organizers moved on and the Clinic phased out. Impetus for pro-choice activism surged again following the 1973 Northern Women's Conference. An unstructured pro-choice group met regularly from 1974 on, and became an official CARAL chapter in 1979, and have been involved in public education, political activism, as well as providing support to individual women. The Northern Woman Journal has also played a significant role. Since its birth in 1973, the Journal has been an on-going vehicle for up-todate information about the pro-choice movement locally and nationally. The mid/late 70s saw the beginning of a structured anti-choice movement in Thunder Bay, with local Right to Life, Birthright, and (later) Campaign Life groups organizing. It is instructive to note that while the early anti-choice activities were developed by women, recent leadership is predominantly male. "As far as our The early work of the anti-choice group focussed heavily on speaking to school groups, and on lobbying federal politicians. This lobby has been intensified since the Supreme Court ruling. (Anti-choicers seem to love to demonstrate. CARAL was able to counteract one rather nasty picket, when CARAL presented Iona Camponola, then president of the Liberal Party, with a bouquet of roses, thus defusing the pickets' unpleasantness to Camponola, who supports choice.) It is instructive to note that the more recent anti-choice focus is oppostion to a variety of women's services. (See article on Women's Centre, NWJ Vol. 10 #1) Feminism is now the target. This "anti-woman" movement must be clearly understood. Access to abortion for Northwestern Ontario women has always been restricted, and heavily dependent on geography and economic status. Only Thunder Bay and Kenora hospitals had therapeutic abortion committees,,leaving women hundreds of miles from an abortion service. The problems encountered in accessing service here have made it necessary for many NWO women to travel to Minneapolis or Duluth. While these free standing abortion clinics have provided excellent and supportive services, the cost has been prohibitive for some women. The lack of access, the T.A.C. hassles, the delays, and, in some cases, insensitive treatment of abortion patients, has been all too evident in Northwestern Ontario. Consequently, support increases, not only for de-criminalizing abortion, but for the provision of community-controlled women's health centres, including abortion services. Only with such centres will there be the assurance of the sensitive and supportive environment that women undergoing an abortion need. For more information about local pro-choice activities, write CARAL, Box 3134, Thunder Bay. responsibilities are concerned we intend to provide the leadership that Is required on this Issue." FederalJusbroWUWRamon Wmtenr.Fth2,191W Globe and mail. "We must support legislators who protect us from complicity in the moral crime of abortion." Archbishop James Carney Feb 11, 1988, Vancouver Sun. "There are any number of MAWS for abortion but in broad terms selfishness has a lot to do with L" I have been made aware by many Albertans that they resent having their taxes used to pay for abortions when these are done with contraception Irresponsibly being conceived in the Joy of sex. "We mourn for the unborn children of Canada... We promise to continue the battle with all our might." Wiliam Vander Zake,8.C. Premier, Feb 12,1988, Vancouver Sun James Huges, Campaign Life, Jan. 28,1988, Globe and Mail. Dr Roy le Riche, Aberta College of Physicians and Surgeons Registrar, Feb 12, Canadian Press. is e ts KJNESIS 7 page 9 NORTHERN WOMAN PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �The Law That Was CHILDBIRTH BY CHOICE Chiedbinth by choice means Oteedom o6 choice in ptanning one's 6ami2 y. It meant a woman zhoutd not be ptezzuted to beat a chid againzt het witt. It meant a woman zhoutd not be ptezzuted to have an abontion against het wilt. CARAL betievez that women zhoutd have the ineedom to chooze whethen on not to continue an unptanned, undezited pregnancy. Outs pozition -ins the one taken in the Un- ited Natibnz Human Rightz Dectanation oi 1968 (zigned by Canada): "Eveny couple and eveny individuat hat the tight to decide 6neety and nezponzibty whethet on not to have chitdnen ass welt at to detenmine theit numbers and zpacing, and to have inOtmation, education and meant to do to." Morgentaler's Struggle The 1969 Canadian abortion law The following is the relevant portion of Section 251 of the Criminal Code that was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of Canada. 251(1) Everyone who, with intent to procure the miscarriage of a female person, whether or not she is pregnant, uses any means for the purpose of carrying out his intention is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for life. (2) Every female person who, being pregnant, with intent to procure her own miscarriage, uses any means or permits any means to be used for the purpose of carrying out her intention is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for two years. (3) in this section "means" in- The federal Justice Minister orders a new trial on the (first) abortion charges. For a third time Morgentaler is acquitted by a Quebec 1976 jury. the Supreme Court of Canada. This culminates nearly twenty years of legal battles by Dr. Henry Morgentaler The chronology of this struggle is: 1968 Morgentaler performs his first illegal abortion in Montreal. 1969 Parliament amends the Criminal Code (which previously prohibited all abortions). Abortion remains illegal unless approved by a therapeutic abortion committee for an accredited or approved hospital. 1970 Charges of performing an illegal abortion are laid against Morgentaler at his Montreal clinic. 1973 A Quebec jury acquits Morgentaler on the 1970 charges. 1974 The Quebec Appeal Court overturns Morgentaler's acquittal and substitutes a conviction. He is sentenced to 18 months in prison, and serves 10 months. 1975 In a split decision the Supreme Court of Canada denies Morgentaler's appeal. 1975 (While in prison) Morgentaler is tried on a second charge in Quebec and is again acquitted by a The Quebec govern1976 (Dec.) ment decides the abortion law is not enforcable and drops all outstanding charges against Morgentaler. 1983 Morgentaler opens a Clinic in Winnipeg in May, which is closed after police raid the Clinic. Morgentaler and eight others are charged with"conspiring to procure a miscarriage of females." 1983 The Harbord St. Clinic opened in Toronto in June. In July Dr. Mortentaler, Dr. Robert Scott and Dr. Leslie Smoling are arrested and The Quebec Court of Appeal upholds Morgentaler's acquittal and accepts his use of the defense of necessity as a justification for terminating a pregnancy. 1976 Parliament makes it illegal for appeal courts to (in future) substitute a conviction for a jury acquittal. (Appeal Courts can only order a retrial, not reverse a jury de1976 cision. cal practitioner to use in an acct., dited or approved hospital any mew described in paragraph (a) for the purpose of carrying out her intent: to procure her own miscarriage, if before the use of those means, the therapeutic abortion committee for that accredited or approved hospit( by a majority of the members of the committee and at a meeting of the committee at which the case of suci cludes: female person was reviewed, (a) the administation of a drug (c) has by certificate in wrior other noxious thing ting stated that in its opinion the (b) the use of an instrument, and continuation of the pregnancy of si (c) manipulation of any kind. female person would or would be lit Exceptions (4) Subsections (1) ly to endanger her life or health, and (2) do not apply to and (d) has caused a copy of such (a) a qualified medical praccertificate to be given to the qua] titioner, other than a member of a ified medical practitioner, therapeutic abortion committee for has been - declared unconstitutional by jury. any hospital who in good faith use in an accredited or approved hospi tal any means for the purpose of carrying out his intention to procure the miscarriage of a female person, or (b) a female person who, bein, pregnant, permits a qualified medi 1984 The Ontario Supreme Court rejects the doctors contention that Canada's abortion law violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 1984 (Nov.) An Ontario jury a quits the doctors. (The Ontario gov ernment later appeals.) 1985 The Ontario Court of Appe orders a new trail. Morgentaler and colleagues appeal the order to the Supreme Court of Canada. 1986 (Oct.) The Supreme Cow concludes its hearings. The Supren 1988 (January 28) Court rules in favour of Morgentale/ declaring the Canadian abortion law unconstitutional. charged. PREEDOM OP alma CANADIAN ABORTION RIGHTS ACTION LEAGUE (CABAL) ASSOCIATION CANAIIIIINIIS TOON la M01? A WAVOSTIINUINT owsks) ac/la The Purpose of CARAT is to ensure that no woman In Canada is denied acces to safe, legal abortion. Our aim is the repeal of all sections of the Crimini Codes dealing with abortion and the establishment of comprehensive cof traceptive and abortion services, Including appropriate counselling across th country. We regard the right to safe, legal abortion as a fundamental human right I support the statement of purpose of GARAI. and wish to become a rawest. Oki. Address: Postal Code: Ooeupetlen: Name of Federal Riding: Individuel Member United Income " Funny' Sustaining Donation 1110.00 13.00 SIS.00 $25.00 RETURN TO:. CARAL, Box 3134, Thunder Bay,Ont. P7B 5G6 NoRTOEM WMAk: fct. web t 10 optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor PDF compression, OCR, �The Case Against Criminal Sanctions obtaining an early termination: they set up phony clinics which delay a woman's search for abortion, they harass women at legitimate clinics, excetpt4 4tom a pozition papet pto&teed by the Canadian AboAtion Rights ALtion League, Manch 1988 and they de-insure the procedure under provincial medical schemes, thereby forcing women to search for money to pay for the abortion. Most importantly, however, a woman receives a late-term abortion because a pregnancy endangers her life or health or because severe fetal abnormality has been diagnosed. Conditions which are a threat to a woman's life include cancer, heart failure, hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, suicidal depression, and AIDS. Amniocentesis, by which fetal abnormalities such as Down's Syndrome, Tay-Sachs disease and anencephaly are diagnosed, cannot be performed until the 16th week of pregnancy and it may take until the 19th week to make a diagnosis; then comes the search for access to the procedure, and more delay is introduced. The answer to later abortion is not further restrictions - the answer is access early on in the pregnancy. Sex education and birth control counselling reduce the need for abortion per se but also reduce the number of late abortions. Ready access to an abortion facility eliminates delay. And full insurance coverage means that women must not spend time looking for money to pay for the procedure. Thus, people who oppose these measures are, in fact, contributing to the incidence of later abortions. Finally, however, there will always be a need for later terminations if women's lives and health are to be protected and if a woman or a couple is to be allowed to choose whether or not to bear a handicapped child. And this is a decision that must be made by a woman in consultation with her doctor. Where a doctor is uncertain as to what constitutes the best medical practice under the circumstances, he or she will seek an opinion from another doctor - the usual practice for any medical procedure. There is no need to reinforce this practice with criminal sanc- ABORTION AND HEALTH The world over, modern thinking on abortion is moving away from focusing on criminality and towards focusing on the health of women and their families. Abortion is properly seen as a matter of health; no woman should face criminal charges for making a decision which furthers her physical or mental health.... Just as there is no legislation governing other medical procedures and the decision for medical care is based on good medical practice, the decision to have or not have an abortion should be left to a woman and her doctor .... We encourage people to take responsibility for their own health;' taking such initiative should not result in the laying of criminal charges. At all stages of pregnancy a woman's life or health must be protected above all else. Even under s.251 there was no gestational limits on the performing of abortions, and for good reason namely, that at all stages of pregnancy, a woman's life or health must be protected above all else. Nonetheless, some people. are under the impression that new legislation must be enacted in order to restrict abortions in the later stages of pregnancy. But, just as there were no limits under the old law, it is not necessary to have a new law prescribing limitations according to the length of the pregnancy. The huge percentage of abortions are performed within the first 12 weeks of gestation. Statistics Canada figures for 1985 indicate that only 0.2 percent of abortions are performed after 20 weeks. There is no reason to believe that these numbers would increase without a new criminal procedure. There are a number of reasons why abortions are sought after the first trimester. Lack of access to service may cost a woman valuable time; money may be a problem; young women do not know that they are pregnant. The anti-choice movement itself puts obstacles in the way of women tions. What You Can Do What can you do? You can write a letter, send a telegram, or telephone: Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney Prime Minister House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A2 and Hon. Ray Hnatyshyn Minister of Justice Justice Building Kent & Wellington Sts. Ottawa, Ontario K1A OH8 and tell them that abortion is not a criminal act and that the government must not enact new criminal legislation on abortion. Make your views known now. Send a copy of your letter to your local MP. Remember that postage is not required on letters to the federal government. You can also join CABAL and work with them to ensure Canadian women do have freedom of choice. Send your membership to CABAL, Box 3134, Thunder Bay, P7B 5G6 ABORTION AND THE LAW Aftermath of the Supreme Court of Canada Decision It is not accurate to say that there is now no abortion law. The Criminal Code still retains s252, which prohibits the supplying of a drug, instrument, or other "noxious thing" to procure an abortion. This section can be used to prosecute back-alley abortionists. Provincial regulation also remains: all provinces have legislation which prohibits the practice of medicine by people who are not doctors and establishes good medical standards for doctors. (In Ontario this legislation is called the Health Disciplines Act.) There is no need for special legislative provisions governing abortion alone of all medical procedures, There is, therefore, no need for special legislative provisions governing abortion alone of all medical procedures. A doctor who is uncertain as to the proper practice in a given instance will consult another doctor for a second opinion. This is done routinely in medical practice; it is not necessary to mandate such consultation in the case of abortion. Finally, if section 251 were replaced, the provision would have all the same problems as s. 251 had: the standards would be vague and would vary from place to place; the system would inevitably cause delays; and juries may well again refuse to convict doctors who believe that this is a bad way to practice medicine. Moreover, the law would have to take account of exceptions - termination would still have to be allowed to protect the life or health of the woman. Such a law would, in the final analysis, only create delays for women and make abortions even later. Abortion and Health Care Insurance After the Supreme Court of Canada decision, some provinces used that decision as an excuse to limit coverage of abortion. ...The practice of deinsuring an important health care service must be stopped. Under the Canada Health Act, ehe federal government contributes money to the provincial health care insurance plans if these plans meet certain criteria, among them comprehensiveness, universality, and accessibility. Where a plan does not satisfy these criteria, Cabinet is empowered under the Act to withhold all or some of the contributions it makes into that plan. Clearly the federal government must use this power to withhold funds from provinces seeking to de-insure contaceptive and abortion services (as, indeed, they withheld funds from provinces which allowed doctors to extra-bill). Similarly, provincial politicians must be convinced that their mandate does not permit them to deny essential health care 05 its taxpayers. NORTHERN. WPMAN page ,11 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �New Women's Resources The National Film Board of Canada is offering a workshop titled Transforming Myths; Using Film To See Ourselves in New Ways. This workshop is for those interested in Women's changing image and changing women's image. It offers an opportunity to view the sexist myths which film has historically reinforced and to re-write the script. Clips from 42 years on National Film Board films along with appropriate group exercises enable partcipants to experience how to transform limiting myths into positive images through the medium of film. The workshop which features a 27 minute film titled Images of Women in National Film Board Films 1945-1987, has earned high praise from educators, film/ video makers, and community groups. How to book the workshop! In the West Marion Dodds #4-31 West 11th St. Vancouver, BC V5Y 1S6 In the East Rosemany: Sullivan 1965 St. Armand Rd. Pigeon Hill, Que. JOJ 1TO Aids and Female Genital Mutilation Campaign-Annual Review. Hanna Edemkpong, Nigeria, West Africa Dear Sisters: The campaign we launched against Aids and the practice of female genital mutilation in November 1986 has reached one year of age. The cam-, paign was launched because of the staggering figure of Aids carriers in Africa, moreso, the overwhelming majority of western victims are male homosexuals and intravenous drug users who share dirty hypodermic needles, but the reverse is true in Africa where the majority are women. Moreover, recent research findings have confirmed that the practice of female genital mutilation opens genital sores and as a result of these operations as well as other sexual Practices by men that may result in lacerations and the flow of blood in the genital area an easy gateway is provided for Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases to enter the bloodstream where they rapidly multiply among white cells, thus Aids has many opportunities to reach women in Africa. In addition, the campaign was prompted by our profound belief that while most or our African women are suffering under ignorance of traditional practices and dying of diseases is because of lack of practical information that could change their lives° Apart from raising the issues of female genital mutilation and Aids at Internation- al Conferences by some African women there has been very little of no local initiative to stop the practice and the widespread of Aids. As a self help, non-governmental women's organization with limited funds, our greatest problem has been lack of funds to run the campaign. Thus we had to make appeals to concerned women, feminist and women's bodies, groups and organizations to come to our urgent help. Although a majority or women who read our appeals failed to respond, few concerned women responded by way of donations. By this support, we were able to cover over 100,000 square kilometres of our countryside and had been able to meet with 5 million rural women whom we dissuaded to partake in the practice of femele genital mutilation and spread of Aids. All the women we met have shown penitence and willingness to refrain from the practice in order to safeguard themselves against Aids, We have also contacted 2 million women by radio and television and another 1 million by newspaper and litetatures. Arrangements have also been completed for the launching of the campaign in other African Countries in 1988 if we have enough financial support from our friends. I wish on behalf of myself and all our women to express our profound appreciation and gratefulness to all of you and all women who concerned themselves with out plight and contributed in cash and kind for the running ou our campaign through which we were able to make such tremendous progress. We have been very much encouraged by your support and solidarity in our uphill walk towards the emancipation of our women from ignorance and disease. We wish to appeal to all of you that our task is such that cannot be accomplished overnight therefore we hope that you will endeavour to give us more support in 1988 so that we may be able to cover our budgetory deficit of $25,000 in our 1988 budget proposals of our campaign programme. Once again, we thank all of you who contributed towards the success of our programme this past year in the interest of international feminism; for those who act to solve problems one small step will make the decade a success not those who spend their time planning and programming the sector. For sending of donations or inquiries write to: Hanna Edemikpong Women's Centre, Box 185, Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, West Africa. In Sisterhood, Hanna Edemikpong National Women's Studies Association 1988 Annual Conference will be hosted by the University of Minnesota June 22-26, 1988, The NWSA con-, in Minneapolis. ference, "Leadership and Power: Women's Alliances for Social Change," will explore culturally diverse leadership models and empowerment among women, Over 1,500 women are expected to at- tend the 10th annual NWSA con ference and to celebrate the Association's 11th anniversar Three conferen ce plenary will highlight Amer ican Indian, in ternational an d lesbian issue "American Indian Women: Diverse Leader ship for Social Change," will feature America Indian women a uthors, a lawye and an activis t in Indian hea issues° "Alliances for Social Ch International Voices," will feature women from devel oping countries who will disc networks and issues common to many women in rural communiti "Lesbian Alliances: Com bating Heterosexism in the 80 will feature noted lesbian au thors, artists and activists who will discuss cultural, ec onomic, racial and sexual fac tors perpetuating heterosexis There will be 250 workshops and many cultural event scheduled for the conference including a book exhibit, intercultural exhibitions and entertainers. For further information conta ange: NWSA '88 Conference Office 237 Nolte Center 315 Pillsbury Drive S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55455-0139 (612)625-8803 WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT - Quebe City, April 21, 1988. From November 13, 1988, some 500 women from all over Canada, t United-States, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa as we will gather in Quebec City to discuss on the theme "Women a Development". This event, or ganized by the GREMF (Groupe de recherche multidisciplinai fjministe) of Laval Universit will be in fact the 12th Symp osium of the Canadian Institu for Research on Women. Participants will be off ered the opportunity to discu about their lives as women as well as the different develop ment means at their disposal: equal employment opportunity, community programs, etc. Anyone interested in sub jects related to woman activi ies and their concerns, is in ited to attend the symposium which will constitute an inte esting platform for the benef and personal development of w men on the Canadian scene and beyond. On the other hand, t event will allow participants to set up new solidarity networks, whereas a program of cultural activities will favo the meeting of participants o an informal basis. French and English simul taneous translation will be available as various services to handicapped people. For registration, please contact: Service des communi ations, Faculte- des sciences sociales, bureau 3446, pavill Charles-De Koninch, Universit Laval, t61: (418)656-2832. PDF compression, OCR, pa web e. 12 optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHEgH (''OMAN �International Feminist Book Fair The 3rd International Feminist Book Fair will be held in Montreal, June 14-19, 1988. This is the first time the Book Fair has been held in North Ameri^a. Two hundred of the world's finest writers will be gathering in Montreal this summer to read their work, debate the crucial feminist issues of the 1980's. A rare opportunity for the Canadian public to discover writers who are household names in their own country but largely unknown to North American readers the Third International Feminist Book Fair will feature: Miriam Tlali, South Africa's only published Black woman novelist, still living in Soweto; Angelica Gorodischer, prize-winning Argentinian author of fantasy and fiction; Nell McCafferty, a leading Irish journalist whose outspoken views have recently been muzzled under Ireland's state security laws. A biennial celebration of women's writing, the Feminist Book Fair was first held in London in 1984, then in Oslo two years later. The Montreal edition promises to repeat these two earlier outstanding successes with panels on: Writing as a dangerous profession; Eroticism; Feminism and Islam; Feminism in North American Native traditions; Pornography and Prostitution; Dreams, magic and symbolism in Latin American literature; Women confront the Medical Establishment; Mystery and Sci-Fi: Redefining Violence?; Censorship; Poetry is also a weapon; Writing in Exile. The Fair has also generated a series of parallel events including art exhibits, theatre, performance, music and other entertainment to add to the festivities. Combining commerce and culture, the Fair brings together publishers, writers, booksellers and related professionals with the aim of expanding the feminist book industry. For more information about the Fair contact the Northern Woman's Bookstore, 344-7979. Book Womb Travels to Fair Have books, will travel and Winnipeg's elusive wimmin's book service are both key phrases which describe THE BOOK. -WOMB. Since its con- ception in 1985 THE BOOK WOMB has grown and changed in ways that reflect the spirit of it's partners, Jahnet Hewsick and Shirley Walker. The values, interests and needs of the wimmin's community are reflected by our ever-increasing and diverse stock of feminist and lesbian writings. We also carry a selection of records, tapes, cards, buttons, postcards and crafts - all wommon-made. Mobility is a key asset and so is The Wombmobile. In June, THE BOOK WOMB will take to the open highway/ congested freeways as it travels to Montreal to be part of the 3rd International Feminist Book Fair. Jahnet will be taking her pretty silver mini-van (dubbed the Wombmobile) to seven eastern cities - Thunder Bay, London, Hamilton, Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa and Montreal. Each of these cities is home to a wimmin's bookstore which Jahnet will be visiting to promote the Book Fair. She will also be having a workshop at the Fair for those interested in the concept of going mobile with books. The BOOK WOMB herstory begins in 1984 with five wimmin meeting on a regular basis to talk about starting up a wimmin's bookstore in Winnipeg. The only other wimmin's bookstore in Winnipeg had been Brigid's Books. It had been housed in the Women's Building and when the Building closed its doors in 1983, feminist and lesbian literature became scarce again. The five of us were avid readers and book buyers. We liked to travel and to attend feminist conferences and when we went to such places as Toronto, Vancouver, Minneapolis and the Michigan Women's Music Festival we always "hit" the local wimmin's bookstore to stock up. For us and many other wimmin, the importance of feminist and lesbian literature that reflects and validates our lives, as well as challenging us to grow and change, is crucial to our lives. And we wanted to have access to this literature in Winnipeg. We didn't have much money but we were flush with ideas. So began the process of endless discussions around the issues of structure, philosophy, time and energy commitments... and of course how to get the financial resources to make this a reality. Because of other commitments three of the original five founding mothers withdrew from the BOOK WOMB. The first opportunity to display and sell books publicly came at the Canadian Women's Music and Cultural Festival in August of 1985. It was fun and exciting and the response by those who attended the Festival was very enthusiastic. Since then the BOOK WOMB has been present at many wimmin's conferences and special events. The original idea of having a store has more and more given way to the idea of a book service that travels around, making books available to wimmin who don't have regular access to a bookstore. THE BOOK WOMB has travelled to The Pas, Thompson, and Saskatoon. Travelling and meeting new and diverse wimmin are wonderful side benefits to the business of selling books. Sometime, somewhere, Jahnet envisages a permanent location. But for now, "the gypsy in my soul, gets to have her fun". Jahnet and THE BOOK WOMB will be visiting Thunder Bay in early June on their way to the International Feminist Book Fair. Contact the Northern Woman's Bookstore for more information,, Thr Women's Tress- Lesbian writers! Fiction Non-fiction Erotica Poetry Prose Experimental Work Women's Press is looking for manuscripts for a second anthology of writing by Lesbians about Lesbian experience Send to: Women's Press Lesbian Manuscript Group 229 College Street Toronto M5T 1R4 SUB LET An attnactive one-bed/Loom apaAtment available 4oA sub -tet Thom June 30 to mid August to a non-moking, cattoven. Contact Heten at 622-1212 page. 13 NORTHERN WOMAN PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �BOOK REVIEW: LIONHEART GAL by Sistren with Honor Ford Smith, The Women's Press (U.K.) wm-Sb with Honor reviewed by MARGARET PHILLIPS "We create our own material.. All me do is just look back in me life, focus on a lickle situation just paint di picture natural and pretty in words and movement. All life, me did haffi act in order tc survive. Di fantasies and ginnalsh were ways of coping wid di frustre tion. Now me can put dat pain on s and mek fun a di people who cause The book evolved from a plans documentation of the threatre coll tive to be introduced by testimoni from the Sistren. But the testimor "would not sit neatly into an intr ductory section. They refused to b come supporting evidence of predet mined factors... so we gave up try to silence them.." Consequently w have this book of remarkable stori As can be seen (from quotes al many of the women's stories are wr ten in Patwah, which initially mak difficult reading. It is worth the time it takes to study the glossar: become familiar with the terms. Al! you will soon find that the rhythm the writing helps you to transcend language difficulties. The importance of writing in Patwah is sensitively outlined by the editor. Ford-Smith explains that while Patwah is written for performance.."it is not written fo reflection ... yet we know ... tha reflection is part of the process of gaining control over one's own life." She goes on to say "... the language issue is a political issu because language is central to all power relations. It expresses the soul of a people. In our experienc the development of Patwah expresses the refusal of a people to imitate a coloniser, their insistence on creation, their movement from obed ence towards revolution." The stories flowed from each woman answering for herself three questions - "How did you first become aware of the fact that you we oppressed as a woman? How did that experience affect your life? How have you tried to change it? And we are given stories of childhood, of motherhood, of relation,thips, of families, of isolatic of migrating to the city for a 'bet ter' life, of disappointments, of perserverance, of learning, of grox, of strength. Although these stories are uni que, in a sense they are universal. For they are stories of women's cot riEn LIONHEART GAL "Without life, our lives must go on. Without hope, we're not hopeless. Without education, we shall be educated. Without food, we shall be fed. Without a home we shall be sheltered. Without a reality, we shall emerge from captivity. Without all we can stand tall, firm and strong in what we believe in." These few lines from a poem, 'Won't Go Without' by Barbara (p140) illustrate the spirit of LIONHEART GAL. The stories the Sistren tell are filled with courage, with strength, with wisdom, with dignity. I have been trying to review LIONHEART GAL for more than six months I opened the book and could not put it down. I start my review. I read.. .. I write .... I pause to reflect .. .. I re-read a story... I re-read the introductitin. I put my review aside ... come back to it again and again. I am so incredibly moved by this writing but I simply cannot find the words tit do it justice. LIONHEART GAL is compelling because we HEAR the voices of the women speaking. This is real. These are oral her-stories put to print, of fifteen Jamaican women sharing their experience --- their experience of exploitation, opression, isolation, poverty, -- of work, of health, of sexual initiation, of child bearing and rearing, of relationships, of violence. And of the evolving politicized collective awareness of these women. "(we) talk about woman and work and woman and politics. We discuss what is politics and how it affect woman. After we done talk ah get to feel dat di little day-to-day tings dat happen to we as women, is politics too. For instance, if yuh tek yuh pickney to hospital and it die in yuh hand - dat is politics.... If yuh man box yuh down, dat is politics. But plenty politicians don't tink dose tings have anything to do wid politics." (p253) from KINESIS In 1977 a group of workLig class women from an employment program came together and talked about doing a play ... "We want to do plays about how we suffer as women. We want to do plays about how men treat us bad"... So the Sistren collective was born, and has since gained international recognition for its use of theatre and popular education. While the introduction to the book describes the premise and process of the Sistren collective, the impact of Sistren comes clearest from the words of the women themselves. "When we form di group ah began to meet and talk wid odder women. Ah hear dem experience and ah hear dem view. We sit and talk we problem. We improvise and mek plays. After a time we start draw pictures too. After doing dese creative work, we always discuss. Dat is how ah come to find out how and why certain tings happen in me life, how ah can work on di problems and how ah can make it better." "We are planning to do a play... based on our experiences as women from the ghetto. We come together and talk our life story and put it in a lickle scene. The rehearsals make all of us think about our lives. Me did really pass through plenty. Dem should a have some process fi help girls to know what to expect when dem turn woman." ETWIFTWEET-'-e MAT'S NEW IN THE BOOKSTORE More and more wonderful women's literature pours off the presses, Here is just a small sampling. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: Aboriginal Women Speak Out as told to Janet Silman ... "I think what really kept us going is our determination to seek what is rightfully ours....We were fighting for our BIRTHRIGHT." A PASSION FOR FRIENDS: Toward a Philosophy of Female Affection, by Janice G. Raymond... "A challenging new theory of female friendship as the basis for feminist purpose, passion and politics. It is a privilege to read this book. MAM DZWIL.7534:WOFsi MYTHS OF GENDER: Biological Theories About Women and Men, by Anne Fausto-Sterling ... "required reading for all who would understand the sexual politics of science". THE SECRET TRAUMA: Incest in the Lives of Girls and Women, by Diana E. Russell ... "will be invaluable in helping to combat the denial of incestuous abuse and remediate its effects". WOMEN AND SELF-ESTEEM: Understanding and Improving the Way We Think and Feel About Ourselves, by Linda Tschirhart Sanford and Mary Ellen Donovan, Lots of tiction for your leisurely summer reading as well. CHILD OF HER PEOPLE, by Anne Cameron. age. -____?)OrtaTTNY 11'41:0aR CROSSING THE MAINSTREAM: New tion by Women Writers, edited by 2 E. Laison and Carole A. Carr. THE MONARCHS ARE FLYING by Ma Foster (mystery). OF LQWE AND SHADOWS by Isabel Allende. SOMETIMES THEY SANG, by Helen Potrebenko. Everyone concerned about educ tion will be interested to read Fr Lynn Davies (South Gillies) analys SKIPPING SCHOOL IN EARNEST: Just C for Leaving a Mired System... "Mor than a book about education... val able for all who are concerned abo children and about the future.., a voice of sanity and common sense.. clear-sighted, refreshing, powerfu PDF compression, OCR, web VORTfIERN,WOMANpa0 14 optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �1,19RD SEARCH TNEMPOLEVEDCANGER E SNASAKRASSERTIVE TEIIUSEOLPSRMNOOM ANSNMCYTIUQEYAPDC RAIRIAAEDNUSTANTO B E L E Amazon anger Arka assertive aware TSORMZRHKIEAELDN EHESIEEESNTRPNPS CDIGLEFTRTAREPAC OXREDNEGECKWRNHI basis caper care celebrate Ceres child care choice chord class clew code consciousness CEEVOLRADDEEAEOAO SNNWGHHALCWHRWZEU E HENORCIANIDOOAHS L LAODEHEPSOMEPMRN deaf Decade demands development CMDRDCPLSEMSEMAFE AIAGEQUALITYREAAS RACISMLENAIBSELLS dove empower energize equality era O NIPSCPHRNMODEERF feminist flame freedom Gaia gender goddess hag heal Hekate Isis left lesbian love maze moon racism Re Rhea saner Sappho see sexism share sisterhood spa spin spunk squint star tao unite use valid Odin oracle Wendo wommin pain pay equity peace Pele play WOM A N WOR DS Answers from last issue. MARrIS SPED Awol- ALTO A idev T RANcE RANI PoRE MYTH RAN T1 PPER Dol- PO FAGGol" HARMON/ie. AC0A-r PAR1 S ARR C R N r N T S P kE RE W E N DJ CERES CH I S 1 O C H / () t AND-RosEs AhEART oP,TS E T'AL NUCLEI ArviEn1 ER_A ORAL V gl ri P GoRE oGRE A DiT CRDSE D NE ED LA DY R E. s -r- t*********************************** t f *IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR LABEL T PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION f t * * te****************************irk***** s COMMUNITY INFORMATION Do you have a problem and don't know where you can find help solving it? The Community Information and Referral Centre can tell you where you can find that help, and we take care to ensure confidentiality. Do you need to contact an organization and can't find the number in the telephone directory or can't remember the exact name? The Community Information and Referral Centre has extensive files and tries to keep them up to date. We can usually give you the answer within seconds. Do you need information on senior citizens services? The Community Information and Referral Centre keeps extra information on those services so that seniors can get the help they need promptly and appropriately. Our services are free and our purpose is to provide information to everyone. We also publish a directory of community services (which costs $12) and an interagency newsletter, and we host interagency meetings. We keep statistics and report gaps and inadequacies in services to appropriate organizations and government departments. We are a program of the Lakehead Social Planning Council and are located at 221 Bay St. phone 345-4009. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAN page 15 �FROM THE NATIONAL FILM BOARD OF CANADA NEW FILMS AND VIDEOS ABOUT CANADIAN WOMEN DAUGHTERS OF THE COUNTRY THE IMPOSSIBLE TAKES A LITTLE LONGER TO A SAFER PLACE From the historic encounter between Indian and European in the Canadian northwest emerged a mixed-blood na- 45 minutes C 0186 513 Women with a range of physical disabilities demonstrate how they have overcome obstacles in their careers An inspiring account of how oni tion, the Wis. Here, in a four-part and their personal lives, and what dramatic series that spans two centuries, is their proud story, told from the services are still needed by the handicapped. Captioned for the hearing point of view of courageous impaired. A French version is also available: Le Vent dans les voiles. Metis women. Winner of three 1987 Gemini Awards: Best Pay TV DraBest Actress in a Mini-series. Lillian Gish Award for best mini-series, Women in Film Festival, Los Angeles; Blue Ribbon for Original Drama, 29th American Film Festival, New York; Best film, 1987 International Women's Film Festival, Montreal. DAUGHTERS OF THE COUNTRY 1 (IKWE and MISTRESS MADELEINE) C 0186 138 114 minutes 58 minutes woman has overcome the trauma o being a victim of incest. Now in he thirties, Shirley discusses childhoo( memories of sexual abuse and fam ily violence with her mother, brother; and sister. A film that encourages in cest survivors to break their silence the Third Medikanale Internationale Festival, Honorable matic Program, Best Writing, and Mention C 0187 067 at Parma, Italy. FIREWORDS half-hour segments, each profiling a leading Quebec feminist Three writer. Part 1 focusses on Louky Ber- sianik and her satirical use of language; Part 2 introduces Jovette Marchessault, who works to unearth the ideas of women that history has erased from our collective memory; Part 3 reveals the work of avant-garde poet and post-modern feminist writer, Nicole Brossard. Available on one reel or videocas- sette: C 0186 072, 84 minutes; separately, Part 1: C 0186 073; Part 2: C 0186 074; Part 3: C 0186 075; or in French under the title Les A FILM ABOUT MENOPAUSE Terribles vivantes: C 0286 072. 38 minutes C 0186 043 One of the least understood of women's experiences is menopause. This DOCTOR, LAWYER, INDIAN CHIEF 29 minutes Five native women who have successfully forged non-traditional careers share their experiences and reveal how they drew on the strength C 0186 532 DAUGHTERS OF THE COUNTRY 2 (PLACES NOT OUR OWN and THE WAKE) C 0186 139 115 minutes IS IT HOT IN HERE? is an informative, sometimes humorous, look at social attitudes, symptoms and treatments. THE BEST TIME OF MY LIFE: PORTRAITS OF WOMEN of native Indian culture. A French IN MID-LIFE version is also available: L'Avenir est entre nos mains. C 0185 102 58 minutes Ten women from a variety of backgrounds and lifestyles share their ex- PRAIRIE WOMEN ENTERPRISING WOMEN 45 minutes C 0187 009 The little-known story of the vibrant social and political organizations C 0187 063 27 minutes The stories of five female entrepreneurs relay the pitfalls and the founded in the 1920s and '30s by Prairie farm women. Best Documentary over 30 minutes, 40th Yorkton joys of running a business. The women profiled head companies involved in pasta, lumber, fish, silk-screening, Short Film and Video Festival, 1987. and a business academy. periences of menopause and mid-life, describing how this turning point affected their lives and freed them to explore exciting new directions. National Film Board of Canada RENTAL VHS VIDEO ONLY $2/DA These and other NFB pro ductions are available in 11 mm and VHS video. Reset vations can be made in pet son, by phone or by mail. Note: The NFB will sem videocassettes by mail ti viewers located outside Nn distribution centers. All NEI productions can also be put chased in 16 mm and al video formats. Office national du film du Canada NFB Offices in Canada Halifax: (902) 426-6001 - Sydney (902) 564-7770 - Saint John: (506) 648-4996 - Moncton: (506) 857-6101 - St. John's: (709) 772-5005 Corner Brook (709) 637-4499 - Charlottetown (902) 368-4641 - Montreal (514) 283-4823 - Chicoutimi: (418) 543-0711 - Quebec (418) 648-317 Rimouski: (418) 722-3086 - Rouyn (819) 762-6051 - Sherbrooke: (819) 565-5500 - Trois-Rivieres (819) 372-4630 - Toronto: (416) 973-9093 Ottawa: (613) 996-4861 - Hamilton (416) 572-2347 - Kingston: (613) 545-8056 - Kitchener: (519) 743-4661 - London: (519) 679-4120 North Bay: (705) 472-4740 - Thunder Bay: (807) 623-5224 - Winnipeg: (204) 983-4131 - Saskatoon: (306) 975-4246 - Calgary: (403) 292-5414 Edmonton (403) 420-3010 - Vancouver (604) 666-0716 - Victoria: (604) 388-3868 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Second Class Heil Registration No. 5697 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: p2 TRIBUTE p3 THE STORY OF ESMERELDA p4 MATCH p5 ONTARIO WOMEN'S DIRECTORATE p6 POETRY p7 THE ISSUE IS CHOICE p12 UPDATE p13 THE BOOK WOMB p14 BOOK REVIEW p15 WWII) SEARCH MAIL TO: Don't forget to renew your subscription! Here's my sub: Name Address (postal cede) o liggieldoat $ 0 .5 lastitutleaal $ 10 Collectively produced CAROLYN GREENWOOD - MARY-ANN KLEYNENDORST JONI MACE - MARGARET PHILLIPS - ROSE PITTIS - CYNTHIA STOLZ :*********************************** I t 1 *IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR LABEL ? t PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION : RETURN TO: * * * t*********************************** THE NORTHERN WOMAN 184 CAMELOT STREET THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7A 4A9 Return Postage Guaranteed Northern Woman Journal 184 CAMELOT STREET THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7A 4A9 (FOUR.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 11 No 2 Description An account of the resource Vol. 11, No. 2. (May 1988) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: Violence against women Women & race MATCH women’s organization Transnational feminism Pay equity Resources for northern women Family violence prevention month Family law seminar Sexual assault prevention month Poetry Abortion access History of abortion Childbirth by choice Dr. Henry Morgentaler Abortion & health care insurance Female genital mutilation, Nigeria Women & development International feminist book fair Book review of Lionheart Gal by Sistren with Honor Ford Smith Feminist film list Authors/Contributors: Violence Subcommittee of the Northwestern Ontario Women’s Decade Council Josie Wallenius Cynthia King Ontario Women’s Directorate Susan Collins Gert Beadle Hanna Edemkpong Cynthia Stolz Carolyn Greenwood Mary-Ann Kleyendorst Joni Mace Rose Pittis Margaret Phillips 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 1988-05 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English