Recovering the Sacred: Indigenous women expressing freedom from violence, stereotypes, and stigma

On March 10, 2020, in observance of Women’s History Month, the Women’s Initiative of the Seventh Generation Fund,  in partnership with the Chumash Language and Cultural Collective, Indigenous Women Worldwide, Red Deer Center, Wishtoyo Foundation, Global Force for Healing, Mother’s Legacy Project, and the Parliament of the World’s Religions, with special thanks to Amanda Coslor, co-hosted a gathering in New York City to discuss the reclamation and preservation of traditional cultural practices of the Chumash indigenous people.

Three women of the Chumash Nation, Deborah Sanchez, Joanna Sanchez, and Christina Gonzales shared how ancient cultural traditions provided them with strength and spiritual reinforcement in the face of their challenges in contemporary American society. Their moving, personal stories about their traditional tribal chin tattoos reveal how these tattoos reconnected them to their culture and traditional practices. This reconnection became a powerful source of strength and perspective in dealing with their personal, family, and community demands. Their stories are a stunning testament of their respective journeys toward the alignment of their lives with the deeply spiritual essence of the Chumash people.

Tia Oros Peters, was the MC for the event, and Nannette M. Gonnella of the Onondaga Nation, gave the opening address.

Chris Peters, President and CEO of 7th Generation Fund, and Chair of the Parliament of the World’s Religions Indigenous Task Force,  and Audrey E. Kitagawa, Chair of the Parliament of the World’s Religions were on hand to welcome and greet the panelists and guests, and facilitate the gathering of the indigenous women.

Enjoy Images from the Event Below!

Enjoy Videos from the Event – Coming Soon!