Neema Namadamu (center) with Wahpeton community members from left: Lavina Waditaka, Cheryle Vermette, Maureen Walker, Lois Standing, and Darlene Goodvoice. (submitted/Robert Fincati)

By Alison Sandstrom

International Sisterhood

Women of Wahpeton First Nation welcome Congolese peace activist

Dec 6, 2019 | 2:00 PM

Wahpeton Dakota Nation welcomed an international guest and celebrated a powerful new partnership at an event on Thursday.

During a women’s-only gathering, the Congolese peace activist, Neema Namadamu spoke with community members. The discussion focused on leadership, gender equity and the developing partnership that has seen Wahpeton Dakota Nation become the sister community of Namadamu’s Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Hero Women Rising. The organization runs several women’s education and empowerment initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“It was really emotional at the end,” Lois Standing, one of the event’s lead coordinators told paNOW.

“There were a lot of tears after the day of sharing a meal, sharing cultures, sharing stories from the women.”

Standing said it was particularly valuable for her to hear about how Namadamu founded her organization.

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And the Congolese activist learned from the women of Wahpeton as well.

“I’ve met some very strong women here, women who are bold leaders in their community,” said Namadamu who was presented with a star blanket and a ribbon skirt during the event.

She explained everywhere she travels, women struggle under the same structures of oppression.

“You can be in Canada or Europe or Africa, women are facing the same problems because we are fighting the same system,” she said.

“Sharing our weaknesses and successes, together we can build a better world.”

Wahpeton, which is traditionally a matriarchal society, was chosen for Namadamu to visit based on the high level of gender equity the Saskatchewan community has achieved.

“Wahpeton is an extraordinary nation that’s really thriving and that’s 50 per cent women led,” Faith Green said. She’s the founder of The Four Cups, the Washington-based company that helped facilitate Namadamu’s trip to Saskatchewan.

Namadamu will meet with other First Nations leaders during an eight-day tour organized by Wahpeton First Nation and Wahpeton Developments.

Meanwhile, Chief John Waditaka said he intends to make a suggestion at the next council meeting Dec. 5 be officially marked as “Wahpeton Women’s Day,” to be celebrated annually with guest speakers.

Namadamu and the women of Wahpeton plan to continue to share knowledge once she returns to the DRC.

From left, Lavina Waditaka, Chief John Waditaka, Lois Standing, Neema Namadamu, Maureen Walker, Councilor Stephanie Bird, Darlene Goodvoice. (submitted/Robert Fincati).

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom