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Teaching local youth about sexual violence and reconciliation

The Dragonfly Counselling and Support Centre knows sexual violence is an issue all communities face, and they want to spread the word that it won’t be tolerated.
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Students of Elizabeth School and H.E. Bourgoin Middle School took part in a “I Believe You” and Reconciliation Event on May 24.

The Dragonfly Counselling and Support Centre knows sexual violence is an issue all communities face, and they want to spread the word that it won’t be tolerated.


The “I Believe You” and Reconciliation Event on    May 24  focused on putting sexual violence in the spotlight, while reminding Bonnyville and area students that it can happen to anyone.


“We held this event in honour of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In Alberta, it’s been recognized that May will be Sexual Assault and Violence Awareness Month,” explained Cheryl Bujold, executive director of the Dragonfly Centre. “We wanted to do something that would bring awareness to the issue, and in the effort of reconciliation, we feel that it’s time to bring our communities together and start this healing process.”


Students of H.E. Bourgoin Middle School and Elizabeth School heard first-hand the importance of services like the Dragonfly Centre.


Tanya Shaw of the Métis Settlement Child and Family Services, said if she had known years ago there were programs like this, she would have reached out for help when she needed it.


“Some people don’t realize we have resources available like the Dragonfly Centre. There’s other resources throughout our communities as well that we should access. Had I known years ago that we had places like this where I could go to speak about the traumas that happened to me as a child regarding sexual abuse,” Shaw described to the students. “ I didn’t know then that I had a voice and that I could speak. It was so hush hush and we were told not to talk about it.”


She felt it was important to get the message across that everyone, women, children, and men, all have a voice, and the right to say no.


According to Bujold, the Dragonfly Centre wanted to include personal stories in order to bring awareness to sexual violence and assault, which affects one in three girls and one in six boys.


“We know it’s a prevalent issue in all of our communities, and it’s time to start that healing process for everybody,” she stated. 


Curtis Hargrove also shared his personal story with the students.


His sister suffered from sexual violence as a child, and because of that experience, the issue is near and dear to Hargrove’s heart.


In recognition of sexual violence, and to support the Edmonton YWCA, Hargrove walked 300-kilmetres in four-inch high heel shoes.


“I raised just over $10,000 to help women and children get the care they deserve,” Hargrove said.


Through the event, the Dragonfly Centre is hoping to teach local youth the impacts of sexual violence, while reminding them there is help.


Bujold said, “We feel that the youth have a real opportunity to come together and stand up for respecting one another, it’s time to really start listening to one another, to hear what each individual have to say. These youth are the leaders of our future, and we thought this would be a great opportunity to start there.”


Once stories were shared, students took part in a number of Métis-themed activities.


This included Shaw’s Healing Song, where she encouraged students to pray for anyone who has been impacted by sexual violence, and a traditional Métis dance, performed and instructed by Corbin Poitras.


“We wanted to provide some cultural activities and entertainment for the students today. We wanted something they may have never experienced before,” Bujold expressed.


In the end, the message was clear, regardless of who you are or where you are from, it’s important that victims of sexual violence find their voice and get help.


“The reason this event is called “I Believe You” and Reconciliation, is because someone, no matter who they are, race, gender, or status, as a victim of sexual violence, they all want to be believed and supported,” said  Hargrove. “We’re here today to educate and show support for youth and individuals who have been impacted directly or indirectly by sexual violence.”

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