KÍMMAPIIYIPITSSINI: PANEL DISCUSSION
With Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction
Wednesday May 18th, 7PM
Zoom

Framed within the ongoing and historical impacts of settler colonialism in Blackfoot territory, Kímmapiiyipitssini: The Meaning of Empathy illuminates the beauty, strength, and core spirit of Kainai First Nation as they implement harm reduction and healing based on the value of compassion. Kímmapiiyipitssini also affirms Kainai’s origin as a powerful and thriving people — countering not only the settler, colonial view that blames Indigenous peoples for our own state of crisis, but also attributing the crisis as a direct and devastating impact of settler colonialism itself.

Accompanying the film and bringing in the voices of local community members and first responders, Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction will moderate a conversation on the life saving community work that is oftentimes invisibilized.

Panelists

Cathy Walker, Giwaabamin Street Patrol

Monica Forrester, TransPride Toronto

Moderated by Nanook Gordon and Brianna Olson Pitawanakwat, Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction

ASL interpretation will be available.

TORONTO INDIGENOUS HARM REDUCTION

Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction (TIHR) emerged in April 2020 during the first wave of the COVID19 pandemic in response to a massive shutdown of frontline services and a lack of basic needs for Indigenous houseless folks in the city of Toronto. Over the past year, we have provided basic needs, access to critical health support & covid 19 testing, harm reduction supplies, sexual, reproductive health and prenatal support, traditional medicines, traditional food, expressive arts, and ceremony to some of our most vulnerable people. TIHR aims to reduce the negative impacts of substance use and other stigmatized behaviours and experiences through culture and unconditional support. TIHR is an entirely queer and Two-Spirit Indigenous collective founded by Nanook Gordon, co-led by Brianna Olson Pitawanakwat and supported by Dashmaawaan Bemadzinjin (They feed the people) and countless volunteers.

With the support of Neighborhood Arts Network