WALK IN HER MOCS — RAISING AWARENESS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Photos by Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

Tuesday, October 29, the "Walk in Her Mocs" event brought community members together for a powerful display of support and solidarity for Domestic Violence Awareness. Attendees began by walking in solidarity, with male participants wearing women's shoes - some in sensible flats, others in extreme heels — to demonstrate just how challenging it can be to walk in someone else's shoes.

Chief Executive Virgil Wind opened the event with heartfelt remarks on the importance of raising awareness and standing together as a community. The program featured powerfully moving speeches from Cinnamon Bankey, Executive Director of Mending the Sacred Hoop. She is a survivor of domestic violence and provided a chilling account of her experiences. Addison Grap-Gahbow presented a presentation on what it is like to be a child in a home affected by domestic violence. Dan Wind reflected on his chilling journey from causing harm to seeking accountability and change. Their stories highlighted resilience, healing, and the importance of understanding all perspectives in the fight against domestic violence, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.