“The teaching of moccasins is to walk gently on Mother Earth. The opportunity the participants have with the provision of space for this creation allows for, not only a reclamation of culture to flourish, but also community-building aspects central to our teachings of interconnection and interdependence.” – Sofi Rostampour, Lead Workshop Facilitator, Anishinaabe and Kurdish, Oshkaabewis (traditional ceremonial helper), land steward with Gwai-yuk Gih’nendahmoen, Full-spectrum Indigenous Certified Doula, and artist. Sofi is of the Bear Clan.
In November 2024, South Riverdale Community Heath Centre (SRCHC) had the honour of launching a Moccasin Making Workshop series at 955 Queen St E. The program sought to provide a safer and welcoming space for 2-Spirit and Indigenous women who use drugs or are sex workers. Together, participants connected with their Indigenous cultures, strengthened and built new relationships, and learned traditional and meaningful skills. Facilitated by Sofi Rostampour, under the guidance of Grandmother Loretta Watetch, and with support of two Indigenous sewing assistants, each participant created a unique pair of handmade moccasins that reflected their individual personalities and/or beliefs.
“It has been an absolute honour and joy to share space with and get to know the Moccasin Workshop participants and facilitators these past five months. To witness reconnection with selves, community, and ancestry through the sharing of space and learning of traditional skills and wisdom is more significant to me than I can express. I look forward to continuing to facilitate spaces for people to reconnect with themselves and build stronger supportive communities,” explains Dahli Clarke-Partida, SRCHC’s Women’s Harm Reduction Health Promoter who developed this program.
Ensuring that Indigenous programs are guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers is essential to running any Indigenous programming in a good way with authenticity and respect. We are deeply appreciative of Grandmother Loretta Watetch’s involvement in the project. We also wish to acknowledge and remember Elder Wanda Whitebird, as her loss and presence were strongly felt across participants and our Centre as a whole.
Indigenous adults living in Toronto are more likely to experience chronic health concerns and mental health challenges compared to non-Indigenous adults due to factors such as colonialism, racism, and barriers related to income, housing and food security.1 Although many Indigenous people value culturally-appropriate care that honour traditional medicines and wellness practices, discrimination within the healthcare system often prevents them from accessing the care they need.2
In fact, the South Riverdale neighbourhood is home to an above average number of Indigenous individuals. According to 2021 Census data, 0.8% of respondents within the City of Toronto identified as Indigenous, compared to 2% in the South Riverdale neighbourhood. This strongly highlights the need for further Indigenous-specific and culturally safer programming at SRCHC and other community health centres.
There are major gaps within our health care system causing systemic harm to Indigenous peoples, making the need for culturally-relevant programs that address the health and wellbeing of Indigenous communities obvious and urgent. While we recognize that lasting and profound change requires policy-level action, we hope that programming like the Moccasin Making Workshops can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our local community members.
The Moccasin Making Workshops are just one example of SRCHC’s commitment to supporting our Indigenous clients with respectful, inclusive and culturally-relevant care. We were thrilled to recognize the participants’ incredible work at a special catered celebration open to participants, loved ones, staff, and community on March 24 at 955 Queen Street E.
We are committed to continuing to develop programs that integrate the traditions, values and needs of our diverse client populations. SRCHC’s newest programming will be an Indigenous-focused harm reduction drop-in group. Beginning on May 21, the program will allow people who use drugs and sex workers an opportunity to learn more about Indigeneity on a weekly basis. Learn more about the program here.
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