Aboriginal Women on the Move

AWOTM : PICTURES

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Statistical Information:
The Hard Facts: Violence Against Women in Canada

- 51% of women in Canada have experienced at least one violence incident as defined by the criminal code.

- 1 in 10 women are victims of violence

- Women between the ages of 25-34 have the highest rate of spousal abuse.

- 1 in 4 women seeking care in the emergency room for any reason is a victim of violence

Read more statistics
(Source: Canadian Women's Foundation: www.cdnwomen.org)

Cyclists Profiles

Sheila Swasson

Sheila is a member of the Mi'gmaq First Nation and a proud mother of two teenagers (Lewis and Avery) . Sheila has been the Supervisor of Haven House, a native women shelter located in her community of Listuguj, QC, since its inception in1991.
Throughout the thirteen years as Supervisor, Sheila has become a strong advocate in promoting "zero tolerance" and family violence prevention/intervention and violence against women in her community, as well as provincially and nationally.
Currently, Sheila is the Quebec Representative of the National Aboriginal Circle of Family Violence, a national organization responding to the needs of First Nation Shelters and Family Violence Prevention Programs, with the objective of "reducing family violence in Aboriginal communities".
Sheila is a member of the Network of Aboriginal Shelters in Quebec under the guidance and support of the Quebec Native Womens Association. She also served as the Quebec Representative on the National Steering Committee for the Aboriginal Women in Leadership Training Conference from 2001-2003.
Sheila is a member of a local Cycle Club, an avid cyclist and trains regularly for Cyclemania, an annual cycle trip to Bathurst, NB (200km).

Chi Metallic-Larocque

Chi is a member of the Mi'gmaq First Nation and a life long resident of Listuguj, QC. Chi is 31 years of age, a wife and a mother to three beautiful children (Kara, Alexia and Ashton).
Chi is employed as a Youth Protection Delegate under the directorate of Community Health and Social Services with the Gesgapegiag First Nation. Chi has extensive experience of working with children and youth along with their families. Prior to becoming a Youth Protection Delegate, Chi worked at a Solvent Abuse Treatment Centre for children and teenagers. During her time at Walgwan Center, Chi had the opportunity to travel to Davis Inlet to spend some time in their community and learn about their customs and traditions.
Chi is also a member of a local Cycle Club and trains regularly for Cyclemania, an annual cycle trip to Bathurst, NB (200km). Chi is physically active, enjoys many activities; walking, running, biking and numerous sports.

Donna Martin-Metallic

Donna is a member of the Mi'gmaq First Nation and is a life long resident of Listuguj, QC.
As the Director of Community Health under the Listuguj First Nation Government, Donna is keenly interested and committed in helping building a strong healthy community. Throughout her career and community work, Donna has strived towards the betterment of her community. Prior to her current position as Director of Community Health, Donna was employed as a Youth Protection Delegate with the Directorate of Community Health and Social Services in our sister community of Gesgapegiag. Donna is actively involved in many community events and activities.
Donna is a member of a local Cycle Club, an avid cyclist and trains regularly for Cyclemania, an annual cycle trip to Bathurst, NB (200km).

Support Team

Coordinator
Mary Evelyn Sebastian, Mi'gmaq First Nation, formerly from Gesgapegiag, Quebec with affiliation to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, Connecticut, USA.

Mary Evelyn joins our Cross Canada Cycle 2006 Team as our Support Team Coordinator. Mary Evelyn brings with her many years of experience and will be an asset to our team. Mary Evelyn obtained her Masters Degree in Economics and a minor in Accounting from the University of New Hampshire in 1996, was employed as an Accountant in the Health Department for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe in Connecticut for four years.

Mary Evelyn is the mother of two grown children, six grandchildren and the pet-owner of two wonderful puppies, Tiny and Misty. Mary's hobbies include; shopping, golfing and walking.