Love’s Sacred Thread: Advocating for Indigenous Women and Girls
On Valentine’s Day, adorned with symbols of affection and Love, it’s crucial to reflect on the multifaceted nature of Love and its profound impact on our lives. Love transcends mere romantic notions; it permeates every aspect of our existence, including the Boardroom and the fight for justice.
In business, where strategies and profits often dominate discussions, there is a poignant need to infuse Love as a guiding principle. Love in the Boardroom signifies fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and inclusivity. It’s about recognizing every individual’s inherent worth and dignity, irrespective of their background or position.
However, our celebration of Love cannot be complete without acknowledging the sombre reality of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). For 33 years, advocates and communities have been tirelessly marching, rallying, and demanding justice for those who have been taken from us too soon. This epidemic of violence against Indigenous women and girls is a deep wound in the fabric of our society, reflecting systemic failures and the devaluation of Indigenous lives. It’s hard to think of celebrating Valentine’s Day, or any day for that matter when so many families are suffering.
Yet, amid the darkness, Love emerges as a beacon of hope and resilience. Love for our Indigenous sisters and daughters compels us to confront the uncomfortable truths, amplify their voices, and advocate for systemic change. It’s a love that refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice and demands accountability and action from those in power.
The sacred teaching of Love is interwoven with the struggle for Indigenous rights and sovereignty. Love for the land, the ancestors, and future generations drives Indigenous peoples’ resilience and resistance against colonial oppression. It’s a love rooted in deep connections to culture, spirituality, and community—a love that sustains us through adversity and fuels our relentless pursuit of justice.
As we reflect on Love in the Boardroom and the ongoing fight for MMIWG awareness, we must recognize the interconnectedness of these issues. Love transcends boundaries and disciplines, weaving a sacred thread that binds us together. It calls upon us to center compassion, empathy, and justice in every aspect of our lives, whether in business negotiations or advocacy movements.
On this Valentine’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to Love as a transformative force for change. Let us honour the resilience of Indigenous women and girls, standing in solidarity with them as we march forward towards a more just and equitable future. Love, in all its manifestations, is the guiding light that illuminates our path toward healing, reconciliation, and justice for all.