Woodland Women: Community Healing and Growth

Posoh, my name is Rachel Fernandez. I am the founder & Executive Director of Maeqtekuahkihkiw Metaemohsak, Woodland Women. I am starting a fundraiser for Woodland Women. Woodland Women is near and dear to my heart. It is elder-led and guided. We started in 2013, in my home, by gathering around my kitchen table, supporting one another. Throughout the years of gathering, we have provided mutual aid and resources to hundreds of women, men, and their families. We provide space and support to connect and heal for our families. We would like to continue providing this important love and support as we grow forward.

In October of 2024, we purchased a home for Woodland Women so that we could continue our heart work in this place we call home. With continued funding, we can and will provide many options for healing. Healing that is necessary for growth in our life's journey. Our communities are impacted and affected so much by trauma that is interconnected and woven into our being. We want to turn that around. We know we can turn that around.

Since the beginning, we have provided mutual aid and care kits, healing circles that consist of talking circles, beading, sewing, weaving, and quillwork. We have provided retreats and gatherings to center our relatives in their healing. Our women have taken on initiatives to combat abuse, addiction, homelessness, and violence in our community. We do these endeavors with the mentorship and guidance of our elders. Through their shared knowledge of our stories, our truths, the real history of our people, we are able to connect with who we are and where we want to go.

Through our collective here on our reservation, we continue to provide response and healing resources to our people who are experiencing great grief within the many intersections of trauma, oppression, and colonialism. Healing the core of trauma will help us move forward in organizing and providing the unconditional love and support that we need. Culture is connection as well as prevention. We can reach all of our women, children, and men through these circles with your help.

Woodland Women appreciates all who give and support us in this ongoing heart work.