Healing Shawl Created to Support Victims and Survivors Across Treaty #3 Territory
Grand Council Treaty #3 is honoured to share the story and purpose behind the Healing Shawl, a sacred item created to support women and survivors navigating the criminal justice system across Treaty #3 territory.
In spring 2025, Chrissy Issacs from Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation (Grassy Narrows) shared an important teaching with the Kaakewaaseya Justice team about the need to support women in Treaty #3 who have experienced victimization. Through her own experiences, alongside those of her daughters, she spoke about the difficulties and retraumatization that can come with navigating court processes.
Chrissy shared that victims often feel unheard, disbelieved, and as though they themselves are on trial. During that time, she explained what she needed most was support, feminine energy around her, and the love and presence of the ancestors.
From those teachings came a vision. Chrissy dreamed of a shawl wrapping around the Anishinaabekwe of Treaty #3, a symbol of grandmothers, aunties, sisters, and daughters holding and supporting women as they shared their stories during court proceedings. The shawl would carry the energy, prayers, love, and strength of Treaty #3 Anishinaabekwe.
Following Chrissy’s direction, the Kaakewaaseya Justice team travelled throughout Treaty #3 during Victims and Survivors of Crime Week in 2025, inviting community members to contribute their energy, love, and support by creating and decorating fabric squares. Judith McLeod then carefully assembled the shawl, following Chrissy’s guidance on colours and ribbons.
The Healing Shawl stands as a symbol of resilience, healing, strength, and courage. It is considered a sacred item that is to be respected and cared for through ceremony, including smudging and feasting.
Chrissy hopes the shawl will provide comfort and courage to those sharing their stories and remind them they are not alone.
“It’s all Treaty #3 women holding them, comforting them, and being with them during that time,” shared Chrissy Issacs. “Most importantly, I hope it helps with healing.”
The Healing Shawl currently sits in the courtroom at the Kenora Justice Centre and is available to travel throughout Treaty #3 territory as needed to support survivors and communities.
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For more information please contact: Daniel Morriseau, Political Advisor, Grand Council Treaty #3 at 1-877-880-5638 ext. 203 or email Daniel.Morriseau@treaty3.ca