Addressing Conflict
The Need:
How do we address behaviour that:
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Does not encourage Métis women to participate
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Hurts Métis women who are trying to participate in the Métis government, Councils and communities.
Defining Lateral Violence
“Lateral violence can be described as displaced violence directed against one's peers rather than one's true adversaries. Although many disempowered and oppressed people such as women and visible minorities experience this, the experience of Indigenous communities with lateral violence is the direct result of colonialism (and the systemic exclusion of the Métis), residential schools, discrimination, and racism. “
Cheryle Hayden
What is Lateral Violence
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Lateral Violence occurs within marginalized groups where members strike out at each other as a result of being oppressed. The oppressed become the oppressors of themselves and each other. Common behaviours that prevent positive change from occurring include gossip, sabotage, backstabbing and shunning.
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Lateral Violence includes any acts that silence, dis-empower, push to the margin, cast doubt, oppress, control, or manipulate.
(Kweykway Consulting, Vancouver)