Since 2003, Indigenous Grandmothers Caring for Grandchildren has been offering support to grandmothers currently in a parental role.
The Regina group meets on a monthly basis to discuss and share the unique issues they face.
Since its inception, the group has seen upwards of 100 grandmothers attend.
Kerrie Strathy has been a member since the group began. She said the group regularly explores serious matters, but their time is filled with positivity as well.
“In spite of the many difficult situations that the women are facing, they always have a lot of laughter. It’s a fun place to be in spite of the challenges,” she said.
Tracy Desjarlais has been a part of the group since 2016. She said attending has been a learning experience for her and it is a time she looks forward to.
“There is someone else at the table who [has] gone through the same experience. We can learn from each other. It’s good bonding with us all,” she said.
Over the years, an educational component has been a part of the meetings. Various speakers and programs have visited the group to share how services work.
One of the reoccurring issues brought up within the group is the various legal processes the grandmothers face regarding parental control and guardianship.
Roselena Laferte has been with the group since 2003. She said legal issues are an emotionally strenuous topic but is something which needs to be explored.
“We try and help each other what we went though and how they go about doing stuff. We went through it and have the experience,” she said.
Recently, Indigenous Grandmothers Caring for Grandchildren became a non-profit group.
They hope to continue to be a supportive and welcoming resource for grandmothers in the Regina area.
