Pathway to miyo-pimâtisiwin is a network consisting of community based agencies, lived experienced members, Elders and vested governmental agencies collaborating together to provide our communities with equal access to support.
Our mission is to provide a collaborative and community lead initiative to combat social factors which reposition some individuals to street based lifestyles; decrease social violence; and promote community healing. Our vision is safe, healthy communities where all citizens are valued and have equal access to meaningful supports, connections and avenues to healing.
Network members include:
Pathway to miyo-pimâtisiwin acknowledges the devastating effects incarceration can have on mental health alone; however, coupled now with COVID-19, it is no secret inmates around the world are grappling with the new realities of their physical and mental health over and above their imprisonment.
We don’t need to look hard to find stories of grief, loss and sorrow around the world stemming from COVID-19 and related pandemic burnout, but with all these stories of sadness, there are also complementary stories of resilience, kindness, healing and hope. Yet, so many of these stories leave out the voices of incarcerated people from the narrative, the majority of whom identify as BI&POC.
To this end, Pathway to miyo-pimâtisiwin has developed an online virtual art gallery as a means to give those who are incarcerated a chance to showcase how COVID-19 has impacted them and tell their personal story of their mental health journey through art, writing, beading and other available mediums.
Our intent is to create a space to give incarcerated individuals agency over their experiences and provide opportunities to connect with the community through art and story.