4 min read (800 words)
Introduction
In 2020, I attended ‘Sovereign Sisters’, an event that united women and their allies. We aimed to reclaim our sovereignty over ourselves, our food systems, and our economies, empowering us to nurture our communities. Inspired by Standing Rock Elder Cheryl Angel, who observed women creating their own clothing and economies in Mexico, we sought to learn from these traditions.
The event welcomed participation from Black, Indigenous, Asian, Aboriginal, Maori, First Nations, West Asian/Arab, Pacific Islander, and other women of colour. Over 450 women from around the globe joined panels and talking circles led by sisters, mothers, aunties, and grandmothers. They shared insights about sovereignty—having supreme control over oneself without external governance. I conducted workshops on menstrual cycles, offering a positive and empowering perspective to those unfamiliar with it.
The impact of colonialism
A powerful moment for me came when an 80-year-old South American Elder spoke in Spanish. She seemed ageless, with her long black hair in braids and a childlike sparkle in her eyes. As she began to speak, I felt a shiver of recognition; her truth resonated deeply within me.
She recounted how Indigenous people initially welcomed Europeans into their community. However, conflict soon arose as the newcomers showed little understanding of nature’s rhythms. They viewed the natural world as an obstacle to overcome and a commodity to exploit. Forests became timber, beaver colonies turned into fur sources, and buffalo herds existed solely for meat.
The Elder explained how her community’s spiritual practices – prayer, meditation, dancing, and singing – were dismissed as madness. As colonialism, capitalism, and science gained dominance, she watched her community and land suffer.
She reminisced about the happier, more harmonious times of her youth when everyone worked together, cared for one another, and stood united. Each person had a crucial role – builders, warriors, farmers, craftspeople, healers, and dancers – creating a rich community life while maintaining a sense of wonder.
Women‘s Healing Powers
Indigenous communities recognised women’s deep healing powers, rooted in their ability to nurture life. Women did not receive labels like ‘mad’ or mentally ill; instead, they expressed their spirituality freely and without fear.
Men respected women as life’s source, fostering strength and consistency within the community. This mutual respect extended to nature as well. Women often gathered materials and led building efforts, while Medicine Men and Women collected herbs for healing. Women cooked and managed households, while men hunted and protected the community, all while engaging in child-rearing.
Both men and women openly expressed their emotions, seeing vulnerability as strength. When conflicts arose, they gathered to listen, mediate, and resolve issues compassionately. As a child, the Elder thrived in a connected community, feeling free and deeply integrated.
Her people maintained a spiritual connection to the ether, rooted firmly in the earth, leading to a harmonious existence. They cared for one another and their environment in ways that feel scarce today.
Life changing stories
As I listened, I was already on a journey of deprogramming and reconnecting with my true self. I sought to build a brighter, fairer, and more connected future. Though doubt sometimes crept in, I sensed I was on the right track.
Her story rekindled my belief in the possibility of sovereignty – supreme control over oneself. The vision of interconnectedness and unity I longed for felt attainable. I resolved to continue my path of self-discovery, service, and the creation of a new future – or a return to the original one, depending on your perspective.
Now, seven years after leaving my old life in search of my true self, my grand vision and dreams are finally taking shape – community, land, abundance, and love. To my fellow dreamers, visionaries, and disruptors: the beautiful future you hold in your heart is within reach. Keep your vision alive. Speak it, write it, sing it, and dance it into existence. To achieve the impossible, we must first see the invisible.
Awaken with Soraya
Are you ready to embody the wisdom of your womb and awaken the woman within? If you’re ready to embody a new way of living rooted in feminine power, deeply knowing yourself speaking your truth and being an advocate for a brighter future for all, I invite you to learn how you can work with me.
