Honouring Mi’kmaq roots through support, healing, and connection
Women have long played an important role in supporting one another, strengthening their communities and creating opportunities for others. For Patsy Gavin, that legacy of women supporting women has shaped more than 40 years of advocacy and volunteer work with the Mi’kmaq community.
Patsy is president of the Aboriginal Women’s Association of PEI and volunteers with the Sukwisim Healing Lodge and the Mi’kmaq Family Resource Centre. Across these organizations, she works to ensure Indigenous women and children have access to support, opportunities to learn, and connections to their culture and community.
As a day school survivor, Patsy’s own experiences have shaped her healing journey and the work she does today. Her connection to the Aboriginal Women’s Association began when she was young. Over the years, the organization became a place where she could learn about Mi’kmaq culture, develop new skills, and find support. Today, she helps create those same opportunities for other women.
“I don’t do this work for myself. I do it for the children, the next generation and the generation after that,” she says.
Through education, advocacy, and traditional skills such as beadwork and moccasin making, the Aboriginal Women’s Association helps women build confidence, share knowledge, and strengthen their cultural connections. At the Sukwisim Healing Lodge, Patsy supports a Circle of Care approach that recognizes healing takes time and that support is often needed beyond formal treatment.
Patsy credits her mother, Marilyn Sark, and the other women who led before her with teaching her the importance of leadership, perseverance, and community. Their influence continues to guide her as she works with other women to create spaces where people feel heard, supported, and connected.
For Patsy, that work is also about recognizing the strength and resilience of the Mi’kmaq community.
“We’re still here.” she says
Patsy describes herself as deeply maternal. Although she was unable to have children of her own, she has devoted much of her life to supporting women and children and building a better future for the generations to come.
That commitment is reflected in her message to those who will carry this work forward. She says, “Remember that you’re only a small part of history, but your choices can affect future generations.”
Through October, the Government of Prince Edward Island is celebrating Women’s History Month by highlighting women whose leadership, advocacy, and commitment to community are creating opportunities and helping shape a stronger future for generations of Island women.