Period (In)equity through an Indigenous Lens: Q&A with Moon Time Connections

In MTC’s groundbreaking report, nearly 3 out of 4 Indigenous respondents in remote communities reported: 

• “Sometimes” or “often” having issues accessing period products (74%) 

• Missing school, work, or another important activity at least once due to that lack of access (73%) 

The high rates of period poverty in Indigenous Nations are the direct result of colonialism. But what does that mean, and where do we go from here? In conversation with Moon Time Connections, let’s break it down: 

Q: As advocates for menstrual equity, how can we honour the voices and needs of Indigenous Nations? 

A: The biggest thing is that it can't be a one-way conversation. Efforts to support Indigenous menstruators often take a top-down approach that says ‘here's what we have and here's what we'll give you.’ 

We need a dialogue with Indigenous communities to inform how we support them. That's our strength at Moon Time Connections. We’ve always asked each Community what they want and need instead of deciding that ourselves, and sending only what is requested without question.

Q: How is colonialism responsible for the state of menstrual inequity in Indigenous Nations?

A: Colonialism took land away from Indigenous people and forced many Nations onto reserves or into settlements, many of which are in remote areas that were undesirable to settlers. Pads and tampons can cost three or four times what they normally would by virtue of where these communities are located in the country, which wasn’t their choice in the first place.

Clean water is another issue. We've been asked time and time again why we don’t only provide sustainable products in the interest of the environment. And the answer - first and foremost - is that it’s not our place to decide which products are best for anyone. 

Part of equity is having the dignity to choose how you manage your Moon Time.  Menstrual cups and discs are great, reusable options, but clean water is a luxury for a lot of remote Indigenous communities, with many still facing long-term drinking water advisories, albeit being a human right. 

Additionally, menstrual equity isn't just access to products. It's also access to education and understanding what menstruation is, how it affects you, and why it's important. 

Indigenous folks were robbed of their language, Oral Traditions, and culture by colonialism. This took away their traditional Moon Time Teachings and the holistic, natural way of perceiving Moon Time in some Indigenous Nations, and imposed the Eurocentric view of menstruation as a dirty, shameful thing. That stigma is a part of menstrual inequity too. At MTC, we’re working to re-Indigenize menstrual health and return cultural Moon Time lessons to Community with the support of Knowledge Holders via our Moon Time Facilitator training program. 

Q: I love the finding in MTC’s report that says: “48 percent of respondents in remote communities often or always feel feminine, capable, strong, empowered and connected to themselves and other menstruators during their Moon Time.” What do you make of that statistic? 

A: We love this response and thought it highly important to ask the question of how people felt about their Moon Time. It really highlights the connection to our Moon Time, and the feeling it brings to be gifted with this sacred honouring. 

Despite the ripple effects of colonialism, nearly half of our respondents still recognize their Moon Time as a powerful time, and that's beautiful. The more we can uplift the voices of Indigenous menstruators, help them reclaim their Moon Time, and support them in the way they need and want to be supported, we're only going to see that number go up.

__

If you’d like to support Indigenous menstruators this Indigenous History Month, consider supporting MTC’s work, educating yourself, or checking out The Period Purse’s own Moon Time Education initiatives.