A Squamish self-protection seminar has taught invaluable self-defence skills to local Indigenous women, elders and youth.
Run by Krav Maga Force F.I.R.E, the event aimed to provide community members with practical skills for defending themselves in dangerous situations.
The seminar was held on Sept. 28 at Totem Hall as part of an initiative organized by Woodfibre LNG.
Practical self-protection techniques
Led by instructor Jennifer Bajus, the seminar taught participants how to use their bodies to effectively defend themselves in case of an attack. Techniques included targeting the solar plexus and methods to incapacitate an attacker quickly.
“The approach I teach is no-nonsense—understanding your body as a weapon and how to use it effectively to remove yourself from danger,” Bajus said.
“If avoidance isn’t possible and you need to fight back, you’ll know how, but not in a way that’s like sport fighting in martial arts studios. It's about moving quickly and getting to safety, which is always the goal.”
“I always tell people who train with me that they’re with themselves 24-7—no one else can be there all the time. So, it’s about taking back control and helping ourselves,” she said.
Around 15 people attended the session, including a mix of elders, adults and youth.
Indigenous women and community safety
Kálkalilh a.k.a. Deanna Lewis from Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) took part in the training, which she said was particularly valuable for Indigenous women who face heightened risks of violence.
In 2023, Statistics Canada released a report showing that Indigenous women and girls were six times more likely to be murdered than other groups of people in Canada.
“We don’t know who’s coming for us, and there’s no age limit to this danger. That’s why this training is so important—it gives us the tools to protect ourselves,” Lewis said.
Not only was it educational, but Lewis said the training was also empowering for her family members.
“My 11-year-old daughter took part in the training and loved it,” Lewis said.
“She’s already learning kickboxing, but this helped her understand how to stay aware of her surroundings, not just how to fight back. For me as a mother, that’s invaluable.”
The training also covered broader aspects of safety, including recognizing toxic relationships and online safety risks.
“This program wasn’t just about physical self-defence. It helped us understand how to protect ourselves mentally and emotionally, too, which is just as important,” Lewis said.
‘Woodfibre prioritizes gender safety initiatives’
Seminar organizers Woodfibre LNG, said in an email to The Squamish Chief that the training is part of its broader commitment to gender safety.
“This training is offered as part of Woodfibre LNG’s programming on gender safety, in alignment with our Gender Safety Advisory Committee. The training sessions help to address safety risks women face in every community, whether at work, at school, or at home,” the company said in an email.
While the project workers reside on a floatel and are restricted by regulation from entering the community of Squamish, Woodfibre LNG pointed out its commitment to safety.
“The company prioritizes gender safety initiatives on the project and in the community, and funds in-community training such as this that can support a safer future for women in any circumstance where they might face gender-based violence,” the company said.
The training followed a Squamish council meeting on Sept. 25, where residents voiced concerns about the safety of women in the community, particularly with the presence of nearby work camps.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
