The Star Quilt Circle program, founded by recently retired Constable Allison Hill and Musqueam and Snuneymux Elder Kelly White, was created by an Indigenous woman for Indigenous women, particularly to support those in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Made possible through funding from the Vancouver Police Foundation and support from the VPD, the program fosters connection, cultural expression, and healing.
More specifically, the Star Quit Circle addresses the lack of safe gathering spaces for Indigenous women in that neighbourhood. Recently, the Circle created a safe and supportive space for 12 Indigenous women who live, work, volunteer, or study in the in the Downtown Eastside.
Over 10 sessions, Elder Kelly guided the women through the process of making a Star Quilt, teaching them everything from selecting a pattern and understanding the meaning behind different colors to measuring, cutting, and sewing with an industrial sewing machine.
The sessions took place in a relaxed, focused environment that encouraged conversation, idea-sharing, and a strong sense of community. Allison joined Elder Kelly in each session, an important opportunity for the VPD to gain valuable insights into the experiences and concerns of some of Vancouver’s Indigenous females. In turn, the women were also able to learn more about personal safety and how the VPD is available to help them when needed.
“The women were able to easily connect with me – they asked how to report violence, how police responses work, and how to provide information to support those with missing relatives,” explains Allison. “Some of the women also approached me outside of the Star Quilt sessions for advice relating to unsafe situations.”
Star Quilts, also called Star Blankets, hold deep significance in Indigenous culture and are often given to individuals who have overcome great challenges. Each quilt’s design, pattern, and colors carry profound meaning, serving as a bridge between the Spirit World and our own while offering healing in times of hardship or loss.
The lower side of each Star Quit represents the South, the direction of healing. When the blanket is folded from East to West the Star takes the shape of two Butterflies, representing the transformation of life. Within each Butterfly are four Thunderbirds, representing power, protection and strength. The outer tips of each Butterfly wing is also the head of a Thunderbird, while the centre of the biggest Star is made up of the eight Thunderbird tails.
Through the Star Quilt Circle, a total of 100 small Star Quilts were created. Seventy-six of them will be gifted to families who lost loved ones due to the Indian Residential School system, while the remaining 24 will go to the VPD to be presented to female victims of gender-based violence. The Star Quilts can be used for warmth, placed on the floor for a child, or simply displayed. Each Star Quilt is unique, made with love and intention, and provides connection to healing through the Creator.
The VPD is proud to continue to Indigenize practices and build trust with Indigenous communities across Vancouver. Creating a safe space to foster meaningful conversation while honouring Indigenous traditions also enables a more equitable access to police resources for women in this high-risk neighbourhood.
We sincerely thank Allison for her dedication to vulnerable Indigenous women in Vancouver and for her leadership on this important initiative just prior to her retirement.
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall within three streams: community outreach and engagement (including programs for women, youth and seniors); public and personal safety; and specialized equipment and technology. You can help make Vancouver safer for all by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
