Menstruation is an everyday reality for many Canadians, yet it has long been a site of inequity and at the margins of political and academic inquiry. This is changing. Over the past two decades the global menstrual equity movement has pursued a spectrum of efforts to resist the mandate of shame, secrecy, and silence and to heighten awareness of menstruation as a social and political issue.

Groundbreaking in its exploration of period politics from a uniquely Canadian perspective, Northern Blood brings together lived experiences, stories, and teachings from the broader menstruation justice movement and sets them within the context of decolonization, multiculturalism, and gender equity. This powerful collection sheds light on the diversity of sites where period politics and activism take place – from universities to prisons to social and geographical communities. Individual chapters discuss how online spaces are used to challenge menstruation stigma; the role of student-led advocacy in menstrual activism; how menstruation activists mobilized for the removal of the gst from menstrual products in 2015; structural injustices in menstrual experiences and activism among Black people, Indigenous people, people of colour, transgender men, and nonbinary people; and the barriers that may prevent menstruators from choosing reusable products.

The first book of its kind to explore menstrual activism in Canada, Northern Blood brings together key voices to reflect the diversity of the menstrual equity movement in Canada, highlighting emerging and established scholars, grassroots activists, and political advocates.

Groundbreaking in its exploration of the politics of menstruation from a uniquely Canadian perspective, Northern Blood sheds light on the lived experiences, stories, and broader menstruation justice movement in Canada."A bold and necessary reckoning with the politics of menstruation in Canada - Northern Blood exposes systemic silences, challenges stigma, and celebrates the groundbreaking work of period poverty activists whose efforts have reshaped policy and public discourse. This book is both a tribute and a roadmap, offering insight and inspiration for those ready to carry the movement forward." Nikki Hill, Period Promise"This important collection offers clear and compelling analyses of various facets of menstruation politics in Canada." Leah Levac, University of Guelph"Timely and welcome, Northern Blood shows convincingly how menstrual equity and justice are important sites for feminist attention and organizing." Robyn Lee, University of Alberta

Lisa Smith is a sociologist and researcher in the Department of Sociology at Douglas College.

Francesca Scala is professor of public policy in the Department of Political Science at Concordia University.

CA