Native Women's Association of Canada

Pickton Appeal Disappointing for Grieving Families

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:22:56 -0500

Ottawa, ON (November 27, 2009) — The Native Women’s Association of Canada is dismayed that the Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to broaden the scope of Robert Pickton’s appeal on six counts of second-degree murder. Effectively, the decision gives Pickton more grounds to argue that his convictions should be overturned. His trial concluded in 2007 and was one of the most high profile, longest, and expensive in Canadian history. Many of Pickton’s victims were Aboriginal or of Aboriginal descent.

Health Careers conference aimed at Aboriginal youth in 2010 — Speakers, vendors invited

Thurs, 26 Nov 2009 11:22:56 -0500

Ottawa, ON (November 26, 2009) — Doctors and nurses are not the only two jobs in the health care field. That is why the Native Women’s Association of Canada is holding a two-day conference and tradeshow for Aboriginal youth on careers in this exciting and diverse field

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Presents an Opportunity for Positive Change

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:20:56 -0500

Ottawa, ON (November 25, 2009) — Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, called today for an end to violence against all women in Canada. November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Poverty Is Hurting Aboriginal Families

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:10:56 -0500

Ottawa, ON (November 25, 2009) — Yesterday marked the twentieth anniversary of Parliament unanimously passing a resolution to end child poverty in Canada by the year 2000. Once again a renewed call is being voiced to eliminate poverty. While the child poverty rate of Aboriginal children has gone down since 1995, Aboriginal Peoples are at a higher risk of poverty; in fact more than one in three Aboriginal children live in low-income families. The Native Women’s Association of Canada strongly feels that the elimination of poverty in Canada must be made a national priority.

New Report finds Experiences of Aboriginal Peoples in Federal Prisons Unacceptable

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:20:56 -0400

Ottawa, ON (November 13, 2009) — The Office of the Correctional Investigator today released an independent report once again calling for a Deputy Commissioner for Aboriginal Corrections to the Executive Committee of the Correctional Service of Canada. The Report, Good Intensions, Disappointing Results: A Progress Report on Federal Aboriginal Corrections, confirms the unacceptable situation of Aboriginal offenders under federal sentence in Canada and details the significant gaps between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders on nearly every indicator.

Aboriginal Women Lose in Dismissal of McIvor Decision

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 15:20:56 -0400

Ottawa, ON (November 6, 2009) — After over twenty years in a fight for equality, yesterday the Supreme Court of Canada dismissed with costs the case of Sharon Donna McIvor v. Registrar, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. The Native Women’s Association of Canada is disappointed with the decision not to grant leave to appeal to Sharon McIvor, given that the issue of who can or cannot be an Indian is surely one of national importance.

Aboriginal Affairs Ministers Moves Agenda Forward for Aboriginal Women

>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:13:56 -0400

Toronto, ON (October 30, 2009) — Yesterday the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) and leaders of National Aboriginal Organizations met for the first time with federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. This meeting was the first of an Aboriginal Affairs Working Group that will meet on an ongoing basis to move dialogue forward on the many issues affecting Aboriginal Peoples, including education and skills training and economic development.
AAWG Communiqué: http://www.nwac-hq.org/en/documents/Final_Communique_EN.pdf

Aboriginal Leadership to Hold Press Conference for Slain Family Member

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:13:56 -0400

Ottawa, ON (October 2, 2009) — On October 4th, over 70 Sisters In Spirit vigils will take place across Canada to honour the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls. Before the National vigil starts in Ottawa, a special press conference will be held by Aboriginal leadership from several organizations calling for an independent investigation into the death of Gladys Tolley.

Gladys Tolley was an Algonquin woman from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg near Maniwaki, Québec. She was fatally struck by a Sûreté du Québec patrol car on Highway 105 on October 5th, 2001. After many years searching for answers and on the eighth anniversary of her mother’s death, Bridget Tolley, spokesperson for the victim’s family, will join supporters requesting an independent investigation by the Government of Québec in order to shed some light on the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death.

When: Sunday, October 4th, 3:30pm EDT
Where: University of Ottawa, Desmarais Building
55 Laurier Avenue East
Ottawa, ON

4th Annual Sisters In Spirit Vigils to be held Nationwide October 4th

Ottawa, ON (October 1st, 2009) — This weekend Sisters In Spirit vigils will take place across Canada. October 4th is a day where we honour the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls. After four years, we are pleased to announce that the number of vigils has grown from 11 in 2006 to an incredible 72 in 69 communities for 2009. From coast to coast to coast, in all ten provinces and two territories, and internationally in Nicaragua, thousands will gather to publicly highlight the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls. Media Contacts for Vigils: http://www.nwac-hq.org/en/documents/VigilMediaContacts.pdf Sisters In Spirit Joint Statement: http://www.nwac-hq.org/en/documents/20091004_JointStatement_FINALVERSION.pdf

Newly Elected Native Women’s Association of Canada President To Receive Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:39:19 -0400

Ottawa, ON (September 30, 2009) — Tomorrow Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will present Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, the newly elected President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case. President Corbiere Lavell is one of six receiving this award at Rideau Hall Ottawa. Government of Canada Press Release: http://www.nwac-hq.org/en/documents/SWC-CFCGGAwardsAnnouncementSep28-09.pdf

Native Women’s Association of Canada Welcomes Jeannette Corbiere-Lavell as new President

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:39:19 -0400

Ottawa, ON (September 28, 2009) — Aboriginal women from coast to coast to coast gathered this past weekend at the Native Women’s Association of Canada’s (NWAC) 35th Annual General Assembly in Ottawa. Yesterday after two rounds of voting, Jeannette Corbiere-Lavell was elected as the new President of NWAC.

35th Annual General Assembly

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:56:07 -0400

The Native Women’s Association of Canada's 35th Annual General Assembly and the Election for the President will be held on September 26 and 27, 2009, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 101 Lyon Street North, Ottawa, Ontario. For more information please contact: 613.722.3033 ext. 240 or toll-free 1.800.461.4043.

UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Canadian government isolated as global implementation moves ahead

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

(September 12, 2009) — A new report released today shows governments and institutions around the world are moving ahead with implementation of a human rights instrument that the minority government of Canada has denounced as “unworkable.” Global Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - and Canada's Increasing Isolation: http://www.nwac-hq.org/en/documents/UNDeclaration-2ndAnniversary-ReportFINAL-Sep2009.pdf

NWAC to Attend Council of the Federation Meeting with Premiers

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Ottawa, ON (August 4, 2009) — Canada’s Premiers will gather tomorrow in Regina for the annual Council of the Federation summer meeting and will meet with National Aboriginal Leaders on the first day of discussions. The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) will be an active participant and represented by President Beverley Jacobs.

Aboriginal Women Set to Protest Dump Site 41

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Ottawa, ON (June 29, 2009) — The Province of Ontario has approved the development of the County of Simcoe Landfill Site #41 (Site 41), slated to be in full operation later this year. Aboriginal women will protest this decision as it is not in line with legislation noted in Ontario’s Clean Water Act (2007) as Site 41’s location contains natural and unspoiled artesian water sources. The Native Women’s Association of Canada is supporting those who have taken a public stand to save this pristine site and President Beverley Jacobs will visit the site and participate in tomorrow’s protest. http://www.nwac-hq.org/en/documents/FAQsaboutDumpSite41.pdf http://www.nwac-hq.org/en/documents/DrivingDirectionstoDumpSite41.pdf

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2009

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

June 15, 2009, is the 4th World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. On this day the NWAC Health Unit would like to acknowledge its work. It recently received funding through HRSDC for a project exploring senior abuse among Aboriginal women. This qualitative research project seeks to hear and honour the voices and stories of older Aboriginal women, their experiences of senior abuse and their vision for change. The project aims to build on the insight and wisdom of the women to promote awareness and intervention, and to develop policy recommendations to address senior abuse in this generation and generations to come. The project will be led by Billie Allan, who recently joined NWAC in her new role of Health Research and Policy Officer. Billie is Algonquin from Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation, and is currently a Ph.D. student at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, where her research focuses on the health of urban Aboriginal women.

UN Review of Canada’s Human Rights Record Shows They Are Not Up To Task

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Geneva, Switzerland (June 9, 2009) — Indigenous Peoples and representative organizations are deeply disappointed by the Government of Canada’s response to an important review of Canada’s human rights record being carried out by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Canada's Response http://www.nwac-hq.org/en/documents/UNIVERSALPERIODICREVIEW.pdf

NWAC, AFN and AFN Women’s Council Unite to Oppose Bill C-8 on Matrimonial Real Property

Sun, 17 May 2009 20:20:02 -0400

Ottawa, ON (May 14, 2009) — Today the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the AFN Women’s Council united to express their opposition to the federal Bill C-8, An act respecting family homes situated on First Nation reserves and matrimonial interests or rights in or to structures and lands situated on those reserves.

Voices of Our Sisters In Spirit: A Report to Families and Communities, 2nd Edition to be released

Wed, 06 May 2009 22:01:56 -0400

Ottawa, ON (April 29, 2009) — The Native Women’s Association of Canada will officially release the second edition of “Voices of Our Sisters in Spirit: A Report to Families and Communities.” To address the alarmingly high number of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls in Canada, the work of the Sisters In Spirit initiative includes research, education and awareness activities aimed at increasing the safety of Aboriginal women and girls. The second edition of this report features three new life stories, updated research results and includes policy recommendations to improve the safety and well-being of Aboriginal women and girls. NWAC will be hosting a press conference to officially launch the report and to provide an update of the work of the Sisters in Spirit initiative. When: Thursday April 30th, 2009 – 10:30 a.m. EDT Where: Charles Lynch Theatre 130S Centre Block House of Commons Ottawa, ON Who: Beverley Jacobs – President, Native Women’s Association of Canada

Voices of Our Sisters In Spirit: A Report to Families and Communities, 2nd Edition

Wed, 06 May 2009 21:59:47 -0400

The Native Women’s Association of Canada is proud to release a second edition of Voices of Our Sisters In Spirit: A Report to Families and Communities to honour our commitment to share what we have learned with families, communities and other stakeholders. New content in the second edition includes three new life stories, research results as of March 31, 2009 and updated ‘Missing Sisters’ and ‘Stolen Sisters’ sections. We have also added Sisters In Spirit Communication and Education Highlights and interim findings, trends and policy recommendations. NWAC, through its Sisters In Spirit initiative, will continue to work to improve the safety and well-being of Aboriginal women by conducting research, raising awareness and influencing policy related to violence against Aboriginal women and girls. Families and communities interested in participating in NWAC’s Sisters in Spirit initiative are encouraged to contact us. Thank you for your interest in and support of this important work.

Indigenous Peoples Invisible at the V Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago

Wed, 06 May 2009 21:53:26 -0400

April 24, 2009 — Indigenous Leaders celebrated a highly successful 3rd Indigenous Leaders Summit of the Americas (3rd ILSA) in Panama City, held on April 14th to 15th, 2009. Approximately 120 leaders representing Indigenous Peoples from across the Americas, including youth and women, met and issued a Declaration and Plan of Action addressing the theme "Implementing the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of the Americas for Present and Future Generations.” The co-chairs of the 3rd ILSA Summit were Native Women’s Association of Canada President Beverley Jacobs, Grand Chief Edward John (representing the Assembly of First Nations) and Panamanian Indigenous leader with the Kuna General Congress Héctor Huertas.

Indigenous Leaders to Provide Plan of Action to 5th Summit of the Americas

Wed, 06 May 2009 21:52:46 -0400

Panama City, Panama (April 17, 2009) — Indigenous leaders from across the Americas met April 14-15, 2009 in Panama City, Panama to take part in the 3rd Indigenous Leaders Summit of the Americas (3rd ILSA). The meeting provided an opportunity for Indigenous leaders to conduct discussions on issues related to the work of the Organization of American States (OAS) and, particularly, the work to be conducted during the 5th Summit of the Americas to take place in Trinidad and Tobago, April 17-19, 2009. The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) co-hosted the event with the assistance of the OAS and various Indigenous organizations throughout the Americas.

3rd Indigenous Leaders Summit of the Americas

Wed, 06 May 2009 21:51:38 -0400

On April 14th to 15th, 2009, the 3rd Indigenous Leaders Summit of the Americas (3rd ILSA) will be held in Panama City, Panama. This will be followed by the Fifth Summit of the Americas, to be held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago from April 17th to 19th, 2009. The Native Women's Association of Canada is co-hosting the 3rd ILSA with the Assembly of First Nations and Indigenous Partner Organizations throughout the Americas. More information is available in the information bulletin. Further, we are seeking input into our discussion paper that outlines the framework of the Declaration and Plan of Action that will be finalized at the 3rd ILSA. To provide feedback please contact Céleste McKay.

National Aboriginal Water Day of Action Scheduled Across Canada on April 13th

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:49:31 -0400

Ottawa, ON (April 9, 2009) — The Native Women’s Association of Canada, in collaboration with the annual Mother Earth Water Walk, will be holding the first annual National Aboriginal Water Day of Action on April 13th, 2009. This Aboriginal Water Day of Action will take place across North America and in Australia. Water protection is the responsibility of all peoples. The objective of the National Water Day of Action focuses on raising awareness about the healing and protection of the waters, and to preserve this precious natural resource. Communities will join together to host local events, including traditional water ceremonies, and engage in vigils, feasts, prayers, and walks. The communities hosting events for the Water Day of Action include: Charlottetown, PE Chippewas of the Thames FN, ON Edmonton, AB Halifax,NS NACCHO Indigenous Communities, Australia Navajo Nation, Arizona North Bay, ON Red Lake, ON Thunder Bay, ON Waterloo, ON Whitehorse, YT Winnipeg, MB Event Contact Information: http://www.nwac-hq.org/en/documents/NationalAboriginalWaterWalkContacts.pdf

Water Day of Action — Water Protection is our Responsibility April 13, 2009

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:16:58 -0400

The Native Women’s Association of Canada is joining forces with the annual Mother Earth Water Walk We are encouraging all peoples to organize your own community event to pay respect to one of our most precious resources, “Our Water” Organize a water ceremony, a feast, prayers or walk Poster - http://nwac-hq.org/en/documents/WaterWalkPoster.pdf

Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women: Two Montreal Events and Press Conference

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:14:10 -0400

Monday, March 16th, 7PM: Talk by NWAC President Beverley Jacobs McCord Museum, 690 Sherbrooke Street West Tuesday, March 17th, 2PM: Press Conference QPIRG Concordia, 1500 De Maisonneuve West, Suite 204 6PM Panel Discussion Atwater Library, 1200 Atwater Avenue 9PM Candlelight Vigil at Cabot Square