First Nations Women's Day highlights struggles for rights and equality
From AFN press release ...
On the occasion of First Nations Women's Day, October 5th, Assembly of First Nations National Chief denounces the high rates of poverty among First Nations women and children
OTTAWA, Oct. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - On the occasion of First Nations Women's Day, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine, and AFN Women's Council Chair Kathleen McHugh, voiced their serious concerns on the recent federal cuts to a number of programs that will have devastating effects on First Nations women and children.
"Today marks a day to celebrate the daily contributions made by the true caregivers in our communities," stated National Chief Fontaine. "First Nations women are the glue that binds our families together. At the same time, we must recognize that so many First Nations women and children live in abject poverty and despair. This is the single greatest social justice issue in Canada today."
The National Chief pointed out that last week the federal government announced program cuts to women's advocacy groups, literacy programs, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch's (FNIHB) tobacco cessation strategy, and the Law Commission of Canada. "First Nations have benefited greatly from all of these programs. This is a huge step backwards."
"A comprehensive approach to closing the gap in well-being between First Nations and other Canadian women is needed that tackles the root causes of poverty and unhealthy behaviors," noted Ms. McHugh. "Instead, the federal government is cutting programs for those populations most at risk in Canada.
80 per cent of our women are dependent on government funding sources. 60 per cent smoke, including our pregnant women. This situation should be unacceptable to all Canadians. The failure to act will only result in a greater burden to the Canadian system."
"Next month marks the tenth anniversary of the 1996 Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP), and the one-year anniversary of the Kelowna Accord.
We are gravely concerned that no significant progress has been made to eradicate First Nations' poverty," concluded the National Chief. "We cannot afford to lose another generation of First Nations people, including many women and children, who are suffering needlessly and trapped in a cycle of poverty and despair."
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
-30-
/For further information: Bryan Hendry, A/AFN Communications Director, (613) 241-7889, ext 229, Cell (6130 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca/