United Nations' International Women's Day is Sunday, February 8
NAN press release
NAN Women’s Council Celebrates International Women’s Day
THUNDER BAY, ON Friday March 6, 2009: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Women’s Council spokesperson Jackie Fletcher together with NAN Deputy Grand Chief RoseAnne Archibald are celebrating the accomplishments of Nishnawbe Aski women as International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world on March 8, 2009.
“The women of Nishnawbe Aski have come a long way through the long-term adversity of colonialism, residential school abuse, Sixties Scoop and the loss of culture, but despite hardships and setbacks I see many positive changes happening in our communities,” said NAN Women’s Council spokesperson Jackie Fletcher. “Today we are rebuilding our confidence, pride and self-esteem, and together we will be as strong as we once were. I am proud to be a Nishnawbe Aski Nation woman.”
International Women’s Day has been observed since in the early 1900s and is marked with hundreds of events throughout the month. In recognition, Fletcher acknowledged the efforts of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, the NAN Women’s Council, the NAN Women’s Development Project and Equay-wuk (a women’s group serving 31 remote First Nation communities) for their leadership and dedication to improving the lives of women in the NAN territory.
“First Nation women have traditionally played an important role in the healthy development of our families and communities,” said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Archibald, who is responsible for the Women’s Issues portfolio. “It is only through acknowledgement, support and encouragement that positive change is happening, where First Nation women are taking their rightful place in Nishnawbe Aski Nation by sharing their gifts as leaders, mothers and all of the roles they fulfill in their families and communities.”
Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the NAN Women’s Council host several events each year for women and youth including the Seven Sacred Teachings Youth Gathering (January 2009) and the Reach for the Stars: NAN Women and Youth Resiliency Conference (March 2008).
Archibald is serving as non-governmental organization advisor to the head of the Canadian delegation at the 53rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women at United Nations headquarters in New York (March 2 - 13). She is one of two indigenous women selected from across Canada for the delegation.
The NAN Women’s Council ensures the on-going involvement of women in the decision-making process of Nishnawbe Aski Nation – a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities within James Bay Treaty 9 and Treaty 5 territory, an area covering two-thirds of the province of Ontario.
For more information please contact Michael Heintzman, Media Relations Officer – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (807) 625 4906 or (807) 621 2790 mobile or Jackie Fletcher – NAN Women’s Council (705) 255 1024 mobile
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AFN press release
March 8, 2008 - AFN marks International Women's Day
OTTAWA, March 8 /CNW Telbec/ - On March 8, International Women's Day, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine and the Chair of the AFN Women's Council, Kathleen McHugh, acknowledged the 2009 Global United Nations theme: "Women and men united to end violence against women and girls."
"This year's theme resonates strongly with First Nations communities.
First Nations women and children are more likely to be victims of violence than any other segment of Canadian society," said National Chief Phil Fontaine.
Last November, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women asked Canada to investigate the status of more than 500 cases of missing or murdered Aboriginal women that have never been fully investigated.
The AFN leaders voiced support for the committee's call to "urgently carry out thorough investigations" to trace the reasons the justice system failed, and if racial identity played a role in their disappearances and the lack of action. Canada is due to report back to the committee in November 2009.
"Far too often First Nations women become trapped in violent situations and dangerous jobs. We have an urgent need for more shelters, but we are also calling for action that addresses the social and economic factors that can place women and children in danger. The primary factor is the staggering level of poverty that afflicts too many of our people," said AFN Women's Council Chair Kathleen McHugh.
There are currently only 35 shelters serving 265 First Nations communities, leaving women and children in another 368 communities without safe havens. Each year, approximately 1,900 women and 2,300 children access existing services.
Kathleen McHugh also expressed her disappointment that the current Matrimonial Real Property Bill, Bill C-8, has not adopted specific recommendations made by the AFN such as community-based solutions, investments in shelters, legal aid or housing. Instead, it proposes spending increases for the federal bureaucracy.
"The AFN is working to ensure that any legislation on Matrimonial Real Property addresses the real issues and offers real solutions to First Nations citizens and communities," said National Chief Fontaine.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
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/For further information: Karyn Pugliese, Health Communications, (613) 292-1877, kpugliese@afn.ca/