A Message from the CEO

July was a month focused on growth—growing the voices of Indigenous women politically, growing programs and partnerships that seek to support and empower Indigenous women, and preparing NWAC for future growth.

ENGAGING IN ADVOCACY

July was an historic month for Indigenous women in politics with the appointment of the first Indigenous Governor General in Canada. Mary Simon, a strong Inuk woman and life-long advocate for the rights of Indigenous Peoples, will undoubtedly excel in this prestigious role and we look forward to having more positions in government held by Indigenous women. However, while we were celebrating this historic appointment, others were filing complaints over Simon’s inability to speak French.

This was not an issue of whether or not Simon was qualified to hold this position; it was an issue that is rooted in the government’s colonial definition of official languages. Over the course of July, I advocated for Indigenous languages to be recognized as official languages, removing barriers for Indigenous people entering politics and protecting Indigenous languages. I spoke in support of Mary Simon in interviews with a number of media outlets, including iPolitics and Radio Canada.

I also made a statement when Jody Wilson-Raybould announced she would not seek re-election, speaking out about supporting Indigenous women in politics. Indigenous women are under-represented politically, and if strong Indigenous women politicians, like Wilson-Raybould, are not supported in their roles, then reaching reconciliation will be much more difficult. Political parties need to support Indigenous politicians, and I hope we see more Indigenous women candidates in the upcoming federal election.

With these recent events, it is more important than ever for Indigenous women and gender-diverse people to make their voices heard at the voting polls—and thus effect change at the government level. NWAC will be launching a significant voting campaign to provide information on voting and party platforms so Indigenous women and gender-diverse people have the resources and information they need to use their voice at the polls. Indigenous women need to be involved in all areas of politics, including the vote.

BUILDING PTMA CAPACITY

In July, NWAC engaged with PTMAs to bring forward suggestions on NWAC’s by-laws and governance. NWAC has been operating for 47 years and by-laws are in need of review to ensure consistency, to take into account the increase in virtual work, and to consider necessary changes to NWAC’s governance as the organization grows. This preliminary work has included consultations with experts in governance. Proposed changes will be brought to NWAC’s annual assembly in the fall for implementation, with the goal to strengthen NWAC’s governance.

In addition to this, NWAC has been conducting ongoing work with the Alberta and Prince Edward Island PTMAs on the development of resiliency lodges in their regions. This work, while ongoing, is crucial to addressing the Calls for Justice outlined in the National Inquiry’s Final Report and in providing accessible, in-person support to Indigenous women and gender-diverse people.

DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS

We are thrilled about a new partnership with TD Bank that has allowed NWAC to expand into a new area of service delivery. NWAC will be offering, with support from TD Bank, an Indigenous Women’s Management Program (IWMP). This no-cost, barrier-free program will provide comprehensive practical management training, focusing on the basic skills that are needed for Indigenous women to move forward in management roles or in growing their own businesses. Led by experts and guided by Elders, this program, comprising 14 two-hour weekly sessions, will accept up to 200 participants and will be hosted online to allow for participation from across the country.

This program is the first of its kind. By integrating culturally appropriate teachings using the medicine wheel as the Indigenous lens to guide every session, this program pays particular attention to striking the right balance between mind and heart. There are four classes dedicated to striking this balance, and the program emphasizes the importance of caring for yourself in order to foster both personal and professional growth.

NWAC is excited to move forward with TD Bank’s support, and we look forward to implementing this ground-breaking program for Indigenous women in business.

NWAC TEAM

After over a year of working virtually, NWAC was able to host a series of staff strategic planning sessions and wellness retreats at our Resiliency Lodge in Chelsea, Quebec, for teams to get together and hold an in-person meeting, including staff in the legal and policy departments. At the policy team’s staff retreat, staff were able to meet and discuss emerging policy areas, including residential schools, health, culturally relevant gender-based analysis (CRGBA), and climate change. Part of these discussions focused on developing and expanding training programs, including corporate and industry training on implementing CRGBA.

NWAC will continue to host staff wellness meetings and, as COVID-19 restrictions allow, to host more in-person team meetings so staff can engage with each other in person.

IN THIS EDITION…

In this edition of Shining the Spotlight, read about NWAC’s exciting new project, Generation 4 Equality (G4E), which will celebrate the voices and experiences of Indigenous youth who are advocating for gender equality. In this issue, you can also read about the Indigenous Maternity Experiences Survey, ECCCO’s Marine Safety and Oceans Protection Project, and NWAC’s entrepreneur navigation program, #BeTheDrum. I hope you enjoy reading more about the work NWAC does to support Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people across the country.

Miigwetch, Thank you, Merci,

Lynne Groulx