Native women's group renews vision
James O'Connor
Northern News Services
Monday, March 13, 2017
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The Native Women's Association of the NWT ended their annual gathering with a renewed vision for the work ahead in representing indigenous women, our families and communities and Mother Earth over the coming years, stated a news release.
The Native Women's Association held their annual gathering March 6. Posing for a photo in the legislative assembly is, left to right: Marie Speakman, NWA victim services worker; Shirley Kisoun, Mackenzie delegate; Jane Weyallon, Tlicho regional director; Mabel Brown, Mackenzie regional director; Liza Charlo-Piper, NWA president; Caroline Cochrane, minister responsible for the status of women; Annie Goose, NWA vice-president; Angela McKay, South Slave regional director; Mishelle Lavoie, NWA ASETS co-ordinator; Jaylen Delorme, NWA territorial youth. - photo courtesy of Natalie Makletzoff |
Members attending the AGM talked about racism and discrimination they face daily.
They also spoke on the critical role the Native Women's Association has in shifting colonial influences that entrench the status quo and control how indigenous families and communities are treated today by institutions like child welfare, justice, education, housing and health, the release stated.
"The voices of our women and families need to be at the forefront of those discussions. We need to be at every table," stated Liza Charlo-Piper, president of the Native Women's Association.
Charlo-Piper said there are plans to strengthen the voice indigenous women in the regions by providing more resources to the regional directors.
They are counting on support from the GNWT which has committed themselves to a process of reconciliation with indigenous peoples. Charlo-Piper stated they were pleased the Caroline Cochrane, minister responsible for the status of women recognized indigenous women as leaders in creating change in indigenous communities.
