News release
February 1, 2019 — Ottawa, Ontario — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Francyne Joe, President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), and the Provincial and Territorial Member Associations of NWAC signed the Canada-Native Women’s Association of Canada Accord.
The signing of the Accord is an important step towards a renewed relationship between the Government of Canada and the Native Women’s Association of Canada—one based on respect, co-operation, and partnership.
The Canada-NWAC Accord demonstrates the vital roles the Government of Canada and NWAC are playing in empowering Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people. It will enhance, promote and foster greater social, cultural and economic well-being for Indigenous women across Canada. The Government of Canada recognizes the vision, support, and guidance of NWAC, and is proud to work in partnership to address issues that matter most.
Through the Accord, Canada and NWAC will identify joint priorities and co-develop policy, programs, and legislation to include the distinct perspectives of Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
Quotes
“When Indigenous women are empowered, their families, communities, and all of Canada benefit. The new Canada-Native Women’s Association of Canada Accord demonstrates our commitment to ensure the voices of Indigenous women are heard and reflected in co-developed policy and programs. I look forward to continuing our work together to advance the socio-economic well-being of current and future generations of Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
“Today is a monumental step towards reconciliation in Canada. After 45 years of NWAC advocating for women of many Indigenous Nations, this is the first time Canada is entering into an Accord to ensure fair, and equal inclusion of Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people in the development and design process of programs, services, policies, and laws. This historic Accord means the political voices of grassroots women of many Indigenous Nations will be heard, recognized, and respected by Canada.”
Francyne Joe
President, Native Women’s Association of Canada