Public Statement

Urgent action needed to improve living conditions in Aboriginal communities: Canada must meet its human rights obligations  

Indigenous peoples and individuals have the right to enjoy the same standard of living and access to government services that are enjoyed by other people in Canada. They have the right to live and bring up their families on their own land and territories. Our organizations, Canadian human rights and faith--‐based groups, are deeply concerned that these basic principles are repeatedly cast in doubt. Download English PDF public statement. Download French PDF public statement.

Human Rights:

NWAC is dedicated to promoting gender issues from both the national and international perspectives. Native women’s voices are needed at national tables in all areas which touch upon the broader issues of native women, children and family well-being in keeping with NWAC’s collective mandate. The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) is founded on the collective goal to enhance, promote, and foster the social, economic, cultural and political well-being of First Nations and Métis women within First Nation, Métis and Canadian societies. As a national organization representing Aboriginal women since 1974, NWAC’s mandate is to achieve equality for all Aboriginal women in Canada. NWAC’s thirteen elected provincial and territorial organizations meet regularly to determine the collective direction for all organizations. NWAC works with other national Aboriginal organizations and federal and provincial governments to bring native women’s concerns forward within Canada. NWAC is presently involved in advocating on behalf of native women in Canada on the following issues:

 

EXPLORATORY PROCESS ON INDIAN REGISTRATION, BAND MEMBERSHIP AND CITIZENSHIP: AN OVERVIEW
Community Awareness and Engagement Sessions are ongoing, put on by both the national office and in collaboration with our provincial/territorial partners to ensure that women’s wisdom is heard and reported back to government on these important issues .  

The Exploratory Questionnaire can be submitted at: reclaimingournations@nwac.ca

A Report to Parliament on the Readiness of First Nations and Organizations to comply with the Canadian Human Rights Act (June 2011):

The Canadian Human Rights Act and Aboriginal Women Executive Summary Report and Focus Groups Recommendations Native Women’s Association of Canada March 2011:



Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA) Education and Awareness : Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: 

Human Rights Handbook for First Nations:

Indian Act:

Federal Employment Equity Act:

AANDC (INAC) Hiring Policy:

The Canadian Human Rights Act and Aboriginal Women Executive Summary Report and Focus Groups Recommendations Native Women’s Association of Canada March 2011