About Us

The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is a national Indigenous organization that defends the rights, delivers programming to, and amplifies the perspectives of Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people in Canada. NWAC is inclusive of First Nations—on- and off-reserve, status, non-status, and disenfranchised—Inuit, and Métis. As a grassroots association guided by Indigenous women’s organizations from across the country, NWAC was founded on a collective goal to enhance, promote, and foster the social, economic, cultural, and political well-being of Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people in their respective communities and Canadian societies.

Since 1974, NWAC has established strong and lasting governance structures, decision-making processes, financial policies and procedures, and networks, to achieve its overall mission, vision, and goals. Today, NWAC engages in national and international advocacy aimed at legislative and policy reforms to promote equality for Indigenous WG2STGD+ and LGBTQQIA+ People. Through advocacy, policy, and legislative analysis, NWAC works to preserve Indigenous culture and advance the wellbeing of all Indigenous WG2STGD+ People, as well as their families and communities.

NWAC works on a variety of issues, including: Employment, labour and business, health, violence prevention and safety, justice and human rights, environment, early learning childcare, and international affairs.

NWAC provides support much like a “Grandmother’s Lodge.” We—as aunties, mothers, sisters, brothers, and relatives—collectively recognize, respect, promote, defend, and enhance our Indigenous ancestral laws, spiritual beliefs, language, and Traditions provided by the Creator.

Mission

Advocate for and inspire Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people, and the families of many Indigenous nations.

Vision

We envision an inclusive world that understands and respects the diversity and uniqueness of all Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people, and families.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors holds responsibility for the overall governance of NWAC. It passes all resolutions with regard to new initiatives undertaken by NWAC personnel and its members. The Board meets on a regular basis to evaluate, review, and provide direction to the president, PTMAs, and administrative staff.

NWAC's Board of Directors:

Josie Nepinak, NWAC National President
Gena Edwards, 1st Vice-President (BCNWA)
Terri Szabo, 2nd Vice-President (YAWC)
Amy Sock, Treasurer (IWWT)
Jennifer Martin, Secretary (NSNWA)
Cheryl Alexander (MMVI)
Darlene Bowen (KotC)
Debbie Sampson (BCNWA)
Donna Austine (IWWT)
Iris Lauzon (MMVI)
Lisa Weber (IAAW)
Lynn Mike (NIWA)
Mabel Brown (NWA NWT)
Marjolaine Étienne (FAQ-QNW)
Natalie Sterling-Moses (BCNWA)
Salena Sylvester (NSNWA)
Tara Tootoo-Fotheringham (NIWA)

Financial Statements

Provincial/Territorial Member Associations