Category: News

Career Opportunity – Editor / Communication Specialist

Job Posting:  Editor / Communication Specialist
 
Reports to:           Director of Communication
Salary Range:      $40,000 to $45,000
Term:                      Permanent
Closing Date:       Open until filled
Location:               Ottawa

Summary

The Editor / Communication Specialist will bring expertise to the writing and editing of briefing notes, press releases, and other written materials. The Editor / Communication Specialist will also assist in the development and timely delivery of initiatives that support NWAC in its communications, public relations and messaging strategies. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team that will make a difference in the lives of Indigenous women in Canada and around the world.

General duties

The NWAC Editor / Communication Specialist will:

  • Evaluate the suitability of reports, briefing notes, press releases for publication, or electronic media and recommend or make changes in content, style and organization;
  • Read and edit copy to be published to detect and correct errors in spelling, grammar and syntax, and shorten or lengthen copy as space or time requires;
  • Confer with the Director of Communication regarding revisions to copy;
  • Plan and implement a layout or format of copy according to space or time allocations and significance of copy;
  • Review and edit documents, reports from the various NWAC units;
  • Assist in communication of strategies or messages from senior leadership;
  • Ability to assist to create media releases for NWAC when required;
  • Assisting in various digital marketing and communications initiatives;
  • Ability to adapt and adjust to changes;
  • Other related duties as required from time to time.

 Studies and Experience Requirement

 BSc / BA in journalism, public relations, communications and English

  • 2-3 years of experience in professional business writing/ editing
  • Experience with NGOs, organizations, interest groups and government or government agencies or business/corporate entities.

Key Skills

  • Strong writing and verbal communication skills in both plain language and academic styles;
  • Excellent knowledge of WordPress;
  • Knowledge and understanding of Social Media principles for business;
  • Strong attention to detail, editing and proofreading capabilities;
  • Ability to work in a team and good interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to take directions and work independently;
  • Ability to apply sound judgment and make decisions within the area, often on short notice;
  • Ability to prioritize, multi-task and organize work effectively and under pressure;
  • Excellent knowledge of technical documentation best practices;

Knowledge Requirements

  • Some knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and internationally, their cultures, histories and traditions;
  • Knowledge and understanding of contemporary concerns and issues in the doing of Indigenous business in Canada;
  • Understanding and knowledge of Indigenous issues, and norms and standards relevant to promotion and protection of Indigenous women’s rights;
  • Some knowledge of key issues impacting Indigenous women and girls in Canada and internationally;
  • Some understanding of social policy (including violence prevention and impacts, health, housing, etc.);
  • Bilingualism is an asset

 

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:
Christèle Goupy
Human Resources
1 Nicholas Street, 9th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7
[email protected]
(Email submissions preferred).

Preference will be given to Indigenous candidates.
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Interviews will be held in Ottawa or by teleconference.

Career Opportunity – Junior Policy Advisor – Environment

Job Posting:  Junior Policy Advisor – Environment            

Reports to: Executive Director
Salary Range: $35,000
Term: Permanent
Closing Date: Open until filled
Location: Ottawa

Summary

The Junior Policy Advisor – Environment is involved in all aspects of the development and implementation of Native Women’s Association of Canada’s strategies related to advocacy and policy from both a national and international perspective. This entry-level position will support developing and executing NWAC official positions in a number of policy areas pertaining to the environment. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team that will make a difference in the lives of Indigenous women in Canada and around the world.

General duties

The NWAC Junior Policy Advisor – Environment will:

  • Actively maintain an Environment policy work plan incorporating relevant priorities as identified by Senior Management and based on NWAC Board identified priorities, and operational needs;
  • Assist in providing technical expertise in the areas of Environment Policy development to the President and the Executive Director;
  • Research policy issues and provide advice on international and domestic Environment policy issues impacting Indigenous women and girls.
  • Engage in background research, prepare documents and reports, and analyze data;
  • Communicate and collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations as necessary;
  • Maintain regular and ongoing communications with the other NWAC departments and the Executive Director;
  • Work with other NIO’s and NGO’s to address issues impacting Indigenous women and girls;
  • Assist in writing reports, factsheets, briefing notes, shadow reports, or other policy-type documents;
  • Assist in writing proposals; and,
  • Other related duties as required from time to time.

 

Studies

  • Undergraduate degree in environment.

Key Skills

  • Strong writing and verbal communication skills in both plain language and academic styles;
  • Ability to work in a Team and good interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to carry out culturally-relevant gender-based analysis ( training will be provided);
  • Ability to apply sound judgment and make decisions within the area, often on short notice;
  • Ability to prioritize, multi-task and organize work effectively and under pressure;
  • Ability to conduct research in cooperation and consultation with the NWAC PTMAs and with diverse stakeholders;
  • Ability to facilitate meetings;
  • Ability to supervise or carry out research, analyzes data, and advance effective advocacy and communication strategies under the supervision of the Executive Director.

Work/Volunteer Experience

  • Minimum 1 year relevant work or volunteer experience with NGOs, organizations, interest groups and government or government agencies or business/corporate entities.

Knowledge Requirements

  • Knowledge and understanding of Environmental issues impacting Indigenous Peoples in Canada and Internationally;
  • Some knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and internationally, their cultures, histories and traditions;
  • Knowledge and understanding of contemporary concerns and issues in the doing of Indigenous business in Canada;
  • Understanding and knowledge of Indigenous issues, and norms and standards relevant to promotion and protection of Indigenous women’s rights;
  • Some knowledge of key issues impacting Indigenous women and girls in Canada and internationally;
  • Some understanding of social policy (including violence prevention and impacts, health, housing, etc.);
  • Bilingualism is an asset

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

Christèle Goupy
Human Resources
1 Nicholas Street, 9th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7
[email protected]
(Email submissions preferred).

Preference will be given to Indigenous candidates.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Interviews will be held in Ottawa or by teleconference.

 

Offre d’emploi : conseillère ou conseiller junior en politiques – environnement

Relevant de la : directrice générale
Échelle salariale : 35 000 $
Mandat : poste permanent
Date de clôture : poste ouvert jusqu’à ce qu’il soit pourvu
Lieu de travail : Ottawa

Résumé

La conseillère ou le conseiller junior en politiques – environnement participe à tous les aspects de l’élaboration et de la mise en œuvre des stratégies de l’Association des femmes autochtones du Canada relatives au plaidoyer et aux politiques, d’un point de vue international aussi bien que national. La ou le titulaire de ce poste de niveau débutant appuie l’élaboration et l’exécution de positions officielles de l’AFAC dans certains secteurs de politiques relatifs à l’environnement. C’est une excellente occasion de faire partie d’une équipe qui fera une différence dans la vie des femmes autochtones au Canada et ailleurs dans le monde.

Fonctions générales

La conseillère ou le conseiller junior en politiques – environnement :

  • maintient activement un plan de travail en matière de politiques environnementales intégrant les priorités pertinentes déterminées par la haute direction, qui est fondé sur les priorités définies par le conseil d’administration de l’AFAC et les besoins opérationnels;
  • contribue à l’offre d’expertise technique en matière d’élaboration de politiques environnementales à la présidente et à la directrice générale;
  • fait de la recherche sur des questions de politiques et donne des conseils sur des questions de politiques environnementale sur les plans national et international qui ont des répercussions sur les femmes et les filles autochtones;
  • fait de la recherche de base, prépare des documents et des rapports et analyse des données;
  • communique et collabore avec des organisations gouvernementales et non gouvernementales au besoin;
  • maintient des communications régulières et continues avec les autres services de l’AFAC et la directrice générale;
  • travaille avec d’autres organismes autochtones nationaux et d’autres organisations à but non lucratif à des questions qui ont des répercussions sur les femmes et les filles autochtones;
  • contribue à la rédaction de rapports, de fiches d’information, de notes d’information, de rapports parallèles ou autres documents de type énoncé de politiques;
  • contribue à la rédaction de propositions;
  • exécute d’autres tâches connexes de temps à autre, selon les besoins.

Études

  • Diplôme de premier cycle en environnement

Compétences clés

  • Solides compétences de communication écrite et verbale, en langage simple aussi bien que de style relevé;
  • Capacité à travailler en équipe et entregent
  • Capacité à réaliser des analyses comparatives entre les sexes culturellement pertinentes (formation offerte)
  • Capacité à appliquer un jugement sûr et à prendre des décisions dans le domaine, souvent à peu de préavis
  • Capacité à établir des priorités, à faire preuve de polyvalence et à organiser le travail efficacement sous pression
  • Capacité à effectuer de la recherche en collaboration et consultation avec les associations provinciales et territoriales membres (APTM) de l’AFAC et avec divers intervenants;
  • Capacité à animer des réunions
  • Capacité à superviser ou à faire de la recherche, analyser des données et faire avancer des plaidoyers et des stratégies de communication efficaces sous la supervision de la directrice générale

Expérience de travail/bénévolat

  • Minimum d’un (1) an d’expérience pertinente de travail ou de bénévolat avec des organisations non gouvernementales ou autres, des groupes d’intérêts et le gouvernement ou des organismes gouvernementaux ou des entreprises ou entités d’affaires

Connaissances requises

  • Connaissance et compréhension des questions environnementales qui ont des répercussions sur les peuples autochtones au Canada et ailleurs dans le monde
  • Certaines connaissance et compréhension des peuples autochtones au Canada et ailleurs dans le monde, de leurs cultures, leurs histoires et leurs traditions
  • Connaissance et compréhension des préoccupations et questions contemporaines en ce qui concerne faire des affaires pour les Autochtones au Canada
  • Connaissance et compréhension des questions autochtones et des normes pertinentes de promotion et de protection des droits des femmes autochtones
  • Une certaine connaissance des questions clés qui ont des répercussions sur les femmes et les filles autochtones au Canada et ailleurs dans le monde
  • Une certaine compréhension des politiques sociales (en matière de prévention de la violence, des répercussions de la violence, de la santé, du logement, etc.)
  • Bilinguisme un atout

Envoyez votre curriculum vitae et une lettre d’accompagnement, par courriel de préférence, à :

Christèle Goupy
Ressources humaines
1, rue Nicholas, 9e étage
Ottawa (Ontario) K1N 7B7
Courriel : [email protected]

La préférence sera accordée aux candidates et candidats autochtones.

Seules les personnes sélectionnées pour une entrevue seront contactées.

Les entrevues auront lieu à Ottawa ou par téléconférence.

Career Opportunity – Elder/ Senior Advisor

Job Posting: Elder/ Senior Advisor

Reports to: Executive Director
Salary Range: $50,000 to $60,000
Term: Permanent
Closing Date: Open until filled
Location: Ottawa

Summary

The NWAC Elder/ Senior Advisor is involved in all aspects of the development and implementation of the Native Women’s Association of Canadas’ political, policy and program strategies, both at the national and international levels.

General duties

The NWAC Elder/Senior Policy Advisor will:
• Provide advice on issues of concern to Indigenous women and girls and gender diverse people including, housing, environment, human rights, identity/membership, health/healing;
• Provide guidance on cultural protocols;
• Work collaboratively with the NWAC in-house Elder;
• Speak on Indigenous womens’ issues in public, at conferences and meetings, or as required;
• Provide cultural and lived experience expertise and advice to the organization and board of directors, when required;
• Attend high-level meetings with Directors, the Executive Director or the President, as required;
• Provide advice and opinions on existing research, policy positions and international and domestic human rights issues;
• Review background research, and reports and provide advice on data analysis;
• Communicate and collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations as necessary;
• Maintain regular and ongoing communication with the Legal team. Programs team and Strategic Policy Team and the NWAC Directors, Executive Director and President;
• Work with other NIO’s and NGO’s to address issues impacting indigenous women and girls;
• Assist in the preparation of power points, reports, fact sheets, briefing notes, shadow reports, or other policy-type documents;
• Assist in the facilitation of focus groups or workshops;
• Assist in supporting families on an as-needed basis;
• Provide advise and suggestions on proposals; and
• Other related duties as required from time to time.

Studies and Work Experience Requirement

• University degree in the area of policy, law, social sciences or other related studies or equivalent lived experience working on Indigenous issues will be considered;

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience working with band councils, NGOs, organizations, interest groups and government, agencies or business/corporate entities;

Key Skills
• Strong verbal communication skills;
• Good writing skills;
• Ability to work in a Team or independently and good interpersonal skills;
• Understanding of culturally-relevant gender-based analysis ( training will be provided);
• Ability to apply sound judgment and make decisions, often on short notice;
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and organize work effectively;
• Ability to work with NWAC PTMAs and with diverse stakeholders;
• Ability to chair or facilitate meetings;
• Ability to supervise or carry out research, analyzes data, and advance effective advocacy and communication strategies under the supervision of the Executive Director.

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary concerns and issues Indigenous
• Understanding and knowledge of Indigenous issues, norms and standards relevant to promotion and protection of Indigenous women’s rights;
• Some knowledge and understanding of traditions;
• Understanding and knowledge of Indigenous issues, and norms and standards relevant to promotion and protection of Indigenous women’s rights;
• Some knowledge of key issues impacting Indigenous women and girls in Canada and internationally;
• Some understanding of social policy (including violence prevention and impacts, housing, etc.);
• Bilingualism is considered an asset (Indigenous language and English)

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:
Christèle Goupy
Human Resources
1 Nicholas Street, 9th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7
[email protected]
(Email submissions preferred).

Preference will be given to Indigenous candidates.
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Interviews will be held in Ottawa or by teleconference.

A new deal, a new day: What the USMCA means for the rights of Indigenous women

 

The United States, Mexico and Canada have reached a provisional agreement (the USMCA) on a new trade deal to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NWAC is encouraged by the inclusion of Article 32.5 of the new USMCA, an exception provision that will ensure that the agreement will not undermine the ability of the parties to fulfill their legal obligations to Indigenous peoples.

NWAC congratulates the Government of Canada in successfully negotiating for the inclusion of this provisions, as trade can have serious implications for the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples, particularly Indigenous women and children.

But, while the Indigenous Rights Exception is an important component of a progressive trade agenda that respects and supports Indigenous peoples, it is not enough. The recognition by the parties to the USMCA that the agreement must not impede a state’s obligations to Indigenous peoples must be understood in the context of Bill C-262 and Article 21.2 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Bill C-262 is a private members bill introduced by Romeo Saganash and supported by the government, which will recognize UNDRIP as a human rights document with domestic application in Canada and require the conformity of Canada’s laws with the document. Article 21.2 of UNDRIP requires states to take effective and special measures to improve the economic and social conditions of Indigenous peoples, particularly Indigenous women and children.

NWAC encourages the Government of Canada to take full advantage of Article 32.5 of the USMCA and respect its obligations under Article 21.2 of UNDRIP. This requires more than ensuring Indigenous women are no longer disproportionately negatively affected by international trade agreements, but that Indigenous women are provided with meaningful opportunities to equally and fully participate in economic opportunities that flow from trade and to ensure that these economic activities meaningfully and substantially ameliorate the socio-economic condition of Indigenous women and children.

 

Un nouvel accord, un nouveau jour : ce que signifie l’AEUMC pour les droits des femmes autochtones

Les États-Unis, le Mexique et le Canada ont conclu un accord provisoire, l’Accord États-Unis-Mexique-Canada (AEUMC), pour remplacer l’Accord de libre-échange nord-américain (ALENA). L’AFAC est encouragée par l’inclusion du paragraphe 32.5 du nouvel AEUMC, une disposition d’exception garantissant que l’accord ne minera pas la capacité des parties à respecter leurs obligations juridiques envers les peuples autochtones.

L’AFAC félicite le gouvernement du Canada d’avoir négocié et obtenu l’inclusion de cette disposition, puisque le commerce peut avoir des implications graves pour les droits et les intérêts des peuples autochtones, particulièrement les femmes et les enfants autochtones.

Mais, si l’exception relative aux droits des Autochtones est une composante importante d’un programme commercial progressiste qui respecte et soutient les peuples autochtones, ce n’est pas suffisant. La reconnaissance par les parties à l’AEUMC du fait que l’accord ne doit pas entraver les obligations d’un État envers les peuples autochtones doit être comprise dans le contexte du projet de loi C‑262 et du paragraphe 21.2 de la Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones (DNUDPA).

Le projet de loi C‑262 est un projet de loi émanant d’un député, déposé par Roméo Saganash et appuyé par le gouvernement, qui reconnaîtra la Déclaration des Nations Unies à titre de document sur les droits de la personne ayant des implications sur le plan national au Canada et nécessitant la conformité des lois du Canada à ce document. Le paragraphe 21.2 de la DNUDPA exige des États qu’ils prennent des mesures efficaces et spéciales pour améliorer la situation économique et sociale des peuples autochtones, en particulier celle des femmes et des enfants autochtones.

L’AFAC encourage le gouvernement du Canada à tirer pleinement parti du paragraphe 32.5 de l’AEUMC et respecter ses obligations en vertu du paragraphe 21.2 de la Déclaration des Nations Unies. Celui-ci exige plus que de garantir que les femmes autochtones ne soient plus disproportionnellement affectées négativement par les accords commerciaux internationaux, mais que les femmes autochtones aient des possibilités véritables de participer pleinement et de façon égale aux occasions de développement économique qui découlent du commerce et de garantir que ces activités économiques améliorent véritablement et considérablement la situation socioéconomique des femmes et des enfants autochtones.

NWAC advocates for gender equality and Indigenous rights at CETA forum in Brussels

La traduction en français suivra.

 

Today in Brussels, NWAC participated in the first meeting of the joint Civil Society Forum under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) – the Canada-European Union free trade agreement. This trade agreement presents an important opportunity for a shift toward sustainable development and climate action that will either further marginalize Indigenous women, or ensure they equally and fairly share in the benefits of a low-carbon, sustainable economy.

This meeting of civil society delegates from organizations throughout the EU and across Canada was convened to build dialogue on the sustainable development aspects of CETA. The constituent civil society organizations in attendance at today’s meeting represent a diverse range of sectors including labour, business, animal protection and nature conservation. NWAC’s participation focused on drawing attention to the disproportionate impacts trade can have on Indigenous women and to advocate for an interpretation of sustainable development that recognizes the importance of gender equality and respect for Indigenous rights.

Throughout the CSF meeting and in a discussion with Canada’s Ambassador to the EU, Daniel Costello, prior to the meeting, NWAC brought attention to the numerous international documents recognizing the international community’s commitments to sustainable development and the fact that all these documents refer to the importance of gender equity and Indigenous rights.

The International community has, through international declarations and common objectives, consistently recognized the important role of women and gender diversity as well as Indigenous rights, to the goals of sustainable development. The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, Agenda 21 on Environment and Development, the Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development, and the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development all recognize the importance of women and Indigenous peoples to sustainable development.

CETA contains chapters which compel the EU and Canada to promote trade that respects the environment and works toward the objectives of Sustainable Development. Such commitments, if respected, will create economic shifts toward renewable energy technologies in order to address climate change. Such a shift from fossil fuels to renewables will create demand for the minerals and metals needed for solar, wind and battery products. Canada has massive reserves and processing capacities for many of the resources needed for the shift to renewable energies, including 14 of the 19 minerals and metals required for the manufacturing of solar panels.

So, while the shift toward sustainable development and low-carbon energy will present a significant opportunity for Canada’s mining industry, the question remains what impact this shift will have on
Indigenous women.

Indigenous women tend to suffer the greatest negative effects of trade liberalization and industrial projects, such as mining, while simultaneously being excluded from the positive effects of trade and industrial activities. This must stop.

The commitments by Canada and the EU to work toward sustainable development demands recognition that Indigenous women have a unique and particular interest in these processes and outcomes. Canada’s domestic policies must be coherent with its international commitments to sustainable development, in both declarations and binding trade agreements, and this requires greater effort as to ensure that the environmental effects of CETA are positive and that the socio-economic opportunities that result from the agreement are shared equally and fairly with Indigenous women.

 

L’AFAC plaide en faveur de l’égalité des sexes et des droits des Autochtones au forum de l’AECG, à Bruxelles

À Bruxelles, aujourd’hui, l’AFAC participait à la première assemblée commune du Forum de la société civile aux termes de l’Accord économique et commercial global (AECG) – l’accord de libre-échange Canada-Union européenne. Cet accord commercial présente une importante opportunité de glissement vers le développement durable et des mesures relatives à la lutte contre les changements climatiques qui auront pour effet de marginaliser davantage les femmes autochtones ou de faire en sorte qu’elles partagent également et équitablement les avantages d’une économie durable à faibles émissions de carbone.

Cette assemblée de délégués de la société civile issus d’organisations de toute l’Union européenne et de partout au Canada a été convoquée pour engager un dialogue sur les aspects de l’AECG relatifs au développement durable. Les organisations constituantes de la société civile qui ont participé à l’assemblée d’aujourd’hui représentent une diversité de secteurs : travail, commerce, protection des animaux et conservation de la nature. La participation de l’AFAC avait pour but d’attirer l’attention sur les répercussions disproportionnées que le commerce peut avoir sur les femmes autochtones et de plaider en faveur d’une interprétation du développement durable reconnaissant l’importance de l’égalité des sexes et le respect des droits des Autochtones.

Pendant toute la durée de ce forum de la société civile et en conversation avec l’ambassadeur du Canada auprès de l’Union européenne, Daniel Costello, avant l’assemblée, l’AFAC a attiré l’attention sur les nombreux documents internationaux qui reconnaissent les engagements de la communauté internationale relativement au développement durable et sur le fait que tous ces documents parlent de l’importance de l’égalité des sexes et des droits des Autochtones.

Par des déclarations internationales et des objectifs communs, la communauté internationale reconnaît constamment l’importance du rôle des femmes et de la diversité des genres ainsi que des droits des Autochtones pour atteindre les objectifs du développement durable. La Déclaration de Rio sur l’environnement et le développement, le programme Action 21 sur l’environnement et le développement, la Déclaration de Johannesburg sur le développement durable et le Plan d’application du Sommet mondial pour le développement durable reconnaissent tous l’importance des femmes et des Autochtones dans l’optique du développement durable.

L’AECG comprend des chapitres qui obligent l’Union européenne et le Canada à promouvoir le commerce de manière respectueuse de l’environnement et à travailler à l’atteinte des objectifs du développement durable. S’ils sont respectés, ces objectifs entraîneront un glissement économique vers des technologies énergétiques renouvelables pour résoudre les problèmes que posent les changements climatiques. Ce glissement des combustibles fossiles vers des combustibles renouvelables entraînera une demande de minéraux et de métaux nécessaires à la production d’appareils qui fonctionnent à l’énergie solaire, éolienne et à piles. Le Canada a des réserves massives et des capacités de traitement pour beaucoup des ressources nécessaires à ce glissement vers les énergies renouvelables, y compris 14 des 19 minéraux et métaux requis pour la fabrication de panneaux solaires.

Ainsi, même si le glissement vers le développement durable et l’énergie à faibles émissions de carbone présente une opportunité considérable pour l’industrie minière du Canada, la question des répercussions de ce glissement sur les femmes autochtones demeure.

La tendance démontre que les femmes autochtones souffrent des principaux effets négatifs de la libéralisation du commerce et de la réalisation de projets industriels comme l’exploitation minière, tout en étant simultanément exclues des effets positifs du commerce et de l’activité industrielle. Il faut que ça cesse.

Les engagements du Canada et de l’Union européenne de favoriser le développement durable exigent la reconnaissance du fait que les femmes autochtones ont un intérêt particulier dans ces processus et ces résultats. Les politiques internes du Canada doivent être en accord avec ses engagements internationaux à l’égard du développement durable, dans les déclarations et les accords de commerce contraignants, ce qui exige un effort plus considérable pour assurer que les effets environnementaux de l’AECG soient positifs et que les femmes autochtones partagent également et équitablement les occasions de développement socioéconomique qui résultent de cet accord.

Nikki Fraser, Western Regional Youth Representative for NWAC, One of Ten Canadians Chosen by CBC to Interview the Prime Minister

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(January 31, 2016) (Ottawa, ON) ― Nikki Fraser is not your typical 25 year-old. She’s a mover and a shaker, a mother of two, an Indigenous woman from Tk’emlups Te Secwepemc (one of the 17 bands within the Secwepemc Nation) – and she’s our Regional Youth Representative for the West here at the Native Women’s Association of Canada.

Between her story, her warmth and her tenacity, and her tireless commitment toward ending violence against Indigenous women and girls, Nikki caught our eye at NWAC long ago. Now, Nikki has also captured the attention of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation – and the entire country.

Nikki was invited to travel all the way from her home province of British Columbia to partake in CBC’s segment: “Face to Face with the Prime Minister” in Ottawa – which aired tonight (January 31, 2016) on The National.

Nikki was one of ten Canadians individually selected for this segment from across the country, for a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Nikki and the other nine individuals selected were given the opportunity to interview the Prime Minister on a topic of their choosing – and that topic for Nikki was missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Congratulations, Nikki!
QUOTES

 

“I do this work in honour of my Aunty Dorothy and my cousin Samantha, and the other beautiful Indigenous women and girls stolen from our nation. Despite the harsh reality that I and so many other young Indigenous ladies live, I will continue to honour them and seek justice.”
-Nikki Fraser, NWAC Regional Youth Representative for Western Canada

“Nikki has an incomparable energy about her. We are so grateful to have her, and so proud of her for fearlessly bringing this issue directly before the Prime Minister. Everyone at NWAC applauds you Nikki for your bravery and unwavering commitment to the cause. You are an inspiration to women and girls everywhere – Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike.”
-Dawn Lavell-Harvard, President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada

 

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. To make a donation to NWAC, please visit nwac.ca.

 

 

―30―

 

For more information, please contact:

Lynne Groulx
Executive Director
1 Nicholas Street, 9th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7
Toll-free 1-800-461-4043
Tel: 613-722-3033 ext. 223
Email: [email protected]

NWAC Senior Manager of Violence Prevention and Safety, Gail Gallagher, Awarded Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship

NWAC Senior Manager of Violence Prevention and Safety, Gail Gallagher, Awarded Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship


The Native Women’s Association of Canada asks that you join us in congratulating our Senior Manager of Violence Prevention and Safety, Gail Gallagher, who has been awarded a substantial academic scholarship from the University of Alberta.

 

Ms. Gallagher is a proud First Nations Cree woman from Frog Lake First Nation, Alberta, who currently resides in the Nation’s capital. Currently, Gail is in her last year of her Masters’ degree with the Native Studies Faculty at the University of Alberta.

 

Her thesis focuses on the sexual exploitation and marginalization of Aboriginal women and ways that Aboriginal activism works to reduce this – critical subject matter that will not only continue to benefit her expertise in her role at NWAC, but will also contribute to the growing body academic research into the issue of Indigenous women’s social, economic and cultural inequality in Canada.
“The Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship for Masters level work is an outstanding achievement,” says NWAC Executive Director, Claudette Dumont-Smith. “I ask that all NWAC staff, board members and friends across Canada join me in congratulating Ms. Gallagher today on this extraordinary achievement. Gail’s work will undoubtedly inspire more Native women like her to succeed academically.”

 

Prior to her employment as the Senior Manager of Violence Prevention & Safety with the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Gail earned extensive work experience through building partnerships and relationships at the federal, provincial and First Nations regional levels.

 

Congratulations, Gail!

 

For more information, please contact:

Lynne Groulx
Executive Director
1 Nicholas Street, 9th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7
Toll-free 1-800-461-4043
Tel: 613-722-3033 ext. 223
Email: [email protected]