YELLOWKNIFE (March 10, 2017) An all-female delegation nominated by six NWT Aboriginal governments recently returned from attending the fifth National Indigenous Women’s Summit (NIWS) in Toronto, Ontario from March 6-8.
The Honourable Caroline Cochrane, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women was unable to attend the Summit due to prior commitments but invited the delegation as an opportunity to enhance their leadership competencies.
The NWT delegation was comprised of Pearl Bird (Northwest Territory Métis Nation); Nora Wedzin (Tłı̨chǫ Government); Tanya Gruben (Inuvialuit Regional Corporation); Angela Koe (Gwich’in Tribal Council); Sally-Ann Horassi (Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated); and Nyra MacKenzie (Akaitcho Dene First Nation).
Over the duration of the Summit, the NWT delegation participated in discussions in workshops, panel discussions, all of which provided delegates the opportunity to learn from other governments, share their experiences, and experience firsthand the national leaders discussing the recommendations that they had input into.
Quotes
“The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to increasing the number of women in political and leadership roles. The National Indigenous Women’s Summit is an excellent opportunity for our delegates to actively participate in this important intergovernmental work at the national level as Indigenous women leaders and recognize their political capacity to positively affect programs impacting Indigenous women.”
- Caroline Cochrane, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
“The National Indigenous Women's Summit has been the most intriguing women's event I have attended to date. I gained a wealth of knowledge from all the Aboriginal women from across Canada and I acquired strength and courage from everyone involved to pursue and strengthen our Aboriginal Women's perspectives in our communities and Territory.”
- Sally-Ann Horassi, delegate from the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated
“After attending the Summit, I learned that women from across Canada share the same concerns about preserving and strengthening culture and language. There was also great discussion about empowering women in communities and how to advance Aboriginal women's issues.”
- Nyra MacKenzie, delegate from the Akaitcho Dene First Nations
Quick Facts
- NIWS, formerly National Aboriginal Women’s Summit (NAWS), is a forum that was established by Canada’s Premiers in 2006 as a means for provincial and territorial government representatives to work collaboratively with NIOs on issues affecting Indigenous women across Canada.
- The Summit’s theme this year was “Empowering Indigenous Women: Now and Into the Future” and was comprised of participants from National Indigenous Organizations (NIOs), federal, provincial and territorial governments and their delegations. Approximately 400 participants from across Canada gathered to share knowledge and expertise, with the aim of building a better future for Indigenous women and their communities throughout Canada.
- The six NIOs participating in this event were the Native Women’s Association of Canada; Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada; the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami; the Assembly of First Nations; the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples; and the Métis National Council.
- Since its inception, a total of four (4) Summits have been held: Newfoundland and Labrador (2007); Northwest Territories (2008); Manitoba (2012); and Nova Scotia (2014).
For more information, contact:
Ngan Trinh
Senior Communications Advisor
Government of the Northwest Territories
Ph: (867) 767-9134 ext. 18021