(March 8, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – On International Women’s Day, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak celebrates the achievements of women and girls around the world and renews calls for immediate action on the implementation of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Calls for Justice.
“On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the contributions and achievements of women and girls around the world,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “This day also serves as a reminder for all levels of government to take meaningful steps in supporting, uplifting, and protecting First Nations women, girls, and marginalized genders.”
“It is essential that we create a future where all women can thrive without fear, with their rights fully recognized and their contributions celebrated. This work begins with the full implementation of the MMIWG Final Report’s 231 Calls for Justice, ensuring that First Nations women are protected, their voices are heard, and their rights upheld. Today, I call on the government to take immediate action in ensuring it’s implementation.”
In alignment with International Women’s Day, National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak is set to take part in the United Nations’ 68th Commission on the Status of Women from March 11-15, 2024, in New York City, under the theme of, “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.”
“Addressing economic inequality and eliminating poverty is one of the cornerstones of reconciliation for First Nations women,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “We urge governments worldwide to commit to transparent, multi-year funding for various programs and initiatives aimed at supporting Indigenous women and communities. We must break the chains of poverty.”
“On this day, I thank all those women who have inspired me and taught me, sharing their expertise and experience to work together on behalf of our First Nations people. I would also like to uplift the AFN Women’s Council for their work in advocating for immediate action such as greater funding for shelters and safe spaces, mental health support, programming for men and boys, prevention, and greater funding for First Nations to develop land-based prevention and healing programs. I look forward to continuing our important work together.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
Contact information:
Kelly Reid
Senior Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
613-292-0857 (mobile)
[email protected]
Nicole Robertson
Senior Communications Advisor
AFN National Chief’s Office
(403) 616-4999
[email protected]