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Women's Council Reports & News
- BCAFN Women's Council Report - June 2011 (pdf)
- Chief Coreen Child's AGM Presentation - June 24 2011 (pdf)
- Dec 2010 - Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General posted its new Violence Against Women in Relationships (VAWIR) Policy
AFN Women’s Council holds inaugural meeting
The AFN Women’s Council held its first official meeting during the Annual General Assembly in Charlottetown to discuss its role within the organization and develop a work plan.
National Chief Phil Fontaine announced the reestablishment of the Women’s Council at the spring Confederacy of Nations meeting as part of the AFN’s ongoing efforts to ensure the voice of women is heard in every activity and approach of the AFN.
The Women’s Council will play an active role in advocacy, education and communication.
“In order for us to be successful we need to raise the profile of First Nations issues, and that is what the women’s council is here to do on behalf of all the women in the country,” said Chief Maureen Chapman of the Skawahlook First Nation and chair of the AFN Women’s Council.
“This has been an issue near and dear to my heart all of my life. I want to acknowledge our National Chief for his support in initiating this process in 2000 and then reviving it here. It’s historic. It’s very encouraging that we have received the support that we have from our male leaders,” she said.
The 10-member Council has a seat on the AFN Executive Committee and will develop a portfolio system on the various issues. During its meeting, the Women’s Council identified several priorities including health, education, housing, and economic development that will be addressed in its work plan.
The Council will also assist in the development and promotion of the AFN Women’s Issues Analysis Framework which is an analytical tool to ensure the perspective and interests of First Nations women are considered in all AFN positions and policies.
“Communication is very important. I think most people want to involve as many women as possible in passing on information and making sure there is involvement. We’re all very interested in participating and we’re looking forward to the next stop,” said Elizabeth Asp, representative from Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council.
