Overview of 118th Annual Meeting

Delegates at work

Our "leaders" from the working luncheon

The following is prepared by Marilyn McGonigal, on behalf of the Local Arrangements Committee - A good overview!

By all accounts the National Council of Women of Canada 118^th Annual General Meeting should not have been the huge success it turned out to be. Such meetings take a couple of years to properly organize; acceptable venues are hard to book on short notice; and finding sponsors and quality speakers available at the right times takes a lot of work and luck. In six months a talented, hard working committee of approximately 21 experienced members of the Councils of Women in Manitoba pulled it off.

Our LAC (Local Arrangements Committee) co-chaired by Monika Feist and Marilyn McGonigal, the then presidents of the Local and Provincial Councils of Women, gathered together the experts on hand to chair sub-committees for the Program, Venue, Finance/Budget, Registration, Fundraising/Sponsorship, Communications/Public Relations, Transportation/Billeting, Volunteers/Hospitality and Docket committees.

From November to May, the Committee met 17 times and came up with a Reception hosted by the Lieutenant Governor and his wife, three excellent programs with one lunch and two dinners plus two Saturday afternoon panels free to the public. Additional perquisites for our out-of-province delegates included a bus tour of the city, tours of the Hydro Building and the Museum of Human Rights, a trade show on Saturday with Made in Manitoba Products, a hospitality suite for the weary travellers and an interfaith service Sunday morning.

Two notable outcomes of this annual meeting were the launch of NCWC’s Common Program for the next two years on the subject, Women and Mental Health, and a unique Joint Declaration signed by NCWC and Aboriginal Organizations and by delegates and Aboriginal sisters on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday’s lunch program started with Ella Amir, Executive Director of AMI-Quebec Action on Mental Illness (formerly Alliance for the Mentally Ill), who spoke on ‘Who is Caring for the Caregiver?’. She presented compelling statistics and realities of women as caregivers of their family members in need of care due to mental illness, whether by reason of nature, injury or advancing age. A very informative Panel discussion led by Bev Goodwin included Ann Pederson, Director of the BC Centre for Excellence for Women’s Health, Roberta Stout, an Aboriginal woman researcher with Prairie Women’s Health Centre of Excellence focusing on Aboriginal Women’s Health, and Lori Peters, Coordinator of the Provincial Eating Disorder Prevention and Recovery Program in Winnipeg. Over the next two years Councils of Women across Canada will explore the issues and solutions to help provide women with appropriate supports and urge governments to recognize and adopt critical improvements to deal with the needs of caregivers in Canada which will reach crisis proportions in future in an ageing population.

Also on Saturday we heard from Nahanni Fontaine, Special Advisor on Aboriginal Women’s Issues for the Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet (Manitoba Government), and Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, President of Native Women’s Association of Canada, (NWAC) about the tragic and urgent issue of missing and murdered women in Canada. Barbara Houle, whose daughter was murdered in July 2009, shared her story with us to illustrate the pain and inhumanity of all the stories, for which we thank her. R. B. Russell Vocational High School students in their award winning Community Action Program performed a moving and compelling play they wrote about a classmate who suddenly disappears and how this unresolved mystery affects their lives over many years.

The Federal Government’s role in not continuing the NWAC Sisters in Spirit Project which investigated and documented missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada was the inspiration for and subject of a Joint Declaration signed by NCWC, AMC (Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs) and NWAC, and delegates and individual Aboriginal women attending the Aboriginal Program Saturday. We made a commitment to work together with Aboriginal Women and the Federal Government on this and other critical and systemic issues of violence against Aboriginal women and girls. The Joint Declaration is a living document and has since been signed by other groups and will be circulated for support across Canada.

The Saturday evening banquet was a highlight with Heather Bishop’s story of her intrepid struggles in the feminist movement and her songs inspiring women to continue the battle for equality and human rights. All this in a setting where Jaime Black’s inspired art display of red dresses – The REDress Art Project - reminded us of missing and murdered Aboriginal Women.

Friday’s Development Organization (DO) buffet and fundraiser organized by Arlene Draffin-Jones was an inspiring evening where we heard what women can do with a little seed money from the DO to get them started or to help existing women’s projects far away and at home that promote a better life for women and families.

We were fortunate the venue at the Viscount Gort Hotel came available for our meeting just as renovations were completed. The meeting and events were fully subscribed and well received. The Local Arrangements Committee is very grateful for the energy and expertise of all the committee members and many volunteers who made it possible to show members and friends from other provinces some excellent hospitality and a good time in Manitoba.

LAC members: Maxine Balbon, Peggy Barker, Lori Blande, Joan Butcher, Arlene Draffin-Jones, Catherine Dunn, Monika Feist, Elizabeth Fleming, Helen Garrity, Susan Hancharyk, Karen Hoeft, Barb Kendel, Leona MacDonald, Marilyn McGonigal, Irene McKenzie, Leonore Saunders, Mary Scott, Bonnie Siemens, Rokhaya Soumbounou, Elaine Stevenson, Carolyn Garlich, Kelly-Ann Stevenson, Sally Thomas, Barb Toews.

List of Conveners Elected at the 118th AGM

Economics - Karen Dempsey, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Citizenship and Immigration - Rosemary Mallory, North Vancouver, B.C.

Environment - Florence Erwin, New Westminster, B.C.

Global Affairs - Rashmi Bhat, London, Ont.

Health - Bonnie Desounis, Montreal, Quebec

Seniors Issues - Marilynn St. Onge, Montreal, Quebec

Culture & Heritage - Cheryl Braganza, Montreal, Quebec

Justice & Legislation -  Tiffany Chung, Vancouver, B.C.

Social Development - Patricia Leson, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

Employment- Kelly-Ann Stevenson, Winnipeg, MB

List of Board Elected at the 118th AGM

President
Denise Mattok, Ottawa, Ontario 

Past President
Mary Scott Winnipeg, Manitoba 

Vice Presidents
Arlene Draffin-Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Darla Campbell
Toronto, Ontario

Gracia Janes
Niagara on the Lake 
 

Thelma McGillivray
Hamilton, Ontario 

Carol Schweitzer,
Montreal, Quebec 

Carla Kozak
Edmonton, Alberta 

Treasurer
Margaret Ford
Ottawa, Ontario

Joint Declaration with Signatures

Joint Declaration, NCWC, with Native Women's Assoiation of Canada, and Asesmbly of Manitoba Chiefs

Thank you to our Sponsors!

National Council of Women of Canada

Appreciation to our Sponsors

We wish to thank the following donors and supporters to the 118th NCWC Annual Meeting, held in Winnipeg  June 2nd —June 5th

Major Donors

The Winnipeg Free Press

National Council of Women of Canada Education Fund

The Premier of Manitoba and Manitoba Status of Women

Aboriginal and Northern Affairs

Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba, Inc.

Manitoba Government and General Employees Union—MGEU

Manitoba Hydro

Native Clan, Inc.

Councillor Ross Eadie and The Lord Selkirk West Kildonan Community Committee

Canadian Union of Public Employees—CUPE

Donors

Winnipeg Labour Council

CommTech Office Services

Craig Steffano

Council of Women of Winnipeg

Life Members Association, Councils of Women of Manitoba

University Women’s Club of Winnipeg

Murdina Brownlee       Muriel Smith

Leonore Saunders              Mary Scott

Donations to the Door Prizes

Travel Manitoba

Epicure Selections

Lori Blande

Presentation by Heather Bishop at the Banquet

National Council of Women Conference Speech

Together We’re Stronger

 

Jaime Black – Red Dress Project – thank you for your fabulous work.

Such a fine example of how artists are always at the forefront of the revolution.

The Aboriginal community has been one of my biggest teachers in life.   

In particular – it gave me my first grasp of racism and what that really looks like. 

But equally and most delightfully, I learned so much about spirituality and humour.

What a privilege. 

What a privilege to learn from other cultures – for diversity must be the air that we breathe in order to move this country forward.

Recently a friend of mine and I were discussing how we have fought for diversity and immigration for decades – and what the fallout of that can be. 

The fallout being an influx of repressive cultural values that are decades behind the progress we have fought so hard to win.  I am speaking here of misogyny and let’s not mistake cultural values for what is simply misogyny. 

It got me to thinking about what it must have been like when the first wave of immigrants came to this country.

Here were Aboriginal people living in harmony with Mother Earth and along comes boatloads of strangers who are in many ways culturally and spiritually less advanced.

The Aboriginal culture at that time valued women as equals.  Women held positions of power.  

This was long before white women were given the vote in the early 1900s – never mind Aboriginal women who didn’t get the vote until 60 years later to our shame.

The Aboriginal culture at that time valued the gay or, as Aborignal people call it -  two spirited people in their communities.  

Two spirited because they believed that a gay person walks in balance with their male and female side and thus are better equipped, in some instances, to do certain jobs in the community – such as having a berdache place the medicine bundle for ceremony because that person better represents the balance of the male and female. 

The Aboriginal culture revered Mother Earth and understood absolutely that all bounty and life comes from her and when we abuse her we abuse ourselves and steal from our children and grandchildren.   We are still not getting that one right here in Canada – and most industrialized nations for that matter.

So when we bemoan less advanced cultural practices coming to our shores, imagine how Aboriginal people must have felt.

But yes - Artists are often at the forefront of the revolution

There is a great quote that is often attributed to Emma Goldman that says - If I can’t dance I don’t want to be part of the revolution.  Works for me.

Jaime is a testament to the power of art.

Music has been the tool I have used to both heal myself and change the world.

Perhaps the best way to describe this is for me to tell you my coming out story.

In the early days of the second wave of feminism we had consciousness raising educationals.    Tell story.

Once I realized that this was who I was, I knew that I had to fight for my rights as well as everyone else’s, so I knew that meant I had to come out publicly as well as personally.

So I took to the radio waves. 

Tell story.  Leviticus.  Police.  Psychology students.

And I learned.   I learned a lot. 

I learned that the biggest gift in my life has been that my journey here has been to live the life of a woman who takes another woman as her life partner.

In spite of all odds, it remains my biggest teacher.

In 1970 we lost our jobs, we lost our children, we were disowned by our families and subjected to shock treatments, beatings, and rape.

One of the reasons why this experience has been such a character builder as it were, is that we were the only oppressed minority whose parents and families most often wouldn’t support us.

It gave me a unique opportunity to gain personal strength – to love myself no matter how much the world might tell me I was the lowest of the low.

That’s quite a place to crawl out of I can tell you – but wow – what a gift.

I simply refuse to accept that loving someone of my own gender is anything less than beautiful.

 

 

HOW COULD ANYONE

 

I learned that politics never ring so true as when coming from those whose story informs the politics.

It is a simple but enormously political act to stand up and speak your truth.   Whether you’re trying to change the world or just change your personal relationships.  Always speak your truth.

And remember that tall trees catch the wildest and strongest winds.  When you are being buffeted about – it’s because you are standing tall.

I remember a speech that T. Grace Atkinson gave in the days when we were obliged to stay in the closet in the women’s movement lest we give feminism a bad name.

Believing in the power of artists to lead the charge, I took the message from the streets to the stage 35 years ago.

Being an out Lesbian feminist musician didn’t exactly skyrocket my career. 

But as Connie Kaldor pointed out to me years ago – those who open the doors for others have the task of holding open the door.  The gift is in being the one holding open the doors.

But what a surprise – in spite of all the bigotry out there I have enjoyed a successful career singing to both adults and children while being out from the first time I stepped solo onto a stage.

This conference is about ‘Together We Are Stronger’.  

The women’s movement taught me that for sure.

Tell story about the Abortion Caravan.

Tell story about The Sun

So I reiterate that speaking your truth is the most effective tool for change. 

And if when you speak your truth you draw the wrath of ignorance and bigotry, it is because you’ve hit a nerve and they fear the power of you speaking the truth. 

Your action creates a reaction that affords others, who may not feel able to step up alone, the opportunity to add their voices to the outrage that comes from the reactionary attack.

Gloria Steinam points out that without a hugely successful front lash, there would not be such a backlash.

I would like to read you a quotation from a letter from Gloria Steinam to a friend of mine who started and ran the first Battered Women and Children’s Shelter in her city for the past 33 years:

I join in the celebration of healing violence at its heart – the gender roles that model subject and object, leader and led, dominant and passive – and so normalize every other imbalance and injustice.

Whether it’s violence in the home or sexualized violence or child abuse it is neither inevitable nor acceptable.

She has brought us closer to a world in which we are linked, not ranked, and each person is visible and valued as unique. 

To celebrate yourself is to celebrate life.

So when the press suggests that we are in a post feminist era – I say - in your dreams!

I know that many of young women are often afraid to call themselves feminists because they do not want to be seen to be all the nasty things that are attributed to feminists – like we don’t shave our legs…..

I love that quotation from an early suffragette who said something like - I don’t really know what a feminist is but I do know that every time I act like anything other than a doormat, I get called one.

And I say to those afraid to call themselves feminists – why would you let someone else control your life that way?  

Had I been afraid of what I might be called or seen as, I would still be in the closet today and I dare say, we may not have gotten as far as we have with gay rights in this country.

Truly, knowing that feminism means equality for everyone – that feminism means social justice – I don’t know why every person does not eagerly identify as feminist.

So I would encourage you to Inquire Within. Center Your Power

We are powerful people with a vision of beauty for the planet.

If we have the courage to truly look inside and grow outside of the human foibles we are gifted with as our curriculum, then we have done what we came to do.

When we change ourselves, we change the world.

And when we pass over, the only thing we can take with us is our growth as a soul. 

Fighting the good fight to make this world a better place is nothing short of a hugely growing experience.

We must be the change we wish to see in this world.

I think it’s all about leadership.  And I wish I saw more of it from our politicians.

The true leader is simply the person who sees what needs to be done, rolls up their sleeves and gets at it.  Jane Fonda

I think we tend to always be looking for somebody else to lead.

There is a wonderful Chinese proverb that says:

Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it.

And I venture to say that should you inquire within – check in with your self – you might find exactly the person you’ve been looking for.   A true leader.

That said – I declare you all to be warriors.

WARRIOR

Everything’s gonna be alright – no woman no cry……..

Resolutions

A quick review of the Resolutions we debated at the Annual Meeting. Many of the Approved Resolutions were approved with amendments - full details will be coming on the NCWC web site.

1: BANNING ALL OFF-SHORE DRILLING IN THE ARCTIC
Proposed by the Ottawa Council of Women

Approved 

 
2: NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY POLICY
Proposed by St. Catharines and District Council

Approved 

 
#3: ENSURING THE SAFETY OF THE CANADIAN FOOD SUPPLY
Proposed by the Ottawa Council of Women

Approved  

 
4: ESTABLISHMENT OF NANOTECHNOLOGY REGULATIONS
Proposed by St. Catharines and District Council

Approved 

 #5: REFORM OF THE CANADA PENSION PLAN RETIREMENT INCOME SYSTEM FOR CANADIANS WITH AN EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Proposed by the Ottawa Council of Women

Approved 

 
6: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AS AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE ACROSS CANADA
Proposed by the Ottawa Council of Women

Defeated 

 
7: INCREASING EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE PUBLIC TRANSIT SYSTEMS IN CANADA
Proposed by the Ottawa Council of Women

Approved 

 
Policy Updates 

PU #1: NEED FOR REALISTIC INSURANCE FOR NUCLEAR INCIDENTS
Proposed by St. Catharines and District Council

Approved

PU #2: International Trade Agreement Negotiations with the European Union
Proposed by Ottawa Council of Women


Approved 

 
PU #3 Reform of Canadian Correctional System
Proposed by Ottawa Council of Women

Approved

Emerging Issues
# 1 THE NEED FOR ALL CANADIANS TO HAVE ACCESS TO SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO COVER THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE

Helen Saravannamutto, NCWC Representative to Campaign 2000

Approved 

 
#2 National Action Plan on Human Trafficking
Ottawa Council of Women

Not considered an Emerging Issue at this time

Joint Declaration, National Council of Women of Canada; Native Women's Association of Canada; Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

JOINT DECLARATION

PREAMBLE

"The National Council of Women of Canada (The “NCWC”) is a member of the International Council of Women, accredited with the United Nations' Economic and Social Council's Commission on the Status of Women. NCWC is linked with seventy-seven Councils and member groups in Canada and is committed to improving the well-being of women, families and communities.”

WHEREAS Individuals in attendance at NCWC’s 118th Annual Meeting held in Winnipeg, June 2nd to June 4th (The “Delegates”) bear witness to the critical, tragic and inequitable issue of Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls in Manitoba, and across Canada; and

WHEREAS Delegates unequivocally affirm their commitment to actively working together towards complete protection of, respect for and fulfilment of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples’ human rights; acceptance and affirmation of their cultural identity; and their declared Right of Self-Determination; and

WHEREAS Delegates are committed to encouraging the Government of Canada to implement a National Task Force leading to federal legislation that prevents further missing and murdered women/girls, and that addresses the systemic and inequitable access for culturally appropriate services at the community level and enacts a paradigm shift in how policies are designed that govern such programs and services;

THEREFORE, Delegates affirm, assert and recognize Inherent and Treaty Rights of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada and seek to support the full and equitable participation of Aboriginal Peoples, in particular Aboriginal women and girls, within Canadian society intrinsically addressing the systemic issues of violence against Aboriginal women and girls and eradicating social, cultural, economic and spiritual inequalities encountered by Aboriginal women and girls in Canada;

AND, FURTHER, Delegates support the second annual “Walk for Justice” for murdered and missing women starting June 21, 2011, and encourage others to support the walk as it moves across Canada.

WHEREAS In November 2008, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) reviewed Canada’s compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and issued its Concluding Observations in Geneva where the Committee asked Canada to report back in one year on steps taken to address inadequate social assistance rates across the country and the failure of law enforcement agencies to deal with the disappearance and murder of Aboriginal women and girls; and

WHEREAS In February 2009 Canada was told by the UN Human Rights Council it is not doing enough in areas such as aboriginal rights, violence against women, poverty and racism; and

WHEREAS CEDAW recommended Canada develop a specific and integrated plan for addressing the particular conditions affecting Aboriginal women, both on and off reserves, including poverty, poor health, inadequate housing, low school-completion rates, low employment rates, low income and high rates of violence; and

WHEREAS NCWC continues to urge the Government of Canada to develop, fund and implement an integrated plan, in collaboration with the NWAC, to address the systemic conditions affecting Aboriginal women, specifically insufficient services and resources, and to continue collaboration and partnership with Aboriginal communities in addressing systemic issues of violence against women and children; and

WHEREAS NCWC in solidarity with the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) continues to urge the Government of Canada to engage in open and meaningful dialogue with NWAC, in reporting back to CEDAW, with particular attention to addressing the disappearance and murder of Aboriginal women and girls.

THEREFORE, NCWC and the undersigned members of the Aboriginal community are committed to working together to encourage the Government of Canada to draft an Aboriginal Human Rights Code in consultation with First Nations governments in compliance with the UN Human Rights Conventions; and to ratify and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, with particular attention to addressing the inequalities encountered by Aboriginal women and girls in Canada;

AND FURTHER, NCWC and the undersigned members of the Aboriginal community declare their continued commitment in cooperation, engagement, and support of Aboriginal women, to urge open and meaningful public policy dialogue between the Government of Canada and Aboriginal communities on critical issues needing immediate resolution in addressing the systemic issues of violence against Aboriginal women and girls.

NCWC, NWAC, AMC, and Members of the Aboriginal Community

NCWC, President __________________________________________________

NWAC, President __________________________________________________

AMC __________________________________________________

(Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs)

[Members of Aboriginal Community] __________________________________________________

[Members of Aboriginal Community] __________________________________________________

[Members of Aboriginal Community] __________________________________________________

[Members of Aboriginal Community] __________________________________________________

[Members of Aboriginal Community] __________________________________________________

Delegates

Background of NCWC Policy

Since 1997 the National Council of Women of Canada has adopted as policy and has urged the Government of Canada to

1. Work with provincial and territorial governments and with aboriginal organizations and governing bodies to develop and fund more safe houses/shelters, on and off reserve, including programs and services that respect aboriginal culture and traditions, for aboriginal women and their children who are victims of family violence. Engage stakeholders to successfully address the underlying issues contributing to the high rate of family violence within the Aboriginal community, and to increase the capacity of Aboriginal women to break the cycle of family violence;

2. Collaborate with Provincial and Territorial governments and with aboriginal organizations and governing bodies, and to consult with civil society to develop anti-poverty legislation that includes a strategy to eliminate poverty by addressing the systemic barriers to full social participation by all Canadians and which contains accountability measures for government, in support of the UN Millennium Goals;

3. Provide more effective prenatal care for aboriginal women, as they are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, so that their children are less likely to be born HIV+;

4. Study the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and undertake appropriate action using a conciliatory process to create a new and better relationship between the Government of Canada and Aboriginal Peoples;

5. Remove section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act as quickly as possible and to draft an Aboriginal Human Rights Code in consultation with First Nations governments in compliance with the UN Human Rights Conventions;

6. Sign and Ratify the UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples;

7. Establish a national comprehensive child care policy designed to facilitate the development of child care services and resources which would, inter alia, be sensitive to the particular cultural requirements of aboriginal and immigrant families;

8. Enter into partnership with Aboriginal communities and organizations to review and identify barriers to the use of Section 81 and 84 of the Correctional and Conditional Release Act , and create and implement an action plan to encourage its use for Federally Sentenced Aboriginal Women. This partnership should include financial resources for those communities wishing to undertake the responsibility of assisting in the reintegration of Aboriginal women offenders; and Ensure that Federally Sentenced Aboriginal Women are fully aware of Sections 81 and 84 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and encouraged to apply under these sections;

Historic Event

This press release is being distributed on behalf of:

National Council of Women of Canada · Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs · Native Women’s Association of Canada

For Immediate Release ­June 4, 2011
 
INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR ACTION ON ISSUE OF MISSING/MURDERED WOMEN
---UN-affiliated Canadian women’s group signs declaration with NWAC, AMC, more supporters invited to sign on---

WINNIPEG­ - The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) signed a declaration today with AMC First Nations Women’s Committee representative Chief Francine Meeches (Swan Lake First Nation) and Jeannette Corbiere Lavell of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC). Together, NCWC, AMC and NWAC are calling for a national task force into missing and murdered aboriginal women at the 118th Annual Meeting of NCWC held today at the Viscount Gort hotel in Winnipeg.

The NCWC, an affiliate of the UN-accredited International Council of Women, had the signing ceremony, presentations and displays at their annual meeting as part of their on-going work and commitment to supporting and advocacy of Aboriginal women in Canada.

"The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) is committed to the continuation of our close partnership with our Aboriginal sisters and Aboriginal organizations, and support their voices being heard,” said NCWC President Mary Scott.

In November 2008, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women required Canada to report back on steps taken to address the failure of law enforcement agencies to deal with the disappearance and murder of Aboriginal women and girls.

“The UN has already come down on Canada for its poor track record on missing and murdered aboriginal women and this issue is clearly becoming more and more important to women all over the world,” said Chief Meeches.
 
“We thank NCWC for their support and we invite more groups to sign on to this living declaration that supports our women, and by extension all women,” said Corbiere Lavell.
 
The National Council of Women of Canada is a member of the International Council of Women, accredited with the United Nations' Economic and Social Council's Commission on the Status of Women and is linked with 77 Councils and member groups in Canada.

The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) is one of Canada's National Aboriginal Organizations and represents Aboriginal women, particularly First Nations and Métis women. NWAC has representation in meetings of Canadian leaders and is generally viewed as the national voice representing Aboriginal women in Canada.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is the political voice of action for Manitoba First Nations. The AMC First Nations Women’s Committee was formed in 1995 to advocate for women and work towards the inclusion of women in decision-making.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Elaine Stevenson
Cell: 204-470 9375

Or email: ncwc@magma.c

Declaration will be signed at the Viscount Gort Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba at approximately 4:00 pm June 4th

National Council of Women of Canada website: www.ncwc.ca

Native Women’s Association of Canada website: www.nwac.ca

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs website: www.manitobachiefs.com

Opening Reception - Goverrnment House

Hosted by the Honourable Philip Lee and Mrs. Lee, the Opening Reception was inspiring, colourful, and fun! Our Hosts were welcoming, and spoke of the long record of service and influence of the Councils of Women in Canada. The Hon. Jennifer Howard, Minister for the Status of Women addressed us - and encouraged us to keep on doing our research, education and advocacy.

The St. Ambroise Youth Steppers were lively, and colourful. The fiddler was a big hit.

Media Release - out today, June 2nd

Media Release

National Council of Women of Canada

118^th Annual General Meeting

June 2 -5, 2011 Viscount Gort Hotel

Saturday, June 04^th Program Highlights

Women and Mental Health

Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women

Release of Joint Declaration supporting Aboriginal Sisters

For Immediate release: June 02, 2011

The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) will host their 118^th Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg at the Viscount Gort Hotel, June 2 to 5, 2011. The Public is invited to attend the Saturday, June 04^th programming starting at 1:00 p.m.

“We have developed a strong public program that will offer insight into the many issues facing women suffering from mental health illness", said Mary Scott, NCWC President. “In addition our session on missing and murdered aboriginal women will end with the release of a joint declaration between NCWC, aboriginal organizations and NCWC delegates, expressing support and a “Call to Action” on a number of critical, tragic and inequitable issues facing our aboriginal sisters.”

NCWC encourages the public to attend the following public programs:

Saturday, June 04 Program: Pre-Registration required

¨     Women and Mental Health Panel: (no charge to attend session) 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Beverley Goodwin, Mental Health Advocate. Moderator

Gender and How It Shapes Mental Health and Care with

Ann Pedersen, Executive Director, BC Centre of Excellence Women’s Health; 

Consumer Perspective, Celine Flater

Kiskâyitamawin Miyo-Mamitonecikan: Urban Aboriginal Women, Roberta Stout, Researcher, Prairie Women’s Health Centre of Excellence; 

Popular Culture’s Influence on the Body-Image and Mental Health of Girls and Women, with

Lori Peters, Program Coordinator/Counsellor, Provincial Eating Disorder Prevention and Recovery Program, Women’s Health Clinic

      Discussion

¨     Honouring Our Aboriginal Sisters -3:30 – 5:00 p.m. (no charge to attend session)

     Missing and Murdered Women, Nahanni Fontaine, Special Advisor on Aboriginal Women's Issues, Manitoba Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet     

 Barb Houle, Mother of Cherisse Houle, found murdered July 01, 2009

Artistic Presentation / Community Action Group, R.B. Russell Community Action Group, Teacher Jay William 

 Call to action for Solidarity with Our Aboriginal Sisters

¨     To pre-register for all sessions contact pcwm@mts.net or call 992-2751

The National Council represents thousands of Canadian women of diverse backgrounds through its non-partisan, nonprofit volunteer member councils, linking 77 organizations across the Nation, all working to improve the lives of women, children and communities in Canada. 

For more information on the rich and varied history of the NCWC please view the attached Background or visit our Website at www.ncwc.ca

-30-

Contact:

Elaine Stevenson

Communications Chair

118^th NCWC Annual General Meeting

Cell : 470-9375

Email: esteven@mts.net

Website: www.ncwc.ca

Link to the Interview with Barb Bowes on CJOB

Here is the link to the broadcast of the interview with Mary Scott on "Bowes Knows"on CJOB:

http://www.legacybowes.com/resources/radio-interviews.html.

Enjoy!