First Nations Leaders Call for Safety, Equality, Respect to Mark International Women’s Day

(Ottawa, ON):  Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde, together with Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson and AFN Women’s Council Chair Therese Villeneuve, today marked International Women’s Day by Canadians to celebrate the success of Indigenous women in Canada, and honour them by ensuring their safety, education and equality.

“Today we celebrate the many essential contributions women make at the centre of our families and our communities,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde.  “Our relationships with our mothers, sisters, aunts and daughters are sacred and they must be respected.  Today we celebrate the success of Indigenous women across Canada and we honour them by committing to their safety, education, employment and equality wherever they reside.”

 

Women

International Women’s Day is acknowledged annually March 8.  It celebrates social, political and economic achievements of women while focusing world attention on areas requiring further action.  This year’s international theme is focused on gender parity.

“First Nations women still have many challenges ahead of us in terms of equality and equity at all levels, whether it be among First Nation governments, provincial or federal,” said Okanese First Nation Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier who is the longest serving female Chief in Canada.  “Efforts must be made to promote, provide and support upper level management and political opportunities for First Nations women.”

“Indigenous women in Canada should have access to the same opportunity as every other Canadian – male or female,” said AFN Women’s Council Chair Therese Villeneuve.  “The AFN women’s council supports and promotes Indigenous women in leadership roles in our communities and across the country.  We celebrate our sisters who are thriving in their homes and family units and in business and high level careers.  Every role must be respected and every woman and young girl must be supported to fulfil their dreams for success.”

International Women’s Day follows the second National Roundtable on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls which last month brought together Indigenous families, leaders and federal, provincial, territorial leaders to set priorities to address and prevent violence.

“Safety and security for Indigenous women and girls is an urgent priority that requires immediate attention and long-term, coordinated action that will address head-on the vulnerabilities that lead to violence,” said AFN Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson who leads efforts in the area of justice and addressing violence against Indigenous women and girls.  “There is no quick fix or easy answer, but with the appropriate investments in shelters, day cares, education and housing (just to name some), we will be able to better achieve safety and better support success.”

For more information on work toward a national action plan to address and prevent violence against women and girls and the upcoming 2016 National Roundtable please visit:  http://www.afn.ca/index.php/en/policy-areas/i-pledge.-end-violence.

The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

For more information please contact:

Jenna Young Castro AFN Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext. 401; 613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca

Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext. 382; 613-292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca

Professional values

Our civil servants are committed to:

Professionalism
• Ethics – be prepared, on time and ready to work
• Ethics – be responsible for the success of your work and others
• Lead by example
• Respect – for confidentiality, yourself and co-workers
• Work / Life Balance
• Work Smarter – Share your expertise and your successes
• Take pride in your work

Respect
• Golden Rule – Treat others how you want to be treated
• Listen actively and attentively to what people are saying and clarify
• Accept people for who they are and don’t judge
• Basic Etiquette – remember the common courtesies; kindness & compassion
• Iisaak
• Observe protocol and ceremony

Health
• A healthy body, mind and soul through proper diet, sleep and exercise
• Avoid burning out with a proper work / life balance
• Be positive – always remember to smile and laugh
• Care about each other, ask questions and follow up
• Be appreciative of one another and the work we do

Effective communication
• Think twice, speak once
• Make sure your body language is sending the correct message
• Provide responses in a timely manner; acknowledge request and provide timeline
• Listen attentively and clarify

Trust
• Walk the talk – be honest, no gossiping
• Believe the good in everyone not the bad
• Voice your concerns, don’t harbor them – clear the air
• Spend more time focusing on what you are supposed to be doing, and less time on what others are or aren’t doing
• Be happy and enjoy your work life

Support
• Be available to help and ask for help when needed
• Advocate and help one another
• Provide constructive criticism, not just criticism
• Don’t gossip; stop gossip when it occurs
• Clarify and seek feedback from each other