by ahnationtalk on June 28, 2023
June 28, 2023
The inaugural meeting of the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council was held on Wednesday, June 28 in St. John’s. The goal of the Reconciliation Council is to coordinate and lead meaningful action to address existing challenges and obstacles in the areas of culture, health and wellness, justice, and human security, that impact Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
The Reconciliation Council is composed of 11 members, including five Provincial Government representatives and six Indigenous women representatives. There are three Co-Chairs: one appointed to represent government, and two Elders appointed by the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee. The members of the council are listed in the backgrounder below.
The inaugural meeting included work to finalize a Terms of Reference; discussions around systemic inequities; a presentation on the current status of recommendations in the “Hear Our Voices: MMIWG Policy Recommendations of the First Women of Newfoundland and Labrador” report; and dialogue on how to advance priorities collectively and collaboratively. The day also included Indigenous ceremonies at the start and end of the meeting.
The formation of a Reconciliation Council was proposed in the “Hear Our Voices” report, created by the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee and presented to the Provincial Government in July 2022.
Quotes
“This Reconciliation Council brings together leaders, decision makers, and people with lived expertise from Indigenous Governments and Organizations, and the Provincial Government. Together we will work to address the root causes of inequity and prevent violence and harm against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Newfoundland and Labrador. I thank the members of the Reconciliation Council for being a part of this important and necessary work.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality
“The key to leading meaningful action that will address violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people is the wealth of knowledge, compassion, lived experiences and collective strength of the members of the Reconciliation Council.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister of Labrador Affairs
“I am excited to be part of this council. The Provincial Indigenous Women Steering Committee charted a path forward in their relationship between Indigenous women and our Provincial Government. Today is the beginning of that path. By working together we will take concerted action to direct the implementation of the policy changes tied to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice, and ensure full accountability for these efforts.”
Odelle Pike
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council
“I am extremely pleased to be part of the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council, and look forward to collective collaboration with government, as we work to build safer and healthier communities for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.”
Charlotte Wolfrey
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council
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Office of Women and Gender Equality
BACKGROUNDER
Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council members
| Name | Role | Affiliation |
| Candice Ennis-Williams | Co-Chair | Office of Women and Gender Equality |
| Charlotte Wolfrey | Elder Co-Chair | AnanauKatiget Tumingit Regional Inuit Women’s Association |
| Odelle Pike | Elder Co-Chair | Provincial Indigenous Steering Committee |
| Gerrie Smith | Member | Department of Justice and Public Safety |
| Gillian Sweeney | Member | Department of Health and Community Services |
| Tracy English | Member | Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development |
| Jennifer Barnes | Member | Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation |
| Kim Campbell-McLean | Member | AnanauKatiget Tumingit Regional Inuit Women’s Association |
| Kristy Dyson | Member | NunatuKavut Community Council |
| Mary Ann Nui | Member | Innu Nation |
| Stacey Howse | Member | First Light |
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