FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - STATEMENT FROM THE NATIVE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
July 15 2025 - Gatineau, QC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - STATEMENT FROM THE NATIVE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
July 15 2025 - Gatineau, QC
For 50 years, the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) has been the national voice for Indigenous women and girls, in all their diversity, across Turtle Island and Inuit Nunangat. Collective advocacy has always been our greatest strength.
Over the last year and a bit, a great deal of work has been done to move forward. We continue to face change, adjustment and transition.
During this time, NWAC’s current management discovered serious and significant financial irregularities which the Board of Directors were not aware of, requiring the organization to act. As such, NWAC has closed all businesses which were not profitable. NWAC is also in the process of divesting itself of properties that took resources away from our core purpose.
Through active engagement with our members, we have heard their voices directing NWAC to return to our foundational values.
In this spirit, we are selling NWAC’s head office building at 120 Promenade du Portage, Gatineau and a planned Resiliency Lodge in Chelsea, Quebec. NWAC has also invited qualified Indigenous organizations to submit proposals for property management and delivery of community services, supports and cultural programming at a Resiliency Lodge in Gagetown, New Brunswick.
Funds received from the sale of NWAC assets will be used to re-invest in our mission as an advocate for the social, economic, cultural and political wellbeing of Indigenous women and their communities.
Additionally, NWAC is fully cooperating with the Assessment and Investigation Services Branch of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) who are conducting an audit covering fiscal years 2018-2024. NWAC is also conducting an internal review into past practices and contracts, to ensure accountability.
We are committed to rebuilding NWAC as an organization of truth and transparency. NWAC’s financial systems and protections are now in place to ensure all public and private funds are spent effectively.
Collective advocacy remains our greatest strength – guided by our Board of Directors made up of First Nations, Inuit and Métis women from across Canada. NWAC will continue to address challenges, maintain and build national relationships and advocate for Indigenous women and girls in Canada.
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NWAC will not be conducting media interviews at this time. For more information about our work, mission and vision, please visit https://nwac.ca/
Media contact:
Jill McKenzie
pipikwan pêhtâkwan
jill@pipikwanpehtakwan.com
© 2025 Native Women's Association of Canada