Indigenous Women: Peace, Security and Inclusion: Women Deliver 2019 Conference Session

“Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people deserve better. This is a pivotal time for Indigenous rights.” – Lynne Groulx, CEO, NWAC

June 5, 2019

Vancouver, BC. – Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) CEO Lynne Groulx appeared today at the 2019 Women Deliver Conference in Vancouver, BC to add her expertise in human rights and her strong voice as a Métis woman to moderating the expert panel on Indigenous Women: Peace, Security and Inclusion.

The members of the panel — comprised of Jane Meriwas, Executive Director of Samburu Women Trust; Dr. Mariam Wallet Aboubakrine, former chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and Medical Doctor; and Marion Buller, Chief Commission of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG)— are expected to discuss a wide range of current issues, including the 231 Calls for Justice contained in the recently released Final Report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

“I am honoured to be among global leaders to moderate this panel. This platform will amplify the National Inquiry’s call for justice, as well as probe how ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people worldwide requires urgent action if true reconciliation is to be achieved,” said Ms Groulx.

The National Inquiry exposed Canada’s genocide against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people. As a leading voice on the issue of MMIWG, NWAC was deeply invested throughout the process. In its final written submission, NWAC submitted 61 recommendations alongside implementation procedures. In response to the Inquiry’s findings of genocide, the Organization of American States (OAS) is proposing Canada’s support for the immediate creation of a panel to probe the allegations of genocide against Indigenous women.

“This is a pivotal time for Indigenous women’s rights. The world is watching to see how Canada will implement the Inquiry’s 231 Calls for Justice,” said Ms. Groulx. “This is Canada’s opportunity to ensure the safety and protection of its Indigenous women. Advocates must persistently apply pressure to ensure the Calls to Justice are implemented and that Canada is held accountable.”

“Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people deserve better,” Ms Groulx added. “They are the teachers, Knowledge Keepers and hearts of Indigenous communities and must to be included in dialogues and critical decision-making tables to ensure their perspectives and experiences are included.”

The discussion of the expert panel on Indigenous Women: Peace, Security and Inclusion marks another important step forward.

The full report can be read here: Women Deliver 2019

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