Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) receives Throne Speech with cautious optimism; will press federal government to deliver on its promises

23 November, 2021

OTTAWA – The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) was heartened to hear the Throne Speech – delivered by the first Indigenous Governor General Mary Simon, today.

But “the Indigenous women of Canada have heard many other promises in past Throne Speeches that have gone unfulfilled,” said NWAC CEO Lynne Groulx. “We will congratulate the government only when we see that this new slate of commitments leads to real action. It is time for the government to rebuild trust with the First Nations, Métis and Inuit people of this country. It’s time for a paradigm shift for transformational change. ”

NWAC’s top priority is ending the violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls has said that will happen only when the social and economic marginalization that afflicts them is ended.

That will require the programs, services, and resources that were promised in today’s Speech from the Throne. But those solutions must also be led by Indigenous people, not delivered in a top-down manner.

“Indigenous women are ready to chart their own path to a brighter, safer, more prosperous future,” said Ms. Groulx. “If the promises of the Throne Speech are met – and are met in a way that respects our right to self-determination – the transformative change will begin. If not, we will be looking back on another Throne Speech full of empty words and no progress.”

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Media Contact:

For information, or to arrange an interview, contact:
communications@nwac.ca
343-996-4565

Pour obtenir plus d’information ou prendre des dispositions pour une interview, contacter:
communications@nwac.ca
343-996-4565