Frequently Asked Questions :
Is Quebec Native Women incorporated?
Yes. QNQ has been incorporated since 1974 under the Companies Act, R.S.Q., chapter C-38. It is a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors representing the nations in Quebec. One woman from each nation sits on the board.
Who can be a member of QNW?
Any Aboriginal woman who is living in Quebec and is originally from a nation in Quebec can, along with her children, be a member of QNW. Women are asked to notify the directors of their nations regarding their membership application. To find out the name of your nation’s director, please contact QNW.
Any individual, business or organization can become a “Friend of the Association.” The membership fee is $20 for individuals and $60 for businesses and organizations.
Is QNW a member of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC)?
Yes, but QNW is an autonomous organization with its own board of directors and staff (with more than 12 Aboriginal women as staff members). QNW therefore operates independently from the NWAC. The president of QNW sits on the NWAC board of directors; in this role, she ensures awareness at the national level of Quebec’s priorities.
Is QNW a member organization of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL)?
No.
But QNW has been a non-voting member of the Chiefs’ Assembly since 1992. The president of QNW thus is able to speak at the chiefs’ assemblies to present projects, give the results of studies conducted by QNW, or simply to express her opinions. In 2006, QNW and the AFNQL signed a relationship agreement to reaffirm and formalize their indispensable collaboration and partnership.
The majority of women’s associations (in Quebec, Canada and elsewhere) know it is important to remain at arms-length from any political influence so that they can work more effectively to protect the rights of women who are still in precarious situations today and to ensure the confidentiality of information given by women who are in crises situations or who submit complaints.
Does QNW speak on behalf of all Aboriginal women?
The answer here is, of course, no.
QNW speaks on behalf of the women who are its members and the associations that represent them, i.e., community associations and regional associations. Very often the women who are leaders in their communities or nations get involved in the work of these associations and represent them to the QNW board of directors.What are the programs and services offered by QNW?
Apart from its employment and training program for Aboriginal women in urban centres, QNW does not offer any services directly to the population. QNW analyzes and develops legal and political opinions, and provides services to organizations regarding such issues as women’s rights advocacy and women’s and children’s health. QNW also serves as a public forum which allows the voices of Aboriginal women to be heard.
