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August 9, 2010
International Day for Aboriginal Peoples
July 23, 2010
Another Great Edition of QNW Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament last July 16
This year again, sun was a major guest to accompany us throughout the day. Our guest of Honour, Stan Jonathan, Mohawk from Six Nations and a Boston Bruins Alumni, has caught the attention of the audience with the story of the famous battle of 1978 and the auctioning of autographed photos by the two main protagonists of the famous altercations, Stan Jonathan and Pierre Bouchard.
We expect you will be with us again next year for our next edition of QNW Golf Tournament !
June 18, 2010
Joint Letter to Prime Minister Harper to sign the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples without qualifications
" We, the undersigned Indigenous and civil society organizations, are writing to urge the Government of Canada to endorse the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in a positive manner without qualifications, consistent with international human rights law. Such an approach would respect the House of Commons’ Motion on April 8, 2008, calling for full implementation of the Declaration. (...) "
June 17, 2010
Quebec Native Women supports the Coalition Voices
A Coalition of more than 100 organizations accross Canada denounced the repeated threats against fundamental rights and democracy that occur in Canada since 2006. The government of Canada systematically undermines democratic institutions and practices, freedom of expression and fundamental human rights. Organizations and individuals who denounced the government positions and policies have been silenced.
To read the Declaration (in French)
June 4, 2010
"Indian" Status issue: Quebec Native Women demands amendments to Bill C-3: Aboriginal women deserve better
Quebec Native Women calls upon the Government of Canada to amend Bill C-3, the "Gender Equity Act", in accordance with the recommendations advocated by Aboriginal organizations and their communities.
To read our Press Release (pdf) >>>
On June 3, Quebec Native Women held a press conference in Parliament, with members of the opposition parties, Marc Lemay from the Bloc Quebecois and Anita Neville, from the Liberals, as well as with Craig Benjamin from Amnesty International. They demand that the Government of Canada place Bill C-3 on hold so that they may make amendments.
To read the open letter (pdf) >>>
May 19, 2010
Quebec Native Women welcomes the marchers of March Amun in Montreal
This wednesday, the QNW team along with the Quebec Women's Federation and Amnesty International Canada (French Speaking) welcomed the marchers of March Amun before the office of Status of Women Canada.
The marchers left Wendake on May 4 to walk 500 km to Ottawa to denounce the discrimination against Aboriginal women in the Indian Act.
Bill C-3 presented by the government will not bring discrimination to an end and the government still won't hear our demands and recommandations.
To read QNW's report on Bill C-3 and the open letter sent on March 15.
May 5, 2010
Quebec Native Women welcomes the Opposition Parti Quebecois for its support for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
On May 5, Ellen Gabriel participated in a press conference convened by the Parti Quebecois to announce its support to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Declaration is the first Human Rights instrument to acknowledge collective as well as individual rights. It provides a principled and normative framework for partnership and reconciliation between States and Indigenous Peoples. Its adoption by more than 144 States was heralded around the world by Indigenous Peoples, States, human rights organizations and the United Nations. Its provisions provide much needed guidance to governments, State institutions and society as a whole on how human rights law and obligation can be best understood and applied to the distinct circumstances and the urgent needs of Indigenous Peoples in Quebec and around the world.
April 27, 2010
Quebec Native Women participates in the 9th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Ellen Gabriel made two interventions before the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
- Ellen Gabriel presented a joint statement on the human rights concerns many Indigenous Peoples have regarding the Draft Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing of the Convention on Biological Diversity negociated in March in Cali, Colombia. To read the joint statement (pdf)
- Ellen Gabriel denounced gender discrimination in the Indian Act that will not come to an end with Bill C-3 following the decision of the BC Court of Appeal on the McIvor Case. To read Ellen Gabriel's intervention (pdf)
April 23, 2010
Joint Statement of more than 21 organizations asking Canada to Embrace
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples without Conditions or Qualifications
Indigenous
Peoples and human rights and faith based organizations
welcomed the announcement on March 3 that the Canadian government is taking steps to
endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
They urge however the government to embrace this vital human rights instrument without qualifications.
To read the joint statement (pdf) >>>
April 21, 2010
Address of QNW President Ellen Gabriel to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs regarding Bill C-3
Greetings Chair and honourable members of the House of Commons Standing Committee. QNW appreciates this opportunity to address you all to present our perspective on the historical discrimination faced by Aboriginal women and their descendants under the Indian Act, an injustice which was not corrected with the passing of Bill C-31in 1985.
QNW rejects the restrictive vision proposed by the Federal Government as it will not put an end to gender discrimination entirely. I would like to note to you the shortcomings of this process which failed to adequately provide Aboriginal peoples with any effective and meaningful consultation on this serious matter affecting their rights. (...)
To read QNW Position Paper on Bill C-3 (pdf) >>>
March 15, 2010
Open Letter to respond to Bill C-3
"An Act to promote gender equity in Indian registration"
QNW is compelled to comment on the Government of Canada’s introduction of Bill C-3 regarding amendments to the Indian Act as it does not properly address the issue of gender equity for Aboriginal women and their children. It is a court ordered amendment by the Court of Appeal for British Columbia thanks to the courageous efforts of Sharon McIvor and her son Jacob.
QNW has several issues of concern; first, contrary to Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl, Bill C-3 will not end gender discrimination as once again, the recognition of the male line will be more dominant than that of the female line.
March 12, 2010
Letter to Stephen Harper :
The UN Declaration can not be limited to State constitutions or laws.
QNW is pleased with Prime Minister's announcement in the Speech from the Throne that the governement of Canada will be taking steps to endorse the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). (...)
However, it must be stressed that international human rights instruments affirm crucial standards for the respect, promotion and fulfillment of human rights. Therefore, they must not be limited to what exists in State constitutions or laws, and the UNDRIP is no exception. To do so, would set a dangerous precedent and serve to legitimize any existing injustices and discrimination in domestic situations.
To read our letter to PM Harper >>>
To watch QNW Video on the Declaration on Youtube >>>
