Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council to be Established to Support Efforts Related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

Yesterday, at the 17th annual Provincial Indigenous Women’s Gathering, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, was joined by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, to announce the Provincial Government’s commitment to establish a Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council.

The formation of a Reconciliation Council was proposed to the Provincial Government in the report “Hear Our Voices: MMIWG Policy Recommendations of the First Women of Newfoundland and Labrador.” This report was created by the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee and presented to government in July 2022. The report contains 196 recommendations to address and prevent systemic violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in the province.

As described in “Hear Our Voices”, the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council will be a mechanism through which to establish a collaborative ongoing working relationship between Indigenous women and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The overall goal of the Reconciliation Council will be to coordinate and lead meaningful action on implementation of the 196 recommendations in the areas of Indigenous culture, health and wellness, justice and human security, leading to lasting changes in legislation, regulations, government directives, policies and procedures.

This action is further commitment from the Provincial Government to work collaboratively and in partnership with Indigenous Governments and Organizations to prevent violence against Indigenous Women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people experience higher levels of violence. Ending this violence requires an approach that is culturally appropriate and informed by the experiences of the Indigenous community.

Quotes
“Our government continues to listen to Indigenous Governments, Organizations and individuals who have lived experience of violence in their lives, homes and communities. This Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council will play a key role to further advance work regarding missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in our province.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The establishment of a Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council is a signal that our government understands the inherent importance of addressing violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. We will continue to work with Indigenous Governments and Organizations, as well as the new Reconciliation Council, to advance this work.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“The formation of a Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council represents a commitment from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to establish a meaningful partnership with the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee. The conversations and consultations initiated by the Steering Committee resulted in a solid report and a set of recommendations that will chart a direction for the Reconciliation Council and lead to lasting changes. We are moving forward together – this is an example of listening and taking action as we continue our collective journey towards achieving Reconciliation.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“The establishment of a Reconciliation Council is precedent setting for the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee. Our goal is to chart a path forward in good relations between Indigenous women and the Provincial Government to start work on the 196 recommendations in the “Hear Our Voices” report. Establishing the Reconciliation Council is the first step on that path.”
Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, was joined by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, Lake Melville MHA Perry Trimper, Indigenous Elders, members of the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee, invited guests and officials of the Provincial Government at the 17th annual Provincial Indigenous Women’s Gathering, held in North West River, Labrador, November 28-30.

2022 11 30 3:27 pm