RESOURCES
Women in leadership bring unique and valuable perspectives and collaborative approaches to the business and social sphere. Through inclusivity and empowerment, they lead initiatives that address some of the most complex challenges our communities face
Canadian Women Foundation – Together, we will achieve gender Justice
The Canadian Women Foundation is a public foundation financially supporting organizations championing gender equality and justice. They steward and grant funds while generating and sharing knowledge on the causes and solutions to gender inequality. One of the many ways the foundation focuses on doing this is by investing in economic development programs to reduce poverty. Their goal is to help women access needed resources, assist women attempting to work in male dominated fields, invest in entrepreneurship and employment skills.
The agency also accomplishes their vision by addressing the issue of gender-based violence. The Canadian Women Foundation makes financial contribution to emergency shelters and housing support to victims of abuse, as well as support for children witnessing domestic violence (Rebuilding Lives), and develop programs educating on healthy relationships for teens (Teen Healthy Relationship grants).The agency is involved in multiple works such as investing in programs that addresses issues among the Northern Indigenous women such as by granting the Akpaliapil Program of Illitaqsiniq Nunavut Literary Council and Northern Birthwork Collective. The foundation’s advocacy work is predominantly rallying the community to sign advocacy letters to government and in campaigns involvement.
Howard, J. (2024, January 11). Canadian Women’s Foundation. Canadian Women’s Foundation. https://canadianwomen.org/
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Telling Indigenous Women’s Stories – Why the Coverage Needs to Go Further. https://canadianwomen.org/blog/telling-indigenous-womens-stories/
Paulette Senior – CEO and President, has devoted her life and career to breaking down systemic barriers and building up diverse women and girls. Her personal experience immigrating to Canada from Jamaica as a young girl ignited her interest in social justice and helped make her the dynamic, grounded leader she is today.
Care Canada – Women at the Centre
Care Canada strives to address the issues of poverty and social justice by contributing to the lives of women and girls and empowering them to leadership roles. They work with community and other partner organizations to understand the cause of poverty and address it locally. The agency advocates for change by investing in women to lead in crisis situations (She Leads in Crisis). Care promotes women’s participation in influencing governments and fund women-led-organization in preparation for disaster reliefs and climate change.
The agency also focuses on supporting women’s health. Care Canada empowers women to make their own decision regarding their bodies. They do this by working with communities so that women can get the care they need as well as have their rights protected, especially concerning sexual and reproductive health.
Another way Care Canada works with women’s right organizations to support women is by ensuring the safety of women within their communities. They do this by preventing gender-based violence, supporting survivors, community engagement and investing in women’s leadership.
Care Canada works to alleviate the threats to women’s income by investing in their access to financial services and thriving in their agriculture production and businesses. This support is especially important in conflict-affected communities and those impacted by climate change.
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Team, D. (2023, November 30). Homepage - CARE Canada. CARE Canada. https://care.ca/
Indigenous Leadership Initiative
An Indigenous-led organization committed to empowering Indigenous Nations to shape the future of their traditional territories. Led by experienced Senior Leaders with backgrounds in Indigenous leadership, governance, government, and international affairs, the organization leverages their expertise to foster Indigenous Nationhood. The organization emphasizes a holistic perspective with their belief that healthy lands contribute to healthy individuals, families, and communities, which builds healthy Nations. They advocate for Indigenous protected and conserved areas and Indigenous Guardians programs as expressions of Nationhood, addressing important issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, working towards reconciliation, and improved Nation-to-Nation relationships on Turtle Island.
Focused on the largest intact forest globally – the boreal region, they collaborate directly with Indigenous Nations on land use planning and stewardship responsibilities. They work alongside the government to secure recognition and long-term funding for Indigenous conservation efforts. The organization play a critical role in convening diverse stakeholders, including leaders, Elders, youth, Guardians, scientists, and government officials to support the Indigenous-led conservation movement and promote Indigenous Nationhood. With a deep respect for ceremony and a commitment to land stewardship, they support Indigenous communities across Canada for recognition and expansion of Indigenous-led conservation and sustainable development initiatives. They view these efforts as central to the process of nation-building and aim to strengthen Indigenous Nationhood and fulfill Indigenous responsibilities to the land.
Valérie Courtois is the executive director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative and a leading expert on the national movement of Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship building across Canada. She is a member of the Innu community of Mashteutiatsh, located on the shore of Peikuakamit in the heart of what is now known as Québec.
Indspire Indigenous Education, Canada’s Future
Indspire stands as a beacon of support and empowerment, dedicated to the transformative power of education for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people across Canada. Functioning as an Indigenous national charity, their mission centers around making strategic investments in education that yield long-term benefits not only for the individuals involved but also for their families and communities, contributing to the broader enrichment of Canada as a whole.
With a mission firmly rooted in collaboration, Indspire actively engages with Indigenous, private, and public sector stakeholders. They take a holistic approach where they aim to educate, connect, and invest in Indigenous Peoples to foster an environment where they can realize and surpass their highest potential. Their core values: integrity, respect, equity, openness, reciprocity, and inclusiveness, guides them to actively nurture, share, and honor the rich diversity inherent in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures and traditions.
The Indspire Awards, established in 1993 during the United Nations' International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples, holds a distinguished status as the highest honor bestowed by the Indigenous community. These awards serve as a testament to outstanding career achievements of Indigenous professionals and youth who play a pivotal role in fostering self-esteem and pride within Indigenous communities. By highlighting exceptional role models, the Indspire Awards inspire Indigenous youth across diverse fields, including arts, culture, education, health, law, leadership, and advocacy. In the 2023 ceremony, 8 out of the 12 award recipients were remarkable women who were celebrated for their tireless efforts in empowering Indigenous Peoples and making significant contributions to community.
Native Women’s Association of Canada
The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is national Indigenous organization that represents Indigenous women and girls politically. The associations' goal is to generate and implement cultural, economic, and social well-being for women. Their aim is to expand knowledge on of issues among the Indigenous women and concerning their connection to the environment and land. They envision an opportunity for women to learn their traditional ways and attain post-secondary education as well as the confidence of Indigenous children in non-indigenous settings.
The NWAC has many initiatives to accomplish their vision such as the National Apprentice Program (NAP) which help women looking for learning opportunities in trades. Another initiative is the Restoring Circle, an online training program for frontline workers experiencing gender-based violence by equipping them with trauma-informed and culturally safe guides. Other impactful works is their support of youth and their online library.
Initiatives - NWAC. Native Women’s Association of Canada. https://nwac.ca/initiatives
Ojistoh Publishing
Ojistoh Publishing stands as a resilient and ambitious independent Indigenous-owned publishing label, emerging on the Six Nations territory of the Grand River in May 2020. The label proudly declares its mission with the tagline "Indigenous Publishing, Indigenous People." The name "Ojistoh," a Mohawk word meaning "white star" or "shiny star," is not only a representation of brilliance but also holds historical significance as the title of a poem penned by Mohawk poetess E. Pauline Johnson, featured in her White Wampum collection. In the challenging global circumstances of spring 2020,
Ojistoh Publishing successfully introduced itself to the public with the release of its inaugural book, "Ego of a Nation." This collection of poems, authored by owner January Rogers, marked a significant milestone for the publishing house and showcased the resilience of Indigenous voices in literature. January, an accomplished writer herself with multiple published collections, was appointed McMaster University's Writer in Residence for the term 2020-2021, was appointed Western University’s 2022-2023 writer-in-residence, and she continues to contribute to the literary landscape by supporting fellow Six Nations writers through publishing and literary events.
January Rogers, deeply rooted in her home territory of Six Nations Ontario, has demonstrated a commitment to fostering Indigenous literary voices. Beyond her role as an accomplished writer and owner of Ojistoh Publishing, she has contributed to the cultural landscape by penning works like "The Ego of a Nation" during her term as the University of Alberta's Writer in Residence (2018-2019). She continues to explore innovative avenues for her artistic expression, incorporating her work into audio recordings, performance art, and media pieces, ensuring that Indigenous narratives are not only preserved but also amplified in various creative forms.
Ontario Native Women’s Association – She Is Wise Magazine
A not-for-profit organization established in 1971 with a profound commitment to empowering and supporting all Indigenous women and their families in the province of Ontario. Their focus extends beyond services and is recognized as a celebration and homage to the safety and healing of Indigenous women and girls as they embrace leadership roles within their families, communities, and on the international stage for the well-being of future generations. The organization operates through research, advocacy, policy development, and culturally enriched programs that address local, regional, and provincial needs, emphasizing the preservation of Indigenous culture, identity, art, language, and heritage.
Foundationally, they provide inclusive programs and services to Indigenous women and their families, irrespective of their ‘status’ or location. The core principles are rooted in strengthening communities and ensuring the preservation of Indigenous culture. The organization supports individual well-being but also advocates for ending violence against Indigenous women and their families. They strive for equal access to justice, education, health services, environmental stewardship, and economic development – recognizing these as fundamental pillars for the holistic development of Indigenous communities. With a steadfast commitment to social and cultural well-being, they envision a future where all Indigenous women and their families, regardless of tribal heritage, can live their best lives.
Debra Vermette, President of ONWA, is Dakota from the Wahpeton Dakota Nation located just outside of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. She is passionate about ensuring Indigenous women have culturally grounded access to supports, services, and programs that can best help them.
Pass the Feather
Pass The Feather is First Nations owned and operated from Akwesasne Mohawk Territory and Mohawk Territory of Tyendinaga/Kenteke.
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This is a unique and traditional Haudenosaunee led business specializing in bundling services of sacred feathers. Dawn is also a writer and creator of land and matrilineal inspired graphic design, photography, and websites.
Dawn Setford is the founder and president of the Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada (a Canada Not-for-profit Corporation & registered charity) and owner at Pass The Feather. Dawn is a community-engaged visual and media artist who advocates for equality and facilitates the creation of informed opinions of Indigenous cultures.
Women Deliver – An Unwavering Advocate for Girls and Women
Women Deliver is an international advocate that pushes for gender equality and rights of girls and women across the globe. More specifically, the work goes into the political, financial, sexual, and reproductive thriving of women and girls internationally. The group advises governments, civil organizations, and communities through major newspapers and through technological means to get their message across.
A part of Women Deliver’s vision for women is the empowerment of youth. They equip youth to lead nationwide change. This is accomplished through skill, resource, and platform development. The advocates believe that youth should be engaged in the decisions that impact their lives. Women Deliver also hosts a global conference every three years to generate ideas and promote change with multiple decision makers at the government and civil level along with international agencies.
And lastly, the advocacy group launched The Deliver for Good Campaign in 2016 with the goal of unifying international agencies to focus on mainstreaming gender equality in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The campaign brings solidarity in efforts to promote policy unity in the SDG-related operations.
Boyle, K. (2021, July 13). Convened the 5th Women Deliver Conference in Vancouver, Canada. Women Deliver. https://womendeliver.org/convened-5th-women-deliver-conference-in-vancouver-canada/
UN Women
UN Women is the United Nations branch that focuses on gender equality worldwide. It supports UN Member States as they work with governments at various levels to implement policies and law benefitting women. One of its main goals is to achieve the vision listed in the Sustainable Development Goals. They support the idea and efforts towards women’s participation in governance systems and benefit from it. They are advocates for women’s security and autonomy and freedom from violence. UN Women is also focused on women’s attainment and contribution towards sustainable resilience and peace.
Welcome. (2023, December 14). UN Women. https://www.unwomen.org/en