Islanders join National Indigenous Women’s Summit

Island Indigenous women are joining 300 delegates from across Canada this week in Toronto to discuss empowering Indigenous women.

The Prince Edward Island delegation to the National Indigenous Women’s Summit March 6 to 8 includes Chief Matilda Ramjattan of Lennox Island First Nation, Nancy MacLean of Native Council PEI, and Samantha Lewis of the Aboriginal Women’s Association, joining Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Paula Biggar, who is the minister responsible for Status of Women. Also attending the summit from the Island will be Elder Judy Clark -- president of the PEI Aboriginal Women’s Association – representing the Native Women’s Association of Canada, and Wanda Lyall of the Native Council of Prince Edward Island, who will be represent the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.

“Island women will add an important perspective to the discussion on initiatives that will empower Indigenous women,” Minister Biggar said. “With our counterparts from across Canada, we will – in the spirit of reconciliation – discuss issues of importance to Indigenous women to our country.”

The summit brings together delegates from across Canada to discuss issues related to the theme “Empowering Indigenous Women Now and Into the Future.” It is an opportunity for Indigenous women, youth, elders, and grassroots community representatives to gather with National Indigenous Organization leaders and ministers from provinces, territories, and the federal government to shape a response to the issues that affect their lives.

The Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Ministry of Women’s Issues are hosting the summit with coordination support from the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres. More information, visit National Indigenous Women’s Summit. (link is external)

Media contact:
Katie MacDonald
902-314-3996
katiemacdonald@gov.pe.ca (link sends e-mail)