Indigenous Women of the Americas

Indigenous Women of the Americas is a National coalition that first began in 1993. The initiative of the Indigenous Women of the Americas involves building links between Indigenous Women of Central and South America and North America. Through the establishment of support networks and training sessions, IWA seeks to empower Indigenous women, broaden their access to economic and political participation and protect their traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. Women of Aboriginal descent collaborate on issues of common concern particularly those areas having an impact on Aboriginal communities and on National Aboriginal Organizations in Canada. In order to effect change Indigenous Women of the Americas advocates inter-continental dialogue between Aboriginal women of Canada and Latin America.

Overview of the status of Indigenous women in Canada: Pre-contact, British Colonialism, and the Post-Colonial Debate.

Changes to Indigenous societies and culture began approximately 500 years ago. Prior to French and British colonization of North America, Aboriginal societies and cultures were egalitarian, a system that was quite effective for Aboriginal communities and its members. Due to the dependency on one another for survival this system of government was used by a high number of Aboriginal communities and was valued for several centuries. The merits of this model, which was probably always at the center of the collective consciousness, facilitated effective conflict resolution strategies for the members. For example it was not uncommon for members to expedite contentious issues that could discourage communal harmony and thus place the community's needs in jeopardy. However, the principle of equality was soon to be altered shortly after first contact by a patriarchal system originating from Euro-colonial values intent on introducing new values to the Aboriginal community.

This eventually contributed to the disruption of Aboriginal civilization, culture, and language in addition to socio-political structures. To be sure, colonialism had the most influential affect on Aboriginal ideologies during this period. For better or for worse, the impact of colonial expansion to the Americas on the Indigenous Peoples continues to reveal itself in the present day.

At present, the Indigenous Women of the Americas Cani Committee continue to advocate and encourage equality, however, the patriarchal system continues to weaken the collective voice of the Canadian community, particularly Canadian women but, more specifically, Aboriginal women of North, Central, and South America. Realizing that there is no one single solution to this multi-faceted problem, Indigenous Women of the Americas adhere to specific objectives to counteract and eliminate this inequity. Providing effective solutions to contentious issues as well as confronting many other issues of inequality placed on Aboriginal women in Canada puts integrity and dignity back into Canadian political arenas.

IWA ensures that a collective Aboriginal voice within Canada is included and heard rather than excluded and silenced. As a result of the formation of IWA there is now a strong Aboriginal voice in political, social, and educational institutions. Contributing to the development of new legislation as well as participating in new Canadian political and social developments the rights of IWA Peoples in Canada are heard. At the core of IWA is the intent to contribute to the shaping of the Canadian landscape that ensures an Aboriginal voice is included. By participating on issues pertaining to the Canadian collective, this places Aboriginal Women in a better position of equality and status.

To promote common understanding and goodwill between Indigenous women of North America through a sharing of experiences, issues and situations in order to facilitate a consensus and priorities to guide the common efforts of Indigenous women in the Americas;

Promote a means of full participation, collaboration and working partnerships among Indigenous women to address national issues identified through various levels of discussions;

Identify and prioritize those issues that address social, cultural, environmental and economic survival of Indigenous women in North America, providing opportunity for women to forge links in taking collective steps to improve their situation;

Establish an international network of Indigenous women in the Americas that will have a positive impact on the health and safety of the family and community;

Provide opportunity for Indigenous women to relate their experiences and formulate recommendations to be presented and discussed at continental gatherings in North, Central and South America;

Create and support a process that will secure Indigenous women's participation in activities surrounding the United Nations International Decade for the World's Indigenous Peoples.

Do you have any questions?

For more information about the Indigenous Women of the Americas, please contact the IWA representatives at the National Aboriginal Organizations listed below:

• Metis National Council of Women Ottawa, Ontario
• Inuit Women's Association, Ottawa, Ontario
• Native Women's Association of Canada Ottawa, Ontario
• Assembly of First Nations Ottawa, Ontario
• Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Ottawa, Ontario