2. Women's Perspectives - Christian Aboriginal Infrastructure ...

In that chapter, we recommended that Aboriginal leaders take a firm public stance in
support of the right of women, children, seniors, persons with disabilities and all other
vulnerable members of the community to be free from violence and that they endorse a
policy of zero tolerance of violations of the physical, emotional or economic security of
all Aboriginal persons. The importance of seeing and hearing Aboriginal leaders speak
out against violence cannot be overstated. Aboriginal women expect their leaders to take
a strong stand on this issue and to be role models for others.
We also recommended that Aboriginal governments adopt the principle of including
women, youth, elders and persons with disabilities in governing councils and decisionmaking
bodies, the modes of representation and participation of these persons being those
that they find most congenial.
We also believe that reinstatement of community standards where they have been eroded
is essential to securing a safe environment for women, children, seniors and persons with
disabilities. In Volume 3, Chapter 2, we recommended that Aboriginal leaders and
agencies serving vulnerable people encourage communities, with the full participation of
women, to design and put into action codes of behaviour aimed at engaging all citizens in
the creation and maintenance of safe communities and neighbourhoods.
Peace and harmony can be restored to families in part by stopping family violence. Other
concerns with respect to the position and role of Aboriginal women remain to be
addressed, however.
6. The Rise of Aboriginal Women's Organizations
During the period 1951-1970, Aboriginal people became more aware of their legal rights
and as a result organized to address their concerns. Aboriginal women's organizations
came into being and took on a range of issues, including the development of women in
leadership roles and the resolution of health and social problems in their communities.
This was a far cry from the first organizations started in 1937 by the Indian affairs
department with the stated goal of assisting Indian women "to acquire sound and
approved practices for greater home efficiency". 90
First instituted and promoted by the department during the Depression, Indian
homemakers' associations formed on reserves across Canada between 1930 and 1960. In
the 1960s, most of these groups underwent a transformation from clubs focusing on home
economics to clubs involved in public affairs, tackling issues such as housing standards,
living conditions, Aboriginal rights and women's rights. The Indian Homemakers'
Association of British Columbia was formed in 1965 to amalgamate clubs throughout the
province. 91 Incorporated in 1969, it has the distinction of being the country's oldest
provincial Aboriginal women's organization in operation today. Other associations,
chapters and locals regrouping Aboriginal women were established across Canada, on
reserves, in rural communities and in urban centres. 92
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