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

in this case, there was no requirement under s. 2(b) of the Charter to also extend an
invitation and funding directly to the respondents….I have concluded that the arguments
of the respondents with respect to s. 15 must also fail. The lack of an evidentiary basis for
the arguments with respect to ss. 2(b) and 28 is equally applicable to any arguments
advanced under s. 15(1) of the Charter in this case. 97
Although NwAC ultimately lost the case, it made the point that Aboriginal women want a
say in the decisions that will affect their future. At the July 1993 intergovernmental
conference of federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for Aboriginal
affairs, held in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, the Native Women's Association of Canada
was officially invited to participate. NwAC also had its own seat at a similar conference
in Toronto in February 1994.
7. The Need for Fairness and Accountability
Aboriginal women and their organizations point out that active participation by everyone,
men and women, is needed to eliminate obstacles and clear the path to a better future for
Aboriginal peoples.
We must never stop demonstrating forcefully our solidarity with the major Aboriginal
demands which, fundamentally, concern the right to life and to dignity. But at the same
time, we must not confuse solidarity with a false superficial unanimity that excludes all
thinking and debate. On the contrary, it is important to stimulate thinking and discussion
if we, as women and men on an equal footing, are to succeed in defining our future
together. That is the best demonstration of solidarity that we can give. [translation]
Michèle Rouleau
Quebec Native Women's Association
Montreal, Quebec, 27 May 1993
Our public hearings and the reports submitted in the context of the Commission's
Intervener Participation Program demonstrated that these organizations are fulfilling a
major role in raising awareness and understanding of the needs, issues and aspirations of
Aboriginal women among other Aboriginal people and organizations, governments and
the general public. Through their own research, project and program development,
advocacy and other activities, Aboriginal women are making substantial contributions to
effect change. This work must continue and be supported.
Aboriginal women continue to feel the need for separate organizations, circles, networks
and other forums in which to pursue issues of particular concern to them and to fulfil
their aspirations. Governments and other organizations should recognize, respect and
include them in all areas of decision making. Earlier in this chapter, we recommended
that the government of Canada provide funding to the national organizations representing
Aboriginal women to support their capacity to conduct research and participate in all
stages of the self-government process.
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