WUNRN
Women's Worlds 2011 proudly
introduces the
ABORIGINAL WOMEN'S
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
WW 2011 aspires to be a powerful celebration of voices
and diversity. As
WW 2011 participants should come away with a deeper
understanding of Aboriginal women and Indigenous women, and with a recognition
of their immense knowledge and leadership as inspiration for a better world.
This is why we identified the value of creating an Aboriginal Women's
Just as the event's content and program should challenge
colonialism and neo-colonialism in its various forms, the internal organizing
process should, too. We believe the non-tokenistic involvement of
Aboriginal/Indigenous women is vital to feminist organizing and convening.
MEET THE CIRCLE
Working within an Aboriginal worldview, we will
collaborate within WW 2011 to be respectful of all people and communities,
their perspectives, and their potential contribution to this celebration of
voices.
The Circle will advise on the 'who', 'what', and 'how' of
recognizing and honouring Indigenous perspectives, experiences, knowledge,
culture, and territory within WW 2011. We are here as an all-encompassing,
over-arching body to ensure that voices across community, political, social,
environmental, arts, and culture sectors and beyond are heard.
Mandate
The Aboriginal
Women's
The Circle recognizes the distinctive realities between
First Nations, Métis, Inuit, as well as other Indigenous women throughout the
world, and will encourage representation from across the globe as well as
sharing of knowledge and experiences between generations.
The Circle will ensure the highlighting of Indigenous
women's unique and disproportionate experience with globalization.
The Circle will support WW 2011's prioritization of
inter-generational sharing and women with disAbilities, and ensure their
relevancy to Aboriginal women.
Members
Representing a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences,
disciplines, and Aboriginal ancestry, we are collectively committed to being an
integral part of WW 2011.
Founding member Claudette
Dumont-Smith of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation territory
is a registered nurse who has worked at the local, regional and national levels
on Aboriginal issues for the past 35 years and has held various positions
including that of Commissioner on the Indian Residential Schools Truth and
Reconciliation Commission.
Mary Sillett has been involved in Inuit/Aboriginal issues since 1976. Positions she has
held include President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, President of Pauktuutit
(Inuit Women's Association of Canada), and Commissioner on the Royal Commission
of Aboriginal Peoples.
Tina Keeper of Norway House Cree Nation in
Jessica Yee is a Two Spirit Indigenous feminist activist from the Mohawk nation. She is
the founder and Executive Director of the Native Youth Sexual Health Network
which works across
Erin Konsmo is a young Métis from
Alanis Obomsawin of the Abenaki Nation has created over 30 uncompromising documentaries with
the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) that chronicle the lives and concerns
of First Nations people. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards,
including the Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic
Achievement.
For more information on the WW 2011 Aboriginal Women's
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Thank you.