Status, Status off reserve and non status aboriginal women, from across Newfoundland gathered September 14th, to 16th,at Twin Ponds Camp and Convention Center near Glenwood, for their Annual General Assembly, Election of Officers and Cultural Retreat. Incorporated in 2005 the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women�s Network (NAWN) represents women in 23 communities across the island. NAWN has as its membership, six (6) formed aboriginal women�s groups, three (3) forming groups and 300 individual members.
The membership adopted its first constitution and elected a new Executive with a two (2) year mandate. Acting President Sheila Robinson of Grand Falls has been elected as President, Starlen Thistle of Glenwood as Vice-President, Anne Marie O�keefe of Benoit�s Cove as Treasurer and Joanne Prosper of Corner Brook as Secretary. The Board also has seven (7) regional Directors including a Director representing aboriginal women in urban centers and communities where no representative groups have formed.
The delegates received an update on the proposed Landless Band and Agreement in Principal which has been negotiated between the Federation of Newfoundland Indians and the Department of Indian and Northern Affaires, from Federation of Newfoundland Indian�s President Brendan Sheppard. Mr. Sheppard informed the group that negotiations are complete and the file has moved closer to cabinet review. Delegates voiced concern that no consultations had been done with the general membership on what is contained within the agreement. Mr. Sheppard indicated that the membership would be given adequate time to review what is being offered in the Agreement in Principle, to allow an informed decision to be made. He also agreed to take the Delegates concerns around the lack of information by the general membership on the agreement, to the Department of Indian and Northern Affaires.
Other presenters at the Retreat were Dorothy George, Regional Director of the Native Women�s Association of Canada, Harold Hiscock of Canadian Heritage and Odelle Pike and Anne Hart of the Two Bays Economic Development Corporation who presented a slideshow of the work they are doing in the Bay St. George and Port au Port Bay area in the area of Aboriginal Economic Development. Ms. George gave an overview of what the Native Women�s Association of Canada�s programs are and how they relate to aboriginal women here in Newfoundland. The Newfoundland Aboriginal Women�s Network (NAWN) is seeking a board seat at the NWAC table to represent the interests of all aboriginal women on the island regardless of which Nation of people they belong to. The Newfoundland Aboriginal Women�s Network accepts women from the status and non-status Mi�kmaq Communities, as well as Metis, and Inuit members.
The delegates were also pleased to welcome Mr. Harold Hiscock back to their Retreat and expressed how thankful they were for the great support from Canadian Heritage and Mr. Hiscock himself, for their organization.
The Retreat allowed the delegates to be immersed in the tradition and customs of the Mi�kmaq people. Traditional teacher, Ms. Gertie Mai Muise, aided by youth and elders provided a weekend filled with sharing of songs, ceremonies, and healing. The Newfoundland Aboriginal Women�s Network (NAWN) would like to acknowledge the financial support given to Retreat 2007 by Canadian Heritage and Service Canada. For further information on the organization, check out their website at www.nawn-nf.com or call the main office at 643-1290.
Retreat 2007~Twin Ponds Camp~ Coming Soon
- Newly ratified Constitution will be uploaded soon
- Minutes from Annual General Assembly 2007
- Photos from Retreat
- album one
- album two
- album three