Meeting with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Systemic racism and discrimination at the heart of discussions

Press Release

Kahnawake, March 2nd, 2023 – Quebec Native Women (QNW) met with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Mr. Francisco Calí Tzay, in Montreal this afternoon. The purpose of this high-level meeting was to address the main issues related to the well-being of Indigenous women and girls in Quebec.

As part of its ten-year visit to Canada, the Special Rapporteur made his first stop in the province of Quebec. This decision is in keeping with the fact that systemic racism and discrimination towards Indigenous Peoples are not only occurring in the West, but across the country. The national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, forced sterilizations, access to justice and respect for the human rights of Indigenous women are the main issues that QNW addressed during this exchange.

In addition to the issues already denounced in 2014, QNW requested that the Special Rapporteur jointly push with the Government of Canada to have systemic racism and discrimination against Indigenous women and girls recognized in Quebec. QNW also added that concrete actions must be established in the province to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Joyce Principle Office and the Conseil des Atikamekw de Manawan, who also met with the Special Rapporteur, joined QNW in highlighting systemic racism and discrimination, including the adoption of the Joyce Principle by the Quebec government.

The Special Rapporteur undertook to examine carefully the issues raised by QNW in order to ensure that the implementation of international standards on the rights of indigenous peoples is respected. He concluded by reiterating his support for Indigenous women and girls.

” We hope that the support of the Special Rapporteur will bring a glimmer of hope to the communities. It is imperative that all levels of government work together with Indigenous organizations and communities to improve the well-being of Indigenous people, particularly Indigenous women and girls,” said Marjolaine Étienne, President of Quebec Native Women.

About QNW

Founded in 1974, Quebec Native Women is a non-profit organization that represents First Nations women in Quebec as well as urban Indigenous women.

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Contact for information and interview requests:
Doreen Petiquay Barthold
Communications Officer
(514) 757-1508 / communication@faq-qnw.org

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