New Relationship Strengthens Advocacy, Enhances Services for NAN Women and Families

THUNDER BAY, ON Thursday November 26, 2009: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy, together with representatives of the NAN Women’s Council and Equay-wuk (Women’s Group), today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will help improve the lives of NAN First Nations women and their families. “Both the NAN Women’s Council and Equay-wuk have worked for years to bring the issues impacting NAN women and families to the forefront,” said Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy. “By combining their strengths and expertise they can further enhance these efforts and help to improve the quality of life in NAN communities.”

The historic agreement, signed last week, establishes a new relationship between the NAN Women’s Council and Equay-wuk which will strengthen political advocacy and enhance the delivery of services to the women of Nishnawbe Aski and their families. The new relationship builds on the achievements of both groups in addressing the needs of women and families in NAN territory.

NAN Women’s Council was established in 2004 to lobby and advocate for services addressing issues impacting NAN women and families. It can be considered the political voice of NAN First Nation women.

Equay-wuk is a non-profit Aboriginal women’s organization currently providing services to women, youth and families in 31 NAN communities in the western portion of NAN territory.

Together, the two groups plan to extend service delivery across NAN territory which will include an additional 18 communities in the east. The two groups have already identified several key areas for discussion, including health, education, language, social and environmental issues.

“This is an exciting time for both groups and the benefits will be seen within both groups,” said NAN Women’s Council spokesperson Jackie Fletcher. “We now have a clear mandate and a clear understanding of how we can support Equay-wuk to address issues affecting women and families in NAN First Nations. Their experience will help us better serve women across NAN territory.”

“Through this MOU our dream is now a reality,” said Felicia Waboose, former program director and honorary Equay-wuk board member. “By supporting each other in our important initiatives and projects we will in turn strengthen our remote, northern communities and our nation.”

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities in James Bay Treaty 9 and Ontario portions of Treaty 5 – an area covering two thirds of the province of Ontario.

For more information please contact:

Michael Heintzman, Media Relations Officer – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (807) 625 4906 or (807) 621 2790 mobile

Jackie Fletcher, Spokesperson – NAN Women’s Council (705) 255 1024 mobile

Jennifer Derosier, Program Director – Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) (807) 737 2214