2016 2017 cweia annual report

20 1 6 - 2017 ANNUAL REPO RT

CRE E W OM E N O F E E YO U I S T C H E E AS S O C I AT I ON

Message from the President In the fiscal year 2016-2017, we found much reason to celebrate, especially as we moved forward boldly with our work towards being autonomous from the Cree Nation Government. The Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association (CWEIA) has a long hist ory of responding to Eeyou Istchee’s greatest needs of life, healing, reflection and empowerm ent, and identity. Much has changed over time.

Our efforts and initiatives have evolved from exclusively delivering lasting impacts through innovative projects that will not only empower people but also be imperative for Eeyou/Eenou people to return to our own customs, languages, and healing processes.

This holds true especially for women and girls in allowing them to become agents of change within our communities. However, most of our work seeks long-term improvements in people’s lives by discovering what connects us to our ancestors and their experiences.

CWEIA continues to strive for collective actions and a coordinated “voice” that advocates for active participation of women in the contemporary political life in Eeyou Istchee. CWEIA challenged the most fundamental law which was about to be adopted in Eeyou Istchee such as the Cree Governance Agreement and Constitution, which passed in May 30, 2017. We believed that the consultation process maintained the disempowerment of a women’s organization, where colonial impositions were embedded in the development. Before we can achieve self-government, our communities and nation need to be revitalized and our people have to be given an opportunity to grow and develop healthy lifestyles.

We are proud of the role CWEIA continues to hold. A role that engages and strives towards decolonization and find ways to be a good force such as the pursuit of gender inequity. In all, it continues to be driving the oppression and discrimination in many of our adopted structures and ways in Eeyou Istchee, which still holds back CWEIA of their full participation and contribution at the political decision making table. However, it is a tremendous accomplishment for us, as a grassroots organization, to set aside our fears and speak the “truth” that our elders/ancestors continue to remind us. In honoring the “truth”, it will set standards that are achievable for the improvements of the experiences and the well-being of all Eeyou/Eenou peoples.

As we did then, so must we act boldly now. Armed with ancestral knowledge and a new generation of supportive and nourishing choices that deliver results to many and are then replicated to transform the lives of our people in Eeyou Istchee. With your continued support, we will and continue to strive for collective actions and meaningful complimentary roles.

“The hurt of one is the hurt of all, the honour of one is the honour of all.” Meegwetch!

In Nishiiyuu Spirit, Linda L. Shecapio, B.A. President of CWEIA

2016-2017 Annual Report / 2

Membership Fo r C W E I A’s 9 t h A n n u a l G e n e ra l A s s e m b l y ( AG A ) , m a ny wo m e n c o m i n g f r o m a l l c o r n e r s o f E e yo u I s t ch e e m e t a t N e m a s k a ’s O l d Po s t f r o m Au g u s t 2 6 t h t o 2 8 t h , 2 0 1 6 . We h a d a n e n g a g i n g dialogue on issues and concerns s u r r o u n d i n g t h e f o l l ow i n g t h e m e : “ Wa l k i n g t o g e t h e r i n t h e f o o t s t e p s o f o u r Ku u k u u m i h n i u ch M a a m u u m i t i m awa a t a a u Ku u k u u m i h n i u ch u m a a s k i n a awa a ” D u r i n g t h e AG A , a f e w o f o u r by - l aw s were amended: H o n o ra r y M e m b e r s : A d d i t i o n o f a n e w c a t e g o r y f o r C W E I A’s m e m b e r s In order to promote affiliation and e n c o u ra g e C W E I A’s a f f a i r s a n d a dvo c a cy, for better exposure, and to address i m p o r t a n t c o n c e r n s a b o u t E e yo u / E e n o u wo m e n a t b o t h t h e l o c a l a n d r e g i o n a l l e ve l s . A n h o n o ra r y m e m b e r w i l l b e a C r e e Wo m e n o f E e yo u I s t ch e e , a t t h e discretion of the Board of Directors, with an exemplary role and/or position s u ch a s : E l d e r, C h i e f , D e p u t y C h i e f , E x e c u t ive m e m b e r s w i t h i n a C r e e e n t i t y o r a m e m b e r o f a p r o f e s s i o n a l o r d e r.

Change in the Board of Directors article L o c a l Wo m e n A s s o c i a t i o n s E a ch L o c a l Wo m e n A s s o c i a t i o n ( LWA ) shall elect one President that will become a Board of Director within the

A s s o c i a t i o n . E a ch P r e s i d e n t m u s t b e e l e c t e d by t h e i r l o c a l p e e r s , u n d e r t h e t e r m s s e t - o u t by e a ch o f t h e LWA . I n t h e c a s e wh e r e a LWA h a s n o s e t t e r m s a n d t h a t t h e r e i s a va c a n cy w i t h n o r e - e l e c t i o n t a k e n by l o c a l m e m b e r s w i t h i n 6 0 d ay s , i t i s t h e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y o f CWEIA to send a notice of election.

President/Chairperson Th e P r e s i d e n t - C h a i r p e r s o n s h a l l b e e l e c t e d a u t o m a t i c a l l y f o r t wo ( 2 ) c o n s e c u t ive t e r m s o f t wo ye a r s e a ch .

Concerning the election of the President-Chairperson, the rules and process recommended in the CWEIA E l e c t i o n B y - L aw s h a l l a p p l y. Th i s d o c u m e n t c a n o n l y b e a m e n d e d by t h e m e m b e r s a t t h e g e n e ra l a s s e m b l y.

N o t e : C W E I A’s e l e c t i o n by - l aw i s t o b e t a b l e d b e f o r e t h e 1 1 t h AG A . I t i s t h e w i s h o f t h e m e m b e r s t o h ave a r e g i o n a l election for the President positon.

C r e e N a t i o n Yo u t h C o u n c i l Th e C r e e N a t i o n Yo u t h C o u n c i l ( C N Y C ) s h a l l a p p o i n t o n e ( 1 ) f e m a l e Yo u t h r e p r e s e n t a t ive . Th e a p p o i n t m e n t o f t h e Yo u t h r e p r e s e n t a t ive s h a l l b e m a d e a c c o r d i n g t o t h e C N Y C ’s t e r m s .

Th e s e ch a n g e s a i m t o s t r e n g t h e n t h e i n c l u s ive a n d d e m o c ra t i c r e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f C W E I A’s m e m b e r s . I n d o i n g s o , w e e n s u r e t h a t a l l vo i c e s b e i n c l u d e d a n d

2016-2017 Annual Report / 3

t h a t t h e i n te r e s t s of Cr ee wo m e n m a y b e we l l h e a r d i n te r m s of g ove r n a n ce a t a l o c a l a n d r eg i o n a l l eve l .

M emb e r s h i p S t a t i s t i c s M e m b e r s a s o f M a rc h 3 1 , 2 0 1 7 101 Regular Members 1 6 Fr i e n d M e m b e r s 1 C o r p or a t e M e m b e r

CWEIA’s membership is valid from one annual general assembly to the next.

Governance C o n c e r n i n g t h e d i f f e r e n t l e ve l s o f g ove r n a n c e w i t h i n C W E I A , b e l ow a r e t h i s ye a r ’s d e ve l o p m e n t s a n d a c t iv i t i e s at a glance: C e r t a i n L o c a l Wo m e n A s s o c i a t i o n s ( LWA ) h e l d e l e c t i o n s t o a p p o i n t t h e i r r e p r e s e n t a t ive s w i t h i n C W E I A’s B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s . O u t o f t h e t h i r t e e n ( 1 3 ) LWA , f o u r ( 4 ) l o c a l ch a p t e r s e l e c t e d t h e i r p r e s i d e n t : N e m a s k a , We m i n d j i , Eastmain, and Senneterre.

While the process remains strong within t h e c o m m u n i t i e s t h e m s e l ve s , t h e u r b a n ch a p t e r s s t i l l s t r u g g l e i n t e r m s o f p r e s e n c e . To t h i s d ay, t wo ( 2 ) o f t h e

2016-2017 Annual Report / 4

t h r e e ( 3 ) u r b a n s e a t s r e m a i n va c a n t , l e av i n g t h e p o s i t i o n s i n Va l - d ’ O r a n d C h i b o u g a m o u s t i l l ava i l a b l e t o b e f i l l e d in the future.

Th e B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r ( B O D ) r e p r e s e n t a t ive s h a d t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o discuss together a total of six (6) times d u r i n g t h e ye a r.

While three (3) of those meetings were carried out in person, the other three (3) were done through teleconferencing.

This is an example of how CWEIA’s work adapts to both the geographical distances and the busy schedules of its representatives to carry out the necessary work done by the association for its members.

As for the Executive Committee (EC), they met on six (6) occasions, five (5) of which were done through conference call.

Finally, the Gookumnouch Advisory Council (GAC) came together on five (5) separate occasions. Their first meeting was convened on May 7, 2016, following the 1st Kuukuuminuuwich Gathering to evaluate the outcomes of the event.

Afterward, the GAC met several times to discuss issues mostly surrounding Elder abuse.

Together, they drafted a position paper presented to the Government of Québec and began discussions for a project proposal.

Nemaska Local Women’s Association

Eastmain Local Women’s Association

Their function also included assuring representation in events such as Dialogue for Life and giving advice in regards to CWEIA’s governance.

Currently, they are also working on a re-appropriation project designed to transmit living culture and assure its continuity.

needs of its members. Although there is still much to be done in regards to the urban setting, the presence of CWEIA still remains strong within the communities themselves.

In regards to the inclusion of the GAC in CWEIA’s structure, it demonstrates the efforts made to carry out a form of governance that is culturally reflective of the Eeyou/Eenou people.

In terms of governance, CWEIA has been very active at every level of the association to better respond to the

CWEIA BOARD MEMBERS Communities

Executive

Urban

Linda L. Shecapio President

Rita Masty Whapmagoostui

LeeAnn Neeposh Nemaska

Elizabeth Mianscum Senneterre

Rita Masty Vice-President

Robin Pachanos (Int.) Chisasibi

Lynda G. Jolly (Int.) Vice-President

Vaccant Chibougamau

Appointment made at next board meeting Secretary-Treasurer

Carmen Faries Wemindji

Luise E. Neeposh Ouje-Bougoumou

Vaccant Val-d’Or

Sheila Mark-Stewart Estmain

Louise B. Saganash Waswanipi

Emily Blackned Hester Waskaganish

Felicia Polson Washaw-Sibi

Irene Bearskin House Elder Melanie Neeposh Youth Manon Richmond Regional Coordinator Marlene I. Kitchen Special Project Coord. (project base)

STAFF

Vacant Program Coordinator

Rachel Martinhunter Bookeeper (Contractual)

GOUKUMNOUCH COUNCIL

Irene Bearskin House CWEIA Executive Elder

Maria Kawapit Coastal Representative

Nancy Danyluk NCOE Representative

Marlene I. Kitchen Inland Representative

Governance / 5

Wemndji Local Women’s Association

Accomplishments O ve r t h e l a s t ye a r, C W E I A d e ve l o p e d a n d f i n a l i z e d t wo ( 2 ) s t ra t e g i c t o o l s a n d p r o d u c e d t wo ( 2 ) p o s i t i o n p a p e r s i n regards to current concerns.

S t ra t e g i c To o l s C W E I A’s S t ra t e g i c P l a n 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 2 0 Orientation 1: Promote the r e a p p r o p r i a t i o n o f a l iv i n g t ra d i t i o n a n d c u l t u r e f o r C r e e Wo m e n .

1.1 Initiate gatherings to share t ra d i t i o n a l k n ow l e d g e r e l e va n t t o C r e e wo m e n a s w i d e l y a s p o s s i b l e .

1 . 2 D e ve l o p h e a l i n g p r o g ra m s i n c o r p o ra t i n g wo m e n c i rc l e s , ceremonies, and rites of passage.

2.3 Organize and implement c o n f e r e n c e s , r e t r e a t s , a n d wo r k s h o p s t o f o s t e r a s e n s e o f e m p ow e r m e n t i n C r e e wo m e n .

2 . 4 D e ve l o p a n d s u p p o r t wo m e n ’s i n d iv i d u a l a n d c o l l e c t ive entrepreneurship.

1 . 3 P r ov i d e e d u c a t i o n a l o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o t ra n s f e r t ra d i t i o n a l k n ow l e d g e o n m i dw i f e r y a n d e a r l y ch i l d h o o d education.

Orientation 3: Act as a leader and n o u r i s h l e a d e r s h i p f o r C r e e Wo m e n ’s rights and wellbeing

Orientation 2: Nourish the ground for Wo m e n ’s e m p ow e r m e n t .

3 . 1 B e a v i s i b l e a n d c o l l a b o ra t ive vo i c e f o r wo m e n ’s r i g h t s a n d g e n d e r equality in Cree structures.

2 . 1 E n s u r e t h e r e i s a s a f e s p a c e i n e a ch c o m m u n i t y wh e r e wo m e n c a n a c c e s s s u p p o r t , i n f o r m a t i o n , a n d r e s o u rc e s .

2 . 2 P r ov i d e g u i d a n c e a n d s u p p o r t t o l o c a l wo m e n ’s a s s o c i a t i o n s i n e a ch c o m m u n i t y.

2016-2017 Annual Report / 6

3 . 2 E n c o u ra g e wo m e n t o p u r s u e leadership positions and n o n - t ra d i t i o n a l j o b s .

3 . 3 Jo i n f o rc e s w i t h o u r a l l i e s t o ra i s e awa r e n e s s a n d r e d u c e v i o l e n c e a g a i n s t wo m e n .

Orientation 4: Build our organization in o r d e r t o p r ov i d e p r o g ra m s a n d s e r v i c e s .

Po s i t i o n Pa p e r s t o t h e G ove r n m e n t o f Québec

4 . 1 P r o m o t e a n d g r ow m e m b e r s h i p .

Identified Problems Related to Elder Abuse

4 . 2 D ive r s i f y a n d i n c r e a s e c o r e f u n d i n g .

4 . 3 D e ve l o p a n d s e c u r e m a j o r p r o j e c t s and their associated funding.

4 . 4 G r ow a n d d e ve l o p t h e i n t e r n a l t e a m .

C W E I A’s S t ra t e g y t o I m p u l s e Wo m e n ’s Entrepreneurship 2017-2020 S t ra t e g y 1 P r o m o t e a n d S u p p o r t I n d iv i d u a l Wo m e n E n t r e p r e n e u r s .

S t ra t e g y 2 N u r t u r e t h e B i r t h o f Wo m e n C o l l e c t ive Businesses.

S t ra t e g y 3 D e ve l o p S o c i a l E c o n o my I n i t i a t ive s f o r C o m m u n i t y D e ve l o p m e n t .

CWEIA S tr ateg y

Tar get s

G rou ps Co m mu n t ie s Wo m en Entrep reneu rsh i p Indi v id u al Ent rep re n e u r s

I n t h i s p a p e r, w e i d e n t i f i e d s o m e o f t h e f o r m s o f e l d e r a b u s e o b s e r ve d w i t h i n o u r communities.

To u n d e r s t a n d wh e r e t h e i s s u e s s t e m s from, we brought forth a few of the causes that create this problem.

Th i s i n c l u d e s l iv i n g c o n d i t i o n s . I t i s a k n ow n f a c t t h a t i n o u r c o m m u n i t i e s t h e a c c e s s t o p r o p e r h o u s i n g i s a g e n e ra l i s s u e . To t h i s w e a d d e d t h e ( m i s ) t r e a t m e n t o f e l d e r s by h e a l t h c a r e , f a m i l y, a n d o t h e r p e o p l e .

Th e p o s i t i o n o f C W E I A r e g a r d i n g E l d e r abuse is one that promotes to s t r e n g t h e n i n g o f i n t e r g e n e ra t i o n a l b o n d s in hopes that there be a better respect of our elders and the decrease of loneliness t h e y m ay f e e l .

S t r a t egic A ct io n s

G o a ls

C o l l e c t ive B u s in e s s

C o o p o f ar t s an d c r aft s

So c ial E c on o my I n it iat ive s

B u s in e s s ar m o f C W E I A t o fu n d s o c ial m is s io n

P ro m o t io n / Su ppor t

P ro fe s s io n al Se r v ic e s

Accomplishments / 7

S e c r e t a r i a t C o n d i t i o n Fe m i n i n e ( S C F ) H e r e , C W E I A’s p o s i t i o n i s e s t a b l i s h e d by t h e c o n s u l t a t i o n t h a t wa s d o n e o n g e n d e r e q u a l i t y by S C F. I n t h i s p a p e r, C W E I A d e n o u n c e d t h e unequal and limited access to employment (opportunities, salary, etc) while denouncing the discriminatory nature of certain policies.

In conclusion, recommendations reflecting the Eeyou realities are proposed to further promote the inclusion of women while finding solutions to certain issues (intimidation, harassment, etc.).

This includes means that integrate the cultural values and aspects of the Eeyou such as the traditional roles and how they manifest themselves today.

Projects CWEIA worked on three (3) special projects aiming to empower and identify opportunities for Cree women in the region of Eeyou Istchee.

B u i l d i n g C o l l e c t ive B u s i n e s s Project “Social innovation in support of women's collective entrepreneurship

2016-2017 Annual Report / 8

based on the traditional knowledge of Cree women” was an opportunity to empower Cree women through entrepreneurship CWEIA, as a supporter of a social economy, has taken on this project, in collaboration with Niska and CIRADD, to empower women in entrepreneurship by supporting the birth of collective businesses controlled and managed by Cree women.

This project takes the form of an action research project to anchor CWEIA’s strategies into reality. Through this research, supportive resources and opportunities will be identified and a coop will be set-up to encourage the women with their traditional crafts so that action and research can complement each other and lead to the results desired in terms of Cree women’s economic empowerment.

M i s s E e yo u E e n o u N a t i o n The intention was to create and solidify bonds between the participants as well as to showcase the variety of talent found within our young women.

Although the aim was not to be competitive, this pageant allowed the selection of the first Miss Eeyou/Eenou Nation, Kayleigh Spencer, to be given the privilege to go to the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, which happens to be one of the biggest Pow Wows in North America.

4 t h C r e e O u t s t a n d i n g Wo m e n Awa r d On October 22, 2016, CWEIA honoured some of its members during the 4th Cree Outstanding Women Award held in Val d’Or. With categories varying from social implication to cultural knowledge, these awards serve as recognition of the efforts women of Eeyou Istchee demonstrate within their communities.

Through the success of a regional partnership, the 1st Miss Eeyou/Eenou Nation princess pageant was organized as a way to empower young women and girls of the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee.

By valuing these women, we hope to encourage and empower them and many others.

Congratulations to the winners and nominees.

Projects / 9

4th Cree Outstanding Women Award Winners

Betsy Longchap

Mistissini

Women in Ar ts and Culture

Cindy Coonishish

Nemaska

Women in Business

Edith Matoush

Nemaska

Keeper of the Language

Florrie Mark-Stewar t

Eastmain

Mother of Cree Language

Janet Mark

Mistissini

Women in Education

Louisa Wynne

Whapmagoostui

Women in Politics

Priscilla V. Coon Come

Mistissini

Women in Health

Sally Paula Petawabano Mattawashish

Mistissni

Women Volunteer

Virginia Wabano

Waskaganish

Women in Public Ser vice

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S u p p o r t t o t h e L o c a l Wo m e n A s s o c i a t i o n s ( LWA ) This year, a total of six (6) LWAs received a total of $3500 to organize activities within their communities related to empowerment, culture, and tradition.

Chisasibi Women’s day celabaraiton

Following the Kuukuuminuuwich Gathering, the teachings shared were gathered together in the form of a booklet. Furthermore, pamphlets will also be developed using the reoccurring themes of both the teachings and the booklet.

An advisory committee was put in place to review the booklet content and to also discuss and start the preparation of the 2nd Kumkumnouch Gathering.

Ouje-Bougoumou Moose hide tanning Nemaska Women empowerment event, yet to be organized.

Whapmagoostui Caribou hide project Chibougamau purchasing of sewing material Seneterre Women Tee-pee and empowering workshops Thanks to the Board of Compensation for making these local initiatives possible.

R e - a p p r o p r i a t i o n o f L iv i n g C u l t u r e Considering that culture is ever changing and adaptive, this project concerns the importance of transmitting Eeyou culture and assuring its continuity by motivating people to rediscover them on their own initiative.

Projects / 11

Finances

Regional Partnerships

This year, CWEIA submitted a total of seven (7) funding proposals. Although three (3) were denied, two (2) have been approved and another two (2) are still pending.

A big part of CWEIA’s work includes the creation of partnerships with other entities and groups and maintaining them. Here is a brief overview of CWEIA’s partnerships.

The regional funding within Eeyou Istchee has decreased. This has resulted in a negative impact on our operations and projected plans.

Cree Health Board (CHB)

REVE NUE

AMOUNT

CWEIA works with the CHB through a service agreement that concerns the well being of Eeyou women. This includes our involvement with the following:

Grand Council of the Cree EELP/NRA

$208,306

1 . Women shelters

CNG Regional Development Funds

$100,000

Board of Compensation (BOC)

$76,921

2 . The re-appropriation of traditional birthing practices with the Cultural working Group for Midwifery and Birthing Centres

CNG Elder Agreement

$66,500

Centre initiation a la recherche (CIRADD)

$40,000

3 . Traditional healing through the Healing Lodge project 4 . Regional Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention initiatives.

Cree Health Board (CHB)

$36,800

Secretariat Condition Feminine (SCF)

$35,000

CNG Elder Agreement - Deffered

$19,472

Cree Nation Government (CNG)

Sponsorship - Cree Women Award

$11,720

Quebec Native Women

$6,147

Some of CWEIA’s projects include a focus on social economy and the well-being of women. The CNG collaborates on the following files:

Sponsorship - Lithium Mine

$2,500

Cree Women Award – Deffered revenues

$1,653

Membership

$1,000

TOTAL REVENUE 2016-2017 Annual Report / 12

$606,019

1 . The Social Development table to further identify opportunities for its members.

2 . The Cree Social Economic Regional Table (CSERT), another example of CWEIA’s involvement in this matter, mostly in regards to establishing an arts and crafts industry.

3 . The Mamuu Awash – Early Childhood.

As for child and family services, CWEIA is also involved in reviewing project proposals 4 . Finally, in association with the Justice and Correctional service, a book entitled Wisdom of Elders is being produced as a form of cultural support to our well-being.

Women Networks (Representation) CWEIA’s work is done with other entities that have the interests of women at heart. As a member of Québec Native Women, CWEIA holds a seat on the Council of Elected Representatives.

Regionally, CWEIA also holds a partnership with the Algonquin women in regards to the denunciation of wrongdoings done by members of the police force in Val d’Or.

Eeyou Istchee: Other Partnerships and Representation CWEIA also took part in the planning committee and help in the event delivery for the: 1 . 6th Nishiyuu Council of Elders. Held in Nemaska Sept. 5-8, 2016.

2 . Regional Suicide Prevention Conference, held in Waswanipi on February 20-21, 2017.

Plus CWEIA is currently involved in the the planning of the Nishiyuu Men’s Gathering.

Finally, CWEIA has attended some of the Council Board meetings as an observer, represented by the President who participated physically or via live stream.

Together, the Eeyou and the Algonquin strive to find solutions to the current situation. To improve the service to indigenous women in Chibougamau, CWEIA is also involved with the Jamesian women.

Finally, at a national level, CWEIA was present at the AGA of Native Women Association of Canada in Alymer and at the 5th National Indigenous Women’s Summit in Toronto.

Regional Partnerships / 13

Eeyou Istchee

OTHER EVENTS AND REPRESENTATION

Apr. 12-14 Sept. 2-8 Oct. 4 Oct. 19 Nov. 8-9 Dec. 13

CHB Regional General Assembly on Health and Social Services NCOE 6th Traditional Gathering Nemaska Sister in Spirit CNACA 11th AGA - Waswanipi CSB Regional AGA Grassroots Empowerment & Partnership

Mar. 24-25

CNYC Inspire Hope

First Nation

Sept. 10-11 Sept. 20 Nov. 15-18 Nov. 21-25

Others

Sept. 9 Sept. 7-9 Jan. 30 Mar. 22

Vice-President, Elder Rep President & Reg. Coord.

Whapmagoostui, Wemindji President President President, Gookumnouch Council Rep. & Reg. Coord.

President

QNW Leadership Training - Val d’Or FNQL SDI - Territory & Natural Ressources 7th Biennial International Indigenous Research Conference 2016 Dialogue for Life - MTI

VP, East., Mist., Reg. Coord., & 1Mem. President President Reg. Coord., Maria Kawapit, & 2 members

Secretariat Condition Feminine Consultation Day, QC Ministry International Forum on Social Economy - Montreal Social Development Consultation by Secretariat Affaires Autochtone (SAA) QC Government International Entrepreneurship

President Marlene I. Kitchen (Paid by CNG) President President

Conclusion For this year, moving forward can be considered one of CWEIA’s many accomplishments.

From slowly gaining independence to the finding of solutions, its members have been actively working toward motivating and supporting the women who have given the association its reason for being.

A special thank you to all those who have supported and collaborated in CWEIA’s initiatives. Also, Misti-meegwetch to the generous and kind contribution of Cree Nation Government (CNG) department of Finance and the department of Justice and Correctional Services.

2016-2017 Annual Report / 14

Photo Credits Catherine Orr Emma Coon-Come CWEIA Ja ck o O t t e r R e z d u d e Ta n i a L a r iv i è r e Air Creebec Communications Graphic Design Rupert Stream

www.cweia.ca 19 Ouje-Bougoumou Meskino Ouje-Bougoumou, QC G0W 3C0