The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is a non-profit organization with a focus on Indigenous women, girls, and persons who identify as WG2STGD+ in Canada’s social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. NWAC represents the voices of Indigenous communities, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, and works to enhance their opportunities to achieve their full potential.
History and Mission
Since its inception in 1974, NWAC has developed robust rules and procedures for financial management, governance, and decision-making. The organization’s goal is to empower and support Indigenous women, girls, and gender-nonconforming individuals from all around the world. NWAC envisions an inclusive world that understands and respects the diversity and uniqueness of all Indigenous communities.
Advocacy and Issues
The NWAC works to alter laws and policies on a national and worldwide scale to ensure that Indigenous WG2STGD+ and LGBTQQAI+ persons have full legal protections. The organization works on a variety of issues, including unemployment, labour, business; healthcare; violence prevention and security; justice and human rights; environment; early learning and childcare; foreign affairs, which are just a few of the many areas of focus for the organization.
Lodge of the Grandmothers
As a “Grandmother’s Lodge,” NWAC helps Indigenous people honour and uphold the Creator-given laws, spirituality, linguistics and customs of their ancestors. This is part of the organization’s larger mission to protect Indigenous languages and cultures and improve the quality of life for all Indigenous people.
Strategic Goals of NWAC
NWAC faces risks and difficulties head-on in order to capitalize on chances that build on its strengths and ultimately realize its strategic goals and objectives. Among them include empowering Indigenous women, girls, and people of multiple gender identities to assume positions of leadership; strengthening the organization from within so that it can withstand challenges; expanding the ability of all Provincial and Territorial Member Associations (PTMAs) to communicate and share resources; and establishing organizational strength and resilience.
The Organization’s Definable Aims
NWAC is governed by a Board of Directors who are liable for the organization as a whole. It approves every resolution pertaining to fresh initiatives started by NWAC staff and members. The Board of Directors frequently convenes to assess the president, PTMAs, and administrative team’s performance and to give guidance.
Being the largest platform for Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals; tackling challenges in a way that reflects evolving needs; advocating for shared goals of self-determination and self-sufficiency; encouraging equitable opportunities; acting as a repository among constituents and Indigenous communities; fostering and educating distinctive cultural and historical traditions; cultivating and teaching unique cultural and historical traditions, assisting Indigenous women’s organizations and community initiatives, and advancing issues and concerns of Indigenous women.
The Path Finders for Human Rights
The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) plays a crucial role in promoting the welfare of Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. With its relentless advocacy efforts and unwavering commitment to providing support services, NWAC has become an indispensable organization for Indigenous communities across the country. Through its strategic goals, objectives, and visionary leadership, NWAC is working tirelessly to create an inclusive world that embraces and honours the diversity and individuality of all Indigenous communities.
If you’re someone who wants to join this NWAC in their mission to unite the world or learn more about their activities, then visit their website at https://nwac.ca/about-us.
Find motivation in the stories of successful Indigenous Canadian designers, artists, and business owners by subscribing to Indigenous Small Business Magazine. The magazine comes out every other month and features in-depth interviews with successful entrepreneurs who have followed their ambitions against the odds. Follow us on Twitter at @IndigenousSme for all the latest information.
