'Herstory' made as leaders adopt resolutions that promote gender equality, inclusivity at AFN
CBC
While leaders have so far addressed only a handful of the long list of resolutions slated for discussion at this week's Assembly of First Nations (AFN) assembly, two resolutions have been passed advancing gender equality for women in leadership.
"We need to see more of our women in roles of leadership," said Naa Sháade Eric Háni Morris of the Teslin Tlingit Council.
Despite the increase in the number of First Nations women in leadership positions, Morris said policies at the AFN are "silent" on benefits like maternity leave for regional chiefs. It's why he moved a resolution that was passed unanimously by the hundreds of chiefs and proxies gathered in Ottawa for the 2022 Special Chiefs Assembly.
The resolution directs the AFN to implement recommendations from a 2020 report that reviewed compensation for the role of regional chief, including providing maternity and parental leave. It also calls for supporting families by providing child care at assemblies.
Morris said the changes will help remove some barriers for women to thrive in leadership positions.
Neskonlith Indian Band Kukpi7 (Chief) Judy Wilson said it's "long overdue."
The AFN elected its first woman as national chief in 2021, and there are currently three regional chiefs who are women. Wilson said more and more First Nations are electing women as chief and to council.
"They shouldn't have to choose from being a mother and being a leader," said Wilson.
"We need to make sure that they can lead with confidence and they'll enjoy the rights of all other women when it comes to maternity."
Ogimaa Kwe (Chief) Linda Debassige of M'Chigeeng First Nation said the benefits also need to be applied in communities. She gave birth to a daughter last year, and wasn't eligible for maternity leave.
"Leaders like me and I know most women dedicate their lives to their community 24/7," she said.
"I was in labour until 5 p.m. on a Zoom call for my community and gave birth to my daughter just before 7 p.m. Just how dedicated we are."
While the resolution passed unanimously, several chiefs expressed their opinions on the issue — some noting more needs to be done, both in communities and on the assembly floor.
Chief Jeff Copenace of the Ojibways of Onigaming said issues like missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls should have been at the forefront of the assembly in light of the news of charges laid in the deaths of four Indigenous women in Winnipeg. Some of their family members addressed the assembly late on Tuesday afternoon after a number of delegates left.
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