(March 8, 2023 – Toronto, Ontario) Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare issued the following statement celebrating International Women’s Day:

“Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the diversity and vibrant social, political, and cultural achievements of women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities across Canada and around the world and raise awareness about gender-based discrimination and the importance of gender equality in all spaces,” said Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare. “I acknowledge the leadership of First Nations women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, who are forging the path to advance gender equity and create positive change to improve the safety and well-being of our communities.”

On International Women’s Day, First Nations women-identifying Leadership are participating in the First Nations Women Leadership Summit in Toronto, Ontario. The summit aims to bring together First Nation women Chiefs, youth, Elders and community representatives from across Ontario to discuss First Nations women, youth and community priority areas. Over three days, delegates will join in dialogue under the theme “Sharing Our Strengths” and participate in workshops, networking, and knowledge-sharing, and will hear from Elders and guest speakers.

“First Nations women have always played influential leadership roles within our communities as bundle carriers, life-givers, water protectors, and knowledge keepers. This year’s theme, #EmbraceEquity, reminds us of the urgent need for immediate action to address gender-based discrimination and guarantee First Nations women’s full, equal, and meaningful political and public participation.

As many First Nations women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people continue to experience gender-based violence and discrimination, it has never been more critical to build an inclusive, diverse, and equitable world where all women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities can live happy and healthy lives. This work involves meaningful participation from the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario to make immediate systemic and structural changes; this includes implementing the 231 Calls to Justice in the Final Report of the National Inquiry into MMIWG, gender-based violence prevention programming, and new investments into the tools, resources, and services needed to create substantive equality for First Nations women.

We all play an essential role in upholding the vision and invaluable contributions of First Nations women in Canada and all women across the globe. On International Women’s Day, I encourage all to reflect on how we can collectively ensure all women’s and girls’ rights and lives are fully upheld and protected.”

Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media Contact:

Genna Benson
Communications and Public Affairs Manager
Policy and Communications Sector
Chiefs of Ontario
Cell: 416-523-4020
Email: Genna.Benson@coo.org