First Nations Women’s Council

The First Nations Women’s Council (FNWC) is a permanent entity described within the Charter of the Chiefs of Ontario (COO). The mandate of the FNWC is to ensure that a gender lens is applied to all the work and initiatives undertaken by the Chiefs of Ontario. The FNWC may participate within all structures of COO and may from time to time undertake specific initiatives as directed by the Chiefs-in-Assembly or the Leadership Council.

Purpose

The First Nations Women’s Council is focused on the safety, well-being and empowerment of First Nations women, girls, and Two Spirit/LGBTQQIAPD+ people in First Nations communities in Ontario. The Council works to support and encourage gender-diverse leadership that is representative of First Nations communities across Ontario.

The Council plays a critical role in supporting the advocacy efforts of the Chiefs of Ontario towards strengthening First Nations community safety, well-being, healthy relationships, and gender-balanced approaches.

As an advisory council to Ontario First Nations Leadership, the First Nations Women’s Council ensures a community-based approach is encouraged and utilized in developing strategies for community safety and well-being. The FNWC provides analysis of issues through a women’s lens that informs the efforts of First Nations Leadership and is supported by the Chiefs of Ontario Secretariat to advance the safety, empowerment and well-being of First Nations women and community members.

The First Nations Women’s Council is accountable to First Nations political Leadership and provides annual reports, updates, and recommendations to the Ontario Chiefs-in-Assembly. When directed to assist in the implementation of Chiefs-in-Assembly mandated activity, the Council may also report through the Leadership Council to the Chiefs-in-Assembly.

Members of the FNWC may designate a Woman Chief or Chiefs to act as spokespeople on behalf of the Council’s issues and priorities and to make presentations at Chiefs’ Assemblies. The Charter identifies the composition, role and function of the First Nations Women’s Council.

The Council shall convene at least one annual meeting with Women Chiefs in Ontario to identify joint priorities and foster collaboration across political and technical leadership. Where appropriate, the FNWC will also collaborate with the other Charter Councils.

Sydney Lockwood – Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians
Deputy Grand Chief Stacia Loft – Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians
Tracy Robinson – Anishinabek Nation
Brandie Fong– Anishinabek Nation
Crystal Harrison-Collin – Grand Council Treaty #3    
Lyndia Jones – Independent First Nations
Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum – Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Chief Lisa Francis-Benedict – Mohawks of Akwesasne
Chief Sarah-Lee Sunday-Diabo – Mohawks of Akwesasne
Vacant – Mushkegowuk Council
Sandra Montour – Six Nations of the Grand River

Knowledge Keeper Donna Debassige – Anishinabek Nation
Knowledge Keeper Betsy Kechego – Anishinabek Nation

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