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National Métis Woman President Calls For
Social Inclusion and Equality
Métis
National Council Of Women
For Immediate Release
June
22, 2004
Ottawa, 22 June 2004 - The Métis
National Council of Women says that unless the political parties
engage in blunt talk about Métis women's social inclusion and
equality, Métis women should be concerned about their future
and rights in Canada.
Métis National
Council of Women, President Sheila D. Genaille, stated, "the
political parties must provide a clear answer as to whether they will
commit to and address the pressing areas of concerns promoted by the
Métis National Council of Women."
"I am deeply
alarmed that the political leaders have not even addressed women's
issues in this election". "Métis women want answers
as to what the next federal government will do to protect human rights,
promote social inclusion and gender equity for Métis women?"
questioned President Genaille.
The Métis
National Council of Women echoes the questions put forth by equality-seeking
women's groups. Namely, what will different parties do to prevent
and to remedy the systemic, harmful effects of racism? How will they
ensure that social programs are delivered in keeping with Canada's
international human rights commitments? What government mechanisms,
standards and policies would be put in place to eliminate violence
against women? Who has specific plans to amend federal policies that
discriminate against Métis women and their national organization
the Métis National Council of Women?
The poverty, discrimination,
oppression, exploitation and violence aimed at Aboriginal women are
well documented in a great number of studies and reports. For more
than a decade, the United Nations' has levied serious criticism at
Canada for the deplorable living conditions of Aboriginal peoples.
In January 2003, the Committee reviewing Canada's compliance with
the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against
Women (CEDAW) noted the frequency of systemic discrimination against
Aboriginal women. It recommended that Canada renew its efforts to
eliminate discrimination and that it provide adequate funding to ensure
the full participation of Aboriginal women's organization at all important
discussions on governance and legislative reform.
The Métis
National Council of Women demands that the next government act immediately
to tackle the equality and social inclusion deficit that is a reality
for Métis women. We are demanding that the new government give
priority to funding for autonomous equality seeking organizations
such as the Métis National Council of Women to ensure the respect
and promotion of Métis women's human rights in our communities.
"Oppression,
social exclusion and gender inequity practised by successive federal
governments against the Métis National Council of Women is
perhaps the most shameful human rights violation. Women's rights are
human rights." said Genaille.
For more information contact:
Sheila D. Genaille
info@metiswomen.ca
- 30 -
June
24, 2004
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