Canada and Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Sign New Partnership Agreement

June 15, 2017  Ottawa, Ontario  Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Today, Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, on behalf of the Government of Canada, and Rebecca Kudloo, President of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada (PIWC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a whole-of-government relationship to address issues of common concern that directly affect the well-being and safety of Inuit women and children across Canada.

PIWC, as the national voice of Inuit women in Canada, has a key role to play in the renewal of the Inuit-Crown relationship and will help ensure it is rooted in gender equality. Based on trust, respect and cooperation, this MOU will help strengthen PIWC‘s role, further their relationship with the Government of Canada, and promote greater progress in priority areas for Inuit women and children, such as the prevention of abuse and violence.

Quotes

“This agreement illustrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to listening to Inuit women as key partners in reconciliation, and to work with them on issues that have a profound impact on their daily lives. Moving forward, Inuit women will have more power to influence policy at the federal level. This is essential to help restore health to Inuit families and communities across Canada and is great news for all Canadians.”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

“We have had a long and important working relationship with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. This agreement will give us both a solid foundation to move forward on our mutual priorities in the interests of reconciliation and the government’s commitment to the equality of all women in Canada that is inclusive of us as Inuit women and citizens of Canada.”

Rebecca Kudloo
President, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada

Quick Facts

• Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada has received federal support at different times since it was created, in 1984.
• PIWC has been engaged as full participants in discussions that led to the Kelowna Accord and the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.

Associated Links

• Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
• Inuit Nunangat Declaration on Inuit-Crown Partnership

Contacts

Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
613-697-8316

INAC Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

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