Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council Meeting and the Indigenous Women’s Gathering Held in St. John’s

February 14, 2025

The sixth Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council meeting and the 20th Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee Gathering took place this week in St. John’s. The goal of the Reconciliation Council is to coordinate and lead meaningful action to address existing challenges and obstacles in the areas of culture, health and wellness, justice, and human security, that impact Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

The Reconciliation Council meeting, held February 13 and 14, focused on the growing issue of human trafficking, with presentations from Thrive, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and Public Safety Canada. There were also discussions with the Public Legal Association of Newfoundland and Labrador on its Journey Project, and the John Howard Society of Newfoundland and Labrador on its Safety and Repair programming. The meeting also included traditional Indigenous opening and closing ceremonies.

The Reconciliation Council is composed of 11 members, including five Provincial Government representatives (from Executive Council, Children, Seniors and Social Development, Health and Community Service, and Justice and Public Safety), and six Indigenous women representatives. There are three Co-Chairs: two Elders appointed by the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee and one appointed to represent government.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing participated in the Gathering, which was hosted this year by the First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre on February 11 and 12. The event included sessions on human trafficking, gender-based violence prevention, as well as a panel discussion called housing and homelessness: connection to substance use and addictions.

Attendees also discussed topics related to the Churchill Falls Memorandum of Understanding, including environmental impacts and advocacy. The Gathering included traditional Indigenous opening and closing ceremonies, Inuit drum dancing and throat singing performances.

Unique to Canada, the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee Gathering provides an opportunity for Indigenous women from throughout the province to connect, share experiences, current realities, future aspirations, and to identify measures necessary to aid in the improvement of the quality of life of Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals in their communities. Funding for this event is provided annually through the Office of Women and Gender Equality.

Quotes
“The Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council and the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee help empower our Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people to be heard, valued and uplifted. By sharing knowledge and ideas, we are all building a stronger more just world for generations to come.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“We acknowledge the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council and the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee for their invaluable contributions and support their efforts to create a future where respect, equality, and understanding guide our path forward.”
Honourable Dr. Scott Reid
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“As our communities work to address the complex issues surrounding mental health, addictions, homelessness and housing, the guidance and wisdom of our community leaders are invaluable in finding solutions. I am grateful for the opportunity to have engaged with the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Gathering this week, and I look forward to working together to implement culturally relevant and lasting change on these issues.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

“As we gathered for our sixth meeting of the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council, we continue to strengthen the path towards Reconciliation. We are ensuring that the voices of our Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals are heard, valued, and respected in shaping a safer more inclusive future”
Odelle Pike
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council
Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee

“This is our sixth meeting of the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council, and we have had some meaningful consultations with Government of Newfoundland and Labrador departments, where I feel our input was meaningful, and I was given consideration. As an impacted family member and mother of a daughter who was murdered, I want to ensure that we keep the focus on safety of our women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities. I want intimate partner violence and all violence to stop .”
Charlotte Wolfrey
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council
Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee

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Learn more
Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council to be Established to Support Efforts Related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence

Hear Our Voices Report

Office of Women and Gender Equality 

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