Governor General reflects on International Women's Day

NEWS RELEASES

GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

UNION OF ONTARIO INDIANS

************************* Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the occasion of International Women’s Day

OTTAWA - As we mark International Women’s Day, it is fitting that the theme - “Equal Access to Education, Training, and Science and Technology” - is so closely related to one of the pillars of my mandate: to reinforce learning and innovation.

Throughout Canadian history, women have made so many meaningful and significant contributions to society.

Yet we still must remain vigilant in our pursuit of equal opportunities for women to learn and grow.

By promoting and encouraging women in science and technology, by giving them access to quality education, we secure the future of this country for our daughters and granddaughters.

Today, let us remember the many ways women have changed this country.

Let us honour their dedication to family and children, to philanthropy and volunteerism, and to education and innovation.

On this International Women’s Day, we pay homage to all those who have paved the way for equality, and we reflect on what still must be done to create a smarter and more caring Canada.

- David Johnston

************************* //// Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on International Women’s Day

OTTAWA, ON (March 8, 2011) - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the occasion of International Women’s Day:

“Our Government is proud to join Canadians in observing the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, a worldwide celebration of women and their outstanding achievements.

“This year’s [Canadian] theme, Girls’ Rights Matter, embodies cherished Canadian values, such as equality and opportunity, and serves to empower girls and young women to achieve success.

“Here at home, we are taking action to tackle issues of violence and economic security facing women and girls. We have introduced tougher laws, invested in shelters, strengthened victim support and awareness programs, and increased funding to women’s programs.

“Elsewhere in the world, however, many girls still face conditions of extreme injustice and violence, which make it impossible for them to participate fully in society and benefit from the opportunities to which they are entitled.

“Canada has been instrumental in promoting equal access to education for girls in Afghanistan, and at last summer’s G-8 summit, our Government championed the Muskoka Initiative on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, which aims to reduce the mortality rates of mothers and children in the developing world.

“Our Government remains steadfast in our commitment to improve the lives of women and girls at home and around the world. On International Women’s Day 2011, I encourage all Canadians to reflect on the many valuable contributions of women and girls to our extraordinary country and the global community.”

************************* //// Anishinabek honour achievements of women

UOI OFFICES (March 8, 2011) - The Anishinabek Nation celebrates International Woman’s Day by recognizing the achievements of Josephine Mandamin, the Anishinabek women’s water commissioner and Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, ctizenship commissioner for the territory.

“We have Josephine Mandamin - a grandmother who has walked around all five Great Lakes bringing attention to our precious water supply,” said Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare. “And Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, who had to go to the courts to fight the Indian Act’s discrimination against women, continues to bring women’s rights to the attention of the Canadian government.”

“Josephine and Jeannette are examples of the many talented women in our communities who are caregivers, teachers, doctors, lawyers - and young girls can aspire to be like them. They are role models for our future generations."

Mandamin will begin her next water walk in April - this time starting walks in different directions.

Water will be carried from the Arctic, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans as well as the Gulf of Mexico to a point in Minnesota.

She will fly to all the locations to start the water on its journey.

Other women water carriers to pray for the water and lift the water spiritually along the walk.

“Water is the Lifeblood of Mother Earth,” said Hare. “Grandmother Josephine is bringing awareness to the condition of our oceans, lakes and rivers all over Turtle Island.”

Jeannette Corbiere Lavell is a proud mother and grandmother and has previously distinguished herself by leading a Supreme Court challenge of the federal government's system of determining Indian Status, and is the first Anishinabek Nation commissioner on citizenship.

She is the president of the Native Women’s Association of Canada and the founding member of the Ontario Native Women's Association Corbiere Lavell has worked as a teacher, consultant, and counselor and is the co-author of a book.

“Jeannette continues to advance the physical, spiritual, economic and social status of Aboriginal women of Canada,” said Hare.

The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949.

The UOI is a political advocate for 39 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 55,000 people.

The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

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