There has been a changing of the guard at the Native Women’s Association of Canada. Its president, Michele Audette, has stepped down to devote herself full-time to running for the Liberals in a Quebec riding in the next federal election expected this fall.
The organization’s vice-president, Dawn Harvard, is now in charge. She says the organization’s mission remains the same.
Harvard has been on the NWAC board for about 20 years. She has seen a lot of changes, but says addressing domestic violence against Aboriginal women is still the number one priority and concern.
She shares the view of Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde, who recently said there is an uncomfortable truth about who is committing the violence and what needs to be done to address it.
“We can’t try to hide from the fact that there is exceptionally high rates of domestic violence — and in order to change that, it really does require some responsibility on the part of our men.”
NWAC has been on the forefront of pushing for an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women. Harvard says even though the government has not yet changed its position, there is growing public support.
“I think it is beginning to turn the tide on this issue. We’re not just standing alone anymore. We’re having Canadians from all walks of life supporting this and calling for the inquiry.”
NWAC will hold its annual general assembly in Montreal this July when it will elect its new president. Harvard says she has the support of the organization and is considering running for the top position.