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Disclaimer: The summary described herein should in no way be construed as official or unofficial policy, nor should it be seen to reflect the consensus of those who participated in the consultations. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 SUMMARY OF THEMES & OUTCOMES 5 HealthSafetyWellness 6 EqualityEmpowerment 13 StrengthBalanceHonour 18 CONCLUSION 19 INTRODUCTION The United Native Nations (UNN) is a provincial organisation dedicated to providing political support for all Aboriginal people, particularly off-reserve Aboriginal peoples. In 2003, UNN determined that Aboriginal women required specific consideration for their issues and has since been working toward fulfilling a mandate for positive change. From June 20-22 2007, the Premiers of each of the Provinces met in Newfoundland and Labrador with 150 Aboriginal women from across the country to discuss Aboriginal Women’s issues at a National Summit. UNN received funding from the Ministry of Community Services in order to open a dialogue session with Aboriginal women across the province to determine issues important to BC’s Aboriginal women. This report outlines the findings of four regional Roundtable Sessions in anonymity of the 140 women who participated by focusing on the issues that emerged. Some regional differences were observed. In Vancouver, women were concerned about the outfall from residential school and with childcare. In Victoria, trauma resulting from experimentation at the Nanaimo Indian School and loss of culture were areas of discussion. The need for Aboriginal women in leadership and need for employment skills were highlighted in Prince George. The Final Report is a summary of responses by Roundtable participants. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY UNN provided a non-political climate in which Aboriginal women could freely explore their frustrations with their current living environment, understanding that historically Aboriginal women held high positions of power within Aboriginal communities, a status that seems to have been lost. With the financial support from the Ministry of Community Services, UNN organised four regional roundtable sessions: Victoria on April 16; Vancouver on April 20; Prince George on April 26 and Kamloops on May 7, 2007. The findings of the Roundtable discussions and the targeted consultation and survey results have been compiled in this report and were used in the discussions at the National Aboriginal Women’s Summit in Newfoundland and Labrador. Follow-up will ensue with BC’s Aboriginal leadership. Below are six priority outcomes that arose from the Roundtables and survey responses from Aboriginal women. The governments of British Columbia and Canada need to make a special and sincere apology to Aboriginal women. The governments need to make a commitment to improve the socio-economic conditions of Aboriginal women in the future and address the issues of today. It is only with these actions that there will be a firm understanding from Canadian society why it carries the burden of generations of women hurting from the past. Focussing on the root causes of what Aboriginal women face rather than just the symptoms will help Aboriginal women take their rightful place in both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal society. Matrimonial real property rights must be fairly reviewed by the government to ensure a more fair and equitable system that aligns with the system off reserve; one that does not unfairly offer more rights to men than women. The creation of a BC’s Aboriginal Women’s Council that would work expressly to further the positive evolution of Native women’s issues. The BC Aboriginal Women’s Council would also work towards the positive development and encouragement of young Aboriginal women into future leadership roles. The repeal of Section 6 of Bill C-31 that would return rightful status to Aboriginal women and their children. The children of a status Indian woman can pass on status to their children only if they marry registered Indians, whereas the grandchildren of a status male will have full status, despite the fact that one of their parents may not have status. Those non-entitled to registration are expected to begin to outnumber those entitled to registration in about three generations, with no further children entitled to registration in about six generations. About 70% of "Bill C-31 induced" growth has occurred off reserve. Not only does Section 6 favour the male, it also promotes the assimilation of Aboriginal people. Establishment of Healing Lodges around the province that are operated by Aboriginal women and are a place that Aboriginal women can come to work or come to heal. Healing Lodges would also provide the sense of community currently lacking in the lives of many Aboriginal women. There is a great need for Aboriginal women’s institutions that would provide an array of services to Aboriginal women and their families, like counselling for residential school survivors, life skills, family support and a safe place to meet. The further promotion and establishment of Aboriginal women’s forums where women can speak openly and honestly about their current situations and know that other women are experiencing the same challenges and successes. Aboriginal women need to know that the government will be listening to their concerns and making positive legislative choices. The Aboriginal women who attend these roundtables want governments to outline how they will turn the information from these forums into positive change. ROUNDTABLE FORMAT & OBJECTIVES Aboriginal women from around the province were invited to participate in a non-political discussion about issues affecting them. The overall objective of the Roundtables was to establish a base to determine what some of the barriers are that are currently preventing Aboriginal women from fully participating in general society; mainly employment, politics, education and social responsibilities. The following Final Report is comprised of quotations from the Roundtables. In order to open the dialogue session, three main themes were introduced to the participants: This report is organised so that an issue is identified, discussed and then followed by an expected outcome (or outcomes). The outcome refers to a measurement value, a means by which Aboriginal women will know that something tangible is happening in response to the issue that is being discussed. HEALTH SAFETY WELLNESS RECONCILIATION Following is a summary of themes and comments that emerged from the consultations on the topic of Reconciliation. Many feel that Aboriginal women have taken the brunt of government abuse and have to date received very little recognition and extremely limited reconciliation for past policy decisions undertaken by successive provincial and federal governments. In particular, the past treatment of Aboriginal women in Indian and tuberculosis hospitals was horrendous. In some instances, Native women were used for science experiments, such as involuntary sterilisation. Generations are still affected by the negative impact such experiments had on the Aboriginal population. Aboriginal women and their families who suffered in Indian hospitals want acknowledgement and apology from the federal government. Residential schools and the “60’s scoop” have had severe and lasting impacts for Aboriginal women, such as alienation, marginalization and oppression. Because of the legacy of residential school and the 60’s scoop, generations of Aboriginal women never learned how to be parents. This is not to diminish the effect residential schools had on men, but when a woman is unable to successfully bond with her child because she was not taught how, it is the woman who bears the burden. It was said by an Elder at the Vancouver Roundtable when she recounted the abuse she encountered at residential school, that the federal government owes her an apology and also owes her granddaughter an apology for generational lack of parenting skills. Reconciliation is important because it opens a discussion for contemporary issues, especially considering the amount of Aboriginal women who are missing and those who have been found murdered. As long as these acts of violence happen in Canadian society, these are social issues that deserve the respect and attention of the Canadian Government. OUTCOME: The Governments of British Columbia and Canada need to make a special and sincere apology to Aboriginal women. The governments need to make a commitment to improve the socio-economic conditions of Aboriginal women in the future and address the issues of today. It is only with these actions that there will be a firm understanding for those living in Canadian society why it carries the burden of generations of women hurting from the past. MEDICAL SUPPORT Following is a summary of themes and comments that emerged from the Roundtables on the topic of Medical Support. Many Aboriginal women report that they are not treated with respect and dignity within the medical system. Accounts of racist acts were recounted at all of the Roundtable sessions. If an Aboriginal woman is not treated with respect within the medical system, neither are her children. Quality and accessible medical care is something that distinguishes Canada as a caring and socially responsible country, but if that system does not work for everybody, then it doesn’t work for anybody. Aboriginal women and children deserve the same quality of medical care that every other Canadian receives. Aboriginal women are also traditionally accustomed to the support of their female family members and require some flexibility on the part of the medical staff to accommodate this need. If in fact the mandate of the medical system is to heal people, then there must be some sensitivity as to how Aboriginal women are healed. Traditionally, Aboriginal women were supported by women during the birthing process. While understanding that the medical system and all of its technology is a sometimes necessary service, the medical system should also embrace the traditions of the past as complementary to the present. OUTCOMES: Aboriginal education programs in the health sector that include modules on sensitivity, traditions and culture. Aboriginal support workers in the hospitals to assist Aboriginal families navigate through the medical system and at times act as an advocate for their traditional way of life. The establishment of Aboriginal Family Lodges near the hospital that can house and nurture a family facing a difficult medical situation. (A type of Ronald McDonald house for Aboriginal families, operated by Aboriginal persons). The establishment of an Aboriginal Women’s Healing Centre. For example, Anishinawbe Health in Toronto (AHT), an accredited community health centre, offers access to health care practitioners from many disciplines including Traditional Healers, Elders, Medicine People and a Woman’s Helper. AHT also has doctors, physicians, naturopaths and psychiatrists, among others. Other AHT services include Nmakaandjiiwin (Finding My Way), a homelessness programme, where individuals are provided the opportunity to better understand and gain insight of homelessness issues and how these may relate to their lives. AHT was mentioned several times as a model for Aboriginal wellness and for Healing Lodges. MATRIMONIAL REAL PROPERTY RIGHTS Following is a summary of themes and comments that emerged from the Roundtables on the topic of Matrimonial Real Property Rights. Currently if a woman lives off reserve and owns a home with her husband, if a divorce occurs there are mechanisms within the judicial system that provide for a fair and equitable division of properties. If a woman lives on reserve, and that reserve happens to be that of the man, he will retain the home without resistance from the courts. Women living on reserve find it extremely difficult to get access to adequate housing. OUTCOME: Matrimonial real property rights must be fairly reviewed by the federal government to ensure a more fair and equitable system that aligns with the system off reserve; one that does not unfairly offer more rights to men than women. ADDICTION Following is a summary of themes and comments that emerged from the Roundtables on the topic of Addiction. There are several reasons why addiction and substance abuse appear in higher numbers within the Aboriginal community; residential school is but one of the results of colonisation. Regardless of why people become addicted to life-threatening substances, they should still be entitled to support systems that offer realistic strategies for recovery. As long as people are fighting addictions, they are not in a healthy state of mind to be a contributing member of society. Knowing that several factors contribute to a person becoming addicted, substance abuse is a multi-faceted and, in some cases, a multi-generational issue. For women who are addicted and are seeking treatment, there is an immediate resistance to seeking help, because by admitting that she has an addiction, her children will be taken from her and placed in care. Still suffering from the residential school system where children were taken from their families, some mothers feel that whatever home they can provide is better than the one to which the children would be going. OUTCOMES: Aboriginal treatment centres that allow women to take their children so women can access longer and more effective addictions treatment. Also a centre that teaches holistic healing that includes the entire family. If a parent is fighting an addiction, a child is largely impacted and deserves equal services. Better access to existing care and more recovery beds across the province. Increasing home care budgets will also help women in recovery. Culturally relevant curriculum for elementary and secondary schools that teach about the negative effects of drug and alcohol abuse. Promoting a greater connection to the land also aids in living a healthy lifestyle. Cultural rediscovery camps operating in some parts of the province are helping Aboriginal people lead a healthier lifestyle. HIV/AIDS Following is a summary of themes and comments that emerged from the Roundtables on the topic of HIV/AIDS. HIV and AIDS are considered as a separate topic since they affect Aboriginal people at a higher rate than any other demographic. HIV / AIDS is a consequence of poverty, abuse, addiction, racism and / or marginalisation in general, and is a reality for many Aboriginal women. In particular, Aboriginal women in Victoria mentioned that there are only two organisations in Victoria and that these organisations can receive Aboriginal funding with only two Aboriginal clients accessing their services. In order to establish truly culturally relevant services, HIV positive Aboriginal women in Victoria started a family support group that meets in people’s homes and they have meetings when people have money to contribute for a meal. OUTCOMES: Aboriginal Healing Centres for HIV and AIDS throughout the province that are operated by Aboriginal people and offer cultural hospice services. There is a need for greater awareness of HIV/AIDS on reserve-“stop sweeping this issue under the rug.” Front line workers and professionals on reserve need more training to deal with this issue. Some people would undoubtedly live longer if they received proper treatment. VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Following is a summary of themes and comments that emerged from the Roundtables on the topic of Violence against Women. Domestic violence continues to be a reality for many Aboriginal women and is a generational cycle that is passed down to the children in a violent home. Domestic violence is an indicator of the poor stature of women and is seen by some as a lashing out by men for how they are treated in society. No matter the cause of violence against women in the home, there is no viable means out of such situations for women who are living on the man’s reserve. Currently, if her husband abuses a woman, it is up to her to find a new place for her and their children to live since he will remain the legal owner of the house if it is on the reserve. This is an issue that is continuing to push women off reserve where it is seen that their political power is greatly diminished. Many Roundtable participants feel that domestic violence is a reality that is ignored by the Aboriginal community where the offender is quite often a political affiliate within the local band office; an office that also administers federal funding for social service programs. As long as men control the political offices that disperse funds, some women have no recourse but to leave their reserves. Furthermore, many women report that they do not receive an adequate response from the police. Several instances were recounted of delayed arrival times for police after a woman had called for help. In a few cases, women felt that the police had sympathised with the man and refused to lay charges. This type of action from authorities further demoralises women who feel more than ever that they deserve this type of treatment. Many children grow up believing that domestic violence is understandable and even a normal part of life. Participants felt that violence against women in general is inadequately handled by police. Several women, speaking of their personal experiences. cited cases where violent rapes, some by police, were left unreported. If the women made it to the hospital at all, the medical staff often did not report the crime to authorities. OUTCOMES: There must be more Aboriginal safe houses available to Aboriginal women in abusive situations. Aboriginal women are already facing a life altering challenge; offering women non-Aboriginal safe houses isolates them from their culture and traditional way of life. Aboriginal women need to be healed by other Aboriginal women in a safe and culturally inviting environment. There is enough domestic violence among Aboriginal communities to make Aboriginal Safe Houses a reality. The RCMP and local police authorities need further education and sensitivity training with regard to Aboriginal women. This type of training needs to be mirrored in the judicial system that many women feel sides with Aboriginal men in custody suits, divorce law and domestic violence. Medical staff also require a mandatory training program to alert them to the environments from which some of these Aboriginal women are coming and the historic and social factors that have led them to this situation. Children need educational dialogue in their schools that teaches them that violence is not acceptable. Programmes need to be implemented that will allow children to report domestic violence without facing repercussions at home for themselves or their mothers. There is a need for Aboriginal violence telephone help lines that are staffed by Aboriginal women who are familiar with Aboriginal cultures and traditions, and who can help women navigate the maze of programs and services to find appropriate assistance for themselves and their children. MISSING WOMEN Following is a summary of themes and comments that emerged from the Roundtables on the topic of Missing Women. Two of the Roundtable discussions were held in regions of British Columbia where the health and lives of Aboriginal women are particularly threatened. The Downtown East Side of Vancouver is the poorest neighbourhood in Canada and is home to thousands of Aboriginal women facing a variety of social challenges, including substance abuse, sex trade work and physical and emotional violence. It is also home to an alleged serial murderer who targeted these types of women. There is outrage among Aboriginal women that despite numerous reports of missing women, their pleas were mostly unheeded by the authorities. Aboriginal women have disappeared along the Highway 16 corridor between Prince George and Prince Rupert, now known as the Highway of Tears. Many Roundtable participants felt that the RCMP did not investigate reports of missing women to anyone’s satisfaction. OUTCOMES: Exit strategies need to be introduced that will assist Aboriginal women on a path to recovery from substance abuse. Long-term support services need to be in place in order to ensure that a relapse does not happen. First step addiction/recovery centres need to be accessible in the neighbourhoods where women with addictions are living. Aboriginal women’s telephone help lines that are operated by Aboriginal women who can assist them with issues like substance abuse, domestic violence and sex trade work. EQUALITY EMPOWERMENT WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP Following is a summary of themes and comments that emerged from the Roundtables on the topic of Women in Leadership. There are very few Aboriginal women leaders. Just as contemporary Aboriginal leaders express that non-Aboriginal people should not make decisions for Aboriginal people; many Aboriginal women feel that Aboriginal male leaders should not make decisions for Aboriginal women. Moreover, many Roundtable participants feel that Aboriginal political leaders have excluded women from inner circles of politics at the band level and up. To date, Aboriginal women have not had an organized voice to combat the neglect of the past. One such example was overturned in the early 1980’s when a section of the Indian Act meant that Aboriginal women who married non-Aboriginal men were stripped of their legal Indian status, as were their children. Aboriginal men who married non-Aboriginal women not only retained their status, but Indian status was granted to their wives. This unfair law was overturned in 1983, when Indian status was given back to women, pending acceptance by their band. However, because of Section 6 of Bill C-31, the women still hold classifications that prevent their descendants from receiving the Indian status to which they should be entitled. Another example refers back to the real property matrimonial rights unfairly siding with men, leaving Aboriginal women with no rights to real property on reserve. Because of the low numbers of Aboriginal women in leadership positions, Aboriginal women often lack advocacy on their behalf for their property rights on reserve. OUTCOMES The creation of a BC Aboriginal Women’s Council that would work expressly to further the positive evolution of Aboriginal women’s issues. The BC Aboriginal Women’s Council would also foster the positive development and encouragement of young Native Women into future leadership roles. The repeal of Section 6 of Bill C-31 that would return rightful status to Aboriginal women and their children. The children of a status Indian woman can pass on status to their children only if they marry registered Indians, whereas the grandchildren of a status male will have full status, despite the fact that one of their parents may not have status. Those non-entitled to registration are expected to begin to outnumber those entitled to registration in about three generations, with no further children entitled to registration in about six generations. About 70% of "Bill C-31 induced" growth has occurred off reserve. EMPLOYMENT FOR WOMEN Following is a summary of themes and comments that emerged from the Roundtables on the topic of Employment for Women. Many Aboriginal women are still fighting for entry-level jobs in a labour market that very rarely sees Aboriginal women in management positions. Preferential hiring of Aboriginal people in Aboriginal organisations is an aid to some Aboriginal women; however, many Aboriginal organisations are still headed by men. Access to education is directly proportional to employability among Aboriginal women. In order to have adequate access, Aboriginal women need support throughout elementary and secondary school to earn the necessary pre-requisites for college and university. Having children at an early age can hinder some women in attending school, college or university. Unemployment numbers continue to grow as access to affordable childcare decreases. OUTCOMES: Analysis of existing labour laws that allow for preferential hiring of Aboriginal people by Aboriginal organisations to determine if this is an effective means by which to promote employment of Aboriginal women. Review childcare barriers to both furthering education and employment that may be unique to Aboriginal women including transportation, seclusion and daycare availability. Review of the existing school system and its preparation of Aboriginal women for college and university. A greater emphasis should be placed on trades, as there are many women that could do and are doing these jobs on reserve. Greater access to online learning and distance education would help women access Adult Basic Education as well as post secondary schools. Sex education, such as understanding the consequences of teenage pregnancy and the impact of having children at an early age will have on a young person’s ability to provide for themselves. REUNITING CHILDREN WITH THEIR MOTHERS Following is a summary of themes and comments that emerged from the Roundtables on the topic of Reuniting Children with Their Mothers. Although some may view this issue within the scope of health, the idea of mothers not raising their own children becomes an issue of empowerment. For many women, their children help to define who they are and the purpose they serve in the community. When children are apprehended from the home and placed in care, there is part of the woman that is undermined. There was great discussion around children being removed from their homes with two schools of thought; first, if the child is in an unsafe environment then the courts have a duty to that child to protect him or her even if that means ordering an apprehension. The second school of thought is that children are not being adequately cared for because parents do not know how to care for the child, just as their parents did not know how to care for them. By removing children from their homes, the courts are only perpetuating the generational effects of residential school and colonisation. The government removing an entire generation from their home upsets the continuity of a family for decades to come. Discussion surrounding the philosophy of the residential school syndrome and the 60’s scoop provided a series of subsequent debates and issues. The concept of a government assuming the role of a parent is wrong. This concept is especially troubling for Aboriginal populations who are still recovering from when the government took their children away to residential school and through the 60’s Scoop. There are currently more children in care in BC than children in residential school at the height of the residential school era. OUTCOMES: Support services need to be in place that include pre-natal health classes and parenting classes, and continue after the birth of the baby. An Aboriginal parents’ telephone hotline that will serve as a resource for parents experiencing particularly difficult times. ABORIGINAL FOSTER CARE Following is a summary of themes and comments that emerged from the Roundtables on the topic of Aboriginal Foster Care. Many participants feel that the province of British Columbia is lacking quality Aboriginal foster care homes and is further traumatising these displaced children by isolating them from their culture. When an Aboriginal foster home comes available, an Aboriginal child in need of care will be sent to that home first no matter how far that is from the mother. This creates a large barrier for the mother who has to meet Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD) requirements for the return of her children and find the time and resources to see her children. OUTCOMES: MCFD should provide a Cultural Care Plan for Aboriginal children who are forced into a care situation and are not able to be placed with an Aboriginal family. There needs to be a campaign targeting healthy Aboriginal families to encourage them to become foster parents. The approval process for Aboriginal foster parents needs to be promoted as well as streamlined. MCFD needs to set targets for Aboriginal foster parents for each region and actively seek Aboriginal foster homes. GRANDPARENTING Following is a summary of themes and comments that emerged from the Roundtables on the topic of Grandparenting. It is a reality that some Aboriginal grandparents are taking care of their grandchildren when their children are unable to do so. While grandparents traditionally are very involved with raising their grandchildren, many caretaking situations are highly stressful for the grandparents. In addition, some grandparents lack parenting skills as a result of their experience of residential school and the 60’s scoop. MCFD assists non-related foster parents with all the means necessary to assist in the childrearing; it should review how it could more adequately assist grandparents in raising their grandchildren. Home support, respite care and financial aid would greatly aid grandparents. The grandparents should receive support and be given the same benefits and status as a foster parent. OUTCOME: Ministry supported programs that assist grandparents in parenting their grandchildren ranging from financial support to respite care, transportation logistics and recreational inclusion. STRENGTH BALANCE HONOUR REBUILDING COMMUNITY Following is a summary of themes and comments that emerged from the Roundtables on the topic of Rebuilding Community. Women operate at the highest capacity when they feel as though they belong to a community of like-minded individuals. Aboriginal women have traditionally worked together for the betterment of their community and diminishing this role makes Aboriginal women feel disconnected from their culture. It is important to Aboriginal women as well as the future of their people to feel proud of who they are. Aboriginal women need to find a way to create that sense of community again. There was considerable discussion about loss of identity among Aboriginal women. Women living away from their reservations (if they are from a reservation) can feel disconnected from their culture. The empowerment of women can only happen by women, for women. OUTCOMES: Establishment of various Healing Lodges around the province that are operated by Aboriginal women and are a place that Aboriginal women can receive services or come to heal. This would be a building that serves as meeting place for women who want or need a link to their community. The further promotion and establishment of Aboriginal women’s roundtables that provide an opportunity for women to speak openly and honestly about their current situations and to know that other women are experiencing the same challenges or successes. Aboriginal women need assurance that governments will be listening to their concerns and making positive legislative and policy decisions. Rediscovery camps that allow families to become closer to their lands, cultures and languages. The teaching of medicine and traditional arts also strengthen women and their families. We also need more language programmes available to women and children. CONCLUSION Traditionally, Aboriginal women have held a position of authority and power within their communities. Colonisation, residential schools and the Indian Act have greatly diminished this role. Many Roundtable Participants felt that these institutions had also turned Aboriginal men against their own women by implementing sexist laws and poor accountability structures giving women few options. Aboriginal women deserve to be safe, healthy and respected and they will continue to organise until their voice is heard. The Aboriginal Women’s Provincial Roundtable discussions, hosted by the United Native Nations in cooperation with the Pacific Association of First Nations Women, are another step in the direction of equality. The Aboriginal women who participated and offered insight into their realities deserve to see the outcomes that they have requested; a woman’s voice must not only be heard but also acted upon. Heeding the advice of Aboriginal women means bravely addressing their expressed concerns now. This plan must be results based and should be reviewed and updated annually in cooperation with Aboriginal women. An Aboriginal Women’s Council is an ideal lead in ensuring recommendations are fulfilled. ABORIGINAL WOMEN’S PROVINCIAL ROUNDTABLE PAGE PAGE 19 PAGE 6 PAGE 1 Health Safety Wellness Equality Empowerment Strength Balance Culture Province-wide dialogue sessions with Aboriginal Women hosted by the UNITED NATIVE NATIONS in cooperation with the Pacific Association of First Nations Women and funded by the Ministry of Community Services. May 2007 Provincial Roundtable on Aboriginal Women’s Issues