Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council meets in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
The Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council met this week in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. During the meeting, council members, presenters and other participants talked about key challenges affecting Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people, including issues related to culture, health and wellness, justice and personal safety.
Discussions focused on why Indigenous people are overrepresented in the justice system, and how this is linked to intergenerational trauma, mental health challenges, addictions and a lack of access to culturally appropriate supports.
In addition, conversations included the social, economic and cultural impacts of the Lower Churchill development on Indigenous communities. Reconciliation Council members hope to ensure that development initiatives advance reconciliation and contribute to long-term community wellness.
During the meeting there were also presentations on housing insecurity and homelessness, which focused on safe and stable Indigenous-led housing initiatives, drawing an alignment with housing as a critical determinant of health and well-being for Indigenous peoples.
Established in 2022, the Reconciliation Council supports efforts related to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people. The Reconciliation Council was proposed by the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee as a foundational component of their report, Hear Our Voices: MMIWG Policy Recommendations of the First Women of Newfoundland and Labrador.