The theme of International Women’s Day for 2025 is “Accelerate Action.” This year’s theme highlights the urgent need to drive gender equality through bold, decisive actions rather than slow progress.
As Chief, I often hear comments about being the first female Chief of Qalipu First Nation. While this is something I am extremely proud of, I try my best to focus on being the right person for the role. One of my favourite quotes makes me reflect on my position and its significance:
“I stand on the sacrifices of a million women before me, thinking what can I do to make this mountain taller, so the women after me can see farther.”
I am humbled and grateful for the women who paved the way for me.
I grew up in a family that relied heavily on our skills and knowledge of our surroundings to meet our needs. My parents built our home; we had gardens, hunted, fished, repaired our own vehicles, and even did our own sewing. As a child, I saw my mother carry wood, bake bread, plaster walls, and, to this day, catch the biggest fish. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized gender roles didn’t really exist in our household. If something needed to be done, you did it—there was no such thing as “that’s only for boys or girls.” I have come to deeply appreciate my upbringing for this reason. The many teachings my parents shared with me equipped me to challenge society’s views on gender roles and eventually pursue non-traditional work environments such as skilled trades—and now, my role as your Chief.
With the recent resignation of our Premier, many of us are wondering what’s next. Since Confederation, and even before that, the Indigenous people of this province have had a complex relationship with all levels of government. Indigenous governments are seeing more diversity around our council tables, and we hope for the same in our provincial and federal governments. Diversity brings a variety of perspectives and helps us serve our communities more effectively. Our next Premier and Prime Minister must stand for and support diversity and inclusion. We cannot go back.
Our own council has seen an increase in female representation with each term, and we have worked collectively to update policies to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment for all.
Each of us knows a female leader—she may be your mother, your auntie, your daughter, or your government representative. In our community, we are proud of the women who have taken on roles such as Senators, Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers, Entrepreneurs, and, most importantly, carriers of our traditional knowledge. When we support one another, we build strong leaders for tomorrow.
On this International Women’s Day, let us all uplift the women who are breaking down barriers and paving the way for our future—and, most importantly, those who have yet to realize their strength. Let us stand tall and proud on the shoulders of our ancestors.
Here’s to strong Mi’kmaq women; may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.
Relevant Links:
Women’s History in Canada – Government of Canada
Marking International Women’s Day – Statistics Canada