As we marked International Women’s Day, I have been thinking a lot about the strong women in my family and community, the women who shaped me, guided me, and helped me become the person I am today.

My own mother is not Mi’kmaq, she is of English descent. In her life, she has faced her share of challenges, but she has always met them with optimism and grace. She never speaks poorly of others, and she taught me early on that if you have nothing good to say, it is better to say nothing at all. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I want to honour her and extend that gratitude to all women who turn harsh conditions into loving spaces, women who hold families together, who lead with compassion, and who carry strength quietly and powerfully.

I am a mother of three, a daughter, a sister, and your Chief. These roles are among the greatest honours of my life. Like other women serving as Chiefs across the country, I work every day to balance family life with leadership. I believe many of us do this well because of the maternal instincts we carry, the ability to multitask, to nurture, to protect, and to build.

This week, I had the honour to gather with some other female leaders as we participated in three days of training for First Nations Women’s Economic Empowerment and Leadership and attend a Fireside Chat with National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and Minister Mandy Gull Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada.

One of the most meaningful moments of the gathering was bearing witness to a variety of First Nations artifacts returned from the Vatican Museums being uncrated. Seeing these items being carefully opened and prepared for their return to Indigenous communities was a powerful experience.

Across the country, Indigenous women are taking their rightful place at leadership tables. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Regional Chief Andrea Paul in Nova Scotia, Regional Chief Joanna Bernard in New Brunswick, and so many others are showing what strong, grounded leadership looks like. Here at home, our own Nation reflects that balance: seven members of Council, including myself and Vice Chief Colleen, are female, working alongside our male councillors for the good of our people. Gender does not define our ability to do our work, but having varied perspectives and experiences is essential to informed decision making.

We know a balanced and gender diverse approach has not always been possible. The Indian Act once prohibited women from leadership entirely. It was not until 1951 that First Nations women regained the right to vote and run for office. Even today, women make up approximately 30% of Chiefs at the Assembly, just this week the total was counted at 166. We have come a long way, but there is still work to do.

This year’s theme, Give to Gain, speaks to something our communities have always understood. When we give our time, our knowledge, our support, we gain stronger families, stronger Nations, and stronger futures. Reciprocity is at the heart of who we are. When we lift women up, we lift entire communities. Today, and every day, we celebrate our matriarchs, past, present and future.

Press Release from AFN: https://afn.ca/all-news/press-releases/assembly-of-first-nations-national-chief-unveils-first-nations-items-returned-from-vatican-museum-archives/