Women are the backbone of the community, which is something men don’t always recognize in Nishnawbe Aski Nation, says NAN Women’s Council spokeswoman.
“Women are not appreciated a lot of times,” said Jackie Fletcher. “We can tell that by statistics of violence against women. We need to come together and talk about how we are good people. We do good things.”
NAN Women’s Council kicked off a three-day women’s conference at the Best Western Nor’wester Plus Hotel and Conference Centre Friday. This year’s theme is Exploring our Past, Present and Future.
Fletcher said they’ve been hosting the conference annually since 2004 and they always try to deliver the message to the participants to stay positive, keep moving on and build capacity wherever they can.
The key is keeping a positive attitude, she said.
“I’m 67 years old and I live a positive life,” she said, adding it’s all about the law of attraction – whatever you put into the universe, will come back to you.
“The more positive you stay, the more positive comes back to you. I know. I’m a witness to that,” said Fletcher.
Day 1 of the conference focused on the past, the contact experience, and will include a variety of traditional cultural activities at Fort William Historical Park.
Day 2 will look at the present, the post-colonial experience, and will examine the roles of women through gender equality and leadership.
Day 3 will focus on the future including healing, the revitalization of culture, and planning for the next seven generations.
