Native Women's Association of Canada
Encyclopedia : N : NA : NAT : Native Women's Association of Canada
The Native Women's Association of Canada, or NWAC, is an organization in Canada that represents Aboriginal women, particularly First Nations and Métis women.Native Women's Association of Canada, "[About Us]," URL accessed 15 July 2006. Inuit women are represented by the separate organization, Pauktuutit.
NWAC was founded in 1974 as a union of 13 Aboriginal women's groups, with the goals of preserving Aboriginal culture, achieving equal opportunity for Aboriginal women, and having a role in shaping legislation relevant to Aboriginal women. NWAC is led by a president and board of directors, who cooperate and exchange information with local organizations.Native Women's Association of Canada, "[NWAC Structure]," URL accessed 15 July 2006. Since 2004, the president has been Beverley Jacobs, who has visited many communities and spoken against physical abuse of women.Native Women's Association of Canada, "[President's Bio]," URL accessed 15 July 2006. Meanwhile, the Board studies the actions of the President and local organizations and makes reccomendations.Native Women's Association of Canada, "[Board of Directors]," URL accessed 15 July 2006.
In 1992, when the Charlottetown Accord was being negotiated, the federal government included four Aboriginal groups in negotiations and gave them money. NWAC, which was not included, alleged the four groups primarily represented Aboriginal men and launched a court challenge for representation, claiming to have been denied rights to freedom of expression under section 2 and sexual equality under section 28 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In the case of Native Women's Association of Canada v. Canada (1994), the Supreme Court of Canada found against NWAC.
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