Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Women’s Council Issues Statement in Honour of International Women’s Day

Press Release

The Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Women’s Council (FNWC) and newly elected Chief, Tesha Rourke, have released the following statement regarding International Women’s Day:

“With ‘Accelerate Action’ as the 2025 theme for International Women’s Day, March 8, we are reminded of the need to advance gender equity in Leadership and governance. As First Nations women, we continue to reclaim our roles and accelerate the restoration of balance within our communities,” said the Council.

Tesha Rourke is a recently elected Chief for Tsi Snaíhne District of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and a new member of the Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Women’s Council. Chief Rourke stresses the importance of celebrating our women Chiefs as we strive to restore the balance of women in Leadership roles.

“Stepping into this role, to me, represents the continuation of our ancestors’ strength, resilience, and wisdom. It is both a responsibility and an opportunity—to ensure that our governance reflects the knowledge and leadership that women have always carried, and to inspire the next generation to step forward with confidence” says Chief Tesha Rourke.

Many First Nations have matriarchal traditions, with women historically holding leadership roles. However, colonization and the Indian Act disrupted these governance systems.

According to the Government of Canada, “Indigenous Services Canada said from 2012 to 2022, the number of female chiefs has gone up to 24 percent from 18 percent and the number of female band council members has risen to 31 percent from 29 percent. It says the numbers are an estimate based on what’s reported by electoral officers and does not include First Nations councils that govern themselves outside the Indian Act.”

Chief Rourke emphasizes that today is a day to honour the incredible women past, present, and future. “Every day, we rise, we lead, and we prove our resilience and strength. We are grounded. We are medicine. We are the force that creates a positive shift. Empowered women empower women. Happy International Women’s Day.”

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario

Media Contact:

Isak Vaillancourt

Communications Manager

Chiefs of Ontario

Telephone: 416-819-8184

Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org

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