Indigenous Women Assemble in St. John’s for Annual Gathering and Reconciliation Council Meeting
Press Release
January 16, 2026
The Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer, Minister of Women and Gender Equality, and the Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, attended the 21st annual Provincial Indigenous Women’s Gathering, and a meeting of the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council, this week in St. John’s.
The Gathering is organized by the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee and was hosted this year by the group Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities.
The Gathering provides an opportunity for Indigenous women from throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to connect, share experiences, current realities, future aspirations, and to identify measures necessary to aid in the improvement of the quality of life within their communities. Funding for this event is provided annually by the Office of Women and Gender Equality.
This year’s Gathering focused on navigating the healthcare system. There was also a presentation from the Journey Project, as well as traditional Indigenous ceremonies, and a drumming circle.
The Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council was established in 2022 to support efforts related to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people. The creation of the council was proposed to government in July 2022 by the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee as a foundational component of their report, Hear Our Voices: MMIWG Policy Recommendations of the First Women of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The council coordinates and leads meaningful action to address existing challenges and obstacles in the areas of culture, health and wellness, justice and human security, that impact Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people.
Discussions at the Reconciliation Council meeting focused on Provincial Government funding to Indigenous Governments and Organizations; the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People; and progress on implementation of the 196 recommendations from the Hear Our Voices Report, to address and prevent systemic violence against Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people. The group also discussed housing issues in Indigenous communities, and the potential impacts that industrial development will have on Indigenous communities.
Quotes
“We cannot change the past, but we can work together to build a future rooted in respect, equality and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people throughout our province. When they are supported, entire communities are strengthened, cultures are protected, and future generations are empowered.”
Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer
Minister of Women and Gender Equality
“I have spent much of my career advocating and working for Indigenous peoples. As Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, I will continue that work and ensure the voices of Indigenous women are heard and considered in government decision making.”
Honourable Lela Evans
Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Minister of Health and Community Services
“Our commitment to reconciliation in Newfoundland and Labrador is rooted in listening, accountability and working together with government, as Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit peoples towards justice and healing for present and future generations.”
Dr. Odelle Pike
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council
Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee
“Respect and equality are very important to the Indigenous women of Labrador, and I look forward to working with Minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer and Minister Lela Evans to ensure that we have this.”
Charlotte Wolfrey
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council
Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee
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National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence
Office of Women and Gender Equality
Office of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
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