Nomination Call for The Strength of Our Women Awards Gala
Press Release
June 9, 2016
(Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatoon, SK) — On behalf of the Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Executive is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Strength of Our Women Awards Gala. The gala will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at TCU Place in Saskatoon.
“This is a very special night dedicated to acknowledging the contributions and achievements of First Nations women and girls,” said FSIN Vice Chief Heather Bear. “Last September, twenty outstanding women and girls were honoured. Nine as matriarchs and eleven as leaders and change-makers in various sectors. In total, 43 amazing women were nominated, acknowledged and recognized.”
Nominations for this year’s gala will be open until noon on Friday, August 12, 2016 in the following categories: Arts and Entertainment, Business, Culture and Spirituality, Education, Environment, Health and Wellness, Law and Justice, Leadership and Advocacy, Lifetime Achievement, Matriarch, Sports, and Youth. Proceeds from the Strength of our Women Awards Gala are dedicated to supporting the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and other related strategies.
“As women in leadership, as Chiefs of our Nations and members of the Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission, we are committed to restoring and revitalizing the significant roles First Nations women have in their homes, communities, and nations,” said Okanese First Nation Chief Marie Anne Day Walker-Pelletier. “We are very concerned about the high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Saskatchewan and the families that have been left to mourn.”
“With the proceeds from the gala held last September, we have been able to support families during the federal government’s pre-inquiry consultation process,” said Vice Chief Heather Bear. “They live with profound grief but their strength and resilience is incredible. We invite all First Nations, the public and private sectors, media, and individual citizens to support this important event. Together we can change how society views First Nations women and girls and work towards ending the violence.”
Nomination packages can be found here and there is also a Strength of Our Women page on Facebook where updates will be posted leading up to and following the event.
The FSIN represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.
FSIN Communications
Mervin Brass
mervin.brass@fsin.com
Phone: 306.665.1215
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