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The Manitoba government has inaugurated its first Matriarch Circle, an initiative aimed at bolstering the protection and well-being of Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. Announced by Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, this assembly draws together prominent matriarchs from across the province.
Activist and Unifor Indigenous Relations Officer Gina Smoke was invited to be part of the group of fifteen matriarchs, two “grandmothers/knowledge keepers” and a youth representative.
"Being part of the Matriarch Circle is not just an honor; it's a profound responsibility. We're here to ensure that the voices of Indigenous women and gender-diverse people are not just heard but are at the forefront of discussions about empowerment, safety and justice," she said.
Unifor's National President Lana Payne praised the establishment of the Circle: "The Matriarch Circle is a critical step forward in the fight for justice and safety for Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. Unifor is incredibly proud of Gina Smoke's involvement and enthusiastically supports the Circle's mission."
The Circle is composed of a diverse array of Manitobans, including Afro-Indigenous, Anishinaabe, Cree, Dakota, Dene, Inuit, and Métis women, youth, and gender-diverse individuals. The matriarchs bring together invaluable experience from various fields such as justice, health, and social services, and are united in their commitment to MMIWG2S+.
During meetings aligned with the summer and winter solstices, the Circle's work will focus on identifying priorities and formulating strategic approaches to address them. The Matriarch Circle comes alongside the NDP government’s appointment of a special advisor on Indigenous women's issues.
