Bill C-31 Backer Picked As NWAC President

Bill C-31 Backer Picked As NWAC President

Monday, September 28, 2009 at 12:44

The Native Women’s Association of Canada has chosen a long-time activist for First Nations women as its new president.

Jeannette Corbiere Lavell was elected Sunday afternoon, beating former association president Marilyn Buffalo on a second ballot.

In the 1970s, Corbiere Lavell was at the forefront of a groundbreaking court case that led to Bill C-31 — which restored Indian status to women who, like her, had married non-Native men.

She is a founding member of the Ontario Native Women’s Association, and has volunteered as NWAC’s interim president in the past.

She is also the first Anishanabek Nation Commissioner on Citizenship, and co-authored a book on issues facing Aboriginal mothers.

Outgoing president Beverley Jacobs did not run this year, as she is now pursuing Ph.D. studies at the University of Calgary.