Women Making Gains In First Nations Politics

Women Making Gains In First Nations Politics

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 14:23

Communities are recognizing women to take a lead role in First Nations politics, according to a long-standing chief.

Chief Mary Anne Daywalker-Pelletier is entering her 28th year as chief of Okanese.

She says communities see that women can take on issues that men haven’t always addressed — including challenges faced by children, youth and families.

Daywalker-Pelletier says women seem to have a better handle on these issues, because they’re more compassionate than their male counterparts.

According to the Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission, there are 15 female chiefs in the province and 110 female band councillors.

Daywalker-Pelletier spoke at the Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Leadership Assembly held in Saskatoon yesterday.