National Indigenous Day sees creation of new council

Issues affecting Indigenous Women will be the focus of a new council created as part of National
Indigenous Day.
The new Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council made up of female First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and
LGBTQ2S leaders was announced by the Ontario government as part of the celebrations yesterday.
The Council will be co-chaired by Cora-lee McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director of the Ontario Native
Women’s Association with another co-chair coming on board in July.
The women will provide input on child, youth and family well-being, human trafficking and other issues
affecting women in Indigenous communities.
Other members of the Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council include:
Sylvia Maracle, Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres
Sandra Montour, Six Nations of the Grand River
Lyndia Jones, Independent First Nations
Jennifer St. Germain, Métis Nation of Ontario
Teresa Sutherland, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Amanda Kilabuk, Tungasuvvingat Inuit
Marina Plain, Union of Ontario Indians/Anishinabek Nation
Tracy Antone, Chiefs of Ontario
“I’m honoured to accept this position and work with our Indigenous partners and the Ontario
government. It will take everyone working together to address issues of gender-based violence and
systemic racism,” said Cora-lee McGuire-Cyrette, Council Co- Chair and Executive Director of the Ontario
Native Women’s Association. “I want to thank Associate Minister Jill Dunlop for this opportunity and her
leadership in making this space possible. The Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council is building on the
foundational work the province has been leading and the work of the Council is critical to ensuring the
issues Indigenous Women face daily will be a priority.”
“I’m pleased Cora-lee McGuire-Cyrette has agreed to provide her leadership and expertise and I look
forward to hearing the voices of these incredible individuals on how we can work together to prevent
violence in all its forms,” said Minister Dunlop.
“Indigenous women, communities and organizations have been working tirelessly to address violence
against Indigenous women, and the knowledge and expertise of the Council will be instrumental in
ensuring our province’s continued response is effective and collaborative,” said Greg Rickford, Minister
of Indigenous Affairs.