Winnipeg/CMEDIA: Manitoba’s new legislation reportedly Bill 44 is now in effect which formalizes the role of the Matriarch Circle in government to ensure women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse Manitobans are represented, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for women and gender equity, announced today.
“Bill 44, the Matriarch Circle Act, recognizes the profound contributions of the matriarchs in Manitoba…a profound impact in the lives of women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse individuals…in the growth, development and continued prosperity of our province for everyone,” said Fontaine
An advisory body that provides the Manitoba government with advice and vision to empower and benefit women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse individuals, The Matriarch Circle works to identify key priorities and recommend strategic approaches in alignment with the mandate of Women and Gender Equity Manitoba.
Also included in The Matriarch Circles is the representation from accomplished Afro-Indigenous, Anishinaabe, Anisininew, Cree, Dakota, Dene, Inuit and Métis women, youth and gender-diverse relatives.
In recognition of the importance of maintaining a strong connection to identity, culture and tradition, the minister noted that the Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act has also been amended as part of Bill 44 to proclaim Jan. 4 as Ribbon Skirt Day.
Besides empowering Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse relatives, this change will also facilitate their right to exercise their cultural expression and celebrate their empowerment, strength and resilience.
“Ribbon skirts are an active statement of courage…Bill 44 protects practices that have sustained generations of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse relatives…respect the pre-existing relationships to land and place that have existed long before settler contact,” said Fontaine
While affirming calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Bill 44 also emphasize the importance of maintaining their unique and distinct cultural practices and languages as well as protecting the inherent rights of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse relatives.
As Canada’s first province, Manitoba has passed legislation to respect for the long-standing sacred relationships, connections and practices cultivated by Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit members and gender-diverse relatives, the minister said.
