Resources for Women

Missing Persons at Risk Toolkit
Ka Ni Kanichihk has worked with the families of missing loved ones to produce a wealth of information to help others search for their missing family members.  The toolkit is available for download at www.kanikanichihk.ca.  For more information on the toolkit, e-mail: admin@kanikanichihk.ca

Aboriginal Organizations in Manitoba (2008)
This is a comprehensive listing of Manitoba organizations and programs organized for/by First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. Also included are many organizations and programs not specifically organized for Aboriginal people, but are used by them.  The listing was compiled by the Aborignal Friendship Commitee of Fort Garry United Church in Winnipeg.  View it online at : www.edu.gov.mb.ca/aed/ab_organizations.pdf.

Report on the 2011 Western Regional Forum on Supporting Families of Missing Persons (2011): The Western Regional Forum on Supporting Families of Missing Persons brought together over 60 government and community stakeholders to facilitate awareness and discussion on addressing gaps and improving coordination of supports for families of missing persons. This document provides general information about missing persons issues in Canada as well as more specific information regarding issues in western regions. Included is a synopsis of the Forum, including resulting outcomes and recommendations. View Report Here

Stopping Violence Against Aboriginal Women: Summary of Root Causes, Vulnerabilities and Recommendations from Key Literature (2011):
Based on an analysis of key symposium, conference and research reports on the issue of violence against Aboriginal women and girls, this report provides an overview of the root causes of and vulnerabilities associated with such violence, and a synthesis of recommendations for addressing the issue. View Report Here

Profile of Métis Health Status and Healthcare Utilization in Manitoba: A Population-Based Study (2010) This collaborative study between Manitoba Health, Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (MCHP) and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) examines the health of the Métis population of Manitoba with indicators such as physical illness, hospital services, educational success, and the use of social services. There are some good findings and some that are troubling. Download the report at: www.mchp-appserv.cpe.umanitoba.ca/deliverablesList.html

The Income Gap between Aboriginal Peoples and the Rest of Canada (2010).
This study examines data from the three most recent Canadian censuses in an effort to measure the income gap between Aboriginal people and the rest of Canada. Researchers recognize that an income disparity between Aboriginals and other Canadians still persists despite a rapid growth in the level of education attainment for Aboriginals. The findings of this study support the feasibility of eliminating the income wage gap between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals in Canada. Find this study online at http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/attachments/4728_Aboriginal-Income-Gap.pdf

State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (2009).
Indigenous peoples share common traits and confront recurring experiences of vulnerability regardless of their geographic location or cultural associations. This United Nations document provides an in depth description of the concerns unique to Indigenous peoples, such as globalization and militarism. http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/SOWIP_web.pdf

Aboriginal Children’s Health: Leaving No Child Behind (2009).
This report utilizes the perspectives of experts from across Canada for an investigation on the health status of Aboriginal children in Canada. Specific policy actions aimed at addressing health inequalities experienced by Aboriginal children are also discussed.www.nccah-ccnsa.ca/27/Child_and_Youth_Health.nccah

Preventing Aboriginal Youth Gang Involvement in Canada: A Gendered Approach (2009).
This report offers a gendered examination of Aboriginal youth gang participation. Strategies aimed at preventing gang involvement are described and critically analyzed. Gender responsive prevention models are suggested to be the most effective tool because they allow for the needs of young women and men to be addressed distinctively. Access this report at http://www.nwac-hq.org/sites/default/files/reports/TottenAPRCGangGenderpaperFeb2609.pdf

The State of Aboriginal Learning in Canada: A Holistic Approach To Measuring Success (2009).
While past measurement approaches focused on the difference in educational accomplishments of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth. The State of Aboriginal Learning in Canada: A Holistic Approach to Measuring Success is the first measurement approach to reflect the needs and aspirations specific to Aboriginal people. http://caid.ca/StaAboLea2009.pdf

Indigenous Children's Health Report: Health Assessment in Action (2009).
This report outlines what researchers know about the health of Indigenous children in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. An assessment of public health data reveals a considerable disparity in the quality of health enjoyed by Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth. This report explains how data can be used to formulate future policy initiatives aimed at improving the health of Indigenous children. http://caid.ca/IndChiHeaRep2009.pdf

Young Aboriginal Mothers in Winnipeg (2009).
This study conducted by Prairie Women’s Health Centre of Excellence aims to generate a practical policy response to Aboriginal teen pregnancy. The young women’s unique outlook on issues relating to pregnancy is presented and suggestions on how to more effectively meet the needs of pregnant Aboriginal youth is offered. http://www.pwhce.ca/pdf/YoungAboriginalMothersInWinnipeg.pdf

Amnesty International releases report No More Stolen Sisters:
A new report titled No More Stolen Sisters: The Need for a Comprehensive Response to Discrimination and Violence against Indigenous Women in Canada follows up their 2004 Stolen Sisters report, by providing updated research and analysis on the issue of missing and murdered women in Canada from a human rights perspective. http://www.amnesty.ca/amnestynews/upload/AMR200122009.pdf

Trafficking of Aboriginal Women and Girls in Canada (2009).
This article discusses the particular ways in which Aboriginal women and girls in the Prairie Provinces are recruited into the sex trade by third parties under exploitative circumstances and the ways in which these acts fit within the definition of "trafficking in persons" in Canadian criminal law. http://iog.ca/sites/iog/files/2009_trafficking_of_aboriginal_women.pdf

A Guide to Winnipeg for Aboriginal Newcomers (2009).
Check out this practical guide for tips on finding housing, transportation, shopping, and supports for families and elders. Produced by Partners@510 Selkirk. A program of Partners for Careers. Download the Guide here.

Jumping Through Hoops (2008).
This Manitoba study examines the experiences and reflections of Aboriginal mothers involved with child welfare and legal systems respecting child protection matters. This report was prepared for Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc. and the Steering Committee of the Family Court Diversion Project in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Download the report at http://www.cwrp.ca/publications/1129

Voices of Our Sisters In Spirit: A Research and Policy Report to Families and Communities (2009).
This second edition report by Native Women’s Association of Canada summarizes information gained through interviews with participating families about their missing or murdered loved ones, as well as demographic and statistical research. This report is available online at http://www.owhn.on.ca/pdfs/Voices%20FINAL.pdf

Pitawik: A Manitoba Strategy Manitoba First Nations, Métis and Inuit Women (2008).
Arising out of the first National Aboriginal Women’s Summit (NAWS 1), the Pitawik report is the result of a meeting that brought together 23 respected Aboriginal women with demonstrated community leadership and involvement, and representatives from various government departments, to talk about successes, current efforts and future expectations for change within the community. Download the report here.

NWAC develops culturally relevant gender based analysis Aboriginal women (2008):
Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) released a policy paper on gender-based analysis that is culturally specific to considering the lives of Aboriginal women. http://www.cwhn.ca/en/node/39370

Aboriginal women developing gender-based analysis (2007):
This report documents a dialogue that took place to develop a culturally appropriate method of gender-based analysis for policies that affect Aboriginal women. It asks Aboriginal women how they would want to reframe gender-based analysis to work for them and their communities. http://www.nwac-hq.org/programs/culturally-relevant-gender-analysis

First Peoples Child & Family Review Here you will find an online interdisciplinary journal with innovative research, policies and practices in the field of child and family issues and best practices in Aboriginal Child Welfare Administration. You can access the journal at www.fncaringsociety.com/publications/online-journal/current-issue. For information on contributing to the First Peoples Journal as an author or reviewer, visit: www.fncaringsociety.com or e-mail the coordinating editor at mbennett@fncfs.com

Inuit Women's Action Plan (released 2006):
The Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada recently released Keepers of the Light: Inuit Women's Action Plan which outlines Pauktuutit's vision for a strengthened partnership between Canadian Inuit women and the Government of Canada. The Action Plan is accessible on the Pauktuutit website: http://www.pauktuutit.ca/pdf/publications/pauktuutit/KeepersOfTheLight_e.pdf

Funding for missing Aboriginal women (2005):
In November 2005, the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) received five million dollars over five years for its Sisters in Spirit initiative to address the racialized and sexualized violence against Aboriginal women across Canada. Amnesty International's report, Stolen Sisters: Discrimination and Violence against Indigenous Women in Canada, reinforced the need for a national initiative to address brutal, racialized, sexualized violence against Aboriginal women in Canada. The next steps are to invest in research, public education and policy direction and development. See NWAC's website for an update on the Sisters in Spirit initiative http://www.nwac-hq.org/programs/sisters-spirit

Amnesty International's Stolen Sisters report (released 2004):
This report by Amnesty International, titled Stolen Sisters: a Human Rights Response to Discrimination and Violence against Indigenous Women in Canada, examines factors which it says have been too long neglected, and have contributed to a heightened -- and unacceptable -- risk of violence against Indigenous women in Canadian cities. The 67-page report is available at: http://www.amnesty.ca/campaigns/resources/amr2000304.pdf

Manitoba's Aboriginal Strategy on HIV/AIDS (2004):
In December 2004, the Manitoba government distributed copies of As Long as the Waters Flow: An Aboriginal Strategy on HIV/AIDS * A Component of Manitoba's Provincial AIDS Strategy. The document is available at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/aids/waters.pdf

Human Security and Aboriginal Women in Canada (2005):
This report, titled Human Security and Aboriginal Women in Canada, examines the connections between Aboriginal women and protest in the context of Bill C-36 (the Anti-terrorism Act, 2001) and the constitutional rights of Aboriginal people. The 83-page Status of Women Canada Policy Research Fund publication is available at: http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection/SW21-133-2005E.pdf

Aboriginal employment website:
Community events are posted on the new Aboriginal jobs referral website at: http://www.amik.ca (click on upcoming events under the Community section and then on the month). Send information about community events, jobs and upcoming training programs that can be posted on the website to: info@amik.ca or fax: (204) 336-0568.

Aboriginal youth comic book:
The Healthy Aboriginal Network's comic book dealing with youth suicide prevention is now available. To preview the comic book or for more information, e-mail: sean@thehealthyaboriginal.net You can also check out their website at http://www.thehealthyaboriginal.net/

Resource for Aboriginal families:
The Best Start Resource Centre has announced a new resource related to maternal/child health in the Aboriginal community, titled "A Sense of Belonging: Supporting Healthy Child Development in Aboriginal Families". To download the manual visit http://www.beststart.org/resources/hlthy_chld_dev/pdf/aboriginal_manual.pdf