Latest news with #NWAC
Vancouver Sun
02-08-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Anthony Gismondi: Pinot Noir is destined to take the lead in B.C. Here's why
We touched on the Pinot Noir grape results last week, but it is clear the Pinot Noir category at the WineAlign National Wine Awards established itself as the most admired category by the judges, who have been watching it evolve in leaps and bounds over the last decade. The famously demanding grape, which tends to develop any number of ailments when viewed from the wrong angle, seems to have found a foothold in Canada and is currently excelling from west to east. Could the turning point have been when winemakers began making Canadian Pinot Noir rather than slavishly trying to replicate French Burgundies? Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. It doesn't hurt sales when so few people — namely a small portion of the world's wealthiest individuals — can afford French Burgundy today. That said, prices are rising rapidly in the rest of the Pinot world, so assessments like the annual NWAC tastings are beneficial for buyers, primarily due to the large number of wines involved in the tastings. Offshore medals are always lovely to win, but they rarely face the competition of an NWAC category. This year, a record 160 Pinot Noir labels were entered. The top 69 were brought back for the final round tastings, which, together with the rest of the first-round wines, produced five platinum medals for wines scoring 93 points or higher, followed by 16 gold medals at 91 points or higher, 47 silver medals at 89 points or higher, and 46 high-level bronze medals. Over the years, B.C. Pinot plantings have expanded as growers continue to find suitable terroirs to cultivate the delicate grape. The latest figures from the B.C. Wine Grape Council Annual Crop Assessment show Pinot Noir just behind Merlot at 11.5 per cent of total tonnage. If Mother Nature co-operates with the new plantings in the near future, Pinot is destined to take the lead. NWAC Judge HJ Cha of Kaleden, B.C. says: 'Despite the common stereotype — B.C. producing riper, robust, more fruit-driven styles and Ontario leaning toward lighter, delicate, more restrained expressions — blind tasting showed that it's increasingly difficult to pinpoint a wine's provincial origin. Instead, stylistic choices by winemakers played a bigger role: clonal selection, tannin management, and maturation vessels all contribute to a wine's character. In many cases, the stylistic differences within a single valley were greater than those between provinces.' The platinum medals in order of scores went to: Meyer 2022 Old Block Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard, $47.91; SpearHead 2022 Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir $41.40; Lightning Rock Winery 2022 Pinot Noir Canyonview Vineyard $40: 1 Mill Road 2022 Pinot Noir Home Block $65; and SpearHead 2022 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir $52.90. To be sure, Pinot Noir is expensive, but relative to French Red Burgundy, it is likely 10 times cheaper while closing the quality gap at breakneck speed. Your best bet for finding our best Pinot Noir is to visit the property and purchase it directly from the winery. Good hunting. Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2022, Okanagan Valley $34.99 I 88/100 UPC: 778856121209 Quails' Gate was among the earliest pioneers to work with Pinot Noir, and they have been raising the bar ever since. Post-fermentation, this spends about 10 to 14 days on skins, gathering additional colour and depth, before aging for 10 months in French oak, a time well suited to delicate, cool-climate Pinot Noir. The '22 mixes cedar, sweet and sour black cherries, black tea, brown sugar, and gentle tannins. This year's style is slightly more approachable than in 2021. Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir 2022, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island $39.90 I 91/100 UPC: 626990259008 The introductory Unsworth Pinot comes off its Cowichan estate hillside blocks. It is fermented in stainless steel before aging for 15 months in (15 per cent new) French oak. Look for classic perfumed island aromas, led by dark plums, ripe raspberries dusted with baking spices, and a green forest floor scrub with bright acidity. The lightness and ethereal nature of this 12.1 per cent Pinot seal the deal for aficionados. Complex and thought-provoking, it is the essence of Pinot Noir, which you can drink most nights with uncomplicated foods. Lightning Rock Reserve Pinot Noir Canyonview Vineyard 2022, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley $50 I 92/100 UPC: 626990364856 The Canyonview Reserve is one of several Pinot Noirs produced at Summerland's Lightning Rock Winery. Their reserve version of Canyonview Vineyard is marked by its distinctive black label. The vines, now 22 years old, are planted in sandy granite-streaked soils in Upper Summerland. Look for sweet black cherry notes, mixed with the scent of mossy forest floors and earth tones. The palate is silky smooth, with 12.5 per cent alcohol, ripe, dark plum and cherry notes, complemented by a hint of stems. Blue Mountain Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Block 14 Gravel Force 2022, Okanagan Falls $55 I 94/100 UPC: 626452571228 Block 14, named Gravel Force, is a nod to the numerous small, round stones mixed into light clay over an old, dry river bed. It faces west and south, receiving a substantial dose of Okanagan Falls sun each day, which contributes to the structure and power of the wine made from 35-year-old vines. The result is a more opulent, riper style, almost muscular, with hints of Bing cherries and plums, all blended with a round, cola-like savoury finish à la Central Otago. The tannins are polished and silky, making it a pleasure to sip. A hedonistic wine this year that will only attract more buyers. Big value. 1 Mill Road Pinot Noir Home Block 2023, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley $65 I 91/100 UPC: 628942298707 There is a fine core of fruit with depth that frames this Pinot, and early on it dominates the entry before graphite, black tea, and spice intervene to balance the wine right through the finish. Quiet, complex, and inviting, with some savoury notes underneath and a fine texture throughout. Bright and fresh upfront, but that fades into a more moody Pinot in the finish. It was aged in a mix of barrels and larger puncheons to enhance the balance. Minami (1118 Mainland St., Vancouver), Yaletown's home to contemporary Japanese cuisine, is hosting a one-night-only Winemaker's Dinner in partnership with the iconic Jermann Winery from Friuli, Italy, on August 13. Guests will be seated on Minami's hidden garden patio while enjoying a seasonal multi-course menu paired with Jermann's award-winning wines. Family member Felix Jermann is making the trip to Vancouver for dinner to share the story of three generations devoted to the land, innovation, and the heart of Friuli. Tickets are $170 per person. The five-course menu will feature a variety of unique Jermann vintages, paired with chef Lupe Villanueva's creations. Bookings are now available online at . Volume 3 of the Riesling Project continues whether you find yourself up the mountain at Mekong in Whistler, near the sea at Vancouver's westside Maenam restaurant, or at Chef An's latest creation, Sainam, in the West End on Davie. The newest blend originates from two B.C. wineries, whose Rieslings were carefully blended to achieve the gastronomic goal of the project. This year, the bright acidity, coupled with the complexity of skin contact, comes from Rhy's Pender's work with Little Farm Winery's Similkameen Riesling, which seems to have perfectly matched the pristine, slightly off-dry North Naramata Riesling, courtesy of Synchromesh Wines in Okanagan Falls. Riesling Project Volume 3 is available on all wine lists until it's not. Road 13 Honest John's Rosé 2024, Washington $20.99 I 89/100 UPC: 776545502407 Expect a pale colour with some bright florals and candied strawberry on the nose. The palate is fresh, light, lacking intensity, but otherwise delicate, showing red fruits, peaches, watermelon, and a touch of sherbet. Dry, ready to drink, and quite a bargain. The blend consists of 45 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 22 per cent Merlot, 19 per cent Cabernet Franc, 10 per cent Syrah, and 4 per cent Grenache. Tightrope Winery Chardonnay 2023, Okanagan Valley $30 I 89/100 UPC: 626990244493 From the Naramata Bench, this is a whole-cluster pressed Chardonnay that is barrel-fermented in French oak. Fifty per cent of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, and all of it ages on its lees for nine months. In the end, this is a lean, tightly wound mid-valley Chardonnay that combines floral notes and lemon with bright acidity and green apple flavours. Simplicity in a sophisticated package. Halibut, anyone?
CBC
23-07-2025
- CBC
Native Women's Association of Canada former CEO dies aged 61
Lynne Groulx, the former chief executive officer of the Native Women's Association of Canada, has died. She passed suddenly on July 16 in her hometown of Cochrane in northern Ontario, an official obituary says. She was 61 years old. "Lynne leaves behind a lasting legacy of selfless advocacy. She was a proud member of the Métis Nation of Ontario," says the obituary, describing Groulx as a devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend. "Throughout her life, she championed the rights of women, Indigenous Peoples, and marginalized communities. She will be remembered as a fierce advocate for justice, a tireless community leader, and a compassionate presence in the lives of many." Groulx became a prominent figure during her time at NWAC, a national advocacy organization for Indigenous women founded in 1974. She joined as executive director in 2016 and was named one of Canada's most powerful women by the Women's Executive Network in 2018. Groulx previously worked at the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Under her leadership, NWAC undertook a number of high-profile ventures that generated publicity and, later, some debate. These initiatives included investing in real estate and leading the purchase and multimillion-dollar renovation of an NWAC head office in Gatineau, Que., which included an artisanal boutique, café and art gallery. She also helped the organization establish two resiliency lodges, which were intended to provide traditional healing services and programming for Indigenous women, in Chelsea, Que., and Gagetown, N.B., respectively. Groulx's tenure ended in April 2024, amid internal turmoil. Critics accused NWAC of straying from its non-profit mandate with its new ventures, but supporters said the business endeavours were meant to generate own-source revenue to reinvest into programming. "I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident in NWAC's future," Groulx said in a statement at the time. A spokesperson who provided the obituary said the family would appreciate their privacy at this time.
CBC
15-07-2025
- CBC
Native Women's Association of Canada sells off assets, promises transparency
The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) says its current management has "discovered serious and significant financial irregularities" that its board was unaware of, as it shutters businesses and sells off property worth millions of dollars. The prominent national advocacy group has been engulfed in turmoil over the last year, but it now says it wants to return to collective advocacy, saying in an unsigned statement issued Tuesday that it's co-operating fully with a federal audit covering fiscal years 2018-2024 while conducting an internal review of its own. "We are committed to rebuilding NWAC as an organization of truth and transparency," the statement said. One grassroots advocate is skeptical, however. Bridget Tolley is a fixture of activism and advocacy in Ottawa, organizing rallies and vigils through the volunteer-based group Families of Sisters in Spirit, including an annual vigil on Oct. 4. She has been seeking justice for more than two decades after her mother, Gladys Tolley, was struck and killed by a Quebec provincial police cruiser in front of her home in Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg in Quebec. "I don't care about any of those organizations. They mean nothing to me," said Tolley. "I think the work that we've been doing is all because of the grassroots. The national organizations are only there from 9 to 5. Stuff happens at nights and on weekends with missing and murdered [Indigenous women] and there's nobody around to help us, but yet these guys get all the funding." Tolley was first involved with NWAC in 2004. A year later, NWAC secured funding for Sisters in Spirit, a five-year research, education and policy initiative on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. But the funding ran out in 2010 and wasn't renewed. "This is when everything went downhill. We never heard a thing from them. They never invited families to meet with them. Nothing," Tolley said. That's why Tolley said she was surprised to get an email from NWAC just last week asking if the organization could help with this year's Oct. 4 vigil. Tolley hesitated to respond, concerned NWAC may be trying to use the grassroots to boost its own credibility. "I was shocked," she said. "I don't want them really to be involved because they used us the last time, and it was very hurtful and the pain is still there. It's triggering." Headquarters for sale for $8M CBC Indigenous asked NWAC for an interview on Monday, after reviewing Quebec property records for the organization's real estate holdings. NWAC's statement said it will not be giving interviews, and provided no details about the alleged financial irregularities. Public records show NWAC's newly renovated headquarters in the Hull sector of Gatineau, Que., which is being sold for an asking price of $8 million, was twice remortgaged in recent years for several million dollars more than the initial purchase price. The group was undertaking renovations that included a café, gift shop and art gallery during that time. NWAC bought the property in 2018, obtaining a mortgage for $1.8 million, records show. The organization got another mortgage in 2020 for $5.9 million, and the records show NWAC got another mortgage worth $7.5 million in 2022, right around the peak of the pandemic-era real estate boom. A lawyer who reviewed the deeds said this is not unusual, as each new loan likely paid off the remaining balance of the previous one, and the cash may have been used to finance construction or the property may have been used as collateral to pay for other ventures. "Some real estate, especially in the area that they were investing in, was not — how can we say — very up to date," said Nicolas Vinette, a Gatineau-based lawyer with Duclos société d'avocats. The organization now finds itself trying to sell a multimillion-dollar investment in an area surrounded mainly by federal buildings, he said, which was hit hard by the onset of remote work during the pandemic, and which is now sought after more for residential rather than commercial real estate. "For commercial purposes, it's not the easiest market," Vinette said. But there is still an opportunity to succeed with the investment, he added. "It'll just be a question of: Is somebody willing to pay that amount of money for this building?" WATCH | 'It's supposed to be advocating on our behalf': Concerns NWAC straying from its mandate 1 year ago NWAC's pivot to real estate development was part of a plan to give itself more freedom by generating own-source revenue, a move some critics branded as elitist and disconnected. NWAC's routine audit for 2023 indicates the organization had two mortgages that year, one worth $5.8 million paid in monthly installments of about $37,000. The other mortgage was worth about $610,000. NWAC also owns a property, its resiliency lodge, in Chelsea, Que., about 15 kilometres north of Ottawa, which is also for sale. Public records show NWAC bought the property in 2019 for $880,000, with an associated mortgage of $850,000. In its statement, NWAC said the proceeds from the sale of its assets will be re-invested in advocacy for Indigenous women's social, economic, cultural and political wellbeing.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘We need you to be our ally': Josie Nepinak on Canada Day, ‘ongoing genocide,' and walking a ‘shared path' toward reconciliation
For Josie Nepinak, July 1 marks a day of reflection as an Indigenous leader, grandmother and member of her community. The president of the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC), Nepinak views Canada Day as an opportunity — not to erase painful history, but to reflect, to educate, and to walk a 'shared path' forward. 'Canada's birthday is July 1, but it's everyone's birthday, in the fact that we can celebrate who we are collectively,' says Nepinak. 'It's not about the differences that we have. It really is about the commonalities we need to focus on.' Nepinak's work as NWAC's president is rooted in initiatives to advocate for the rights, well-being, and advancement of Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people across Canada. Her focus is on stopping what she calls an 'ongoing genocide' — a crisis that continues to devastate her community, particularly through the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). As we focus on the direction of the country this Canada Day, Nepinak's message is clear: 'We, as Indigenous, need you. We need you to be our ally. We need you to be our voice. Because sometimes our voice is not enough,' says Nepinak. 'As First Nations people of this country, we have the opportunity to create that friendship, in a shared path of reconciliation. Not one behind the other, but as equal partners.' Yahoo News Canada presents 'My Canada," a series spotlighting Canadians — born-and-raised to brand new — sharing their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders. As July 1 rolls in, it marks the end of National Indigenous History Month in Canada, highlighted by National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. Another important day is June 3, this time marking the sixth anniversary of the National Inquiry's Final Report, "Reclaiming Power and Place," on MMIWG. The report documents the systemic causes of violence against Indigenous women. It concludes with 231 'Calls for Justice' to aid in reconciliation efforts. But six years later, progress is stagnant. Of the 231 Calls for Justice, only two have been fully completed. 'If we were to do a report card on this issue, we would definitely give it a failing grade as to the action on the inquiry,' says Nepinak. The NWAC president believes the 'Government of Canada needs to have a serious look at why these recommendations are not implemented," since it's "ultimately about saving the lives of Canada's most vulnerable people.' On a daily basis, Nepinak scrolls social media to see new faces of women and girls who have gone missing. According to Stats-Can data from 2009-21, Indigenous women are murdered at a rate six times higher than non-Indigenous counterparts. Thousands upon thousands have been ripped away from their communities, oftentimes with very few answers. 'It certainly is ongoing genocide. It certainly is a disappointment and a huge frustration for Indigenous peoples across the country, especially Indigenous women, who have been fighting for decades for this issue of actionable items.'Josie Nepinak, President of Native Women's Association Canada Forty-eight years ago, Nepinak's advocacy for this issue began as a teenager. It was when her aunt was murdered in Winnipeg, a city that's the epicentre for MMIWG. In 2011, Nepinak's cousin, Tanya, also went missing. Police believe she was murdered, with an initial charge being laid against Sean Lamb. The charge was ultimately stayed after police weren't able to find her body. Lamb has in turn been convicted of killing two other Indigenous women. In regards to her aunt's case, 48 years later, her murderer has never been found. 'There is no accountability. We continue to grieve for her, for her and her children, who are now the grandchildren that she was never able to hold. … All of those issues matter, because when you have that empty seat, whether at your dinner table, your special events, birthday parties, you do feel that loss,' says Nepinak. 'Whether it's 48 years ago or whether it was last week, it still can feel the same.' Nepinak's work is rooted in making sure that no other family has to experience the same pain. Starting in 1963 at five years old, until her late-teenage years, Nepinak attended Pine Creek and Mackay residential schools in Manitoba. It's a period of her life she doesn't speak about publicly, instead she focuses on doing what she can do to heal. She suffers from PTSD, as she started to recognize symptoms as an adult, such as anxiety and depression. Nepinak, 66, says she always struggled with the word 'survivor' in its association with those who attended residential schools, since the trauma continues to impact their communities. 'If we have survived,' why are there ongoing problems with the MMIWG epidemic, along with high rates of suicide, mortality, homelessness and addiction among Indigenous peoples, asks the NWAC president. 'There are thousands of Indigenous women, thousands of Indigenous children across this country who do not have their mothers ... which in turn will make them vulnerable as well,' says Nepinak. Trauma in Indigenous communities continues to form, while it's also passed on from previous generations. That can be from epigenetics, to continuing patterns of abuse that were experienced in places such as residential schools, where thousands of Indigenous kids died. Along with policies geared toward assimilation, these institutions have a history of physical and sexual violence, up until the last school was closed in 1997. According to a Stats-Can 2023 report, 26 per cent of Indigenous women have experienced childhood sexual violence, compared to 9.2 per cent of non-Indigenous women. Thirteen per cent of Indigenous peoples with a current or ex-partner experienced violence in the past five years, double the rate of non-Indigenous people (5.7 per cent). These problems force many to leave their communities, such as First Nation reserves. It's in hope for a different life, oftentimes in urban centres, such as Winnipeg, Toronto and Vancouver. It's on these journeys where Indigenous women have been killed, such as on B.C.'s infamous Highway of Tears. But it's also when they arrive in urban centres, where neglect continues as they struggle to find a sense of belonging and safety. When I say genocide, folks are not comfortable with it, it makes people anxious. … I would ask people to look at it within the context of the Indigenous women's experience in Nepinak, President of Native Women's Association Canada Throughout history, Indigenous women have especially been targeted with genocidal policies, in an effort to 'get rid of the Indian in this country,' says Nepinak. From forced sterilization, to the removal of their children during the Sixties Scoop, to how the Indian Act has sought to enfranchise them and their predecessors. 'The target were the women, because it's the women who are the caregivers, the nurturers, the medicine pickers, the women who hold the clan mothers, who hold communities together,' says Nepinak. By being a status Indian, Indigenous peoples are afforded certain rights, such as being able to live on reserve land, while being entitled to programs and services from federal and provincial governments. Many have lost their status and have become enfranchised; that includes voluntary cases, in an effort to avoid having their children attend residential schools. Nepinak originally lost her Indian-status after getting married to a non-Indigenous person in 1978. It was a rule that was not applied to Indigenous men; instead in their case, they could even pass on their status to non-Indigenous women. Nepinak was able to reclaim her status after an amendment to the Act in 1985. However, due to her daughter also marrying a non-Indigenous person, it means that her grandson doesn't currently qualify for treaty rights, as he falls under 'a second generation cut-off.' The NWAC president finds it "disgusting" that someone in Ottawa is able to make the decision whether or not a member of her family can qualify for Indian status. She calls the experience in relation to her grandson 'very painful.' Currently, as of June 2025, Bill S-2 is before the Canadian Senate, with the goal of addressing the inequities of the Indian Act to help more Indigenous peoples reclaim status. Nepinak says that by becoming enfranchised, it pushes 'Indigenous, First Nations women further and further into the margins, by stripping them of their individual rights and benefits.' These problems become even more polarizing as they start 'floating between' their community and urban centres, as they lose financial and social services, along with a connection to their culture. The NWAC president says the role of their organization is to be empathetic, non-judgmental, and to provide resources to help those in their communities, whether they live on a reserve and have Indian status, or not. One of their pillar programs is the Safe Passage initiative. Along with hosting a database that works to capture the extent of this genocide, it provides resources and guidances for those in need, while finding ways to help them stay connected to their culture. Nepinak calls on the federal government to allocate more resources, such as toward intersecting issues around human trafficking, housing, mental health supports, emergency shelters and transitional homes. Without these resources, women become more vulnerable to survival economies, such as sex work. A 2011 City of Vancouver study found that 40 per cent of sex workers are Indigenous, despite making up two per cent of Vancouver's population. It's problems like these that make truth and reconciliation an ongoing process, and not just the focus of a few days during the year. Nepinak wants municipalities, and the systems small and large surrounding them, to not get in the habit of displaying the 'wooden Indian.' It's an analogy that refers to the practice of making Indigenous peoples front and centre just for special occasions. 'That's not reconciliation,' says Nepinak. 'That, to me, just doesn't sit well, because if truly you're going to appreciate Indigenous peoples … get to know our culture, our language, who we are, what our history is, and that includes the ugly history.' It's a collective responsibility, through all levels of government and our education system. Along with learning the history, Nepinak believes it's important people learn the values of Indigenous communities, to help create a society where they'll feel accepted and understood. This agenda becomes more important with the recent wave of immigration that Canada has experienced, says Nepinak, as new Canadians have a chance to learn what truly makes the fabric of Canada. The NWAC president has noticed a shift in how July 1 is perceived among her communities. Five years ago, she says, it was more common to hear people dismiss the thought of marking the day, behind the belief of 'That's not my Canada.' Now, for Nepinak, it holds a different meaning. While it might not be the case for everyone, she sees it as an opportunity to come together and move forward, knowing that Indigenous peoples need to recognize their trauma and where it comes from in order to 'begin to heal.' For NWAC, moving forward is about finding ways that Indigenous people can contribute to Canada's economy, as they help thousands of Indigenous women across the country toward their business goals. The 'Be The Drum' program leads that charge, from providing business coaching, to helping participants become aware of financial resources, such as grants to help expand their markets. Ultimately, it's about 'finding your space within a society that's not always been nice to Indigenous people,' says Nepinak, as we strive toward 'mino bimaadiziwin,' a Anishinaabemowin phrase for the 'good life.' For non-Indigenous people, it's about creating an environment for all parts of Canada's society to thrive, which can mean questioning your 'own self perceived thoughts on what Indigenous people are like.' It's the conversations around reconciliation that are the 'easy part.' Instead it's the actions that will challenge us, says Nepinak, as she references the late-Murray Sinclair. 'We require in truth and reconciliation to have all Canadians stand with us on the issues that matter,' says Nepinak. 'I believe that July 1 is really and truly about the country that we live in, the beautiful country of Canada, that we share, the land, that we share the air that we breathe, and the many systems that have built this country to where we are. … 'Let's have truth and reconciliation, let's have peace, let's have healing, and let's understand each other in a better way so we can reduce some of the systemic racism that happens in this country.'
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘We need you to be our ally': Josie Nepinak on Canada Day, ‘ongoing genocide,' and walking a ‘shared path' toward reconciliation
For Josie Nepinak, July 1 marks a day of reflection as an Indigenous leader, grandmother and member of her community. The president of the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC), Nepinak views Canada Day as an opportunity — not to erase painful history, but to reflect, to educate, and to walk a 'shared path' forward. 'Canada's birthday is July 1, but it's everyone's birthday, in the fact that we can celebrate who we are collectively,' says Nepinak. 'It's not about the differences that we have. It really is about the commonalities we need to focus on.' Nepinak's work as NWAC's president is rooted in initiatives to advocate for the rights, well-being, and advancement of Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people across Canada. Her focus is on stopping what she calls an 'ongoing genocide' — a crisis that continues to devastate her community, particularly through the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). As we focus on the direction of the country this Canada Day, Nepinak's message is clear: 'We, as Indigenous, need you. We need you to be our ally. We need you to be our voice. Because sometimes our voice is not enough,' says Nepinak. 'As First Nations people of this country, we have the opportunity to create that friendship, in a shared path of reconciliation. Not one behind the other, but as equal partners.' Yahoo News Canada presents 'My Canada," a series spotlighting Canadians — born-and-raised to brand new — sharing their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders. As July 1 rolls in, it marks the end of National Indigenous History Month in Canada, highlighted by National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. Another important day is June 3, this time marking the sixth anniversary of the National Inquiry's Final Report, "Reclaiming Power and Place," on MMIWG. The report documents the systemic causes of violence against Indigenous women. It concludes with 231 'Calls for Justice' to aid in reconciliation efforts. But six years later, progress is stagnant. Of the 231 Calls for Justice, only two have been fully completed. 'If we were to do a report card on this issue, we would definitely give it a failing grade as to the action on the inquiry,' says Nepinak. The NWAC president believes the 'Government of Canada needs to have a serious look at why these recommendations are not implemented," since it's "ultimately about saving the lives of Canada's most vulnerable people.' On a daily basis, Nepinak scrolls social media to see new faces of women and girls who have gone missing. According to Stats-Can data from 2009-21, Indigenous women are murdered at a rate six times higher than non-Indigenous counterparts. Thousands upon thousands have been ripped away from their communities, oftentimes with very few answers. 'It certainly is ongoing genocide,' says Nepinak. 'It certainly is a disappointment and a huge frustration for Indigenous peoples across the country, especially Indigenous women, who have been fighting for decades for this issue of actionable items.' Forty-eight years ago, Nepinak's advocacy for this issue began as a teenager. It was when her aunt was murdered in Winnipeg, a city that's the epicentre for MMIWG. In 2011, Nepinak's cousin, Tanya, also went missing. Police believe she was murdered, with an initial charge being laid against Sean Lamb. The charge was ultimately stayed after police weren't able to find her body. Lamb has in turn been convicted of killing two other Indigenous women. In regards to her aunt's case, 48 years later, her murderer has never been found. 'There is no accountability. We continue to grieve for her, for her and her children, who are now the grandchildren that she was never able to hold. … All of those issues matter, because when you have that empty seat, whether at your dinner table, your special events, birthday parties, you do feel that loss,' says Nepinak. 'Whether it's 48 years ago or whether it was last week, it still can feel the same.' Nepinak's work is rooted in making sure that no other family has to experience the same pain. Starting in 1963 at five years old, until her late-teenage years, Nepinak attended Pine Creek and Mackay residential schools in Manitoba. It's a period of her life she doesn't speak about publicly, instead she focuses on doing what she can do to heal. She suffers from PTSD, as she started to recognize symptoms as an adult, such as anxiety and depression. Nepinak, 66, says she always struggled with the word 'survivor' in its association with those who attended residential schools, since the trauma continues to impact their communities. 'If we have survived,' why are there ongoing problems with the MMIWG epidemic, along with high rates of suicide, mortality, homelessness and addiction among Indigenous peoples, asks the NWAC president. 'There are thousands of Indigenous women, thousands of Indigenous children across this country who do not have their mothers ... which in turn will make them vulnerable as well,' says Nepinak. Trauma in Indigenous communities continues to form, while it's also passed on from previous generations. That can be from epigenetics, to continuing patterns of abuse that were experienced in places such as residential schools, where thousands of Indigenous kids died. Along with policies geared toward assimilation, these institutions have a history of physical and sexual violence, up until the last school was closed in 1997. According to a Stats-Can 2023 report, 26 per cent of Indigenous women have experienced childhood sexual violence, compared to 9.2 per cent of non-Indigenous women. Thirteen per cent of Indigenous peoples with a current or ex-partner experienced violence in the past five years, double the rate of non-Indigenous people (5.7 per cent). These problems force many to leave their communities, such as First Nation reserves. It's in hope for a different life, oftentimes in urban centres, such as Winnipeg, Toronto and Vancouver. It's on these journeys where Indigenous women have been killed, such as on B.C.'s infamous Highway of Tears. But it's also when they arrive in urban centres, where neglect continues as they struggle to find a sense of belonging and safety. When I say genocide, folks are not comfortable with it, it makes people anxious. … I would ask people to look at it within the context of the Indigenous women's experience in Nepinak, President of Native Women's Association Canada Throughout history, Indigenous women have especially been targeted with genocidal policies, in an effort to 'get rid of the Indian in this country,' says Nepinak. From forced sterilization, to the removal of their children during the Sixties Scoop, to how the Indian Act has sought to enfranchise them and their predecessors. 'The target were the women, because it's the women who are the caregivers, the nurturers, the medicine pickers, the women who hold the clan mothers, who hold communities together,' says Nepinak. By being a status Indian, Indigenous peoples are afforded certain rights, such as being able to live on reserve land, while being entitled to programs and services from federal and provincial governments. Many have lost their status and have become enfranchised; that includes voluntary cases, in an effort to avoid having their children attend residential schools. Nepinak originally lost her Indian-status after getting married to a non-Indigenous person in 1978. It was a rule that was not applied to Indigenous men; instead in their case, they could even pass on their status to non-Indigenous women. Nepinak was able to reclaim her status after an amendment to the Act in 1985. However, due to her daughter also marrying a non-Indigenous person, it means that her grandson doesn't currently qualify for treaty rights, as he falls under 'a second generation cut-off.' The NWAC president finds it "disgusting" that someone in Ottawa is able to make the decision whether or not a member of her family can qualify for Indian status. She calls the experience in relation to her grandson 'very painful.' Currently, as of June 2025, Bill S-2 is before the Canadian Senate, with the goal of addressing the inequities of the Indian Act to help more Indigenous peoples reclaim status. Nepinak says that by becoming enfranchised, it pushes 'Indigenous, First Nations women further and further into the margins, by stripping them of their individual rights and benefits.' These problems become even more polarizing as they start 'floating between' their community and urban centres, as they lose financial and social services, along with a connection to their culture. The NWAC president says the role of their organization is to be empathetic, non-judgmental, and to provide resources to help those in their communities, whether they live on a reserve and have Indian status, or not. One of their pillar programs is the Safe Passage initiative. Along with hosting a database that works to capture the extent of this genocide, it provides resources and guidances for those in need, while finding ways to help them stay connected to their culture. Nepinak calls on the federal government to allocate more resources, such as toward intersecting issues around human trafficking, housing, mental health supports, emergency shelters and transitional homes. Without these resources, women become more vulnerable to survival economies, such as sex work. A 2011 City of Vancouver study found that 40 per cent of sex workers are Indigenous, despite making up two per cent of Vancouver's population. It's problems like these that make truth and reconciliation an ongoing process, and not just the focus of a few days during the year. Nepinak wants municipalities, and the systems small and large surrounding them, to not get in the habit of displaying the 'wooden Indian.' It's an analogy that refers to the practice of making Indigenous peoples front and centre just for special occasions. 'That's not reconciliation,' says Nepinak. 'That, to me, just doesn't sit well, because if truly you're going to appreciate Indigenous peoples … get to know our culture, our language, who we are, what our history is, and that includes the ugly history.' It's a collective responsibility, through all levels of government and our education system. Along with learning the history, Nepinak believes it's important people learn the values of Indigenous communities, to help create a society where they'll feel accepted and understood. This agenda becomes more important with the recent wave of immigration that Canada has experienced, says Nepinak, as new Canadians have a chance to learn what truly makes the fabric of Canada. The NWAC president has noticed a shift in how July 1 is perceived among her communities. Five years ago, she says, it was more common to hear people dismiss the thought of marking the day, behind the belief of 'That's not my Canada.' Now, for Nepinak, it holds a different meaning. While it might not be the case for everyone, she sees it as an opportunity to come together and move forward, knowing that Indigenous peoples need to recognize their trauma and where it comes from in order to 'begin to heal.' For NWAC, moving forward is about finding ways that Indigenous people can contribute to Canada's economy, as they help thousands of Indigenous women across the country toward their business goals. The 'Be The Drum' program leads that charge, from providing business coaching, to helping participants become aware of financial resources, such as grants to help expand their markets. Ultimately, it's about 'finding your space within a society that's not always been nice to Indigenous people,' says Nepinak, as we strive toward 'mino bimaadiziwin,' a Anishinaabemowin phrase for the 'good life.' For non-Indigenous people, it's about creating an environment for all parts of Canada's society to thrive, which can mean questioning your 'own self perceived thoughts on what Indigenous people are like.' It's the conversations around reconciliation that are the 'easy part.' Instead it's the actions that will challenge us, says Nepinak, as she references the late-Murray Sinclair. 'We require in truth and reconciliation to have all Canadians stand with us on the issues that matter,' says Nepinak. 'I believe that July 1 is really and truly about the country that we live in, the beautiful country of Canada, that we share, the land, that we share the air that we breathe, and the many systems that have built this country to where we are. … 'Let's have truth and reconciliation, let's have peace, let's have healing, and let's understand each other in a better way so we can reduce some of the systemic racism that happens in this country.'
