PRESS RELEASE: 1ST ANNUAL “STRENGTH OF OUR WOMEN” AWARDS GALA DINNER TO TAKE PLACE IN SASKATOON

(Saskatoon, SK) – On behalf of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) and the Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission (SFNWC), Interim Chief Kimberly Jonathan announces that there will be a special recognition night to honour the contributions and achievements of First Nations women and girls, which will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at TCU Place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

“This is a very important occasion for First Nations women. We want to bring people together to celebrate the strength and resiliency of our First Nations women,” said FSIN Interim Chief Kimberly Jonathan. “We are taking this opportunity to bring attention to human rights crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women – we have not forgotten them.”

The SFNWC is committed to the advancement of First Nations women and children. The SFNWC have been strong advocates for restoring and revitalizing the significant roles First Nations women have in their homes, communities, and nations. Currently, First Nations women are found to be nearly three times more likely than non-First Nations women to report being a victim of a violent crime. Evidence supports that not only are the crimes being committed against First Nations women occurring at disproportionate rates but the acts of violence are much more severe. The SFNWC is concerned about the high rates of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in Saskatchewan and the families that have been left to mourn. The proceeds from the “Strength of our Women” Awards Gala will be delegated to the SFNWC in order to reinforce initiatives that support the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and other related SFWNC strategies.

“Our First Nations women are extraordinary and have to be seen in that light. Our women are strong, successful and resilient and we need society to see them as extraordinary,” says Interim Chief Jonathan. “We invite all supporters to this empowering event. Together we can begin to make a difference in this province by honouring and lifting up our First Nations women.”

Nominations will close at noon on Friday, September 4, 2015. All nomination packages can be found at www.fsin.com. If interested in sponsoring or purchasing a ticket, check the FSIN website for details. You can also check the “Strength of Our Women” page and event on Facebook for updates before and after the event.

The 12 categories that are available include the following:

Arts and Entertainment
Business
Culture and Spirituality
Education
Environment
Health and Wellness
Law and Justice
Leadership/Advocacy
Lifetime Achievement
Matriarch
Sports
Youth

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.

– FSIN Press Release