Statement on CAP’s commitment to promoting gender equality

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) acknowledges that colonialism is the root of all violence against Indigenous Peoples. The intersections of gender, sexuality, and race add to the layers of violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. We can no longer tolerate the disproportionate rates of physical, emotional, and spiritual violence against these Indigenous Peoples. CAP’s longstanding vision is that all Indigenous Peoples are to be treated with respect, dignity, integrity, and equality. CAP is committed to this vision and will continue to resist colonial violence while supporting our women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples.

The objectives of this project are to raise awareness and educate Canadians on the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). We cannot do this work without exploring how social systems contribute to these crimes.

Walking in her Moccasins is an experiential violence prevention resource for Indigenous men and boys. This project is rooted in the rights of Indigenous women and girls to live free from all forms of violence and encourages Indigenous men and boys to play positive and culturally relevant roles to promote gender equality.

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples’ (CAP) National Youth Council (NYC) and the Department of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) began collaborating in September 2019 to develop and implement a multi-year strategy to engage off-reserve Indigenous youth in the conversation of gender equality and to support more youth in becoming gender equality champions.

This 36-month project will address organizational capacity needs to allow the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, its provincial affiliates, and partner Indigenous organizations to continue promoting social and systemic change towards gender equality.