Happy International Women’s Day.  

Every year at this time we take the day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, but equally importantly it’s a time to renew the lobby for the full equality of women and gender parity.  

As the first female Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, I know the struggles that can be faced by women in positions of service as they work to break the glass ceiling and continuously strive to be viewed as equals and make space in governance and business.  

I am optimistic for the change I see happening.  

• Darlene Brander became the CEO of Wanuskewin, while continuing the role as the chair of the SPS Board until 2020; 
• Jacqueline Ottmann at the Office of Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement is doing great work to make change at the University of Saskatchewan;  
• Mayor Sandra Masters is the first woman elected mayor of one of the major Saskatchewan cities; 
• Betty Nippi–Albright became the first First Nations MLA for an urban centre in the province during the 2020 provincial election; 
• Chief Gwen O’Soup at the age of 24 who was the very first elected woman Chief of a First Nation in 1954; 
• Chief Marie-Ann Daywalker Pelletier was the longest serving elected Chief in Canada when she retired in 2020, and has been honoured for her contributions and sacrifices for First Nations women and her nation of Okanese; 
• Deborah A. Charles became the CEO of MBC Radio in 2019, while continuing her role on the APTN Board of Directors.  

We are seeing more and more First Nations and organizations embracing the roles of women as leaders once again. There are many great examples of Indigenous women doing incredible work, too many to name, but we still have a long way to go to ensure all women, in particular Indigenous women are safe, healthy, and taking on a bigger role in our society.   

At the Office of the Treaty Commissioner we, support the fight to end any discrimination against women; promote good Treaty relationships that are based on principles of mutual recognition, mutual respect, and shared responsibility; and encourage women to participate in leadership and governance at all levels.  

We believe that we need to work together to make the world safer for women and girls, especially Indigenous women and girls. This year we have been sharing the MMIWG Calls to Justice from Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We appreciate how many of you have been sharing those messages and looking at how to make changes in your lives and industry.  

Take the time to appreciate the women in your life, a mother, daughter, wife, friend, colleague, and commit to ensuring they, and all women, have the ability to pursue their dreams.