FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, February 10, 2022: At an international awards ceremony today, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada received the “Women, Peace and Security Civil Society Leadership Award” from the Government of Canada for its work and achievements toward protecting and promoting the human rights of Inuit women.
The award was presented to President Rebecca Kudloo by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown – Indigenous Relations, during a virtual ceremony hosted by Global Affairs Canada.
In presenting the award to Pauktuutit Minister Miller stated, “Congratulations, President Kudloo and Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, for your “Women, Peace and Security Civil Society Leadership Award”. Through your advocacy for Inuit rights, your actions are shining examples for all Inuit women and girls looking to make a difference. We acknowledge your important work and remain committed to being an ally for inclusion and Inuit women’s equal participation across the country – to create meaningful change, for all generations.”
In accepting the award President Kudloo highlighted that progress to reduce barriers to participation in decision-making processes for Inuit women is still very slow and piecemeal.
“While we are now invited into the decision-making rooms, most often Inuit women are still denied a seat — and a vote — at the tables,” said Kudloo. “This is true at the community, regional and national levels, where the capacity and talents of Inuit women and Inuit women’s leadership to address critical challenges are too often diminished or untapped,” she said.
President Kudloo also noted that the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) Act as well as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) National Action Plan, are both historic opportunities to ensure Inuit women and gender-diverse people enjoy the same quality-of-life standards and outcomes as other Canadians.
President Kudloo also said that to be consistent with the UNDRIP legislation and recommendations of the MMIWG National Inquiry Report, she expects the federal government and other stakeholders will ensure Inuit women’s equal participation in the operationalization of UNDRIP and the implementation of the MMIWG National Action Plan.
President Kudloo’s acceptance remarks from today’s ceremony are here: https://bit.ly/3BeA6Qw
The Women, Peace and Security Awards program was established by Global Affairs Canada in support of the United Nations Security Council Resolution #1325 on women, peace and security. This resolution affirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in overall peace-building. Additionally, the resolution stresses the importance of women’s equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance of peace and security.
Pauktuutit is the national organization representing all Inuit women in Canada. Its mission is to foster a greater awareness of the needs of Inuit women, and to encourage their participation in community, regional and national concerns in relation to social, cultural and economic development.
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Media inquiries:
Amanda Deseure, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada: 613.806.3336 / communications@pauktuutit.ca