The organization Québec Native Women Inc. (QNW), or Femmes autochtones du Québec (FAQ) in French, stands as a formidable and essential voice in the fight for the rights and well-being of Indigenous women across Quebec and those living in urban centers throughout Canada. Founded in 1974, QNW’s history is a decades-long chronicle of political activism, legal challenges, and grassroots community support aimed at dismantling systemic discrimination, promoting non-violence, and ensuring the full participation of Indigenous women in the self-governance of their Nations. Its work addresses a complex array of interconnected issues, including health, justice, systemic racism, and the revitalization of culture and tradition.
I. History: A Half-Century of Political and Legal Struggle
QNW did not emerge in a vacuum; its foundation was built upon the tireless work of previous generations of Indigenous women leaders who challenged Canada’s discriminatory colonial laws.
The Genesis of the Movement (1968–1974)
The initial spark came in 1968 with the establishment of the “Equal Rights for Native Women” association, spearheaded by the revered Mohawk activist, Mary Two-Axe Earley from Kahnawake. This early movement focused squarely on amending the discriminatory clauses of the federal Indian Act, particularly Section 12(1)(b). This clause stripped Indigenous women of their Indian Status if they married a non-Indigenous person, a penalty that did not apply to men. The momentum continued through the early 1970s:
- 1971: The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) was established, broadening the national scope of the struggle.
- 1974: The Québec Native Women’s Association (QNW) was officially established, cementing the political representation of women within the province.
Decades of Advocacy and Legislative Change (1975–1990)
The early years of QNW were marked by crucial research and powerful advocacy, which often challenged both government and traditional Indigenous political structures.
- 1976: QNW conducted a major study involving 369 women and 66 men. The findings, published in “Wake-Up Native Women!”, revealed a 90% dissatisfaction rate with the discriminatory Indian Act. This document provided the empirical backbone for their sustained legislative lobbying.
- 1980s: QNW began receiving its first operating funds and issued landmark briefs on critical issues, including health services and the necessity of hiring Indigenous teachers to transmit culture in schools.
- 1985: A major victory was achieved with the adoption of Bill C-31, which finally amended the Indian Act to allow Indigenous women to retain their status regardless of their spouse's background. This legislative change was a direct result of decades of pressure from groups like QNW.
- 1987: The organization launched the crucial awareness campaign, “Violence is Tearing Us Apart, Let’s Get Together,” signaling an enduring commitment to non-violence and the creation of a Defence Fund for victims of discrimination.
Solidarity Movement | Awareness Campaign on Domestic Violence
Expanding the Mandate and Addressing Violence (1990s)
As QNW secured legislative ground, its focus broadened to address the deep social crises within communities, particularly violence and its systemic roots.
- The organization produced bilingual newsletters like “Together Against Violence. Anishnabé-Kwe” and conducted studies on violence and mental health among the Aboriginal population in Quebec.
- 1992: QNW supported self-government but simultaneously demanded constitutional guarantees for the protection of rights and freedoms for all Indigenous citizens, ensuring women's rights were not overlooked in the rush for autonomy.
- 1993: A brief to the Royal Commission on Indigenous Peoples, “Taking Our Rightful Place,” emphasized the prioritization of family violence, the need for daycare centers, and the necessity of ensuring Indigenous women's participation in constitutional debates.
The Modern Fight for Justice and Reconciliation (2000–Present)
The 21st century has seen QNW expand its political influence, actively participate on the global stage, and intensify its campaigns for justice, most notably concerning Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).
- 2007: QNW participated in both provincial and national campaigns demanding Canada endorse the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- 2009: QNW achieved observer status with the United Nations ECOSOC, granting it a platform to advocate for Indigenous women internationally.
- 2014: Following the RCMP report on MMIW cases, QNW was a leading voice demanding a national inquiry. It launched the powerful campaign, “I am a proud Indigenous woman and I am not for sale,” and published its own regional report, “Nānīawig Māmawe Nīnawind—Stand With Us,” on MMIW in Quebec.
- 2015: Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) formally recognized QNW as an Indigenous Representative Organization (IRO), acknowledging its legitimate political role.
- 2013: The organization successfully launched a petition to reform the high school history curriculum to include the history of Indigenous peoples, including the residential schools episode, demonstrating its commitment to educational truth and reconciliation.
II. Mission and Core Action Pillars
QNW's mission is explicitly action-oriented, built upon four inseparable pillars designed to improve living conditions and ensure the equitable future of Indigenous women in Quebec.
1. The Political and Legislative Mandate
QNW’s primary external role remains political. The organization sits at key decision-making tables, including the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador.
- Recognition of Rights: QNW works tirelessly for the legislative and constitutional recognition of equal rights for all Indigenous women in Canada.
- Self-Governance Participation: QNW strongly supports self-government for Indigenous Peoples. However, it ensures that Indigenous women have full and total participation in shaping these new governance structures, preventing a simple replication of colonial patriarchy.
2. Social and Economic Empowerment
The organization is deeply involved in practical, grassroots development to foster self-sufficiency and leadership.
- Training Initiatives: QNW promotes the development of new training programs for Indigenous women. These initiatives are designed to improve women's lives, enhance their family stability, and allow them to participate more fully in the economic and social life of their communities.
- Community Development: They engage in projects that strengthen community bonds and promote well-being, moving beyond crisis intervention toward sustainable growth.
3. Justice, Non-Violence, and Health
QNW maintains several dedicated coordinator roles focused on addressing systemic harms that disproportionately affect Indigenous women.
- Non-Violence Promotion: This is a continuous priority, evident in their coordination of the Quebec Network of Indigenous Women’s Shelters. This network is crucial for supporting women fleeing violence and promoting services provided by shelters.
- Global Health: The Health Coordinator develops projects focused on prevention, education, and awareness related to the overall health of Indigenous women. This includes providing training to external groups (governments, schools, foundations) and participating in related research projects.
III. Governance and Structure: The Council of Elected Representatives
QNW's governance structure reflects its deep commitment to democracy, inclusivity, and direct representation from across the diverse Indigenous Nations of Quebec.
The Council of Elected Representatives is a unique and extensive body consisting of 17 members:
- Executive Committee (3 members): Elected at the Annual Gathering, including the President, Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer. The President (currently Marjolaine Étienne) acts as the chief spokesperson.
- Nation Representatives (9 members): One representative from each of the participating Nations (e.g., Abenaki, Anishinabe, Atikamekw, Mohawk, Innu) and one representative for Indigenous women living in Urban Areas are elected by their respective members.
- Specialized Representatives (3 members): The structure ensures the voices of critical demographics are heard through dedicated representatives for Youth, Elders, and one non-voting Employee Representative.
This multi-layered structure ensures that the interests of a wide range of communities, ages, and geographical locations—from remote reserves to major urban centers—are directly represented in QNW’s decision-making process.
IV. The Enduring Impact of QNW
Québec Native Women Inc. has achieved an impact that transcends mere policy change; it has fundamentally altered the social and political landscape for Indigenous women in Canada.
- Shifting Legal Status: The organization’s early legal battles were instrumental in achieving Bill C-31 and subsequent amendments, literally defining who is recognized as an Indigenous person in Canada.
- Cultural and Educational Reform: By lobbying for curricular change, QNW ensures that the true, often painful, history of colonization and Residential Schools is taught, contributing to the broader truth and reconciliation process.
- A Voice Against Violence: By coordinating a network of shelters and consistently bringing the issue of MMIW to the forefront, QNW provides both immediate, life-saving services and pushes governments for systemic change.
- Decolonizing Governance: QNW’s insistence that self-governance must include full and equitable participation by women challenges patriarchal norms inherited from colonial systems, ensuring that future Indigenous governments reflect traditional, balanced leadership models.
In conclusion, QNW is not just an advocacy group; it is a multi-generational movement. By embedding its work in legislative halls, community centers, and international forums, it continues to honor the legacy of leaders like Mary Two-Axe Earley. The organization remains dedicated to its mission: to improve the living conditions of Indigenous women through the unyielding promotion of justice, health, non-violence, and full equality.
