Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality

The Canadian theme for International Women’s Day 2009 is “Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality.”

The Status of Women through the Canadian Government says, “the theme reflects the government’s firm belief that increasing women’s participation and access to leadership roles and opportunities will help women and girls thrive, reach their full potential and fulfill their dreams, and help build a more prosperous Canada.”

Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements.

Today needs to honour our Aboriginal women leaders who despite much adversity – work to represent their communities. Many of them often act unselfishly – working to the betterment of their nation. They often work with little or no resource and continue to strive to achieve the best results they can.

In a time – where so much public attention has been placed on the missing and murdered Aboriginal women of our communities – very little attention is ever given to the contributions of many Aboriginal women in their schools, jobs and families. Many Métis, Inuit and First Nation women have worked hard and have many personal and professional accomplishments to brag about.

We do not want to forget the need to deal with the atrocities of our missing and murdered Aboriginal women but we would like to see the natural leaders of our community recognized for their work.

Today – take a moment and thank them for their contributions.