In honour of International Women’s Day, delegates at CUPE Saskatchewan’s annual convention were invited to the “The Women’s Forum” organized by the CUPE Saskatchewan’s Women’s Committee

This year’s guest speaker was Betty Nippi-Albright, the NDP MLA for Saskatoon Centre. Betty is the opposition critic for First Nations and Métis Relations, Truth and Reconciliation, and the Public Service Commission. Betty is from Kinistin Saulteaux Nation. She is a Saulteaux and Cree mother and grandmother.

Nippi-Albright comes from a long line of leaders: her great grandfather signed the adhesion to Treaty 4 in 1876. Nippi-Albright spoke passionately about the need to elect more strong Indigenous women. “As an elected First Nation mother and grandmother I am using my voice, my education, and this platform to create meaningful spaces for other Indigenous women and girls like my granddaughters who I know will NOT have an easy road because of the color of their skin.”

“While we work within patriarchal systems that were never designed for us, we must continue to stand in our power and continue pushing the status quo,” added Nippi-Albright.

Nippi-Albright urged delegates to counter systemic racism whenever it comes up. “We must stop perpetuating this kind of colonial violence against Indigenous people especially Indigenous women. As women, we must continue speaking out against injustices while creating space for minority women and Indigenous women.”

The Women’s Forum is dedicated to celebrating diverse women’s leadership within our union and community, encouraging active participation and political action to advance equality and rights, economic and social justice and promoting investment in public services and public social infrastructure to support workers and communities.

/cope342