Since the time of contact the roles of Aboriginal women have been seriously eroded. The Indian Act severely restricted the rights of Aboriginal women. The Charter of Rights, Bill C-31 and the organization of many Aboriginal women's groups across Canada have made a big difference in the long road to equality, for Aboriginal women. There are however many problems that still need to be addressed.

These sites will help you do the following activities.

• The Aboriginal Justice Implementation Commission
• Aboriginal Women (Amnesty International)
• Aboriginal Women Meeting the Challenges

ACTIVITIES

1. Explain four traditional roles carried on by women in pre-contact Aboriginal societies.

2. Using the The Aboriginal Justice Implementation Commission site, explain what cultural impact European society had on Aboriginal women. (List four)

3. The Justice report suggests that there are various abuses of women and children in the First nations Community. Explain two recommendations made by the commission to try and stop these abuses.

4. What did Bill C-31 do for First nations women? (Four things)

5. Traditionally First Nations women held the highest position of respect in the community. Choose two successful women from the first nations community and outline their contributions. These women could be elders from your community, members of your own family or someone you have read about on a web site.

BACK >>>>.....HOME