Jeannette Corbiere Lavell Addresses Gathering

Nova Scotians celebrating Mi'kmaq and Women's History months were joined by one of the country's top advocates for women and Native's rights today, Oct. 25.

Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, internationally recognized for her work to advance women's rights, is making her first visit to Nova Scotia since becoming president of the Native Women's Association of Canada.

"The work of the Native Women's Association of Canada, and of Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, is of great importance," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "The province is working in a number of areas of shared priority with the Association, including the elimination of violence against Aboriginal women and girls."

Ms. Corbiere Lavell spoke at an event organized by the Office of Aboriginal Affairs and the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

"Jeannette Corbiere Lavell has dedicated her life fighting for the equality of Aboriginal women," said Denise Peterson-Rafuse, the Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women. "I am very pleased that she is in Halifax to share her insight on issues facing Aboriginal women and her priorities as president of the Native Women's Association of Canada."

She has worked as a teacher and school principal, education and employment counsellor, cabinet appointee and consultant on law, justice and Indian status matters. Ms. Corbiere Lavell is co-editor of Until Our Hearts Are On The Ground: Aboriginal Mothers, Oppression, Resistance and Rebirth. Ms. Corbiere Lavell has also received numerous awards and distinctions, including the Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case, which honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advance women's equality.

In Canada, Women's History Month is celebrated in October, which is also Mi'kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia.