Since the 1960s, many Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women have been working to improve the lives of Aboriginal women in Quebec. Here are two examples:
Michèle Audette
Innu-Québécoise, Michèle Audette was born in 1971. In her youth, she experienced the injustices imposed on Aboriginal women who, like her mother, had married a non-Aboriginal man and had to leave the reserve. As an adult, Michèle decided to help all Aboriginal women improve their living conditions. She was President of Quebec Native Women and then of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, organizations fighting for women’s health, education, rights and respect. She then worked for the Quebec government to make Aboriginal regulations fairer.
Natasha Kanapé Fontaine
Many Aboriginal artists, including musicians, writers and visual artists, use their art to denounce racism and discrimination. Natasha Kanapé Fontaine is a poet, actress and Innu artist who, in her works, speaks of identity, the exploitation of natural resources and the place of women in society. She wants to prepare a better future for upcoming generations.