Traditionally, in Aboriginal communities women were the guardians of the family, healers, teachers, craftswomen, cooks … They also played an important role in Iroquoian decision-making since they were the leaders of clan life and appointed the chiefs.
With the Indian Act (in 1876), Aboriginal women lost a lot of power; among other things, they had to leave the reserve and give up their status when they married a non-Aboriginal person. Since then, they have been struggling to have their rights recognized. In 1985, they regained the right to status when they got married, but there are still many problems to be resolved. That is why the Quebec Native Women Association exists. Its mission is to improve the living conditions of women through non-violence, the fight for justice and equal rights, education and health.