Lessons From The Heart: Indigenous Women Bringing Our Children Home

This promises to be a very special event, as a number of women from Manitoba are attending the meetings of the CSW, as part of the National Council of Women of Canada's delegation -  and will share their story of taking action. Coming from the heart of Canada, and presenting on an important topic - Did you know that Manitoba leads the Western World in the removal of Indigenous children from their families?

Lessons from the Heart - with Indigenous women leading the way by challenging existing systems, using Indigenous knowledge, laws and traditions and belief systems to create positive change.

With Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family and Community Wellness Centre, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Mirwaldt, Gray Poudrier LLP, and NCWC.

To download the poster, click here.

All are welcome to hear this powerful presentation on March 23rd, at 4:30 pm, at the Church Centre, (Room - Main Floor, The Chapel), 777 UN Plaza, corner of 44th and First Ave.

-- Mary Scott

Making Plans and Looking Ahead

Only 2 weeks to go and the 60th Meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women begins!

Are you ready??

A couple of things to look at now that might be helpful to make best use of your time:

• to review the agenda, and schedule of the formal meetings, check out here.
• to review the parallel events, with locations, topics and times, check out here.
• to read the draft Agreed Conclusions, check out here.
• to check out the Side Events (most of these you need to rsvp), check out here.
• NGO Advisories - A good place to check things like registration information, check out here.  

Please note everyone - the location has changed for registration - and the hours are now posted - see more here:

Coming up - the event not to be missed if you are there the second week. The National Council of Women of Canada will be hosting an event on MARCH 23RD, at 4:30 PM, at the Church Centre - Lessons from the Heart: Indigenous Women Bringing Our Children Home. 

-- Mary Scott

Getting Ready for the CSW

February 14th today, and about a month to go before the meetings of the Commission on the Status of Women begin - March 14 to March 24. What to do in getting ready - my own strategy is to do a lot of preparation so that when you get there, you do have some idea of what you really want to attend. It's so helpful that there is so much now on the web, so you can get a good idea of what is happening, when it's happening, and where it's happening. Here are a few things to consider:

• Prepare by bringing lots of business cards. 
• Pack casual clothes, good walking shoes, and be prepared for rain.
• WiFi is good at the UN, and free, so bring whatever you have, laptop, iphone, ipad.
• Start now by looking at the major sites - UN Women and the CSW NGO main page
• Check with the head of your delegation about where your expertise can help ie attending certain caucuses, such as peace, health, regional; communications; advocacy.
•  Take a look at the map to see where your hotel is, and where the UN buildings, and NGO events are taking place.
• One of the main purposes of the CSW is to come up with a document, called the Agreed Conclusions. It is now out, in draft form - a good idea to review, and see where it needs some work. Read it here.
• Find out who is on the Official Delegation for your country - they are a good way to influence the document.

You have a terrific opportunity to participate, and to learn, and possibly to shape the outcome of the CSW. A good motto for sure is to be prepared, and to learn from the women who have gone before.

The National Council of Women of Canada is looking forward to being there, and will be sharing some of what they will be doing at the CSW on this blog, so stay tuned!

Mary Scott