OTTAWA, ON., September 19, 2022 – Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak / Women of the Métis Nation mourns the death of the Queen Elizabeth II and recognizes her long commitment and service to the British monarchy as she is laid to rest today. In a time before women held leadership positions, Queen Elizabeth II ruled with a gentle, strengths-based spirit. A matriarch above all matriarchs, we honour her contributions to gender equality.
President Melanie Omeniho of Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak recognizes Queen Elizabeth as an icon of strength and grace who served and fulfilled her role throughout her reign. “I have deep appreciation for Queen Elizabeth II, an icon to many. There is so much for us to reflect on from the Queen’s commitment to serve and from her composure throughout the decades,” stated President Omeniho. “The Queen, through her 70 years of leadership, was emblematic of both public and voluntary service”.
Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak turns its sight to the new monarch. The British Monarchy has a very important role to play in reconciliation with Indigenous people in Canada. LFMO hopes that King Charles will uplift Indigenous Women’s voices and commit to integrating a gendered, intersectional lens as his work moves forward.
LFMO speaks as the national and international voice for the Women of the Métis Nation across the Métis Motherland, spanning Ontario westward to British Columbia. Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak aims to consult, promote, and represent the personal, spiritual, social, cultural, political, and economic interests and aspirations of Métis Women and gender diverse people.
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Jana Khalaf
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janag@metiswomen.org
613-890-7167