Advocating for Cree Women Since the Early 1990s
In the early 1990s, at an Annual General Meeting of the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee, Regional Director Bella Mianscum advocated for a resolution recognizing Cree Women — a motion that received unanimous support from all Chiefs. Meaningful funding and support, however, were slow to follow, and women continued to associate through Quebec Native Women with minimal allocated resources. Business affairs regarding Cree Women were mostly discussed at Annual Gatherings, typically held in late summer when many women were away on goose and moose breaks.
In 2008, the organization secured an agreement with Quebec's Ministry of Culture, Communications and Status of Women, providing funding for capacity building and program development through five collaboratively-developed objectives — a turning point that shaped CWEIA into the organization it is today.
Read Our Full History
Guided by Culture, Healing and Empowerment
About CWEIA
Who Makes It Happen
CWEIA's staff and elected Board of Directors work together across all ten Cree communities and the urban centres of Senneterre, Chibougamau and Val-d'Or to carry out the organization's mission.
Meet the Team