Assembly of First Nations Women's Council Elects Deputy Grand Chief Denise Stonefish as Chair, Set Priorities for First Nations Women and Girls

NIAGARA FALLS, ON, July 14, 2016 /CNW/ - The Assembly of First Nations is pleased to announce that Deputy Grand Chief Denise Stonefish of Delaware Nation (Turtle Clan) has been elected as the new Chair of the AFN Women's Council.

The AFN Women's Council works with the AFN Secretariat to ensure that the concerns and perspectives of First Nations women and girls inform the work of the AFN. Council members hold portfolio responsibilities including participation in a wide range of events, meetings and forums and working together to ensure the rights and priorities of First Nations women and girls are upheld and advanced. This Council played a key role in bringing the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls to light.

"I look forward to working with the AFN Women's Council representatives in moving forward daily issues that impact our daughters, sisters, mothers, aunties and grandmothers– from issues like violence against Indigenous women and girls, to child welfare, to promoting women's empowerment," said Stonefish. "The voices of women and girls must be heard. Through my role as Women's Council Chair, I plan to make that happen."

A founding member of the AFN Women's Council, Deputy Grand Chief Denise Stonefish is a deeply passionate and influential leader for First Nations women. She has held elected roles both within the Delaware Nation and at the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians for more than 25 years. She is the longest-serving woman to hold office as a member of Council at Delaware after being elected for close to 8 consecutive terms.

Deputy Grand Chief Stonefish will replace outgoing Women's Council Chair Therese Villeneuve, a strong and passionate advocate, residential school survivor and a long-time voice for the rights and priorities of First Nations women and girls.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada.  Follow the #AFNAGA on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Jenn Jefferys, AFN Communications Officer, 613-222-9656, [email protected]; Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-292-0857, [email protected]