Okay.
Based on my involvement with Métis women in Canada, I believe there is considerable confusion and anxiety on the part of Métis women about the lack of uniformity in the application of law to Métis, Inuit, and first nations women. At the same time, the continued prevalence of attitudes of domination and violence against Métis women makes it difficult for Métis women to turn to an organization that itself has been marginalized.
The status and condition of aboriginal people in Canada, and the federal government's decision to support a select few aboriginal organizations in developing capacities for self-government, have placed us at a disadvantage. There is a need for political will to build partnerships in sharing ways to promote participation, accountability, and effectiveness, not to cut funding. If the funding to Status of Women is cut, will there be more cuts in other federal departments?
We believe this will result in uncertain futures for equality-seeking women's groups. Many groups will have to reduce their operations, most of us will simply shut our doors, and the most disadvantaged women will be silenced.
The promise of the future must be tempered with the legacy of the past. In the case of Métis women, the legacy is a long and continued history of exclusion and marginalization. There must be political will from all parties and continued funding to ensure there will be change and freedom for Métis women from social injustice, exclusion, gender inequality, and racism.