The Minister's Advisory Council on Indigenous Women (MACIW) now has a new member from northern B.C.
The provincial Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Murry Rainkin has Kristy Joe who is Tl’azt’en and Lauren Petersen who is Metis as new additions to the council.
MACIW is an advisory council of respected Indigenous women created in 2011 to advise the B.C. government about how to improve the quality of life for Indigenous women and girls throughout the province.
Kristy Joe is a strong, passionate and independent Dakelh (Carrier) woman from Nation, which is in the central Interior of B.C. She was raised within the Lusilyoo (Frog) Clan.
Joe spent her childhood years in the Tl'azt'en and Nak'azdli Nation near Fort St. James with a large family that immersed itself in the harvesting and cultural activities within the family's Keyoh (territory).
Today, Joe calls Merritt home and is married to Leonard Joe, who is from the Shackan Band within the Nlaka'pamux Nation. Together, they raise five children.
Joe is a co-author of two best-selling books in the Woman of Worth series: Emotional Intelligence: Mental Health Matters, and Women's Wellness: Aging at Any Age with Moxie.
She has played an integral part in the healing journey of many Indigenous youth, Elders, women, men and organizations throughout B.C.
Her innovative and dynamic attitude, along with her strong administrative background, has allowed her to excel as an orchestrator and implementer of many programs, which has resulted in stronger, healthier and safer communities.
She is recognized and acknowledged by many leaders throughout the province for her tireless commitment to creating a healthier Nation.
Since its inception, MACIW has focused on advocating for the well-being of Indigenous women, providing advice and support to the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and other government ministries, and offering guidance and direction that is rooted in Indigenous worldviews.
The now nine-member council is comprised of a chair, a vice-chair and seven additional members. One position is designated for an Elder representative and another for a youth representative.
Members are appointed by the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation based on criteria of diversity, experience and regional representation.
