June 4, 2025
Manitoba Government Announces Groundbreaking Legislation that Empowers and Benefits Women, Girls, Two-Spirit and Gender-Diverse Individuals
– – –Matriarch Circle Act Formalizes Role of Important Advisory Body: Fontaine
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New legislation formalizing the role of the Matriarch Circle in government to ensure women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse Manitobans are represented is now in effect, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for women and gender equity, announced today.
“Bill 44, the Matriarch Circle Act, recognizes the profound contributions of the matriarchs in Manitoba who have advocated tirelessly for a more inclusive and just government,” said Fontaine. “Their work continues to have a profound impact in the lives of women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse individuals, and our government recognizes the important role they play in the growth, development and continued prosperity of our province for everyone.”
The Matriarch Circle is an advisory body that provides the Manitoba government with advice and vision to empower and benefit women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse individuals. The group works to identify key priorities and recommend strategic approaches in alignment with the mandate of Women and Gender Equity Manitoba and includes representation from accomplished Afro-Indigenous, Anishinaabe, Anisininew, Cree, Dakota, Dene, Inuit and Métis women, youth and gender-diverse relatives.
The minister noted the Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act has also been amended as part of Bill 44 to proclaim Jan. 4 as Ribbon Skirt Day in recognition of the importance of maintaining a strong connection to identity, culture and tradition. The change will empower Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse relatives to exercise their right to cultural expression and celebrate their empowerment, strength and resilience.
“Ribbon skirts are an active statement of courage that honours matriarchal ancestors who have continued to gift and pass down these teachings, even when being actively silenced,” said Fontaine. “Bill 44 protects practices that have sustained generations of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse relatives and sends an important message to all Manitobans that we as a government respect the pre-existing relationships to land and place that have existed long before settler contact.”
Bill 44 affirms calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which emphasize the importance of protecting the inherent rights of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse relatives to maintain their unique and distinct cultural practices and languages.
Manitoba is the first province in Canada to pass legislation declaring its respect for the long-standing sacred relationships, connections and practices cultivated by Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit members and gender-diverse relatives, the minister said.
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