The Government of Saskatchewan is marking International Women’s Day highlighting three female leaders in the province. The theme this year is “choose to challenge” which addresses woemn who choose to challenge the status quo to make positive change. The women highlighted this year are Kendra Weenie an award nominated author and inspirational speaker from Sweetgrass First Nation; Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel who is a farmer a public speaker, director and driving force in the Saskatchewan agriculture industry from Mossbank; and Shelby Newkirk who is an entrepreneur and internationally recognized para-swim athlete from Saskatoon.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is celebrating the achievements of First Nations women today, which is International Women’s Day. FSIN Vice Chief Heather Bear says there may be a long way to go for Indigenous women and equality but they wanted to recognize that First Nations women in Saskatchewan have already come a long way despite bias and challenges. It is just over 50 years since First Nation Women were granted the right to vote. It was March 14, 1916 when women attained the right to vote in Saskatchewan but it was not until 1960 Indigenous Canadians were allowed to vote.