PG Native Friendship Centre executive director named chairwoman of Advisory Council on Indigenous Women

Barb Ward-Burkitt has a new title.

The Prince George resident is the new chairwoman of the Minister’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Women (MACIW).

Ward-Burkitt originally joined the council in 2014 and has served as vice-chairwoman of MACIW the last two years and is the executive director of the Prince George Native Friendship Centre.

She replaces Chastity Davis.

“The guidance and direction that MACIW provides me, other ministers, and all of the government helps us to better meet the many opportunities and challenges facing Indigenous women in British Columbia,” said Ward-Burkitt.

Ward-Burkitt, also called Wahiyow Cawapata Scoo, has been actively involved in the friendship centre movement since 1972. She was invested into the Order of British Columbia in 2010.

“Violence against Indigenous women and girls is a pandemic across our country, and it is continuing to grow. It is critically important for MACIW to continue to work in partnership with the Province to ensure that the voices and stories of Indigenous women and girls are being heard and action is taken as we work together collaboratively to improve the health, safety and wellness of Indigenous women and girls,” Ward-Burkitt said.

Ward-Burkitt has been a faculty staff mentor in field programs for northern B.C. at Simon Fraser University and a child care worker with Indigenous students and with special needs students for the Quesnel School District.

She has been the president of Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment and Training Association for many years and sits on several other local, regional and provincial working groups and committees.