CORNER BROOK, March 17, 2005 -- Member of Parliament (Humber--St. Barbe--Baie Verte) Gerry Byrne, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $22,000 in funding for the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women's Association. The funds will enable the group to form a province-wide Mi'kmaq women's association. "This new association will allow Mi'kmaq women to make their voices heard and play a greater role in decision making within their community," said Mr. Byrne. "Initiatives such as this one contribute to the vitality of our communities.""Aboriginal women make a valuable contribution to Canada's social, cultural and economic life. It is essential to give them the means to take an active part in our society," said Minister Frulla. "By forming this association, the Mi'kmaq women of Newfoundland and Labrador will acquire tools to express their ideas and their hopes, and to enhance their quality of life."The new association will represent Mi'kmaq women from the nine affiliate bands of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians. At a conference to be held in September, delegates will draft a constitution and by-laws to incorporate the association. As requested by many Mi'kmaq women's groups, the newly formed association will plan the conference. This will give its members an opportunity to develop their organizational skills and raise their new association's profile within the community.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Aboriginal Women's Program of the Aboriginal Affairs Branch. The mandate of this program is to enable Aboriginal women to express their concerns regarding the policies, programs, legislation and decisions that affect their social, cultural, economic, and political well-being, in their communities and in Canadian society. It includes initiatives to combat family violence and to support participation by Aboriginal women in consultations and decision making.Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget.Information:Jean-Philippe CôtéDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of CanadianHeritage and Minister responsiblefor Status of Women(819) 997-7788Bonita CostelloExecutive AssistantOffice of Gerry Byrne, M.P.(709) 637-4540Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
