EDMONTON, April 11, 2005 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Anne McLellan, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $104,746 in funding for two projects which will serve Aboriginal women in Alberta. "The Edmonton-based Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women and the Banff Centre for Continuing Education have been assisting Aboriginal women in Alberta for many years," said Minister McLellan. "Both organizations play a key role in our province by encouraging Aboriginal women to develop and demonstrate their leadership abilities." "Aboriginal women play a significant role not only within their communities but also in Canadian society," said Minister Frulla. "The funding announced today for these two projects will enable Aboriginal women to continue acquiring new skills and experience that will benefit all Canadians." Achieving Social Justice for Aboriginal Women, a project conceived by the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women, will receive $54,746 to develop information sessions and workshops for Aboriginal women. Participants will be able to enhance their leadership qualities, receive training in advocacy and proposal writing, and explore opportunities for personal development. The Banff Centre for Continuing Education will receive $50,000 for the second annual Indigenous Women in Leadership Forum. The week-long event will offer participants practical experience in the areas of facilitation and team-building to help them develop strategies for financial self-reliance. Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Aboriginal Women's Program, which helps enable Aboriginal women to influence policies, programs, legislation and decision-making that affect their social, cultural, economic and political well-being, within their own communities and Canadian society. The Program has two components: one addresses the issue of family violence; the other helps Aboriginal women to fully participate in consultations and decision-making processes. Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget. - 30 - Information: Jean-Philippe Côté Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women (819) 997-7788 Alex Swann Director of Communications Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (613) 997-9314 Janet Miller Policy and Communications Canadian Heritage (604) 666-2454
