FREDERICTON, April 14, 2005 -- Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament (Fredericton) Andy Scott, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $26,000 in funding for the New Brunswick Committee for Career Advancement of Aboriginal Women. The funds will enable the Committee to implement its project entitled "Gathering Voices.""The Aboriginal community of New Brunswick contributes in many ways to the political, cultural, economic and social life of our province," said Minister Scott. "I am pleased that our government is giving Aboriginal women in our region the means to make their challenges better known and to put forward their concerns.""Aboriginal women have played a crucial part in building our country, and it is important to acknowledge their contributions," said Minister Frulla. "I am sure that this investment will help New Brunswick Aboriginal women reach their full potential and participate even more in the development of their communities."The "Gathering Voices" project seeks to identify barriers faced by Aboriginal women and to improve the socio-economic conditions of New Brunswick's Aboriginal population. The Committee for Career Advancement of Aboriginal Women will share the project's findings with other groups working with Aboriginal women in the province.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Aboriginal Women's Program. The mandate of this program is to enable Aboriginal women to express their concerns regarding the policies, programs, legislation, and decision making that affect their social, cultural, economic, and political well-being, in their communities and in Canadian society. It includes components to address issues around family violence and to support the full participation of Aboriginal women in consultations and decision-making processes.Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget.Information:Jean-Philippe CôtéDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Daniel BrienDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development(819) 997-0002Claudine DaigleCommunicationsCanadian Heritage(506) 851-3980
