OTTAWA -- The Government of Canada takes an important step in improving the lives of Aboriginal women by funding the work of the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) to address racialized and sexualized violence. 1 Over a five-year period (2005-2010), the federal government will provide $5 million to NWAC in response to its Sisters in Spirit proposal. These are funds which were designated in the Government of Canada's February 2005 budget. The funding will support NWAC's work with other Aboriginal women's organizations and the federal government on activities aimed at ending racialized and sexualized violence against Aboriginal women. "Aboriginal women have clearly stated their concerns, and the Government of Canada is responding ," said the Honourable Liza Frulla, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for the Status of Women. "We want Canada to be a nation in which Aboriginal women are free from discrimination, fear and violence . We must reduce their marginalization by addressing the root causes that put them in danger." The Government of Canada's response involves Status of Women Canada, working in collaboration with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to support NWAC in its Sisters in Spirit initiative. "Through its invaluable work, NWAC has contributed enormously to our understanding of the extent and nature of violence against Aboriginal women," stated the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians . "Racism and discrimination underpin the violence Aboriginal women of all backgrounds - First Nations, Métis and Inuit women alike - face on a daily basis across this land. The Sisters in Spirit initiative is helping to change that reality, advancing the fundamental human rights of Aboriginal women." Through the Sisters in Spirit initiative, the Native Women's Association of Canada will work in collaboration with other Aboriginal women's organizations and the federal government to improve the human rights of and address the violence facing Aboriginal women in Canada . This will be done through activities in various areas, including research, public education, informing policy direction and development, and sustainability. This initiative will result in our increased understanding of racialized and sexualized violence against Aboriginal women, and will lead to the development of enhanced policy and program options and recommendations. 1 Racialized and sexualized violence is violence perpetrated against Aboriginal women because of their gender and Aboriginal identity. This type of violence typically occurs in the public sphere, where societal indifference often leaves Aboriginal women at greater risk. - 30 - For more information please contact: Status of Women Canada
