June 20, 2006
Calgary, Alberta — The Government of Canada
approved $140,000 in Urban Aboriginal Strategy funding towards the
Awo Taan Native Women’s Shelter Society’s Paediatric
Wellness Clinic and the Native Counselling Services of Alberta’s
Aboriginal Parenting Program.
The Awo Taan Native Women’s Shelter Society’s Paediatric
Wellness Clinic received $64,694 in Urban Aboriginal Strategy funding,
that will be used to hire a registered nurse and enhance family
centered services. Urban Aboriginal infants and youth residing in
the shelter will now have daily access to healthcare services, reducing
the current care gap in medical assistance.
The Native Counselling Services of Alberta’s Aboriginal Parenting
Program received $74,640 in Urban Aboriginal Strategy funding to
develop a practical parenting course to increase family functionality.
Based upon the teachings of the medicine wheel, the program takes
into account the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing
of the family. The goal of this pilot project is to reduce the number
of urban Aboriginal people who require Child Welfare services and
to provide participants with access to community resources.
“The Government of Canada, through the Urban Aboriginal Strategy,
is committed to improving the quality of life for Calgary’s
urban Aboriginal people,” said the Honourable Jim Prentice,
Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor
for Métis and Non-Status Indians. “Pilot projects such
as these are examples of how community identified needs can be addressed
through community partnerships.”
"Canada’s new Government supports initiatives that assist
Calgary’s urban Aboriginal children and families in addressing
their socio-economic needs,” said the Honourable Carol Skelton,
Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.
“Additional healthcare services and tools to strengthen families
are important in building strong and healthy urban Aboriginal communities.”
“Awo Taan Native Women’s Shelter is committed to building
a safe and healthy community by providing safe accommodation, supportive
counseling and referrals to all women and children who are fleeing
physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse,” said
Josie Nepinak, Executive Director for the Awo Taan Native Women’s
Shelter Society. “In partnership with the Government of Canada
and the Native Counseling Services of Alberta, we are able to provide
enriched programs to a larger number of Aboriginal clients.”
“Native Counseling Services of Alberta is proud to announce
our community partnership with Awo-Taan Native Women's Shelter’s
Family Wellness - Parent Link Centre through support by Western
Economic Diversification Canada and the Urban Aboriginal Strategy
enabling us to offer the Aboriginal Parenting Program, “ said
Colin Campbell, Regional Supervisor for the Native Counseling Services
of Alberta. “We developed the Aboriginal parenting program
in response to the need of the Aboriginal community in 1980 and
have successfully delivered this unique sensitive program in various
areas of the province. This program is made possible through the
wonderful partnerships we have developed within this community.”
For additional information, contact:
Fiona MacLeod
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National
Revenue and Minister of Western
Economic Diversification Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
Tel: (613) 995-2960
Josie Nepinak
Executive Director
Awo Taan Native Women’s Shelter Society
Tel: (403) 531-1970 ext 202
Donna Kinley
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Ann Desmeules
Regional Manager
Native Counseling Services of Alberta – Aboriginal Parenting
Program
Tel: (403) 237-7850
