PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan, March 8, 2007 - On the occasion of International Women's Day and on behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament (Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar), announced that Canada's New Government is providing $20,000 in funding for the La Ronge Native Women's Council, Inc. These funds will enable the Council to organize a Cultural Camp with workshops, activities and learning sessions designed for Aboriginal women affected by family violence.
"Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many Aboriginal women and their families," said Minister Oda. "I believe the Cultural Camp will be an important resource for many Aboriginal women in La Ronge to receive the counselling and support they need to break the cycle of violence and abuse."
"Canada's New Government is proud to support a project that will make an important contribution to combatting family violence and that will help improve the lives of Aboriginal women in northern Saskatchewan," said Minister Skelton.
"The La Ronge Native Women's Council sincerely appreciates the support provided by the Government of Canada. Family violence is a serious social matter that concerns all people from all walks of life," said Karen Sanderson, Chairperson of the La Ronge Native Women's Council. "Canada's Aboriginal women and their children presently experience greater incidences of violence in all forms. Through community-based initiatives that incorporate Aboriginal traditions, teachings and support, we will reach that day when violence exists no
longer. Tiniki."
The Cultural Camp will enable participants to access the wisdom of Elders, share with others who have experienced domestic abuse, and learn holistic and culturally appropriate means of dealing with family violence. Staff members from the La Ronge Native Women's Council and the Piwapan Women's Centre will provide ongoing counselling and support during the camp.
Canada's New Government has provided this funding through the Aboriginal Women's Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to enable Aboriginal women to influence the policies, programs, legislation and decisions that affect social, cultural, economic and political well-being within their communities and throughout Canadian society, while maintaining the cultural distinctiveness and preserving the cultural identity of Aboriginal women.
Information :
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Danielle Maier
Communications Advisor
Regional Office of the Minister of National Revenue
306 780-8236
Angela Cassie
A/Director of Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
204 983-4367
