SUDBURY, Ontario, 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 Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, today announced funding of $19,140 for the Anishinaabe Kweg Research Project. The goal of the project is to study traditional Aboriginal healing methods in the treatment of issues such as family violence, mental health, substance abuse and grief.
"By providing this investment, Canada's New Government is supporting the Anishinaabe Kweg Research Group to undertake research that can lead to improving the lives of many women," said Minister Oda. "I am proud to invest in an organization that is focusing its work on addressing such important women's issues as family violence, mental health and abuse."
"Supporting this initiative is an important step in supporting the Aboriginal community to undertake its own research that will ultimately enhance the health and well-being of northern Aboriginal communities," said Minister Clement.
"This research is an important step in establishing the credibility of traditional healing methods, the credibility of traditional healers and the credibility of Aboriginal researchers to conduct ethical research within their communities," said Susan Manitowabi, Coordinator, Native Human Services, Honours
Bachelor of Social Work Programme at Laurentian University.
The Anishinaabe Kweg Research Group is a growing network of Aboriginal female researchers in northern Ontario who provide research and evaluation pertaining to Aboriginal women in this area of the province.
Canada's New Government is providing this support through the Aboriginal Women's Community Initiative of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program enables Aboriginal women to influence 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 a component to address issues around family violence and a self-government initiative to support the full participation of Aboriginal women in consultations and decision-making processes.
Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Erik Waddell
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Health and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario
613 957-0200
Jaime Burke
A/Manager Communications
Canadian Heritage
Ontario Region
416 973-2050
