KINGSTON, 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, Gord Brown, Member of Parliament (Leeds-Grenville), today announced funding of $64,680 for the Kingston Aboriginal Women's Coalition. These funds will support the organization's project called Leading the Way: Building the Capacity of Aboriginal Women in Kingston.
"This year's theme for International Women's Day is 'Ending Violence Against Women: Action for Real Results.' I am proud to support an organization that fights violence against women, while supporting and enhancing the leadership of Aboriginal women in society," said Minister Oda. "This support is another example of the commitment of Canada's New Government to prevent and eliminate violence and improve the quality of life of Aboriginal women."
"It is fitting that on International Women's Day, I have the opportunity to congratulate the Kingston Aboriginal Women's Coalition on its remarkable work on behalf of Aboriginal women in the region," said Mr. Brown. "This eight-month initiative will help increase knowledge of Aboriginal cultures and will build leadership skills among Aboriginal women in Kingston."
"Kingston Interval House is pleased to present the Aboriginal Women's Leadership program funded by Canadian Heritage," said Lisa Doxtator, Aboriginal Community Counsellor. "The Aboriginal Women's Leadership program will empower Aboriginal women to take control of their awareness of Aboriginal Culture."
The Kingston Aboriginal Women's Coalition provides services to Aboriginal women who have experienced violence in their lives by providing a safe place to share their experiences and increase their awareness of Aboriginal Culture. The Leading the Way project will educate Aboriginal women and girls about the causes of violence against women and girls and promote a positive perception of Aboriginal culture in Kingston and the surrounding area.
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
Mark King
Legislative Assistant
Office of the Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville
613 992-8756
Jaime Burke
A/Manager Communications
Canadian Heritage
Ontario Region
416 973-2050
