NORTH BAY, Ontario, March 15, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and the Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, today announced funding of more than $24,000 for the Nibi Kwewag Committee. These funds will support the organization's Women's Walking Together project, which features a three-day conference on the challenges of contemporary life for Aboriginal women.
"Canada's New Government understands the importance of helping Aboriginal women to participate more fully in community and civic life," said Minister Oda. "We are proud to support the Nibi Kwewag Committee."
"I commend the Nibi Kwewag Committee for its initiative in organizing a conference focused on enhancing life for Aboriginal women and their families living in northern Ontario communities," said Minister Clement. "Canada's New Government is pleased to support the Women's Walking Together project."
"This grant will help us as First Nations Women in our community become healthier parents and increase our knowledge of our own culture," said Lorraine Whiteduck-Liberty, Committee Elder and Secretary. "We are working for our children, our future generations."
Women's Walking Together is a three-month project that will culminate in a three-day conference in Nipissing, Ontario. The conference will focus on topics such as the traditional leadership roles of Aboriginal women, women's teachings, and the contemporary challenges facing Aboriginal women and girls.
Canada's New Government is providing this support through the Aboriginal Women's Program 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 the Minister of Health and Minister for Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario
613 957-0200
Jaime Burke
A/Manager, Communications
Canadian Heritage
Ontario Region
416 973-2050
