THUNDER BAY, Ontario, March 14, 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 Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, today announced funding of $28,818 for the Robinson Superior Treaty Women's Council's Kitchen Table project. This project will increase the participation of Aboriginal women in all aspects of Canadian society, thereby improving the quality of lives for their families and communities.
"I am proud to assist an organization that focuses on enhancing the leadership of Aboriginal women in society as well preserving Aboriginal Culture," said Minister Oda. "Canada's New Government is pleased to support Aboriginal Women and youth to participate more fully in community and our country's life."
"I congratulate the Robinson Superior Treaty Women's Council on its remarkable work in the Northwestern Ontario region," said Minister Clement. "This initiative will help increase knowledge of Aboriginal cultures and assist women in becoming leaders in their community."
"This will allow the Treaty Women in both on- and off-reserve communities in our Territory to discuss and locally examine the many social and economic issues faced by our women, such as extreme poverty, and the challenges facing the elderly and children," said Norma Fawcett, President of the Women's Council. "Our women must have a say in how our communities thrive. Phase one is geared towards gathering women's strength and empowering our voices to increase involvement and building momentum towards creating positive change."
The Robinson Superior Treaty Women's Council was established as a result of a four-day conference in the fall of 2005. The conference brought together over 50 First Nations' women from 14 reserve communities and four rural off-reserve communities within the Robinson Superior Treaty Area.
The funding announced today, for the Kitchen Table project, will enable area communities to take an important first step in addressing the issues identified at the Robinson Superior Treaty Women's Council's inaugural conference.
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 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
