EDMONTON, November 5, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Laurie Hawn, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre), today announced funding for the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women.
Funding of $60,000 will allow the Institute to develop, deliver, and evaluate the Aboriginal Women's Governance and Communication Strategy, a project designed to provide Aboriginal women in Alberta with the information, networking, and partnerships necessary to address their needs and those of their community, particularly with respect to their participation in governance issues.
"Our Government is committed to enabling Aboriginal people to take part in the social, political, economic, and cultural life of the country," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to support this project, which will provide learning opportunities that address the unique needs of Aboriginal women, their families, and their communities."
"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting organizations such as this," said Mr. Hawn. "The Institute cooperates with agencies like the YWCA and the University of Alberta to develop and deliver programs and services for Aboriginal women and their families."
The Institute is a non-profit organization that provides leadership, mediation, advocacy, and support to its 800 women members of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit descent. Created in 1995, the Institute is run by a volunteer board of directors composed of Aboriginal women and has 16 chapters in communities across Alberta, including Edmonton, Cold Lake, Stony Plain, Gunn, Calgary, St. Paul, Fort McMurray, Slave Lake, Athabasca, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, and Lac La Biche.
The Government of Canada has provided this funding 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:
Richard Walker
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
819 994-5978
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
