REGINA, January 26, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Tom Lukiwski, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament (Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre), today announced funding to Prairie Spirit Connections for the Mending the Family Circle project.
This project will help Aboriginal women reclaim their cultural identity, move forward in their healing journey, and rebuild and strengthen their families. Participants will attend workshops on domestic violence, self care, family dynamics, and traditional parenting teachings. Elders and healers will lead weekly healing circles and sweat lodge ceremonies to teach participants traditional healing practices. Family circles and an on-the-land healing camp will also be offered to Aboriginal women and their families.
"The Government of Canada is committed to improving the lives of Aboriginal women who are victims of violence," said Minister Moore. "Today's investment will provide women in Regina with access to culturally relevant resources and support to help them overcome the impact of domestic violence and participate fully in the community."
"By investing in the Mending the Family Circle project, we are working with the community to help break the cycle of violence in Aboriginal families," said Mr. Lukiwski. "This initiative incorporates Aboriginal traditions, teachings, and support, and is an important resource for Aboriginal women who are going through the healing process."
Prairie Spirit Connections, incorporated in 1996, provides culturally sensitive programming to the Aboriginal community in Regina. Its mandate is to assist Aboriginal people in their healing process by providing a safe and nurturing environment for participants to reconnect to traditional teachings. The organization helps Aboriginal families get their lives back on track and become more active participants in shaping their future.
The Government of Canada has provided $173,140 ($82,666 in 2009-2010 and $90,474 in 2010-2011) under the Aboriginal Women's Programming Element Family Violence Initiative of the Department of Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Peoples' Program. This initiative supports community-based culturally appropriate approaches to addressing the issue of family and related violence within Aboriginal families, mainly off reserve.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Chantal Rougeau
A/Manager
Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 204-984-5505
Cell: 204-298-9833
chantal.rougeau@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
