PRINCE GEORGE, British Columbia, September 14, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Jay Hill, Member of Parliament (Prince George-Peace River), today announced funding for the Prince George Métis Elders Society.
With this funding, the society's Ad Hoc Women's Committee will engage Aboriginal women in culturally relevant life skills development and educational opportunities. The Committee, consisting of Métis women elders, will educate female Aboriginal students at the University of British Columbia, in Prince George, in a variety of traditional life skills and cultural teachings.
"Our Government is committed to helping Aboriginal women gain the skills they need to achieve their goals," said Minister Moore. "It is important to recognize the value of these kinds of initiatives, which build a strong identity."
"This project will provide leadership development opportunities to Aboriginal women in Prince George," said Mr. Hill. "We are proud to support an organization that helps Aboriginal women gain independence and succeed in life."
The Prince George Métis Elders Society, established in 1993, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life for elders, as well as educating the community on Métis history. The Ad Hoc Women's Committee was established in 1999 with a mandate to share traditional skills and ensure that women in the community have the opportunity to teach Métis culture and history and share traditional knowledge.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $24,000 through the Aboriginal Women's Community Initiative of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This initiative 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.
Jean-Luc Benoît
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
jean-luc.benoit@pch.gc.ca
Perry Boldt
A/Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-5739
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
