Preserving Aboriginal Cultural Identity

News Release

Government of Canada supports the Barrie Native Friendship Centre

September 4, 2014 – Barrie, Ontario – Canadian Heritage

The Government of Canada is providing $40,000 through the Aboriginal Women’s Program to support the Barrie Native Friendship Centre’s project “Mother, Daughter and Granddaughter: Reclaiming Indigenous Knowledge, Skills and Voices.” The project encourages and facilitates the sharing and transfer of traditional knowledge to younger Aboriginal women in urban and remote communities across Simcoe County.

Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament (Barrie), made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Quick Facts

More than 1000 Aboriginal women and their families are expected to participate in cultural and artistic activities as part of this project.
Activities will include traditional ceremonies and teachings on topics such as the medicine wheel, ribbon-shirt making and leather tanning.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to helping Aboriginal people build healthy communities, improve the lives of Aboriginal women in Canada, and preserve and revitalize Aboriginal cultures and languages. By encouraging women to share their knowledge and skills, we empower them to shape and preserve the cultural identity of their communities.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“I am proud that our Government is supporting Aboriginal communities throughout Ontario in their efforts to increase the knowledge and use of their languages, as well as understanding of their cultures. This investment will strengthen the cultural identity of this community and help share traditions and skills which would otherwise be lost.”

—Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament (Barrie)

“The Mothers, Daughters and Granddaughters team is very grateful to the Department of Canadian Heritage for the funding received through the Aboriginal Women's Program. With this funding we will facilitate the transfer of traditional knowledge between generations and promote the sharing of our rich cultural heritage with young Aboriginal women. This project is essential to the well-being of our women and children now and for seven generations.”

—Suzy Kies, Program Author, United Urban-Community Achievement Network