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NLIS 3
February 23, 2006
(Executive Council)
 

Historic meeting for Status of Women Ministers

An important working relationship on Aboriginal women's issues was officially established today as Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Zippie Nochasak, the Nunatsiavut Government�s new Status of Women Minister, met to discuss how they will work together to advance issues of importance to Aboriginal women.

The ministers expressed a desire to work collaboratively to ensure the many issues and challenges facing the aboriginal women's community are effectively addressed now and in the future.

"This is an historic occasion," said Minister Burke. "Women in the Nunatsiavut region of Labrador now have their own minister. This shows the new government�s commitment to improving the quality of life for Inuit women. Both of our governments really need to work together if we are going to make some real changes."

Minister Nochasak indicated she was eager to discuss how both offices will work together to address priority issues of importance to Inuit women.

"Open communication is the key for our two governments to be able to work together," said Minister Nochasak. "We cannot move forward on anything without good communication. We need to bring the concerns of Labrador women up to par with those of Newfoundland women. This is long overdue."

Beni Andersen, president of the Tongamiut Inuit Annait (TIA) (an organization representing Inuit women in northern Labrador), also accompanied Minister Nochasak to the meetings.

"Minister Nochasak is one of many strong Inuit women I have had the pleasure of meeting," said Minister Burke. "She has been active on women's issues for 25 years and brings with her significant knowledge and experience and I look forward to working closely with her on this portfolio."

A strong working relationship with the Status of Women Minister of the Nunatsiavut Government is in keeping with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador�s commitment to working with Aboriginal women and Aboriginal leaders to help address quality of life issues for Aboriginal women across the province.

Early in their mandate, Premier Williams and Minister Burke saw firsthand the issues and needs of Aboriginal women when they traveled to communities along Labrador�s north coast. This trip strengthened their commitment to Aboriginal women.

More recently, in November, the Premier, along with Minister Burke and Tom Rideout, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, met with a group of Aboriginal leaders and women in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The meeting was an opportunity for the Premier and ministers to hear directly from the women on issues concerning their communities. This meeting served to inform the government of issues relating to Aboriginal women to bring to the table at the First Ministers Meeting on Aboriginal issues in November 2005.

Addressing issues related to Aboriginal women is also a priority for the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women. All levels of government have agreed to focus efforts on improving the quality of life for Aboriginal women both on and off-reserve.

Media contact:
Catherine Whelan, Women�s Policy Office, 729-6225
Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, 729-0048, 689-2624

2006 02 23                             10:45 a.m.


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