Issues of importance discussed at first ever province-wide Aboriginal women�s conference

The first ever province-wide Aboriginal women�s conference wrapped up today in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. It was an opportunity for Aboriginal women from all groups across the province to connect and share their experiences. Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Minister of Education, and Tom Rideout, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, attended the conference to hear first-hand the issues and concerns of Aboriginal women.

"This was a very important conference to see that Aboriginal women�s voices are heard," said Minister Burke. "They have the insight and first-hand knowledge to successfully address the social, cultural, economic and environmental needs and challenges of their communities. This was an opportunity for them to identify priorities and strengthen relationships to advance their issues."

The theme of the conference, "The Path to the Good Life," helped participants identify the steps necessary to improve the quality of life in their communities.

Concerns raised at the conference included a range of issues � health and well-being, education, justice, the need for violence prevention and early intervention, as well as the need for continued discussions. Funding for the conference was provided by the Women�s Policy Office and the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs.

Ministers Burke and Rideout were pleased to announce today Budget 2006 will allocate $100,000 to continue a community-based grants program designed to address violence and other quality of life issues for Aboriginal women and children. This program was originally established in Budget 2005 and funded projects such as violence prevention training, public awareness and education.

"Community-based, grass-roots solutions are essential to having programs and services that work," said Minister Burke.

The ministers also announced $20,000 in continued funding, to be allocated in Budget 2006, for future meetings between Aboriginal women and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to continue collaborative work to advance the quality of life for Aboriginal women.

"Over the past two days, women have made it very clear that the discussions that took place at this conference need to continue," said Minister Rideout. "The funding announced today is one example of this government�s commitment to Aboriginal women."

"It is essential that Aboriginal women, many of whom live in isolated communities, have a forum to come together and map out what changes need to be made and how best to make those changes," said Minister Burke. "This conference is a first step, but one I hope will ensure a collaborative and hands-on working relationship between Aboriginal women and government. In addition, a report on the discussions and directions set forth from the conference will form the basis for future government priorities to advance Aboriginal women�s issues."

Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 689-2624
Lori Lee Oates, Aboriginal Affairs, (709) 729-3733, 690-8403

2006 03 15                                              4:30 p.m.