Executive Council
October 13, 2006

Aboriginal Women Celebrate Women�s History Month

Aboriginal women across Newfoundland and Labrador and across the country are celebrating Women�s History Month. This is the 14th year since the Government of Canada established this special month. The theme of this year�s celebration is Aboriginal Women: the Journey Forward.

The objectives of Women�s History Month 2006 are to make Canadians aware of Aboriginal women�s contributions to Canada, to their communities and to their families. It is also intended to promote understanding of the realities of Aboriginal women�s lives and the unique challenges they face.

�I would encourage everyone to take time this month to reflect on the great contribution that Aboriginal women have made, and continue to make to our province� said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. �Aboriginal women have played an important role in shaping the history and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador.�

In celebration of Women�s History Month, the Women�s Policy Office in partnership with the Department of Education is hosting a creative writing contest for elementary students in schools throughout the province. Students will be encouraged to write a story based on the theme Aboriginal Women: the Journey Forward. The contest will be launched in schools later this month.

The Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, said, �During the month of October, I encourage all Aboriginal women to celebrate the contributions they have made in furthering the growth of Aboriginal communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Our government is extremely pleased with the cooperative relationship that we have developed with Aboriginal women throughout the province, and we are committed to building upon our past successes as we move forward with advancing the quality of life within these communities.�

In March 2006, the government hosted the first provincial-wide Aboriginal women�s conference. The conference titled, The Path to the Good Life, brought together approximately 75 women from a variety of communities in rural and urban areas of the province to discuss issues of importance to Aboriginal communities, such as education and culture. The Provincial Government is currently planning for a second conference to be held this coming November in Stephenville.

Media contact:
Michelle Hynes
Communications and Policy Research Analyst
Women�s Policy Office
709-729-6225
michellehynes@gov.nl.ca