A report detailing discussions, issues and highlights from the Second Provincial Aboriginal Women�s Conference was released today. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, said the report will be an important resource for Provincial Government departments and agencies as they work to address issues of importance in Aboriginal communities.

The conference, The Path to the Good Life, Moving Forward, Building Strength, took place in Stephenville from November 23-26, 2006. The conference gave Aboriginal women the opportunity to hear presentations and voice their concerns regarding poverty reduction, the justice system and cultural preservation. It was organized by a steering committee of Aboriginal women in partnership with the Women�s Policy Office and the Department of Justice.

"The report from the Second Provincial Aboriginal Women�s Conference has help set the stage for the first-ever National Aboriginal Women�s Summit taking place in Corner Brook this week," said Minister Burke. "The summit will bring together Aboriginal women from across the country to determine priorities for federal, provincial, and Aboriginal governments and organizations. I am extremely pleased that the voices of Aboriginal women are being heard on a provincial, and now a national level."

The report outlines a number of issues raised by Innu, Inuit, Labrador M�tis, on and off reserve Mik�maq and Urban Aboriginal women during their meetings. Key concerns that were raised by all groups include the need for increased violence prevention efforts, more police presence and justice translation services for Aboriginal communities, and the need for higher minimum wage, child care supports and educational opportunities.

The Williams Government has already provided funding and implemented many new initiatives based on the recommendations of the two provincial Aboriginal women�s conferences.

"Provincial Government departments are working together to improve the lives of Aboriginal people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. "$4 million is being invested in a new school for Sheshatshui under the Provincial Government�s new, $55 million, Northern Strategic Plan and the minimum wage has been increased to $8 per hour under the Poverty Reduction Strategy."

In addition, in Budget 2007, the Provincial Government invested $1.6 million to reduce violence against vulnerable populations including Aboriginal women and children, and the Department of Education received $200,000 to support increased participation of Aboriginal peoples in skilled trades. Significant investments have also been made to the Department of Justice to continue to implement emergency protection orders, and to increase translation services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to hearing directly from Aboriginal women on both the issues that affect their communities, and how we can work together to find solutions," said Minister Burke. "I encourage all Provincial Government departments and agencies to use this report, in addition to consulting with Aboriginal groups, when implementing programs and policies that impact Aboriginal communities."

"The report outlines the concerns, suggestions and recommendations of Aboriginal women throughout our province," said Judy White, conference facilitator and author of the report. "I look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure that these issues are heard."

The First Aboriginal Women�s Conference, The Path to the Good Life, took place in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in March 2006. The idea stemmed from a tour of the north coast of Labrador by Premier Danny Williams and Minister Burke in 2004 where they saw first-hand the complexity and diversity of the issues faced by Aboriginal women.

Reports from both provincial Aboriginal women�s conferences have been shared with all conference participants, Aboriginal governments, Aboriginal organizations, all Provincial Government departments and agencies and other key stakeholders. The reports can also be viewed at www.gov.nl.ca/exec/WPO.

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Media contact:
Michelle Hynes
Communications Specialist
Women�s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-2125
michellehynes@gov.nl.ca

2007 06 19                                                9:20 a.m.