The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador will again step into the national spotlight this week as the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, joins with Beverley Jacobs, President of the Native Women�s Association of Canada, to co-host the National Aboriginal Women�s Summit in Corner Brook, from June 20 to 22. The summit is being carried out with support from the Government of Canada.

"Our government has been a proud leader in this country in addressing the issues and needs of Aboriginal women throughout the province," said Premier Williams. "To date, we have held two provincial Aboriginal women�s conferences within the province where a great deal was accomplished in terms of identifying some of the challenges facing Aboriginal women. President Jacobs and I had an opportunity to talk about these issues when we were in Kelowna for the First Minister�s Meeting with National Aboriginal Leaders. We agreed it was fitting that a National Aboriginal Women�s Summit be held here in this province, and I am honoured to welcome more than 300 delegates and officials for this significant event."

The theme chosen for the summit is Strong Women: Strong Communities. Issues to be addressed during the summit include Health, Safety and Wellness; Equality and Empowerment; and, Strength, Balance and Honour.

The Premier said after months of planning, the conference is destined for success. "Officials from our government have been working for the last number of months with a national planning committee to ensure that we have a summit that successfully allows for the voices of Aboriginal women to be heard," said Premier Williams. "I view this as an opportunity to listen and learn from those individuals in the communities who know the issues best and can also provide insight into meaningful solutions."

The planning committee also included representation from the province, numerous national Aboriginal organizations across the country and the federal government. The committee also maintained regular contact with the other province�s and territories who are also represented at the conference.

There have been ongoing regional processes leading up to the summit. Many provinces and territories have hosted their own meetings with Aboriginal women to discuss the issues they face in their home communities. This summit is the culmination of these discussions. In total, there will be approximately 300 delegates attending the summit.

"This summit is also another excellent opportunity to showcase the hospitality of Newfoundland and Labrador, including the province�s Aboriginal culture and heritage," said the Premier. "Throughout the week, many festivities and events are planned that will exhibit the province�s performers, artists and our unique cuisine. We also have an intense business agenda covering themes and issues that have been identified as priorities by all involved in the planning process. I look forward to a successful and productive two days."

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Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-3960, 351-1227
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca 

2007 06 19                                                    5:00 p.m.