Newfoundland and Labrador Aboriginal Delegation to Attend
National Aboriginal Women’s Forum

Aboriginal women from throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will take part in the Collaboration to End Violence: National Aboriginal Women’s Forum as part of a provincial delegation lead by the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. The forum will take place in Vancouver, British Columbia, June 15 – 17.

“From the south coast of Newfoundland to the north coast of Labrador, Aboriginal women are demonstrating leadership and courage in our efforts to end violence,” said Minister Pottle. “The Aboriginal women of this province are an inspirational example of strength and steadfast resolve in violence prevention and the Provincial Government continues to demonstrate leadership in this area through support for initiatives such as the National Aboriginal Women’s Forum.”

The nine delegates accompanying Minister Pottle represent Aboriginal governments, groups and organizations such as the Nunatsiavut Government, Miawpukek First Nation, Innu Nation, NunatuKavut Community Council, Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network, and the St. John’s Native Friendship Centre. Participation by the Newfoundland and Labrador delegation is made possible through more than $30,000 in financial support from the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs and the Women’s Policy Office.

“The Provincial Government is pleased to support this delegation of Aboriginal women,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. “Violence is a major issue for many Aboriginal women. By providing them with pertinent information and enabling them to participate in national forums, we are enhancing their ability to secure greater knowledge that can later be applied in their communities as we work collectively to stop violence.”

The Collaboration to End Violence: National Aboriginal Women’s Forum is co-hosted by the British Columbia Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and the Native Women’s Association of Canada. More than 200 delegates will participate, including provincial ministers and government representatives, leaders of national Aboriginal organizations and front-line workers and service providers who assist Aboriginal women who are at risk or have been victims of violence.

A report on the outcomes of the forum will be presented to premiers and leaders of national Aboriginal organizations during their annual meeting taking place July 20 in Vancouver.

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador, includes several initiatives to support violence prevention, such as the Aboriginal Women’s Violence Prevention Grants Program, the Inuit Women’s Capacity Building Program, and ongoing support to the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network.

-30-

Media contacts:

2011 06 14                                                                           2:15 p.m.