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Executive Council
February 14, 2012

Aboriginal Women Gather to Celebrate Culture

Aboriginal women from across Newfoundland and Labrador are gathering today in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for the seventh annual Aboriginal Women’s Conference entitled The Path to the Good Life - Strong Women, Strong Communities through Culture.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador hosts the conference each year to address the issues faced by Aboriginal women throughout the province. This year, the two-day event is being held from February 14 and 15 at the Hotel North II and will engage participants in discussions on maintaining Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich Aboriginal culture for future generations.

“Thanks to initiatives like this conference, our province has become a leader in supporting the voices of Aboriginal women,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and lead Minister for the Violence Prevention Initiative. “This venue provides an opportunity for Provincial Government and community leaders to learn from one another so that Aboriginal women can help shape the policies and programs that impact their communities, province and country.”

This year, well-known activist, lawyer, Inuk clothing designer, and recent recipient of the Order of Canada, Aaju Peter, will be the keynote speaker at the conference’s community banquet. The banquet will also include a traditional feast, cultural performances and a giveaway ceremony where participants exchange with one another objects of Aboriginal cultural importance to their communities.

“Aboriginal women play a key role in the preservation, transmission, celebration and maintenance of Aboriginal culture and heritage,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs. “The Provincial Government is proud to continue to provide funding and organizational support for the conference, which identifies and advances solutions to improve the socio-economic conditions of Aboriginal women in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

A report will be developed drawing on the concerns, suggestions and recommendations raised by participants during the conference. Once the report is complete, it will be posted to the Women’s Policy Office website at www.gov.nl.ca/exec/wpo.

The planning of the conference is a partnership between the Women’s Policy Office and a steering committee consisting of women from Aboriginal groups across the province.

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Media contacts:

Michelle Hunt
Director of Communications
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
709-729-5148, 725-1593
MichelleHunt@gov.nl.ca
Carol Ann Carter
Director of Communications
Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs
Labrador Affairs
709-729-1674, 631-9505
carolanncarter@gov.nl.ca 

2012 02 14                           10:05 a.m.

 
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