Executive Council
October 23, 2014
Supporting the Well-being of Aboriginal Women
Summit Provides a Venue for Discussion on a Wide Range of Issues Affecting Aboriginal Women
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to strongly support the National Aboriginal Women’s Summit. On October 21-22, a Provincial Government delegation led by the Honourable Keith Russell, Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, and the Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, attended the most recent summit at Membertou First Nation in Nova Scotia. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador also provided financial support for provincial Aboriginal organizations to attend the Summit as well.
“Having the opportunity to listen to the experiences of Aboriginal women at this summit was both emotional and inspiring. The strength and views of Aboriginal women in our country are of value to leaders everywhere. I am grateful to have met so many of the delegates. Their heartfelt experiences increase our resolve as a government to continue our efforts to end violence against Aboriginal women and children and to do our part in improving the lives of all Aboriginal people in our country.”
- The Honourable Keith Russell, Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
The National Aboriginal Women’s Summit IV Promoting Equity, Empowerment and Leadership was co-hosted this year by the Government of Nova Scotia and the Native Women’s Association of Canada with the objectives of: providing a forum for knowledge sharing; raising the awareness of issues facing Aboriginal women; increasing the level of engagement and collaboration amongst Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal organizations and governments; reflecting upon past National Aboriginal Women’s Summit recommendations; and identifying solution-based actions and accessible, culturally-relevant responses.
“I was very pleased to have the opportunity to meet with others across the country who are also working towards improving the lives of Aboriginal women in Canada. I look forward to bringing the ideas and concepts we have discussed back to Newfoundland and Labrador where we will continue to work with Aboriginal organizations and others to implement strategies for empowering Aboriginal women.”
- The Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
Recommendations for a socio-economic Action Plan arising from the National Aboriginal Women’s Summit are anticipated to be presented to the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group, which comprises provincial/territorial Ministers of Aboriginal Affairs and the leaders of the five National Aboriginal Organizations in spring 2015, and then presented to Premiers and National Aboriginal Organizations leaders in July 2015.
As well, the leaders of the National Aboriginal Organizations and the provincial/territorial Ministers of Aboriginal Affairs meet independently from the National Aboriginal Women’s Summit to discuss planning for a national roundtable on ending violence against Aboriginal women.
QUICK FACTS
- Newfoundland and Labrador co-hosted the first National Aboriginal Women’s Summit in Corner Brook in 2007.
- Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook committed $2.1 million for Phase II of the renewed Violence Prevention Initiative.
- Since 2005, a total of 92 projects have been funded under the Aboriginal Women's Violence Prevention Grants Program at approximately $1.32 million.
- An All-Party resolution was passed in March 2014 supporting the call by the National Aboriginal Organizations on the Federal Government for an inquiry on missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls.
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Media contacts:
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Val Oliver Communications Manager Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs 709-896-2364, 899-6446 valoliver@gov.nl.ca |
Luke Joyce Director of Communications Department of Justice and Public Safety 709-729-6985, 725-4165 lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca |
2014 10 23 11:05 a.m.