The Provincial Government is continuing its support to end violence against Aboriginal women and families with its annual grant program to support initiatives that raise awareness of violence and provide help to victims.

This year, grants totaling $110,000 will be distributed to five Aboriginal groups and organizations for initiatives in their communities.

"The Aboriginal Women's Violence Prevention Grants Program is helping to improve the quality of life, health and well-being of Aboriginal women and their families," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. "Our continued financial assistance will help to ensure the necessary social supports are in place to assist these women overcome the very real challenges they face, often on a daily basis."

The Aboriginal Women's Violence Prevention Grants Program is an integral part of the Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI), the Provincial Government's six-year, $12-million strategy to combat violence in the province. This year's funding will support initiatives of the Nunatsiavut Government, the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation, the Labrador Metis Nation, the Flat Bay Indian Band, and the St. John's Native Friendship Centre. Each will undertake initiatives designed to raise awareness of violence against Aboriginal women and their families, and to provide the necessary supports.

"Violence against women continues to be a disturbing problem throughout society, but we know that its destructive impact can be especially felt in Aboriginal communities," said the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. "The Aboriginal Women's Violence Prevention Grants Program is an excellent example of how women in Aboriginal communities can take the struggle to end violence into their own hands and be empowered by it. I am especially pleased to see that so many women representing Aboriginal groups throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will benefit from the funding made possible through this program."

These grants will enable the development of workshop sessions, women's retreats and support programs. Online and printed resource materials will also be created and distributed, while communities will hold a number of presentations on violence and abuse. These initiatives will allow women and other community members to become familiar with the services and resources available to them.

The Aboriginal Women's Violence Prevention Grants Program addresses a priority action item that was identified in 2007 at the National Aboriginal Women's Summit in Corner Brook. During the summit, participants spoke of the need to increase financial resources to assist in the struggle against violence and abuse in Aboriginal communities.

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The Nunatsiavut Government is receiving $22,500 for four initiatives, including workshops, a retreat, establishment of women's groups and public awareness activities. They include:

The Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation is receiving $7,500 to support preparation for the participation of Innu women in a women's gathering in St. Augustine, Quebec later this fall. The women will have first-hand information about violence prevention in home situations. The gathering will have an anti-violence and addictions-related focus.

The Labrador Metis Nation is receiving $27,000 for interactive workshops that will provide participants an opportunity to gain an overall understanding of wellness and self-esteem. Printed information will be available for participants. To ensure the workshops are professionally sound and culturally appropriate, trained facilitators and Inuit and members of the Labrador Metis Nation will help to organize and facilitate the workshops.