Executive Council
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
October 15, 2010Funding Provided for Violence
Prevention Work
in Aboriginal Communities in Labrador
Ten Labrador-based projects focused on violence prevention in
Aboriginal communities are receiving a total of $131,000 from the
Provincial Government this year.
"The Provincial Government is strongly committed to the violence
prevention work being done in all areas of the province but particularly
to our Aboriginal communities in Labrador," said the Honourable Kathy
Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. "The great
work being done at the community level is a testament to how important
the issue of the prevention of violence against Aboriginal women and
children is, and how vital it is we continue to support it through the
grants program."
The Aboriginal Violence Prevention Grants Program, available through
the Provincial Government's Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI), awards
grants to address issues of violence against Aboriginal women and
children. Funding this year will support the Mushuau Innu First Nation
by enhancing the resources and programs available through the Natuashish
Women's Shelter. This includes outreach programs, networking
opportunities, community-based violence prevention initiatives and
investment in a Violence Outreach Worker.
Another organization receiving funding is Ananaukatiget Tumingit's
Community Craft project. This program will reinforce the native
tradition of craft-making for women in a supportive atmosphere where
participants can also improve their confidence and self-esteem and learn
or enhance essential skills to be economically self-sufficient. For a
full list of projects funded, please see backgrounder below.
"Education and awareness are key in turning the tide on violence
towards women and children in Aboriginal communities throughout our
province," said the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal
Affairs. "By providing this funding, the Williams Government is
empowering Aboriginal leaders and organizations to address violence
issues within their respective communities. By working together with
groups such as these, we are steadily working towards putting an end to
violence against women and children throughout the province."
The Provincial Government has made the Aboriginal Violence Prevention
Grants Program available through the VPI for six years. To date 53
projects have been funded to address issues of violence against
Aboriginal women and children at the community level.
Grants are awarded based on criteria developed from needs identified
by Aboriginal women at the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Summit in
2007. These criteria include a focus on violence prevention plans of
action, public awareness and education materials or activities, healing
programs, improved programs and services at shelters for Aboriginal
women, the development of Aboriginal women's leadership, economic or
educational capacity, and the improved cultural strength of Aboriginal
communities.
The VPI is a six-year, multi-departmental, government-community
partnership to find long-term solutions to violence against those most
at risk. The initiative involves 11 government departments and agencies
and over 30 community partners including a Community Advisory Committee
and 10 Regional Coordinating Committees Against Violence. For more
information, visit www.gov.nl.ca/vpi.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
BACKGROUNDER
Aboriginal Women's Violence Prevention Grants 2010:
Labrador
Nunatsiavut Government
Aboriginal Women for Tomorrow Workshops
The Nunatsiavut government will host a series of workshops in Nain
designed to empower Aboriginal women by building leadership skills and
fostering greater participation in their communities. Workshop topics
will include building personal skills, communication skills, budgeting
and financial management. The workshops will be delivered using a
culturally sensitive approach to engage Aboriginal women through
training especially designed for Aboriginal women.
Grant awarded: $11,275
Sexual Assault Service Provider Training and Community Information
Session
The Nunatsiavut government will offer service provider training and a
community information session in Hopedale about sexual assault in
partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and
Prevention Centre.
Grant awarded: $4,435
Women's History Month Promotion
The Nunatsiavut government will work to aid in the promotion of
understanding the realities of Inuit women's lives and the unique
challenges they face, including the ongoing struggle to eliminate
violence in their communities. Activities include the development of a
culturally relevant poster with Inuit women, an essay contest with
topics related to Inuit women, violence prevention and history, and a
photo contest with different themes.
Grant awarded: $1,290
Ananaukatiget Tumingit
AGM Participation
Ananaukatiget Tumingit will send two women to participate in an AGM
in Hopedale. The goal is for these women to continue involvement with
Inuit women in the region to create a stronger voice for Inuit women
against such issues as violence.
Grant awarded: $10,000
Office Supplies
Ananaukatiget Tumingit will provide the coordinator with the
necessary tools to effectively fulfill the organization's mandate, which
includes violence prevention.
Grant awarded: $2,000
Community Craft Project
Ananaukatiget Tumingit will host community craft projects held in
Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Nain, Rigolet, Hopedale, Postville, and Makkovik
with local craft instructors meeting twice a week for four weeks. This
project will allow women to participate in the traditional activity of
craft-making in a safe and supportive atmosphere. It is anticipated that
this knowledge will enhance women's skills, thereby increasing their
self-esteem as well as their ability to provide economic security.
Grant awarded: $9,000
NunatuKavut Community Council Inc.
NunatuKavut Women's Empowerment Retreat
NunatuKavut Community Council Inc. will host a two-day women's
workshop for 15-20 participants to include day and evening sessions in
southern Labrador. These women will be given tools to enhance
self-confidence, leadership and conflict resolution, integrating
cultural aspects into the sessions. Project partners include the
Southern Labrador Family Resource centres, Violence Prevention Labrador,
Mokami Status of Women, Libra House, Labrador-Grenfell Regional Health
Authority and the Community Youth Network.
Grant awarded: $23,000
Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation
Innu Ishkueut Healing Journey
This annual week-long gathering will take place in St. Augustine,
Quebec. Innu women have first-hand information about preventing violence
in a home situation. All workshops are related to anti-violence and
addictions.
Grant awarded: $15,000
Mushuau Innu First Nation
Natuashish Women's Shelter Violence Prevention Enhancement Project
The Mushuau Innu First Nation plans to increase the capacity of their
women's shelter by providing training opportunities for staff and
outreach programs for the community. Staff will also participate in
building community-based violence prevention initiatives, regional and
provincial conferences, networking meetings, and policy discussions. The
project proposes to invest in a Violence Outreach Worker position within
the Safehouse team.
Grant awarded: $30,000
Hopedale Women's Shelter
Project Upgrades / Salaries
The Hopedale Women's Centre will provide training for staff and board
members to be properly trained to deal with issues that abused women may
face. The shelter is aiming to build capacity in order to offer programs
on violence, child abuse, mental health issues, and building self-esteem
for local women and children, as well as bring awareness to the public
on issues associated with violence.
Grant awarded: $25,000
2010 10 15 11:05 a.m.