Executive Council
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
February 9, 2011

Aboriginal Women Gather to Advance Equality

Aboriginal women from throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are gathering today in St. John’s for the annual Aboriginal Women’s Conference. The two day conference, being held on February 9 and 10 at the Capital Hotel, focuses on the theme Strong Women, Strong Communities – Advancing Aboriginal Women’s Equality.

“Since launching the first Aboriginal Women’s Conference six years ago, we have found them to be productive and informative,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, who opened the conference this morning. “It is an invaluable opportunity for government and community leaders to learn from each other and it has helped the Provincial Government shape our approach to how we work with Aboriginal women. This annual event and other initiatives like it have helped to make our province a leader in addressing the needs of Aboriginal women.”

This year’s conference, the sixth of its kind to be held by the Provincial Government, will address issues related to women and leadership. The Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, is this year’s keynote speaker for the conference’s community banquet, which includes a traditional feast, cultural performances and a traditional giveaway ceremony.

“It is a great honour for me to take part in this distinguished gathering of Aboriginal women,” said Minister Pottle. “There is a clear recognition of the important role of Aboriginal women in addressing the social and economic challenges faced by Aboriginal people. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is proud of the financial and organizational support it provides to the Provincial Aboriginal Women’s Conference – an essential gathering of Aboriginal women that informs and supports progress throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The first Aboriginal Women’s Conference was held in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in March 2006. In 2007, the Provincial Government also hosted the first-ever National Aboriginal Women’s Summit in Corner Brook. These events provide opportunities to identify and advance solutions to improve the socio-economic conditions of Aboriginal women in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The conference will result in a report that outlines the concerns, suggestions and recommendations raised by participants. As in past years, once the report is completed, it will be posted to the Women’s Policy Office website at www.gov.nl.ca/exec/wpo/.

The conference planning 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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2011 02 09                                                     10:00 a.m.