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For Release
June 20, 2006
Two Pilot Projects Benefit Urban Aboriginal Families in Calgary
Calgary, Alberta — The Government of Canada approved $140,000 in Urban Aboriginal Strategy funding towards the Awo Taan Native Women’s Shelter Society’s Paediatric Wellness Clinic and the Native Counselling Services of Alberta’s Aboriginal Parenting Program.
The Awo Taan Native Women’s Shelter Society’s Paediatric Wellness Clinic received $64,694 in Urban Aboriginal Strategy funding, that will be used to hire a registered nurse and enhance family centered services. Urban Aboriginal infants and youth residing in the shelter will now have daily access to healthcare services, reducing the current care gap in medical assistance.
The Native Counselling Services of Alberta’s Aboriginal Parenting
Program received $74,640 in Urban Aboriginal Strategy funding to
develop a practical parenting course to increase family functionality.
Based upon the teachings of the medicine wheel, the program takes
into account the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing
of the family. The goal of this pilot project is to reduce the number
of urban Aboriginal people who require Child Welfare services and
to provide participants with access to community resources.
“The Government of Canada, through the Urban Aboriginal Strategy,
is committed to improving the quality of life for Calgary’s
urban Aboriginal people,” said the Honourable Jim Prentice,
Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor
for Métis and Non-Status Indians. “Pilot projects such
as these are examples of how community identified needs can be addressed
through community partnerships.”
"Canada’s new Government supports initiatives that assist Calgary’s urban Aboriginal children and families in addressing their socio-economic needs,” said the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “Additional healthcare services and tools to strengthen families are important in building strong and healthy urban Aboriginal communities.”
“Awo Taan Native Women’s Shelter is committed to building a safe and healthy community by providing safe accommodation, supportive counseling and referrals to all women and children who are fleeing physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse,” said Josie Nepinak, Executive Director for the Awo Taan Native Women’s Shelter Society. “In partnership with the Government of Canada and the Native Counseling Services of Alberta, we are able to provide enriched programs to a larger number of Aboriginal clients.”
“Native Counseling Services of Alberta is proud to announce our community partnership with Awo-Taan Native Women's Shelter’s Family Wellness - Parent Link Centre through support by Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Urban Aboriginal Strategy enabling us to offer the Aboriginal Parenting Program, “ said Colin Campbell, Regional Supervisor for the Native Counseling Services of Alberta. “We developed the Aboriginal parenting program in response to the need of the Aboriginal community in 1980 and have successfully delivered this unique sensitive program in various areas of the province. This program is made possible through the wonderful partnerships we have developed within this community.”
For additional information, contact:
Fiona MacLeod Josie Nepinak |
Donna Kinley Ann Desmeules |
WD Toll-Free Number:
1 888 338-WEST (9378) |