Aboriginal Women's Program

Objective

To enable Aboriginal women to influence policies, programs, legislation and decision making that affect their social, cultural, economic and political well-being within their own communities and Canadian society while maintaining their cultural distinctiveness and preserving cultural identity.

There are two components:

1. The Family Violence Initiative enables Aboriginal Women to address annually violence-related issues in a culturally appropriate manner with the nuclear as well as extended family within Aboriginal communities.
   
   
2. The self-government initiative enables Aboriginal women to participate fully and equitably in the consultations and decision-making process related to Aboriginal self-government issues.

Who can apply?

Family Violence Initiative

National, regional and community based organizations representing the interests of Aboriginal Women.

Applicants' Guide - National

• HTML Version
• PDF Version

Applicant's Guide-Project

• HTML Version
• PDF Version

Application Form

• HTML Version
• PDF Version

What is the deadline?

National Aboriginal Women's organizations are invited to submit their application for operational funding at the beginning of each fiscal year (April). Funding deadlines vary from region to region. Please contact your regional representative for regional information. You may request project funding for more that one fiscal year depending upon the circumstances.

Recent Studies

Learning Circle

In March 2002, the Aboriginal Women's Program, hosted an Aboriginal Women's Learning Circle which brought together women representing fourteen projects from across the country. These women came together to share views, concerns, and learnings. They stated that "While there may be many paths to healing, the importance of traditional culture and practices is at the centre."

The foundation of the Aboriginal women's approach is the reclamation of traditional cultural practices which value the role of the extended family in the healing process and recognize the importance of focussing on healing and well-being rather than on the pain and the hurt. Aboriginal women were clear that community projects must be tailored to meet the unique needs of their own communities.

Learning Circle Report:

• HTML Version
• PDF Version

For more information: