Native Women's Association Addresses Family Violence
YELLOWKNIFE, April 15, 2004 -- The Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Minister of State (Children and Youth) and Member of Parliament (Western Arctic), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced the Government of Canada's collaboration with the Native Women's Association of the Northwest Territories to assist frontline workers in their efforts to address family violence issues."Residents of the Northwest Territories are eight times more likely than anyone else in the country to use the services of a shelter," said Minister of State Blondin-Andrew. "All efforts must be made to aid victims of family violence and to ensure proper support mechanisms are in place. I am pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting the Native Women's Association in their efforts to do just that."
"In the recent Speech from the Throne, we committed ourselves to helping Aboriginal Canadians overcome the unique challenges they face," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "To reach this goal, we must ensure that the fundamental needs of all individuals--including basic personal security, quality of life, and a supportive community environment--are met. This partnership will allow native women to have a voice in positively shaping the social, economic, and political future of their region and their country".
The Native Women's Association's project, entitled "Supporting Frontline Workers Dealing with Family Violence," includes a forum, to be held in Yellowknife from March 25 to 26, to discuss holistic and culturally appropriate responses to dealing with family violence issues in the Territories.
Financial assistance of $20,000 is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Aboriginal Women's Program (AWP). This program seeks to enable Aboriginal women to express their concerns regarding the policies, programs, legislation, and decision making that affect their social, cultural, economic, and political well-being, both in their communities and in Canadian society. The Family Violence Initiative of the AWP enables Aboriginal women to address violence-related issues with the nuclear as well as extended family within Aboriginal communities.
Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.
Information:
Pierre Collin
Director of Communications
Office of Ethel Blondin-Andrew
(819) 953-8385
Mylène Dupéré
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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