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News Releases
May 21, 2004
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND NATIVE WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION ADDRESS VIOLENCE AGAINST ABORIGINAL WOMEN
OTTAWA -- The Honourable Jean Augustine, Minister of State (Multiculturalism and Status of Women) today reiterated the Government of Canada's commitment to alleviating violence against Aboriginal women.
« Any and all violence against women is unacceptable in our society, » Minister Augustine said, however, the high rates of violence against Aboriginal women highlight an urgent problem that demands action of Government, voluntary sector organisations and the private sector. »
The Minister's statement came following confirmation that the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) would be provided $20,000 to develop a strategic plan for the Sisters in Spirit campaign, an approach that will leverage public and private sector funding to increase public awareness and education levels about violence against Aboriginal women in Canada. In addition, it would document the circumstances around the disappearance of the estimated 500 missing or murdered Aboriginal women, create a national registry and a toll-free hotline.
NWAC President Kukdookaa Terri Brown stated that "the $20,000 to develop the proposal is welcomed and viewed as a step in the right direction".
The announcement follows the Speech from the Throne, which set out the federal government's commitment to forging a new relationship with Aboriginal Peoples. The Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable in April this year brought together over 40 members of the federal Cabinet, Senate and House of Commons to engage 70 Aboriginal leaders from across the country, including representatives of NWAC. NWAC is the national organization that advocates on behalf of Aboriginal women with the goal of enhancing, promoting and fostering the economic, cultural and political well being of First Nations and Métis women.
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