Government of Canada announces projects to empower Indigenous women for stronger communities
OTTAWA, Nov. 29, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, announced Government of Canada investments in projects that will support the empowerment of Indigenous women for stronger communities. The Minister made today's announcement during the Native Women's Association of Canada Indigenous Women in Leadership conference in Ottawa.
13 organizations have been selected to receive nearly $5 million in Government of Canada funding for these projects. These projects will empower Indigenous women to engage with their communities in order to address issues that affect them, or that hinder their advancement in many aspects of their lives. They were selected under the Call for Proposals entitled Support for Women's Empowerment with a focus on Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities.
This Call for Proposals was designed to provide an open and flexible approach to meeting the specific and diverse needs of Indigenous women. It highlights the Government of Canada's commitment to take action to help build a foundation for reconciliation with Canada's Indigenous Peoples.
Today's announcement took place during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence from November 25 to December 10. They include the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, which marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal because of their gender. Canada's theme for the 16 Days of Activism this year is #MYActionsMatter, a call to action to take concrete steps to recognize, call out, and speak up against acts of gender-based violence.
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"Reconciliation is not possible without those traditionally marginalized voices reaching positions of leadership. And so, with reconciliation guiding our work, we are finding ways to build on the successes that Indigenous women have already forged in all aspects of Canadian life, while providing support for others to follow in their footsteps. The projects I am announcing today will introduce us to important leaders: Indigenous women who will, through their leadership, inspire positive change in their own communities, and beyond. These are the voices of leaders that that we need, not just to heal our past, but to better our future. "
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women
Quick Facts
- Status of Women Canada works to address systemic barriers to the full participation of women in all aspects of Canadian life with a focus on three priorities: increasing women's economic security and prosperity; encouraging women in leadership and decision-making roles; and, ending violence against women and girls.
- The Government of Canada is committed to advancing reconciliation with Inuit, First Nations, and the Métis Nation. The focus is on building a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples, one based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.
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Backgrounder
Organizations funded through Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities
12 community organizations will receive nearly $5 million in Government of Canada funding. These projects will empower Indigenous women to engage with their communities in order to address issues that affect them, or that hinder their advancement in all aspects of life.
The following organizations will receive funding:
- Lillooet Friendship Centre Society
- YWCA Agvvik Nunavut
- Commission de développement économique des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador / First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission
- St. John's Native Friendship Centre
- Tk'emlups te Secwepemc Band Council
- Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute
- Downtown Eastside Sex Workers United against Violence Society
- Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association
- Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre Association
- AnânauKatiget Tumingit Regional Inuit Women's Association
- Puakuteu Women's Committee of Mashteuiatsh
- Nova Scotia Native Women's Association
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SOURCE Status of Women Canada
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