New federal funding strengthens the economic security and prosperity of Indigenous women

SASKATOON, July 30, 2018 /CNW/ - Indigenous women hold important places as leaders in their families and communities, as givers and caretakers of life, as peacemakers, peacekeepers, and protectors. By creating the conditions for Indigenous women to succeed, we are also supporting their families and communities, which will help improve their economic well-being and strengthen Canada's economy.

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, today announced more than $4.3 million in funding for projects that advance Indigenous women's economic security and prosperity across Canada, including projects taking place in Saskatchewan.

Minister Monsef was joined by representatives from the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan and the Prince Albert Métis Women Association Inc., which are receiving funding under this call for proposals. The Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan has been awarded $304,950 for a project that aims to develop an Indigenous Women's Economic Framework with local business and economic partners through engagement with Indigenous women and local stakeholders. The Prince Albert Métis Women Association Inc. is receiving $255,844 for a project to identify and respond to barriers affecting the economic security of vulnerable women in Central and Northern Saskatchewan using research, best practices and capacity building.

Fourteen projects from coast to coast to coast will receive funding through the call for proposals Addressing the Economic Security and Prosperity of Indigenous Women which was launched last fall. Other projects related to this call for proposals will be announced in the coming months.

Quotes

"When we invest in women, we strengthen our economy and our communities for everyone. By funding organizations that address the very real barriers that Indigenous women face, we are ensuring that all women have an equal and fair chance at success. It's not just the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do. Indigenous women have the talent, leadership and ingenuity to inspire positive change and that is why the Government of Canada is proud to support projects like these."

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women

"Through this funding, our organization will be able to continue building support, trust and strong leadership at the community level. We are excited to launch this project to address barriers and find ways to best support women's economic security and prosperity."

Nathan Favel, President
Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan

"This partnership with the federal government will make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable women and their families in Central and Northern Saskatchewan. By collaborating with key stakeholders, we will be able to find and implement solutions to increase economic security for Métis women in Saskatchewan."

Darlene McKay, President
Prince Albert Métis Women Association Inc.

Quick Facts

• As many Indigenous women are raising families while going to school, better access to child care and subsidized housing would help support them and their families.
• RBC Economics estimates that adding more women to the workforce could boost the level of Canada's GDP by as much as 4 per cent.
• McKinsey Global Institute estimates that by taking steps to advance equality for all women?such as employing more women in technology and boosting women's participation in the workforce?Canada could add $150 billion to its economy by 2026.
• The Indigenous population is growing at four times the rate of non-Indigenous Canadians and represents an enormous pool of talent. As part of this cohort, Indigenous women play a vital role in our economy and have outstanding potential for growth.
• The 2016 Census indicated that there were 860,265 Indigenous women and girls in Canada. These women were more likely than Indigenous men to have a university degree. They were also the majority owners of more than one quarter of all Indigenous SMEs in Canada according to the 2014 Survey on Financing and Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises.
• Projects are being funded through the call for proposals, Addressing the Economic Security and Prosperity of Indigenous Women, which was announced in October 2017.
• Economic security and prosperity is composed of basic social security, defined by access to basic needs such as health, education and housing on a long-term basis.
• The Women's Program at Status of Women Canada supports eligible organizations to carry out projects to advance equality by addressing systemic barriers.
• 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.

Related Product

• Backgrounder

Associated Links

• Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan
• Addressing the Economic Security and Prosperity of Indigenous Women
• Status of Women Canada ? Women's Program

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Backgrounder

Status of Women Canada ? Women's Program

One of the ways Status of Women Canada advances gender equality in Canada is by providing funding to eligible organizations through the Women's Program. Projects are selected via calls for proposals on specific themes, as well as through a continuous intake process that allows the Women's Program to accept applications on an ongoing basis.

The Women's Program funds projects of up to five years that address systemic barriers to women's equality in three priority areas: ending violence against women and girls; improving the economic security of women and girls; and encouraging women and girls in leadership roles.

Call for Proposals ? Economic Security and Prosperity of Indigenous Women

On October 2, 2017, the Minister launched a call for proposals entitled Addressing the Economic Security and Prosperity of Indigenous Women for projects to address the economic security and prosperity of Indigenous women and advance gender equality in Canada. Fourteen projects across the country will receive more than $4.3 million in funding through this call for proposals.

With this call for proposals, Indigenous organizations and governments were invited to implement projects designed to advance economic security and prosperity for Indigenous women by engaging them, their communities and the private sector to build on their strengths, identify opportunities and address issues affecting their economic security or limiting their economic success.

Saskatchewan Projects

The Government of Canada is investing $304,950 in the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing the quality of life for urban Indigenous people, for a project entitled "Indigenous Women's Economic Saskatchewan Collaboration". Throughout this 36-month project, the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan will engage Indigenous women and key stakeholders to develop an Indigenous Women's Economic Framework that will respond to the needs of and increase Indigenous women's economic security and prosperity in Saskatchewan. The framework will be shared with local business and economic partners.

The Prince Albert Métis Women Association Inc., a non-profit organization that administers numerous programs and services focused on support and education for Métis women, was awarded $255,844 for their project, "Multi-Sector Collaboration for Economic Security Among Indigenous Women in Saskatchewan". Through this 36-month project, the Prince Albert Métis Women Association Inc. will seek to identify and respond to barriers affecting the economic security of vulnerable women in Central and Northern Saskatchewan. Working with stakeholders such as community supports organizations, education and training organizations, employment services and industry, they will put in place planning processes that ensure the sustainability of systemic barriers reporting and implement solutions using research, best practices and capacity building.

SOURCE Status of Women Canada