The Government of Canada Supports Kingston Aboriginal Women's Committee

March 03, 2008

KINGSTON, Ontario - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Gord Brown, Member of Parliament (Leeds-Grenville), today announced funding for the Kingston Aboriginal Women's Committee.

Funding of $51,731 will be used to support Leading the Way: Building the Capacity of Aboriginal Women in Kingston, a one-year project proposed by the Kingston Aboriginal Women's Committee. The overall goal of this project is to build the organizational capacity of Aboriginal women who have been victims of family violence.

"I am proud to support an organization that fights violence against women, while supporting and enhancing the leadership of Aboriginal women in society," said Minister Verner "This support is another example of our Government's commitment to prevent and eliminate violence and improve the lives of Aboriginal women."

"I am pleased that we have once again been able to assist victims of violence in Kingston," said Mr. Brown. "I congratulate those who are working hard to counteract the effects of this behaviour."

"Kingston Interval House's Aboriginal Outreach program is pleased to present the second phase of the Aboriginal Women's Leadership program funded by Canadian Heritage. This funding will allow for the development of an Aboriginal Women's Committee that will empower Aboriginal women to take on a more effective leadership role within their own community," said Lisa Doxtator, Aboriginal Community Counsellor with the Kingston Aboriginal Women's Committee. "This project will begin to help Aboriginal women find their voices to advocate for their own needs and the needs of their community, especially in regards to violence against Aboriginal women and girls."

The Kingston Aboriginal Women's Committee provides support to Aboriginal women who have experienced violence in their lives by providing a safe place to share their experiences and increase their awareness of Aboriginal Culture.

The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Aboriginal Women's Community Initiative of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This initiative enables Aboriginal women to influence policies, programs, legislation, and decision making that affect their social, cultural, economic, and political well-being in their communities and in Canadian society. It includes a component to address issues around family violence and a self-government initiative to support the full participation of Aboriginal women in consultations and decision-making processes.