Canada’s New Government Supports Women of the Dawn Counselling Centre

REGINA, February 23, 2007 – On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Mr. Dave Batters, Member of Parliament (Palliser), today met with the Women of the Dawn Counselling Centre (WDCC) to announce $29,884 in funding. The funds will support the Centre’s Hope for Non-Violence project, which addresses issues of family violence and abuse surrounding Aboriginal women in the Regina area.

“Canada’s New Government is committed to supporting projects that provide direct help to Aboriginal women and their families within their communities,” said Minister Oda. “It is important that Aboriginal women victims of family violence have a place in their community where they can find support.””The Women of the Dawn Counselling Centre continues to undertake initiatives towards improving the lives of Aboriginal women who are victims of abuse,” said Mr. Batters. “I am proud that our Government is supporting an organization that helps these women to heal and to strengthen their sense of belonging.”

The Hope for Non-Violence project consists of four, eight-week healing sessions in which 60 Aboriginal women will participate. In addition to providing Aboriginal women with access to support services relevant to their individual needs, these sessions include activities that examine issues of violence in immediate and extended Aboriginal families by giving participants an opportunity to discuss concerns related to their experiences in abusive relationships. Participants work in groups; assist in educational workshops on topics such as anger management, suicide intervention and understanding violence; and attend individual counselling with the support of a First Nations therapist and an Elder.

Canada’s New Government has provided this funding to the Centre through the Aboriginal Women’s Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program aims to enable 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.

Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788

Marina Willmart
Constituency Assistant
Office of the Member of Parliament (Palliser)
306 790-4646

Angela Cassie
A/Director of Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
204 983-4367