NWAC honoured by the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation for the Sisters In Spirit Initiative

PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release
29 October 2010

NWAC honoured by the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation for the Sisters In Spirit Initiative

Fredericton, NB (October 29, 2010) – The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is honoured by the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation for the research, education and policy work of the Sisters In Spirit initiative. The award, presented annually, is named in honour of the Foundation’s late patron, Muriel McQueen Fergusson, O.C., Q.C. P.C. It was created in 1992 to recognize outstanding contributions toward preventing and eliminating family violence in Canada.

NWAC President, Jeannette Corbiere Lavell and Director of Sisters In Spirit, Kate Rexe, are pleased to be accepting the award on behalf of the many women, families, and community members who have led the way in raising awareness of the alarming rates of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls in Canada.President Corbiere Lavell had this to say: “When Sisters In Spirit began in 2005, few people knew or understood the human rights crisis impacting Aboriginal women in Canada. This award is a significant accomplishment for NWAC because it represents the voices of hundreds of Aboriginal women and families who speak out against violence and share the pain, anger, and frustration when another woman or girl is reported missing or murdered.”

Director, Kate Rexe, is hopeful this recognition will lead to greater investment in supports and services for Aboriginal women and communities. “The lack of resources for First Nations, Inuit and Métis women experiencing violence in Canada is shameful, but this award reminds us we are on the right path for change. The Native Women’s Association of Canada is committed to the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal women and families. We will continue to work with families, communities and service providers to develop the tools and resources necessary to end violence against Aboriginal women.”

For more information contact:

Kate Rexe
Director of Sisters In Spirit
Phone: 613-797-3990

– Or –

Katharine Irngaut, Strategic Policy Advisor
Phone: 613-656-3022
Email: kirngaut[at]nwac.ca