Prevention of Violence Against Aboriginal Women Funding Announced

FOR RELEASE #08-172
July 11, 2008

WHITEHORSE – The government will provide funding for six community-based projects that will help prevent violence against Aboriginal women, Marian C. Horne, minister responsible for the Women’s Directorate, announced.“Reducing the incidence of violence against Aboriginal women continues to be a priority for the Yukon government,” Horne said. “These projects will assist in supporting Aboriginal women in developing culturally sensitive approaches that meaningfully address the needs of each unique community.”

The Prevention of Violence Against Aboriginal Women Fund allocates $100,000 yearly to programs and events designed and developed by Aboriginal women for their communities. Since 2004, the Women’s Directorate has contributed approximately $500,000 towards projects.

“Assistance through this fund will help establish support networks and community relationships to assist women who experience violence,” said May Bolton with the Margaret Thomson Centre. “It will also help dissuade men who perpetrate violence through teaching them new ways of managing grief and living respectfully.”

The following six groups received funding for the 2008–09 fiscal year. Amounts have been rounded off.

Kluane First Nation $18,700
Kwanlin Dun First Nation $10,217
Margaret Thomson Centre $20,000
Northern Tutchone Tribal Council $20,000
Selkirk First Nation $20,000
Skookum Jim Friendship Centre $10,000

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Contact:

Matthew Grant
Cabinet Communications
867-633-7961
matthew.grant@gov.yk.ca

Brenda Barnes
Communications, Women’s Directorate
867-667-8269
brenda.barnes@gov.yk.ca