GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS FIRST NATIONS WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SAULT STE.
MARIE

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON, Nov. 5 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada support for a project to promote leadership and participation in decision-making roles to Aboriginal women and girls in Sault Ste. Marie.

"Our government is committed to ending violence against women in all communities across Canada," said Minister Ambrose. "This important project will empower First Nations women and girls in Sault Ste. Marie by providing them with valuable life skills they can use to become leaders in their community and agents of change in ending the cycle of violence."

The Sault Ste. Marie Indian Friendship Centre will receive $8,320 for the 8-month Jingle Dress Regalia Making Project. Through the traditional teachings of the Jingle Dress, women and girls will gain the tools to act as healthy role models within the First Nations community.

"We are very pleased to have the Government of Canada's support for this innovative new project, which will provide women and girls with a culturally appropriate setting in which to begin addressing the issues related to violence against women," said Ms. Cathy Syrette, Interim Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Indian Friendship Centre. "Participants who complete the project will be equipped to act as leaders and to gain respect as cultural performers."

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting worthwhile projects like these because they yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening our families, our communities and our country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community projects like this has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, growing from $10.8 million to $19 million, its highest level ever.

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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.

For further information:

Rebecca Thompson Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Public Works and          Government Services and Minister for Status of Women 819 997-5421

Nanci-Jean Waugh Director General, Communications and      Strategic Planning Status of Women Canada 613 995-7839