Government of Canada Supports Leadership Project for Aboriginal Girls and Young Women in Midland, Ontario

MIDLAND, ON, Feb. 8, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Mr. Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament for Simcoe North, today announced Government of Canada support to the Georgian Bay Native Women's Association for a project that will promote leadership among Aboriginal girls and young women in the Midland region of Ontario.

"The Government of Canada recognizes the enormous potential of girls and young women to be leaders in all sectors of society," said Minister Ambrose. "By supporting this project, our government is showing our commitment not only to supporting grassroots initiatives, but also to supporting Aboriginal girls and young women in joining the ranks of leadership."

"Our government believes Aboriginal girls and young women must have opportunities to be empowered with the skills and confidence they need to take on leadership and decision-making roles, in their own communities and beyond," said Mr. Stanton. "I am pleased this project will give participants a chance to see government 'in action' and to develop their skills for full participation."

The Government of Canada has approved over $4.8 million to date in funding to organizations to carry out projects that promote leadership and economic prosperity among girls and young women. Successful projects were chosen following a Call for Proposals on the theme Setting the Stage for Girls and Young Women to Succeed, issued in June 2012.

The Georgian Bay Native Women's Association is receiving $200,000 in funding from the Government of Canada for its 24-month leadership project. The project engages Aboriginal young women under the age of 25 (including First Nations, Métis and non-status women), living in rural, urban and First Nations communities in the Midland area. They will observe local First Nations and municipal government "in action" and attend presentations given by local decision-makers, community members and role models. By engaging in discussions with leaders and role models, participants will learn about the processes and structures of local governments, such as municipal and First Nations governance.

The girls and young women will also receive leadership training to prepare them to deliver their own projects, and they will directly engage with local decision makers in the delivery of those projects.

"We are delighted to have the Government of Canada's support for this project, which will prepare Aboriginal girls and young women to take on important leadership roles," said Ms. Brenda Jackson, President, Georgian Bay Native Women's Association. "With this funding, we can provide participants with community role models, as well as a first-hand understanding of how government can work together in our community."

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

Since 2007, through the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada, more than $20 million in funding has been approved for projects that promote women's leadership and democratic participation. More than $18 million in funding has been approved since 2007 for projects that help Aboriginal women and girls build economic security, gain leadership skills and address gender-based violence in their communities.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

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