Government of Canada Supports Leadership Project For Aboriginal Girls and Young Women in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, Jan. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Provencher, today announced Government of Canada support to Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc. for a project that will promote leadership among Aboriginal girls and young women in Winnipeg.

"Through this project, young Aboriginal people will have the opportunity to explore their potential, develop their skills and prepare to take on strong leadership roles within the Aboriginal community and throughout all sectors of the Canadian economy," said Minister Ambrose. "These girls and young women have the energy, innovation and talent to become the leaders of tomorrow."

"The Government of Canada recognizes the enormous potential of girls and young women to take on leadership roles in their communities," said Minister Toews. "This project will produce strong, innovative, home-grown leaders, Aboriginal girls and young women, who will help guide their communities toward a better quality of life and a brighter future."

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.

Ka Ni Kanichihk, which means "those who lead" in the Ininew language, is receiving $200,000 in funding from the Government of Canada for its 24-month leadership project. The organization will establish an advisory council of local Aboriginal girls and young women to inform and guide the project's activities, which will include "Kitchen Table" discussions on overcoming barriers to leadership, increasing opportunities, and forming partnerships to maximize the project's impact.

"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 Jessie Howell, Ka Ni Kanichihk Elder. "With this funding, we can provide participants with role models, mentors, a range of valuable supports and cultural teachings."

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 $16.5 million in funding has been approved for projects that promote women's leadership and democratic participation.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only: 
Amber Irwin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Works and
Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819-997-5421

For all other inquiries, contact:
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications
and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839

Ce texte est également disponible en français.
For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.