Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #07-115
June 6, 2007
Funding For Aboriginal Women Addresses Violence
WHITEHORSE - Elaine Taylor, minister responsible for the Women's Directorate, today announced the funding of six community-based projects for a total of $100,000 that will help prevent violence against Aboriginal women.
"Reducing the incidence of violence against Aboriginal women continues to be our priority in Yukon communities," Taylor said. "These projects assist in developing capacity in ways that are unique to each community."
The Prevention of Violence Against Aboriginal Women fund allocates a total of $100,000 yearly to run programs and events designed and developed by Aboriginal women for their communities. As the name of the fund suggests, the purpose of the funding is to work on eliminating violence against Aboriginal women.
"This funding will assist us in promoting healthier and safer environments to overcome violence and appreciate individual strengths," Roberta Auston, social program manager of Health and Well Being for the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation, said. "This funding will enhance the programs and supports that are already in place to continue the healing process."
The following six groups received funding* for the 2007-08 fiscal year:
| Carcross/Tagish First Nation: | $ 16,070 |
| Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Social Programs: | $ 7,650 |
| Kluane First Nation Health and Social Department: | $ 18,300 |
| Liard Aboriginal Women’s Society | $ 19,040 |
| Ta’an Kwäch’än Health Department: | $ 19,910 |
| Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation: | $ 19,040 |
| Total: | $100,000 |
* Amounts have been rounded off
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Attachment: List of Yukon prevention initiatives for violence against Aboriginal women
| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications 867-633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca | Marcelle Dubé |
BACKGROUNDER
PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST ABORIGINAL WOMEN
Support Training for Helping Those Suffering Trauma as a Result of Violence –
Liard Aboriginal Women's Society
Community members will take part in a nine-day training program to develop a community support system for people suffering from trauma. Contact Ann Maje Raider at 536-2097.
Prevention of Violence against Aboriginal Women – Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation
Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in hosts a weekly women's support group in Dawson City which provides women a safe and confidential place to learn about healthy relationships and the prevention of violence against Aboriginal women. The project will end with a "Violence Prevention Week" celebration in February 2008. Contact Jennifer Nunan at 993-7148.
Discovering Our Strengths and Our Spirit – Champagne and Aishihik First Nations
A series of three workshops for women from Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and Kluane First Nation will examine the nature of abuse, ways to overcome and heal, and explore abuse as it relates to women and their families. Contact Roberta Auston at 634-4238.
Stronger Together – Kluane First Nation
A wellness retreat for women will explore self-defense, violence prevention and awareness, relaxation and stress relief techniques. Participants will also take part in the violence prevention workshops hosted by Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. Contact Mary Kane at 841-4616.
TKC Women's Craft Healing Circle II – Ta'an Kwäch'än
Aboriginal women will meet once a week in a safe and confidential healing circle setting which will include a healthy supper and a traditional craft. Discussions will be facilitated and speakers and local artisans will be invited to attend. Contact Brenda Sam at 668-3613.
In the Image of Mother Earth: Capacity-Building of First Nations Women Toward Healthy Citizenship – Carcross/Tagish First Nation
This community leadership training program focuses on providing personal and professional development opportunities for First Nation women. It will provide the environment necessary to dialogue openly with the community about issues surrounding violence against Aboriginal women. Contact Geraldine James at 821-2946.