Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #08-188
July 31, 2008
National Aboriginal Women's Summit in Yellowknife Concludes
WHITEHORSE – Deputy Premier Elaine Taylor, Chief Ruth Massie, Ta’an Kwach’an Council, and Chief Diane Strand, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations co-led the Government of Yukon delegation at the National Aboriginal Women’s Summit (NAWS II) which concluded today in Yellowknife.
"The Government of Yukon, Yukon First Nations and Aboriginal women remain committed to advancing Aboriginal women’s equality in Yukon," said Taylor. "In response to NAWS I, Yukon hosted two successful Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Summits in fall 2007 which addressed northern Aboriginal women’s concerns in the areas of wellness, education and leadership."
NAWS II brought together Aboriginal women from across Canada to discuss issues of importance to Aboriginal women and advance work aimed at improving social and economic conditions of Aboriginal women and their families.
"Our unique situation in Yukon as a self-governing First Nation reinforces our ability to ensure recommendations are turned into effective action to improve the lives of Aboriginal women in the territory," said Chief Strand.
"This conference validates the forward thinking of the Yukon region," said Chief Massie. "By working together openly and collaboratively, we cannot help but advance the best efforts of all Yukon women."
"Recommendations from NAWS I and II which include prevention of violence against women and affordable housing reinforces the work being undertaken in Yukon," said Marian C. Horne, Minister responsible for the Women’s Directorate, who was represented at the summit by Deputy Premier Taylor.
A forthcoming report from NAWS II will highlight actions taken by respective governments and organizations. A third National Aboriginal Women’s summit is expected to take place in Manitoba in 2009 and will be hosted by the Premier of Manitoba and the President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada.
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| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications 867-633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Brenda Barnes Communications, Women’s Directorate 867-667-8269 brenda.barnes@gov.yk.ca |
From left to right: Chief Diane Strand of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations; Chief Ruth Massie of the Ta’an Kwach’an Council and Deputy Premier Elaine Taylor attend the National Aboriginal Women's Summit in Yellowknife.