The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today announced $550,000 for the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council.
The funding is provided under the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, a four-year bilateral agreement the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador signed with Women and Gender Equality Canada, resulting in $13.6 million in new funding to invest in violence prevention initiatives throughout the province.
In collaboration with community groups, organizations and Indigenous Governments and Organizations, the Office of Women and Gender Equality has identified violence prevention priorities for Newfoundland and Labrador and is moving forward with implementation that is tailored to the needs of the province.
By engaging with the Calls for Justice regarding missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, fostering collaboration with Indigenous communities, and heightening public awareness about the imperative for reconciliation, the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council is just one example of the province’s commitment to rectifying past wrongs and advancing a more equitable and inclusive future for all residents.
The formation of the Reconciliation Council was a recommendation of the Hear Our Voices: MMIWG Policy Recommendations of the First Women of Newfoundland and Labrador report.
The goal of the Reconciliation Council is to coordinate and lead meaningful action to address existing challenges and obstacles in the areas of culture, health and wellness, justice, and human security, which impact Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
Quotes
“This is not just an allocation of money, it is a profound commitment by the Provincial Government to foster an environment where Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people living in this province can thrive, feel valued and be respected. By working in partnership with Indigenous women, their governments, and organizations, we will make positive strides together to prevent violence in our communities.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality
“The approval of funding for the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council reinforces the priority that the Provincial Government has placed on ending gender-based violence. This is another important step towards the collaborative work that is required to advance violence prevention.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
“Receiving funding from our National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence is not just a financial investment; it is an investment in the future of our Indigenous women that will enable us to work on the 196 recommendations put forth to the Provincial Government in the ‘Hear Our Voices’ report. Achieving true reconciliation requires collaboration and partnership. Receiving this funding is a step in the right direction toward healing and making the lives of our Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people safer.”
Odelle Pike
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council
“Funding for the Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council under the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence is an investment in the safety, dignity and rights of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. It is also a commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to live free from harm and discrimination.”
Charlotte Wolfrey
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council
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National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence
Office of Women and Gender Equality
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