People attending the 10th annual provincial Indigenous Women’s Conference taking place in St. John’s this week have a number of tough issues on the agenda.
Topics of discussion include mental health, violence against women, homelessness, and reconnecting elders and youth.
Siobhan Coady, minister responsible for the status of women, spoke at the event Tuesday that saw representatives from various groups and organizations from across the province attend.
Coady said the event is a collaboration that marks the beginning of a great partnership committed to improving the lives of Indigenous women in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“When I look around this room and see the multitude of very strong indigenous women leaders, I think it is the key to empowering other indigenous leaders. … I think it is the key to drive and success in our communities,” Coady said. “I know the work you do in your communities and how important it is to your communities.”
Coady said one of the ways the provincial government is committed to supporting Indigenous governments and organizations, and efforts to prevent violence against women and girls, is through Indigenous violence prevention grants.
The program is intended to support Newfoundland and Labrador aboriginal governments and organizations in efforts to prevent violence against aboriginal women and children, and to engage aboriginal men and boys in the prevention of violence.
Approaches to ending violence include increasing awareness, education, training, investing in leadership development, capacity building, or projects that can offer healing or enhance a community, or an individuals’ ability to address violence in a culturally appropriate manner.
“This year we received 14 outstanding proposals,” Coady said. “We are able to move forward on all those proposals.”
Coady added that the conference this week is very important in shaping future direction as participants explore and try to develop solutions to the many issues presented.