Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take the opportunity today to inform the Assembly of an important national summit I am co-hosting with the president of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Ms. Beverley Jacobs.
The National Aboriginal Women’s Summit will take place in Yellowknife from July 29 to 31. The summit will be attended by about 150 aboriginal women from across Canada, along with representatives from the federal, provincial and territorial governments and national aboriginal organizations. The summit will advance the ongoing work toward improving social and economic conditions of aboriginal women and their families.
The summit theme “Strong Women, Strong Communities” provides an opportunity to build on the recommendations created at last year’s gathering in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador. Aboriginal women, through their wisdom and experience, contribute to the success of each of our communities. I am looking forward to the discussions on ways we can address issues of concern to aboriginal women and, hopefully, move forward with solutions.
The planning for the summit has been done by a national planning committee that is co-chaired by the Native Women’s Association of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories. The planning committee is comprised of representatives of national aboriginal organizations, the Native Women’s Association of the Northwest Territories, the Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories, the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Local planning for the summit has been coordinated by the Native Women’s Association of the Northwest Territories, Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories and staff from the Department of Executive.
Minister Sandy Lee, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, and I would like to thank all the people who are working hard to ensure a successful summit. I would also like to recognize the contribution of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to support the summit. We look forward to welcoming participants of the National Aboriginal Women’s Summit to our beautiful territory. We will ensure they benefit from our famous northern hospitality, and I know it will be a successful event.
