Message from Lillian George, President:
In follow-up to our Kelowna and Prince George forums, I am pleased to advise that Pacific Association of First Nations Women and UNN will be co-hosting two more forums to discuss the composition, mandate and terms of reference for a BC Aboriginal Women’s Council. These forums are open to all Aboriginal women living in BC.
Forum One – Vancouver
Venue: Century Plaza Hotel
Date: February 16 & 17, 2008
Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and
8:00 am – noon
Registration: No later than Friday, February 8
Forum Two – Victoria
Venue: Coast Victoria Harbourside
Date: March 8 & 9, 2008
Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and
8:00 am – noon
Registration: No later than Friday, February 29
Background
In April 2007, UNN in partnership with the Pacific Native Women’s Association, received funding from the Ministry of Community Services to organise four regional roundtables on Aboriginal women’s issues. The information gathered from the roundtables and surveys was put into a Final Report, which Premier Campbell used for informational purposes at the National Aboriginal Women’s Summit held in June 2007 in Corner Brook, Nfld/ Labrador.
A key recommendation stemming from the resulting Final Report stressed the need for a BC Aboriginal Women’s Council to ensure that Aboriginal women’s issues are effectively communicated to all levels of government.
UNN took the lead in this endeavour and was successful in securing funding to begin the process. The Council will be inclusive of all Aboriginal women regardless of status and ancestry. The UNN feels it’s important to be inclusive in order to reflect the differing community needs across BC. The Council will inform the federal and provincial governments on policy development in relation to women’s issues and generate funding opportunities for specific initiatives to address violence against women, socioeconomic issues including education, employment, health and wellness, safety, housing and justice.
IMPORTANT: In order to secure your seat (and lunch) at one of these meetings, please complete a registration form and send it to Donna Cole by no later than Friday, February 8 (Vancouver) and Friday, February 29 (Victoria). To obtain a registration form please email to donna@unns.bc.ca
PLEASE NOTE: We have secured funds to cover the costs of travel and accommodation (only for those not living within a reasonable distance of the venue). Should you require any financial assistance, a “Request for Financial Assistance” section is included on the Registration Form for you to complete.
I look forward to your participation in this most important initiative.
In Spirit and Friendship,
Lillian George
President, United Native Nations
Filed under: All News, Women's Section
