Clark Commits To Ending Violence Against Aboriginal Women
Prince George, B.C. – Premier Christy Clark and Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad joined aboriginal leaders Friday to sign a memorandum of understanding on their shared commitment to end violence against aboriginal women and girls.
“We have a responsibility to create a world where all aboriginal people can live without fear,” said Premier Clark. “I’d like to thank all the leaders and members of the Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women who have worked so tirelessly to take this step forward. This MOU demonstrates that government and Aboriginal organizations are working together to take positive actions to stop violence against Aboriginal women and girls wherever it occurs.”
The MOU signing was hosted by the First Nations Summit, and the Premier and Rustad were joined by representatives of the Summit, BC Assembly of First Nations, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and Métis Nation British Columbia, as well as members of the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation’s Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women (MACAW) and representatives of First Nations and Aboriginal organizations from throughout B.C.
“Stopping violence against Aboriginal women and girls requires shared responsibility, with shared accountabilities.” said Rustad. “Government doesn’t work in a vacuum, and this MOU proves that collaboration and partnership is the right path towards a safer future for Aboriginal women and girls.”
As part of ongoing work with the Minister’s Advisory Council, the Province is providing $400,000 to the Giving Voice initiative, which aims to help Aboriginal communities speak out and take action on the issue of violence against women and girls. This funding is in addition to the $120,000 provided to the project in 2013/14.
“It is unacceptable that in this day and age, violence against women and girls, and in particular Aboriginal women and girls, is so prolific in our society. Unfortunately statistics don’t lie, they clearly indicate that Aboriginal women and girls in Canada have a significantly higher risk of being the subject of violence,” said Cheryl Casimer, member of the First Nations Summit political executive. “This MOU represents a much needed collaborative effort for First Nations, Métis and the provincial government to come together and take concrete actions on stopping violence against Aboriginal women and girls.”
“We must support any and all measures designed to protect indigenous women and girls from abuse, violence and exploitation. To be completely effective and successful, we must seek to include all voices, groups and parties impacted by this national tragedy", said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
Comments
Sooo… $520,000 provided for years 2013 to 2015 as it appears to fund the “Giving Voice Initiative”.
We have been talking about violence against women for years, and its still going on.
Will more “sessions” actually help?
Realistically, it is a proven that the huge majority of violence against women, and especially against Aboriginal women, occurs as a result of drug and alcohol use.
Out of all these programs will anyone dare to suggest that perhaps some very concerned Aboriginal leadership might want to proclaim that their communities will become a drug and alcohol free zone?
This bold move just might accomplish more than continued study sessions that talk a lot but never actually get anything done.
Just a thought…..
By the way, I went on the Internet to check out exactly what the `Giving Voice Initative`
was……
Not a sign of any information at all…..
If anyone knows where to look, I would sure like to know..
Thanks
Unless your Transit or a bridge or a new highway (in the lower mainland of course), there is no money in BC for murdered women on desolate highways, or children in need or seniors, or handicapped or schools or anything other than LNG or the billion or so being spent for another bridge..
Sorry Ms. Clark, your speech is another tired photo op, Millions spent on the highway of tears inquiry and nothing has changed on that awful road.
We broke down out there several years back and we sat on that road for over 10hrs no service for phone and not once did we see an rcmp car or a Yellow head truck the entire time we were stranded, the whole thing was a nightmare, we are a rich province, Ms. Clark provide some transit for the northern communities that provide the riches in raw materials for bridges and transit that they seem to have plenty of money for in Vancouver
I totally agree with gimmeabreak.. Do something bout the substance use.
I absolutely agree, gimmeabreak.
So aboriginal women are only involved in violence on a reserve under the control of aboriginal leaders gimmeabreak? Your idea sounds great, let’s just make all of BC alcohol free. Should be easy, that war on drugs is going pretty well.
The First Nations have the wherewithall to deal with this when they negotiate their IBAs with the LNG companies. Simply write it into the IBA that shuttles be provided! If they (First Nations) can’t use these IBAs to their benefit then they are just as guilty of not caring for their own people. It would also be great PR for the companies, as their name would be on the side of the shuttles. It’s just so simple, that it probably wont happen.IBA = Impacts Benefit Agreement!
From MacLean Magazine 2012 crime ranking index for Canadian Cities (Prince George Ranking)
Sexual Assault Prince George4th
Aggravated AssaultPrince George8th
RobberyPrince George14th
Break and EnterPrince George3rd
Motor Vehicle TheftPrince George9th
Impaired DrivingPrince George5th
Cannabis PossessionPrince George4th
Maybe, it is Prince George that should clean up its act rather than âspewing outâ its organized criminal activity to smaller communities in the area? Everyone knows Prince George is the distribution hub for guns and drugs in the region, perhaps we should head off the problem where it really counts? Anyone in favour of a; guns, drugs, and alcohol ban in Prince George? Yeah, I thought not!
Sometimes the level of rational, intelligent discourse on this site disappoints me, and this subject and discussion thread is one of those time!
When did you start using McLeans data BeingHuman?I find your 2 faced Hypocrisy laughable.
As being métis I want violence to stop against ALL women
. I am disgusted that it’s race issue.
so are we!
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