2005 PROCLAIMED YEAR OF FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS WOMEN

Released on February 22, 2005

The Government of Saskatchewan has joined First Nations leaders in the province in proclaiming 2005 the Year of First Nations and Métis Women.

First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag and Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty presented copies of the proclamation today to the women's commissions of both the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) and the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC). The event took place at the FSIN Winter Assembly in Regina.

"The Department of First Nations and Métis Relations strongly supports this proclamation," Sonntag said. "In support of this proclamation, information is being gathered across departments to identify initiatives, activities and events that contribute to the well-being of First Nations and Métis women and their families in Saskatchewan."

"It is an honour to recognize the vital role and the many contributions First Nations and Métis women have made, not only to their families and communities, but to this province," Beatty said.

"First Nations women continue to hold the traditional roles of family and community survival, unity, and harmony. This strength endures despite and in spite of many of the hardships and trials faced by our people," Chair for FSIN Saskatchewan First Nations Women's Commission Secretariat Chief Marie Anne Day Walker-Pelletier said. "We see this year long acknowledgement as an opportunity for the governments to listen to the women in our communities and act upon these strong, wise and courageous voices."

"We want to acknowledge the very accomplished women in our communities and among our members," PAGC Women's Commission Chair Shirley Henderson said. "We also want to reach and recognize the very ordinary women living very ordinary lives but who contribute substantially to their families and their communities. We want to celebrate and encourage young Aboriginal women in our communities to reach their full potential."

In the fall 2004, Chiefs-in-Assembly passed a resolution recognizing 2005 as the Year of First Nations Woman. As well, during the 2004 meeting, Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women focused priority attention on issues faced by First Nations and Métis Women.

In response to First Nations leadership, Government proclaimed 2005 Year of the First Nations and Métis Women.

The government is working to develop and implement policies and invest resources in initiatives that will result in First Nations and Métis women and their families living more secure and healthy lives.

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For More Information, Contact:

Darlene Wapegan First Nations and Métis Relations Regina Phone: (306)787-7177	Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-4967
Erica Beaudin Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Regina Phone: (306)721-2822