Press Release

Northwest Territories to Host
Second National Aboriginal Women’s Summit

Yellowknife, NT (May 30, 2008) — The Northwest Territories (NWT) will host a major intergovernmental and Aboriginal gathering this summer as NWT Premier Floyd Roland partners with Beverley Jacobs, President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), in co-hosting the second National Aboriginal Women’s Summit. With support from the Government of Canada, this historic gathering is scheduled for July 29th to 31st in Yellowknife.

“I am proud to continue the important work needed to address issues critical to Aboriginal women in Canada,” said Premier Roland. “Aboriginal women play a vital role in the Northwest Territories and all of the North so I am especially pleased the follow-up Summit will be hosted here in Yellowknife. Delegates from coast to coast to coast will meet to work towards continuing to improve the social and economic conditions of Aboriginal women wherever they live, both on or off reserve or in rural or urban areas.”

“The Native Women’s Association of Canada is honoured to be able to co-host this significant meeting,” said President Jacobs. “We need to embrace the success of the historic first National Aboriginal Women’s Summit held last summer in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador to build upon the solid recommendations to pave the way for strong women and strong communities for Aboriginal women across Canada.”

The goal during NAWS 2 is to advance the principles and recommendations agreed to at Corner Brook and assist in developing strategic action items.

“The Northwest Territories is continuing to work with the Native Women’s Association of Canada, other National Aboriginal Organizations, provinces and territories and Aboriginal governments to ensure that the Summit will be a success,” said Premier Roland. “It is important the voices of Aboriginal women are heard. The sharing of their wisdom and experience is essential to the healthy future of our territory and our country.”

Details about NAWS 2 along with the final report from the first NAWS can be found at the newly launched website at: www.naws-sfna.ca

For further details:

Julia Mott
Government of the Northwest Territories
(867) 669-2304, (867) 445-5669 mobile, julia_mott@gov.nt.ca

Joshua Kirkey, Media Coordinator or
Robert McDonald, Team Lead of Communications and Education
Native Women’s Association of Canada
(613) 722-3033 ext. 231, (613) 290-5680 mobile, jkirkey@nwac-hq.org
(613) 722-3033 ext. 252, (613) 850-6922 mobile, rmcdonald@nwac-hq.org