Government accepts recommendations from Aboriginal women’s councils

Government accepts recommendations from Aboriginal women’s councils

The province has accepted all the recommendations put forward by the First Nations and Métis women’s councils on economic security to improve the lives of Aboriginal women in Alberta. In response to the recommendations, the province will review the accountability for Aboriginal education funding to promote the need for setting local targets for achievement of outcomes of First Nation students and reporting on those outcomes; develop a parent toolkit to help parents take a greater role in their children’s education; continue funding for training and work experience for Métis and Inuit women and support for entrepreneurs; assist with development of a Métis Women’s Social Enterprise Cooperative to promote, protect and sell authentic Métis arts and crafts; develop a user-friendly portal to programs and services; and continue to promote campaigns that take a stand against violence towards Aboriginal women. The councils were established in 2013 to provide advice to the government. In related economic assistance, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada has given $200,000, as part of a larger project, to the Alberta Women’s Entrepreneurs. Federal funding of $1.2 million will assist AWE in working with emerging women entrepreneurs, including Aboriginal women, to build leadership skills and business capacity.