Statement by the Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women), on the occasion of National Aboriginal Day - Share in the Celebration!

June 19, 2009

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The following is the text of a statement by the Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women), on the occasion of National Aboriginal Day - Share in the Celebration! June 21, 2009:

On June 21, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will Share in the Celebration in countless National Aboriginal Day events, held around the country. It is indeed fitting that our First Peoples - Inuit, Métis and First Nations people in all regions - come first in the 11 days of Celebrate Canada!

As Minister of State (Status of Women), on this National Aboriginal Day, I encourage Canadians to honour and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Aboriginal women, who have strengthened and enriched their communities and our country.

I also urge Canadians to reflect on the challenges still facing Aboriginal women as they journey toward equality and the opportunity to fully participate in society - because the reality is that Aboriginal women still face disproportionate levels of violence, abuse and discrimination.

Our Government makes it a priority to address violence against all women, in particular Aboriginal women, who experience both a higher rate and more serious forms of violence than non-Aboriginal women. For example, we are working to address the complex web of issues related to the disappearance and murder of many Aboriginal girls and women in Canada by providing support to the Native Women's Association of Canada for the Sisters in Spirit initiative, a collaborative, multi-departmental endeavour.

Our Government is collaborating with other levels of government and sharing best practices for improving the lives of Aboriginal girls and women living on and off reserve. Police forces across Canada are pooling their resources and expertise to bring about an end to the scourge of domestic, sexual and racial violence that has damaged the lives of so many Aboriginal women and weakened the fabric of Canadian society as a whole. Their goals include improved investigation and response models and services.

For example, a federal-provincial/territorial working group of senior criminal justice officials is currently reviewing criminal justice system responses to cases involving serial killers who target vulnerable women.

Our Government has actively supported Bill C-8, the proposed Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act. This legislation would provide First Nations with the ability to create their own future legislation while protecting women and children during the breakup of a marriage.

The time is now to ensure Aboriginal women have the same rights and protections as all Canadian women. The Government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper is working hard to make that a reality in the day-to-day life of each and every First Nation, Inuit and Métis woman and girl in this great country.

As we share in the joy and celebration of National Aboriginal Day, let us renew our commitment to Aboriginal women and their full equality. To all people in Canada, please accept my best wishes for a happy National Aboriginal Day.

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Sherine Mansour
Senior Special Assistant Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Status of Women)
819-956-4222