BackgroundProgram DescriptionAfter almost one year of negotiations, NWAC is pleased to announce that they have signed a five year contribution agreement with the government of Canada. The agreement was signed on Tuesday November 15, 2005. Through the Sisters in Spirit initiative, NWAC will work in collaboration with other Aboriginal women’s organizations and the federal government to improve the human rights of Aboriginal women and address the violence facing Aboriginal women, in particular the high rates of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada. This will be done through activities in various areas. The main objective of the Sisters in Spirit initiative is to address violence against Aboriginal (First Nations Inuit and Métis) women, particularly racialized and/or sexualized violence, that is, violence perpetrated against Aboriginal women because of their gender and Aboriginal identity. This type of violence typically occurs in the public sphere, where societal indifference often leaves Aboriginal women at greater risk. NWAC is very excited to embark on this five-year research, education and policy initiative. Specifically, the funding is designed to increase public understanding and knowledge at a national level of the impact of racialized, sexualized violence against Aboriginal women often leading to their disappearance and death. The initiative will be undertaking qualitative (life histories) and quantitative research on racialized, sexualized violence against Aboriginal women with cooperating families who have female family members that are missing or murdered, in order to gain a better understanding of circumstances, root causes and trends. The initiative will develop community education/action kits for use by community organizations, as well as host some workshops and conferences. NWAC will work with participating families and the community to develop a policy agenda in order to influence required changes with government and community. First Nations, Métis or Inuit peoples, Aboriginal communities and organizations shall continue to have opportunities to access funding from government programs and services for their activities at the local, provincial and national levels. Nothing in the contribution agreement signed by NWAC either directly or by implication hinders these opportunities for other organizations to fund their own activities. NWAC encourages organizations to continue to apply for funds at the community, provincial/territorial and federal level for their activities. NWAC is not permitted to enter into third party agreements with the funding they have received for their national activities. Benefits of Sister in Spirit for Aboriginal Families and Communities• Sisters in Spirit will help mobilize the caring power of community |
