DRYDEN, Ontario – On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Greg Rickford, Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages and Member of Parliament (Kenora), today visited and announced funding for the Dryden Aboriginal Women’s Resource Centre.
 
This funding will support the Centre’s Aboriginal Community Workshops for women and youth, with topics ranging from traditional teachings and cultural heritage to self-awareness, parenting skills, and family violence. The workshops will take place in Dryden, where the Resource Centre has been in operation since 1972.
 
“The Government of Canada is pleased to support the important work being done by the Dryden Aboriginal Women’s Resource Centre,” said Minister Moore. “By empowering participants with knowledge and skills, the Centre is promoting community economic and cultural stability for generations to come.”
 
“I’ve worked with Millie in the past and have visited the centre, we are delighted to provide funding for such an essential project,” said Mr. Rickford. “The Dryden Aboriginal Women’s Resource Centre offers invaluable support and services to the community, and we are extremely proud to help them in their endeavours.”
 
“We are so happy and grateful to receive this funding, we were not expecting to receive so much, and are very pleased” said Millie Flamand, President, Dryden Aboriginal Women’s Resource Centre. “We apreciate all of Greg's help in the application process.”
 
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $40,227 through the Aboriginal Women’s Community Initiative of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This initiative enables Aboriginal women to influence policies, programs, legislation, and decision making that affect their social, cultural, economic, and political well-being in their communities and in Canadian society. It includes a component to address issues around family violence and a self-government initiative to support the full participation of Aboriginal women in consultations and decision-making processes.