Press Release
September 6, 2006

National program helps Aboriginal women play increased leadership role in their communities

The Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) and the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) have created a partnership, supported by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), to deliver the Aboriginal Women for Tomorrow (AWFT) workshop series.

Using training materials developed specifically for Aboriginal women, the series of workshops covers topics such as building confidence, communication and job search skills, entrepreneurship, personal and financial management, and Board participation skills.

“Canada’s new government is pleased to support this initiative, which helps empower women to participate fully in the economic development of their communities and the Canadian economy at large,” said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non Status Indians. “These workshops will develop leadership capacity and entrepreneurial skills among Aboriginal women, allowing them to share in the long-term goal of self-reliant, sustainable communities.”

Aboriginal Women for Tomorrow was developed by CESO in 2003 as a pilot project in Saskatchewan and last year was expanded to Ontario. The new partnership with NWCA will see a total of 350 individual workshops delivered to approximately 1200 women across the country over the next two years.

“The new Aboriginal Women for Tomorrow program will increase the labour market, leadership and business-readiness development of Aboriginal women through a combination of needs assessments, skills development and mentoring,” explained Bob Dickson, Vice President National Services for CESO.

Beverley Jacobs, President of NWAC, feels that this partnership offers a holistic, culturally sensitive program which will increase economic and political participation of Aboriginal women in their communities. “We are pleased to take part in this joint initiative that will continue to empower Aboriginal women, by developing skills that will not only benefit their families but the community as a whole.”

For 40 years CESO has provided support and capacity building to Aboriginal communities across Canada. NWAC has been an advocate for Aboriginal women for over 30 years. INAC is providing $257,000 in 2006-07 for this initiative.

For more information, contact Delia Scribleac, CESO Project Manager at 1-800-268-9052, ext. 252 or by e-mail at dscribleac@ceso-saco.com.

- 30 -

Media Contact:
Delia Scribleac
1-800-268-9052 or 416-961-2376, Ext. 252
dscribleac@ceso-saco.com