Today, Mary Polak, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, announced a new Minister's Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women that will provide advice to government and other organizations on how to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal women across British Columbia.

Polak announced the council on the final day of the Collaboration to End Violence: National Aboriginal Women's Forum, held in Vancouver June 15 to 17.

The council will be chaired by Wendy Grant-John. A mother, grandmother, former chief from the Musqueam Nation and the first woman to be elected as vice-chief to the Assembly of First Nations, Grant-John has been working to advance Aboriginal cultural, social and political issues for more than 30 years. As chair, Grant-John will work with the council to advise how government can work more effectively to address the root causes and social and economic challenges that often leave Aboriginal women and girls exposed to violence.

The council will report to government through Polak. Together, Grant-John and Polak will identify up to eight other council members, including Métis, urban and rural representatives.

Quick Facts:

• Council membership will be drawn from B.C. Aboriginal leadership and other organizations.
• The council will run for a two-year term, meeting quarterly, and at least twice a year with the minister.
• The Collaboration to End Violence: National Aboriginal Women's Forum brought together delegates from the provincial, territorial and federal governments, national Aboriginal organizations and front-line workers and service providers who assist First Nations, Métis and Inuit women who are at risk or have been the victims of violence.

Learn More:

For more information including the Terms of Reference for the Minister's Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/arr

Contact:
Karen Williams
Communications
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 360-6222 (cell)