Message from the Honourable Bev Oda,
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women,
for the National Aboriginal Women’s Summit 2007
Français

As the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, and on behalf of Canada’s New Government, I am happy to extend a welcome to participants of the National Aboriginal Women’s Summit 2007. Each of you attending the Summit brings tremendous creativity, new ideas and positive energy, making this event relevant for Aboriginal women across Canada, today and into the future.

Our Government is deeply concerned about the challenges facing First Nations, Inuit and Métis women. We remain committed to working with our Aboriginal partners, as well as with other levels of government, to break down the barriers to the full participation of Aboriginal women in all walks of life in our country.

The theme of this Summit is fitting – Strong Women: Strong Communities as they are inextricably connected. We all benefit when that link is solid. That is why we are proud to support this important event, and why I am personally pleased to be able to join you and hear some of the discussions. My colleagues and I look forward to the outcomes of this Summit, which will inform our future actions in support of Aboriginal women, their families and their communities.

Please accept my best wishes for a worthwhile and productive Summit.