New Pauktuutit Board is steadfast in their advocacy to address child welfare, violence against women and healthcare needs
-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
(OTTAWA – April 20, 2018) Yesterday, Members of the Executive for the Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Board met with the Hon. Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, to discuss collaboration around addressing critical issues impacting Inuit women and children across Canada.
Pauktuutit is the only national voice for all Inuit women in Canada, including those who reside in the North as well those living in urban areas. Pauktuutit’s work is also informed by close working relationships with regional Inuit women’s organizations across Inuit Nunangat.
During the meeting with Minister Philpott, Pauktuutit sought to obtain clarification regarding the roles and responsibilities of the newly created Indigenous Services department, especially as it relates to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that it signed with the Government of Canada, last June.
“Through our MOU with the federal government, we are hopeful that a clear, measurable, joint-action plan will be developed so that there is real progress in the areas of gravest concern for Inuit women and children: child welfare, child sexual abuse, violence against women, prevalence of sexually transmissible and blood-borne infections and other healthcare needs, and the lack of food security and safe housing,” said Rebecca Kudloo, President of Pauktuutit.
“Working closely and regularly with Minister Philpott and her team will be a critical piece in this collaboration. Our meeting today with the Minister was very positive and makes us optimistic that significant work may be undertaken by Pauktuutit in the near future, with the active and engaged support of the federal government, including Minister Philpott’s department of Indigenous Services.
During their time on Parliament Hill, the Pauktuutit Board also participated in Question Period where the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Yvonne Jones, made a statement in the House highlighting Pauktuutit’s presence and work.
Pauktuutit is the national non-profit organization representing all Inuit women in Canada. Its mandate is to foster a greater awareness of the needs of Inuit women, and to encourage their participation in community, regional and national concerns in relation to social, cultural and economic development.
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For media inquiries:
Amanda Deseure, Director of Communications
adeseure@pauktuutit.ca/ 613-238-3977 x239