2010-11 COMPLETED PROJECTS

Financial Education Project 

The objective of the Financial Education Project’s was to develop and expand the knowledge base of Urban Aboriginal women in the area of personal finance.  This was accomplished by delivering two, 2 Day Money Management workshops, providing valuable information sessions on money management and providing on-going referral services and support to participants interested in learning and expanding their knowledge.

In addition, IAAW delivered money management workshop to five Alberta communities – Rocky Mountain House, Grande Prairie, High Prairie, Lethbridge and Edmonton. This allowed IAAW to reach Aboriginal women who may not have access to this information.  The workshops are designed to increase: participation of Aboriginal women in rural communities and provide them with a base of money management information to increase knowledge and confidence regarding personal finances. 

IAAW has continued this project as the major component of our poverty-reduction initiative to address a major barrier for Aboriginal women.

Funded by- Canadian Hertiage& Indian Northern Affairs of Canada – Office of the Federal Interlocutor

Esquao Independence Program

Aboriginal women and their children suffer tremendously as victims in contemporary Canadian society. They are the victims of racism, of sexism and of unconscionable levels of domestic violence. At the same time, Aboriginal women are over-represented in the prison system, have high unemployment rates and live below poverty levels, often as single mothers.Historically there was very little family breakdown in the Aboriginal community. Many were matriarchal societies where women were honoured for their wisdom and vision. Unfortunately many young, Aboriginal Women have lost their way through the intergenerational affects of residential school process and other trauma experienced. Two to three generations have already been affected by the dysfunction this has caused Aboriginal families.

We believe providing supports to Aboriginal women will increase the overall health of the community as women are often the ”strength” of the community. When they are strong, their family and community have a better chance at successful outcomes.

Our goal at IAAW is to provide the skills, teachings and opportunities to improve themselves personally and professionally through our Esquao Independence Program. Participants also learn how to foster healthy relationships with men to reduce the high occurances of family violence.  Of the nine graduates of the sixteen-week program, 5 were employed and 4  enrolled in post-secondary schooling.

Funded by: Service Canada

Time of the Buffalo

The Time of the Buffalo youth project was developed to assist youth in increasing their individual capacity to develop and build a more racism-free, inclusive community.  Aboriginal youth are a growing sector of the population of Alberta that experience enormous barriers to full participation in society.

Through this project we provided a safe environment in facilities that they are familiar with to open up the discussion on discrimination they are currently experiencing. Youth  
co-facilitators from the community strengthened the connection to the youth audience.  Participants received information on their human rights, some of the historical reasons Aboriginal people are in their current situation and discuss how important it is to address discrimination, as soon as possible and in a positive manner.

Through our discussions we explored the close association of bullying to discrimination and often talked about what was happening in school.  The gatherings were successful in opening up the discussion on human rights, providing examples of how they can work with others, and connecting them to local resources.  

Funded by: Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism Fund

TRAINING

IAAW supports capacity building of Aboriginal Women to address their own needs through training.

• Human Rights training in 1995, 1998, 2007  including Train-the-Trainers program
• Family Violence workshops,1998
• Mediation and Advocacy training 1997-02
• Esquao Inc.—Entrepreneurial and wellness training, 2007
• Wampum Financial Literacy Training, 2007
• Roles & Rights of Aboriginal Women, 2008
• Building Safe & Secure Environments, 2008
• Pathfinders Project, 2009

COMMUNITY RESEARCH

IAAW participates in community-based research and dissemination of research to prepare policy recommendations and reports.

• Documentation of Crimes Against Aboriginal Women and report
• “The Examination of the Impact of Aboriginal Cross Cultural Training on City  Police and RCMP Officers as it affects Aboriginal Women”
• “Aboriginal Women and the Protection Against Family Violence Act” – Impacts
• Community Consultations on Communication, Capacity & Unity
• “We Have Cried Enough” – developing an Edmonton action plan for recommendations of the Stolen Sisters campaign.

PUBLICATIONS

• Our Women in Uniform - a collection of memories from Aboriginal women who served in the military in World War II
• Resources for Aboriginal Women in Alberta - Primary research into the role of Aboriginal Women in decision-making processes.
• The Rights Path - Alberta, Third edition. Human rights information for Aboriginal people.
• It Takes Courage booklet—Human Rights for Aboriginal youth
• Can You Hear Us? Aboriginal Women’s Community Resource Kit—Social Inclusion of Aboriginal Women in Canada
• Esquao Newsletter—Published each year highlighting the recipients.
• Support for Victims of Violence—pocket sized brochure for information on Alberta shelters and support services.
• Circle of Sisterhood—the findings of community consultations with Aboriginal women
• We Are One—report on 2008 Alberta Women’s Summit.

CONFERENCES/GATHERINGS

• Strong Women, Strong Communities 2008
• Alberta Aboriginal Women’s Summit  2007, 2008
• Systemic Discrimination and the Justice System, 2002
• Aboriginal Women’s Human Rights Symposium  2000
• Systemic Discrimination Against Aboriginal Women – 10 Mini Conferences, 2001
• Reunion of the “Voice of Alberta Native Women’s Association” 1998
• “Gathering Our Strength”,  Violence Against Aboriginal Women,1998
• “Let Our Voice Be Heard” – Aboriginal Women’s Summit 1997

RECOGNITION EVENTS

• Esquao Awards 1995
• Esquao Awards 1996
• Esquao Awards 1997
• Esquao Awards 1998
• Esquao Awards Gala 1999
• Esquao Awards Gala & Fashion Show 2000
• Esquao Awards Gala 2001
• Esquao Awards Gala 2002
• Esquao Awards Gala 2003
• Esquao Awards Gala 2004
• Esquao Awards Gala 2005
• Esquao Awards Gala 2006
• Esquao Awards Gala 2007
• Esquao Awards Gala 2008
• Esquao Awards Gala 2009,
• Social Justice Award 2001
• Social Justice Award 2003
• Social Justice Award 2005
• Social Justice Award 2007
• Social Justice Award 2009