NR 05-39 WOM ENG Womens Shelter.doc
(November 18, 2005 – Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) Members at the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Annual General Meeting in Cambridge Bay today passed a resolution which asked the Government of Nunavut to provide funds to the Kugluktuk women’s shelter to permit it to operate on a full-time basis.
Violence against women and families continues to be a major issue raised by members at our annual general meetings, said NTI President Paul Kaludjak. We know physical, sexual and psychological violence against women and families in Nunavut is increasing, and this is not acceptable to NTI. Our members clearly recognize the crucial role shelters play in communities across the territory, he said.
The Government of Nunavut’s Department of Health and Social Services currently provides funding for the operation of women’s shelters in Nunavut. AGM members said however, that unless additional dollars are provided to the shelter in Kugluktuk, the facility will continue to have difficulty operating.
Much work has to be done to resolve violence in Nunavut. NTI, GN, the Regional Inuit Associations, support groups and Inuit all need to work together to put an end to this violence, said Kaludjak.
Members at last year’s AGM passed a similar resolution on violence against women and families, calling on the federal government to impose stricter penalties on people convicted of family violence crimes.
For further information:
Kerry McCluskey
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4914
Cell: (867) 975-1337
Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
