New grants help Fort McMurray- Lac La Biche women grow their careers

The United Conservative government is investing in Fort McMurray and Lac La Biche community groups to help Indigenous women and girls build skills and thrive across sectors.

Twenty non-profit community groups across Alberta have received a Women’s Economic Recovery Challenge Grant to help empower women and girls. The grants will enable non-profits to expand their programs into new communities and kick-start new projects. Recipient projects include STEM training and mentoring, digital literacy, career planning, employment and entrepreneurship skills, and inclusivity campaigns.

“I’m proud that our government is helping indigenous women to develop their skills and prosper in Alberta. These projects will enable Indigenous women to make meaningful connections, and this funding will help them practice their traditional values while building skills that will last a lifetime.”

Brian Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche

“Women’s inclusion in the economy is essential to building Alberta’s future. These projects will create new opportunities for women to advance their careers and promote gender equality. I look forward to seeing how these initiatives change the lives of Alberta women, their communities, and this province for the better.”

Whitney Issik, Associate Minister of Status of Women

• The Fort McMurray 468 First Nation receives $40,000 in provincial funding to support Indigenous women and girls, aged 15 and up, in the Fort McMurray and Edmonton area. This funding will support culturally aware programming designed to address barriers and challenges Indigenous women face as they develop their businesses.
• Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre Association is receiving $240,640 in funding to support artist entrepreneurs. The Nehiyawaskiy Indigenous Peoples Art Co-op project aims to support Indigenous female artisans and empower women through their immersion into Indigenous Ways of Knowing shared through traditional art practices.