Aboriginal women’s councils created in Alberta

EDMONTON – The Alberta government says it is creating two councils to help aboriginal women achieve their economic and social goals.

Premier Alison Redford says in a release that the councils will give native women a greater voice on issues that affect them and their communities.

The two groups — one for First Nations women and the other for Metis women — will report directly to the aboriginal relations minister.

Their tasks will be to identify challenges aboriginal women face in Alberta and to provide advice on how to overcome those barriers.

A government working group with representation from various ministries and programs will support the councils.