Yellowknife (Aug 20/03) - The Centre for Northern Families and the Native Women's Association of the Northwest Territories are considering amalgamation.

Executive director Arlene Hache said she has approached the Native Women's Association about the idea earlier this year.

Hache called it "a very positive thing," but said the centre was backed into a corner when the territorial government revoked a contract because the centre advocates for women whose children have been removed by social services.

Audrey Zoe, executive director of the Native Women's Association of the NWT, said the association is awaiting a detailed proposal from Hache.

"We're being really careful," she said. "We're dealing with very vulnerable people who rely on the Centre for Northern Families in a lot of areas -- family violence, homelessness and a lot of social issues."

She's not sure if the board wants to get involved in child welfare issues. "It's a touchy subject."

The association's board will make the final decision at its annual general meeting, scheduled for Sept. 30.