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By rdnewsNOW Staff

$500,000 Inn Grants

Province addressing gender-based violence against Indigenous people

May 5, 2022 | 12:21 PM

The Alberta government says more than $500,000 in grants will support a range of approaches to help stem the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit+ people.

Alberta government funding to Indigenous organizations across the province are aimed to provide healing and support for survivors, families and the loved ones of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Government officials say funding will also be directed at improving engagement and coordination between Indigenous communities and law enforcement agencies. One grant is expected to enhance the Aboriginal Alert system and help create more awareness of the service.

“Violence against Indigenous women and girls is a complex problem that demands a multi-faceted response. The Alberta government is proud to support these organizations as part of our effort to increase the safety and security of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit+ people,” said Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations, in a press release Wednesday.

“Awo Taan Healing Lodge is committed to ending all forms of violence against Indigenous people, as we remain focused on the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry,” noted Josie Nepinak, Executive Director, Awo Taan Healing Lodge. “Alberta’s government is a vital partner with the support of grant dollars to enable this work. By walking a shared path of reconciliation with Calgary Police Services, we intend to address Call of Justice 9.2 (ii).”

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“We are very thankful to Alberta’s government for the ongoing work on this issue and commitment to a safer Alberta for Indigenous people,” added Nepinak.

Improving coordination with police services is one way organizations are anticipated to help Indigenous women feel more secure and prevent potential abuse, say government officials. The Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society is expected to use its $70,000 grant to enhance communication between Indigenous families and the Calgary Police Service.

“ANFCA is thankful for the funding from the ministry to support four Friendship Centres that support Indigenous women and the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls,” said Len Morissette, President, Alberta Native Friendship Centre Association (ANFCA). “This is a beginning, in partnership with the provincial government, to address the pervasive and ongoing gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls and our 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples through this funding.”

Programs grounded in culture and led by Indigenous providers are expected to provide an added level of support for survivors and families and help reduce cycles of violence.

The Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association is receiving $200,000 to provide local community support to women and families who have been affected by violence.

Alberta government quick facts

• In addition to the organizations outlined above:
  • Four Winds & Associates will receive $100,000 to help improve the functionality of the Aboriginal Alert system across multiple platforms, continue to build partnerships with law enforcement agencies and broadcasters, and increase public awareness of the service.
  • The Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth has been granted $70,000 to provide programming to Indigenous girls and gender diverse youth aged 15 to 21 to help combat gender-based violence.
  • The Athabasca Tribal Council is getting $70,000 to support community gatherings, healing circles and coordination with the RCMP and other agencies that respond to emergencies.
• These grants have been funded through Alberta’s 2021 budget.
  • Budget 2022 also includes nearly $1 million for initiatives to support the safety and wellbeing of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The allocation of this funding will be determined throughout the fiscal year.

Richard Feehan, NDP Critic for Indigenous Relations, made the following statement regarding the UCP government’s response to addressing gender-based violence against Indigenous people

“We welcome every move forward, but given that the UCP government has failed to release the final report and recommendations from the Alberta Joint Working Group on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls they received in January we have no way of knowing if this funding is part of a comprehensive plan or merely a one-off.

“We don’t see, for example, any response to Call for Justice 1.5 asking for judicial reform, or Call for Justice 1.8 to create and deliver programs designed to prevent lateral violence.

“These funds are woefully inadequate and insulting to all those working on these serious issues. You know where this government’s priorities are when they are spending $120 million on a do-nothing war room and only $500,000 to prevent violence against Indigenous women and girls with no clear plans to do anything more.

“The UCP must release the report and be transparent about the work they are doing to implement vital recommendations to advance the cause of reconciliation.”