Indigenous programming targeted in funding for family violence prevention

Organizations focused on violence in Indigenous families and communities are among those to receive new and renewed provincial funding.

As part of the Family Violence Framework, Human Services Minister Irfan Sabir announced Thursday that his government is investing $3.5 million in one-time funding to support programs that protect women and girls, Indigenous, immigrant and rural communities, as well as programs targeted at men and boys.

“One of our government’s top priorities is ending violence against women and girls, and I’m proud to support the community agencies at the front line of that work in Alberta,” said Stephanie McLean, minister of status of women, in a statement.

Financial support has been given to 13 new projects and 17 extensions to successful programs that were announced by the government last September.

The Metis Settlement General Council has received funding to develop and implement a community action plan that will provide a coordinated approach to supporting those experiencing family violence. A local model, which will provide a continuum of services in alignment with the provincial framework, will be developed by community service providers. Community plans will focus on awareness, prevention, intervention, outreach and enforcement services. 

The Dene Tha’ First Nation had its funding extended for its Keeping Families Safe project, which provides supports to decrease family violence in the community through an outreach worker, as well as through the development and implementation of an integrated community action plan. 

New funding was also received by North Rocky View Community Links Society (Airdrie), town of Bonnyville, and Valleyview Victims’ Assistance (Valleyview), whose community action plans include a focus on Indigenous communities.

Funding was also given to extend programs offered by the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter, Hinton Friendship Centre Society, and Hope Haven Society (Lac La Biche and area), which all have an Indigenous-focus. Wetaskiwin and District Victim Services Society also received additional funding for its program which has a client focus of Indigenous people struggling with mental health issues.

In the federal budget delivered on Tuesday, the Liberal government earmarked funding for women and children fleeing violence on First Nations. To support the renovation and construction of new shelters for victims of family violence in First Nations communities, $10.4 million over three years, starting in 2016–17, was provided. Also allotted was up to $33.6 million over five years, beginning in 2016–17, and up to $8.3 million ongoing, in additional funding to better support shelters serving victims of family violence living in First Nations communities.

“This funding will also ensure the necessary operating resources for the new shelters proposed for First Nations communities under broader investments in social infrastructure,” stated the budget.