Four Yukon-based organizations will receive $50,000 each over the next two years to help prevent violence against Indigenous women and girls in Yukon. The funding comes from the Prevention of Violence against Aboriginal Women fund.
Funding for the projects is administered through the Government of Yukon Women’s Directorate, which supports women’s and equality-seeking organizations.
As the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls reminds us, gender-based violence remains a barrier to true gender equity. Indigenous women experience violence three times more than non-Indigenous women. Supporting projects like this is how we start to make changes on the ground, in homes and communities. We are proud to provide funding to organizations that support victims of violence and their families through culturally competent and community-based approaches.
Minister responsible for the Women’s Directorate Jeanie Dendys
The four organizations and projects that will receive funding are:
- Champagne Aishihik First Nation – Women’s Circles for Connection – 2019 to 2021
This project will provide funding for several women’s circles in Haines Junction and Takhini River Subdivision. The funding will work to increase social connections by providing regular programming for women to share their life challenges and experiences. Each event will offer programming to participants that will help them focus on their mind, body and spirit.
- Whitehorse Food Bank Society – Sally and Sisters – 2019 to 2021
This project will provide a hot lunch twice a week in a safe environment to women and children, specifically Indigenous women. The lunches are provided at the Food Bank. The project will create a network of support between all women to help them deal with difficult personal situations by providing a non-threatening space to seek referrals to services and programs.
- Skookum Jim Friendship Centre – Women of Wisdom – 2019 to 2021
This project will work to prevent violence against Indigenous women by creating safe and supportive spaces for participants to focus on ancestral and embodied knowledge and to build strong support systems. They will host biweekly sessions and an annual on-the-land camp.
- Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre – A Safe Place – 2019 to 2021
This program fills the gap in after-hours services for women, non-binary people and children in the Whitehorse area. It is a drop-in program that provides women who experience degrees of homelessness with a safe environment and the choice to access support if wanted or needed. Women affected by violence, food insecurity, substance use, mental health challenges and other complex barriers can go to A Safe Place.
Stewart Burnett
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
stewart.burnett@gov.yk.ca
Breagha Fraser
Communications, Women’s Directorate
867-667-8675
breagha.fraser@gov.yk.ca