The Government of Yukon has awarded $25,000 each to the Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle and Carcross/Tagish First Nation for one-year projects under the Prevention of Violence against Aboriginal Women Fund.
Both projects aim to address and prevent violence against Indigenous women and girls through support networks. The funded projects address preventing gender-based violence and align with Changing the Story to Upholding Dignity and Justice: Yukon’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People Strategy, notably Pillar 1: Strengthening Connections and Support.
The Prevention of Violence against Aboriginal Women Fund is administered through the Government of Yukon Women and Gender Equity Directorate. The fund requires that projects be developed by and for Indigenous women and it provides funding opportunities for non-government organizations, First Nations and women's organizations alike.
In 2023-24, the fund will also distribute the second year of two-year funding to Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) and Skookum Jim Friendship Centre (SJFC). The funding to these organizations was previously announced in 2022. This funding will allow CAFN to continue with its weekly Women’s Circles for Connection initiative and SJFC to continue its Women of Wisdom project.
In the work to reduce violence against Indigenous women, the contributions of these organizations are crucial. Community support networks are essential for both healing and violence prevention. The work of these organizations will provide Indigenous women and girls with important programming that encourages a deeper connection with their community.
Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean
PVAAW was developed in 2004 to provide financial support to Indigenous women’s organizations, registered societies and First Nation governments in recognition that Indigenous women and girls experience disproportionate rates of violence.
In 2023-24, applicants were eligible to apply for up to $25,000 for a one-year project.
2023-24 Prevention of Violence against Aboriginal Women Fund recipients
1. Strengthening Our Sisters, Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle (WAWC)
One-year funding for $25,000
Contact: Natalie Taylor, Executive Director at WAWC, ed@wawc.ca, (867) 668-7532
The Strengthening Our Sisters Project is aimed at supporting Indigenous women through the sale of their traditional arts. This program will support women to create economic opportunity, while supporting the sales of their art by removing barriers. Through sharing of business knowledge, and securing tables at local community markets, coordination and promotion, this project offers a support network and the promotion of economic independence for Indigenous women.
2. Family Council Connection Gatherings, Carcross/Tagish First Nation (CTFN)
One-year funding for $25,000
Contact: Stacey Robinson Brown, Director Health and Wellness at CTFN, stacey.robinsonbrown@ctfn.ca, (867) 332-6265
CTFN Family Council will hold regular family gatherings over the spring, summer and fall. Each gathering will include a meal and community building activities, traditional cultural activities, and engagement with the community in discussions about the traditional roles of men and women, and how we can work together to keep our women, children and families safe.
Through engaging families, men, and boys in these discussions about the Family Act, traditional roles, and the value and strength of women and girls, they will be shown from a young age the incredible value of women and the importance of keeping our women safe.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Odile Nelson
Communications, Women and Gender Equity Directorate
867-334-8235