Aboriginal Communities Receive Assistance to Enhance Supports for Victims of Family Violence

June 4, 2009 Aboriginal communities receive assistance to enhance supports for victims of family violence

Slave Lake... The Alberta government is supporting Aboriginal communities in the province through community-based family violence prevention initiatives. Janis Tarchuk, Minister of Children and Youth Services, Gene Zwozdesky, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Pearl Calahasen, MLA for Lesser Slave Lake announced funding of $1.4 million provided through the government’s Safe Communities Innovation Fund (SCIF) and Children and Youth Services. Under the SCIF, the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) is receiving more than $994,000 to operate an outreach program where workers will deliver family-based interventions for Aboriginal victims of family violence in the on-reserve communities of Wabasca, Morley, Maskwaci (Hobbema), Fort Chipewyan and Enilda. The Safe Communities initiative is a partnership of nine government ministries working closely with police, community groups, municipalities, businesses and social agencies to address the impact crime is having on our communities, and find meaningful, long-term solutions. Children and Youth Services is also providing $145,000 to the Northern Haven Women’s Shelter in Slave Lake for its operations and to pilot an outreach program for victims of family violence. “The Alberta government is committed to addressing the issue of family violence in our province, including expanding prevention supports and services to Aboriginal families and communities,” said Tarchuk. “The effects of family violence are devastating and early intervention supports provided through these kinds of programs will help keep families together and contribute to positive changes in their communities.” “Family violence affects many people in Alberta, including some Aboriginal families,” said Zwozdesky. “This funding will enhance the well-being of Aboriginal communities and will encourage greater collaboration in resolving and preventing violence.” In addition to the SCIF funding, Pearl Calahasen, MLA for Lesser Slave Lake, announced more than $271,000 through the Children and Youth Services Community Incentive Fund for eight community-based, family violence and bullying prevention projects. These projects will help combat family violence and bullying and support people who have been negatively impacted by these behaviours. Backgrounder: Details of funding -30- Media inquiries may be directed to: Roxanne Dubé Coelho, Communications Marie Iwanow, Communications Children and Youth Services, 780-427-4801* Aboriginal Relations, 780-863-1322 [email protected] [email protected]

Jan Reimer, Provincial Co-ordinator Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters 780-456-7000 *To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. June 4, 2009

Details of Funding SAFE COMMUNITIES INNOVATION FUND The $60-million Safe Communities Innovation Fund was announced by Premier Ed Stelmach in November 2008 to strengthen and develop community-based projects and community-police partnership projects. The fund builds on the second phase of the Safe Communities initiative, which is focused on addressing the root causes of crime such as family violence and addiction. To date, the fund has approved $19.9 million in funding for 30 community initiatives. Agency: Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters $994,552 Project: Walking the Path Together - An outreach worker in each community will work with Aboriginal children living on-reserve, delivering family-based interventions and linking them with services that will help them end the cycle of family violence. Locations: Wabasca, Morley, Maskwaci (Hobbema), Fort Chipewyan and Enilda COMMUNITY INCENTIVE FUND The Community Incentive Fund (CIF) provides funding to community initiatives that promote awareness of, and help those affected by, family violence and bullying. CIF projects have been successful in helping those affected by family violence get the critical support they need in the communities they live. Ninety-one community projects are benefiting from $3 million in CIF funding in 2009/10 and 58 per cent of these support Aboriginal populations. Agency: Northern Haven Support Society $75,000.00 Project: Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying Outreach program will provide supports for clients who have experienced spousal/relationship abuse including physical, emotional, sexual, psychological and financial abuse. Agency: High Prairie and Area Family Violence Prevention Network $57,604.00 Project: High Prairie and Area Family Violence Prevention Committee By hiring a co-ordinator, the focus of the project is to address the critical need to reduce family violence, build community capacity and support the network. Agency: Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Child and Family Services $25,000.00 Project: Combating Family Violence Through Unity Project 1- First Annual Family Violence Conference to bring together youth, parents, elders, community members, agencies and leaders from Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council, Gift Lake Métis Settlement and Red Earth Creek. Project 2- Gang Violence Workshop Series to educate about and empower communities to reduce gang-related crime and violence. Agency: Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council $10,000.00 Project: Lunch and Learn, Family Violence and Bullying This project will educate youth about issues related to bullying and family, teen and dating violence. Agency: Family and Community Support Services of East Prairie Métis $9,530.62 Settlement Project: Working Together in Our Community Support of a continuing project to educate community stakeholders about family violence and bullying. Agency: Gift Lake Métis Settlement $9,530.62 Project: Footprints of Hope Support of a family conference about family violence and a community gathering. Agency: Peavine Métis Settlement Community Services $9,530.62 Project: 2009 Youth Rally - Rise Up and Third Annual Walk Against Drugs, Alcohol and Family Violence The rally brings together youth to show them there are alternatives to drugs, alcohol, gangs, suicide and the violence that goes along with them. Agency: Three Eagle Wellness Society $75,000.00 Project: Annual Youth Gathering Hope A training program targeted to youth wanting to make a positive change within themselves, their peer group, family and community. OTHER FUNDING FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA (provided through Children and Youth Services) Northern Haven Support Society Aboriginal Outreach Pilot $75,000 Operational funds $70,000 -30- Media inquiries may be directed to: Roxanne Dubé Coelho, Communications Marie Iwanow, Communications Children and Youth Services, 780-427-4801* Aboriginal Relations, 780-863-1322 [email protected] [email protected]