Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations. (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Community Support Fund

Province announces additional support for Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people

Aug 2, 2023 | 10:44 AM

Officials with the Alberta government say grant applications are now open for communities and organizations working to address the violence, safety and economic security of Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people.

Alberta’s government say it is committed to ensuring Indigenous women, girls and two spirit plus (2S+) people have a future that is safe, secure and respected. Officials say the Community Support Fund provides grants for community-based, Indigenous-led initiatives that address violence and increase safety and economic security for these groups.

According to the government, the fund will support $4 million in grants each year. Recipients can receive a maximum of $200,000 towards their initiatives. The fund is expected to provide immediate support for healing, preventing violence and addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people, complementing the long-term work of the Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

“Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people deserve to live in safety and security, free from violence. We are working towards supporting Indigenous-led initiatives that can advance reconciliation and make a meaningful difference in their lives,” says Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations.

The government says grants will be funded through three streams that address violence, increase safety and increase economic security for Indigenous women, girls and 2+ peoples. Community Support Fund recipients must partner with Indigenous organizations, communities and governments on projects and initiatives and the initiatives must align with actions under the pathways in the Alberta MMIWG Roadmap.

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Examples of eligible projects include projects or initiatives that:

• Support families, survivors and loved ones of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people (MMIWG2S+) on their path to healing.
• Promote public awareness of MMIWG2S+ issues.
• Develop strategies and initiatives that increase individual and community safety.
• Address factors related to economic security.

“As the Premier’s Council advances collaborative work with the Government of Alberta, this dedicated ongoing funding is important for Indigenous-led projects to support Indigenous women, girls and 2S+peoples. I commend the province for taking the initiative on this grant program,” adds Rachelle Venne, chair, Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

“The Community Support Fund is creating projects and initiatives for Indigenous and non-Indigenous community organizations to create a safer, more supportive community for Indigenous women, girls and two spirit people. This funding will foster healing, awareness and hope among this vibrant and key demographic.,” notes LeeAnne Ireland, executive director, Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth.

The call for applications will close on Oct. 6.

Alberta government quick facts

• First Nations, Métis and Inuit women face significantly higher rates of violence throughout their lifetimes than all other women in Canada.
• In Alberta, Indigenous women are seven times more likely to be murdered, three times more likely to experience sexual assault, and twice as likely to be assaulted compared with non-Indigenous women.
• In 2021, Alberta had the second-highest reports of homicide for Indigenous people behind Saskatchewan.