News Release

For Immediate Release
June 18, 2009

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McGuinty Government Improves Community Services for Aboriginal Victims

NEWS

Aboriginal communities across the province will benefit from grants provided to develop projects that help First Nations, Métis and Inuit victims of crime.

These grants will support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, historic abuse and hate crimes in primarily underserved areas of the province.

A total of $2 million in one-time funding will be awarded to 21 Aboriginal organizations through the Aboriginal Victims Support Grant Program, for local projects that improve community-based services for victims of crime, provide services to victims in remote communities and offer resources to meet community healing needs.

One of these projects will be delivered by Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto, which will receive $100,000 to establish Aboriginal circles for victims of crime, to be led with the assistance of Elders and traditional healers.

QUOTES

"We want First Nations, Métis and Inuit victims of crime to receive services that are appropriate to their cultures, languages and experiences. We are funding projects that help victims receive what they need as defined by their communities."
- Chris Bentley, Attorney General

"This program supports the recommendations of the Ipperwash Report and helps address issues that are critical success factors in building a more prosperous future for Aboriginal people in Ontario. These funds will support projects that offer First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations an opportunity to provide victims of crime within their communities the kind of help they need and want."
- Brad Duguid, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

QUICK FACTS

• The government received 125 applications for the grants, which are funded through the Victims' Justice Fund. The Fund is dedicated to providing services for victims of crime.
• Ontario is developing an Aboriginal Justice Strategy with a vision to provide coordinated, responsive justice services to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.
• Other innovative Aboriginal projects have been funded through the Community Hate Crimes Response Grant Program.

LEARN MORE

Learn about Ontario's Approach to Aboriginal Affairs.

Find out more about the Aboriginal Victims Support Grant Program - PDF. (Information available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway and Oji-Cree)

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