News Release

Helping Aboriginal Victims Of Crime In Northeast Ontario

McGuinty Government Invests In Community Services For Victims

July 27, 2009

News

First Nation, Métis and Inuit victims of crime in northeast Ontario will have access to new services and a new traditional healing space funded through the Aboriginal Victims Support Grant Program.

The Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre will receive $203,000 to create culturally-specific programs and workshops to meet the needs of Aboriginal victims. For example, in Timmins a traditional healing space will be constructed to provide year-round traditional teachings, healing circles and counselling.

The programs and workshops will be available to victims living in:

• Timmins
• Cochrane
• Beaverhouse
• Brunswick House
• Chapleau Ojibway
• Matachewan
• Mattagami
• Wahgoshig
• Flying Post
• Chapleau Cree
• Taykwa Tagamou
• Kashechewan
• Fort Albany
• Moose Cree
• Missinabie
• Peawanuk (Weenusk)
• Attawapiskat
• Mocreebec Council of the Cree Nation

Quotes

"We recognize the importance of programs and services designed, developed and delivered by Aboriginal people, for Aboriginal people. This new traditional space will give Aboriginal victims in Northeast Ontario access to the support they need to work through the healing process."
- Chris Bentley, Attorney General

"The healing circles, traditional teachings and counselling programs that will be available year-round will help victims heal with the support of the community. This new space will serve as a gathering place for so many who need help and somewhere to find peace. For that we are thankful."
- Diane Riopel, Executive Director, Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre

Quick Facts

• Two million dollars has been awarded to 20 Aboriginal organizations for 21 local projects this year that support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, hate crimes and historic abuse in primarily underserved areas of the province.
• Ontario is developing an Aboriginal Justice Strategy with a vision to provide coordinated, responsive justice services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

Learn More

Learn about Ontario's approach to Aboriginal affairs.

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

Contacts

Erin Moroz
Minister's Office, 416-326-1785

Brendan Crawley
Communications Branch, 416-326-2210

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