News Release

For Immediate Release
August 31, 2009

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McGuinty Government Invests In Community Services

NEWS

First Nations, Inuit and Métis victims of crime in Sudbury will have access to the services they need to complete the healing process.

With support from the Aboriginal Victims Support Grant Program, Shkagamik-kwe Health Centre will develop a culturally appropriate training program to support Aboriginal men who were victims of childhood sexual abuse. This new program will incorporate an Aboriginal holistic approach to recovery, as well as mentorship and group support for Aboriginal victims as they work through the healing process.

QUOTES

"Childhood sexual abuse impacts victims for the rest of their lives. Through this new program, Aboriginal men who were victimized as children will have access to community support and traditional healing methods that will help them through their recovery."
- Chris Bentley, Attorney General

"Aboriginal men who have experienced this type of trauma need to have somewhere they can feel safe to talk, share and heal. I am pleased that Sudbury will now have the culturally appropriate services to provide these victims with the help and support they need."
- Rick Bartolucci, MPP Sudbury and Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services

"We are thankful for the opportunity to be able to provide the Aboriginal male population, who are living with the traumatic experience of sexual abuse with a place to go that acknowledges both their cultural and spiritual needs. Through mentoring and group support, victims will be able to start their healing journey in a holistic manner that addresses their emotional, mental, spiritual and physical well-being."
- Shelley Baker, Executive Director, Shkagamik-kwe Health Centre

QUICK FACTS

• Two million dollars has been awarded to 21 projects this year that support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, hate crimes and historic abuse in primarily underserved areas of the province.
• Shkagamik-kwe Health Centre will receive $155,000 from the Aboriginal Victims Support Grant Program.
• Ontario is developing an Aboriginal Justice Strategy with a vision to provide coordinated, responsive justice services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

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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Contacts:

Erin Moroz
Minister's Office, 416-326-1785
Brendan Crawley
Communications Branch, 416-326-2210