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Ontario Supports Victims Of Crime In The James Bay Area

McGuinty Government Invests In Community Services For Aboriginal Victims

April 7, 2010

News

First Nations, Inuit and Métis victims of crime throughout Moosonee, Moose Factory and the James Bay area now have access to an increased number of healing services in their community.

Through the Aboriginal Victims Support Grant Program, the Payukotayno: James and Hudson Bay Family Services Centre in Moosonee has built a wilderness camp for traditional healing and acquired new equipment to extend services to communities along the James Bay coast. The centre provides workshops, training, healing circles and ceremonies for Aboriginal victims of all ages.

The Moose Cree First Nation in Moose Factory also received a grant to enhance its existing crisis and referral services by providing additional training to workers and extending services to remote areas.

Quotes

"These projects provide victims with a safe and welcoming environment, and supports that draw on their tradition and culture. The community will benefit from having services that are designed, developed and delivered by Aboriginal people as they work through the healing process."
— Chris Bentley, Attorney General and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

"We are thankful to be able to reach out and help so many.  It can be hard for victims in remote fly-in communities to access support.  Now, through this program, we are able to help the communities and give them the support they need."
—  Earl Cheechoo, President, Payukotayno: James and Hudson Bay Family Services

"With additional training, new staff and new transportation, our capacity to help those in need is significantly enhanced. We are thankful for the ability to provide these services to the people in this area.  We want to be able to give them the support they need and this grant helps us do that."
— Chief Norman Hardisty Jr., Moose Cree First Nation

Quick Facts

• Two million dollars in one-time funding has been awarded to 19 Aboriginal organizations for 20 local projects that support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, hate crimes and historic abuse in remote areas of the province.
• Payukotayno: James and Hudson Bay Family Services received $212,000 for its project and Moose Cree First Nation received $69,000.
• In addition to these grants, 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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