Support line for those affected by missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people:
For immediate emotional assistance, call 1-844-413-6649. You can also access long-term health support services, such as mental health counselling, community-based emotional support, cultural services, and some travel costs to see Elders and traditional healers.
December 9, 2022 - Ottawa, Ontario - Crown−Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Indigenous groups have voiced the need for safe, culturally relevant spaces as a key component of moving forward on self-determination. This need was also identified in the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which called for all Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people to be provided with safe, barrier-free, permanent and meaningful access to their cultures and languages.
Today, members of the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced pre-design investments for the Métis Nation of Ontario Culture and Language Camp Projects. A contribution of $348,150 through the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program will support the Métis Nation of Ontario to establish the scope, design and feasibility for two culture and language camps: one in Northern Ontario and one in Southern Ontario.
These facilities will be dedicated to culture and language programming and will serve as a space for mental health and addiction retreats. The project aims to address the issues regarding physical and mental health and the increase of addiction-related pressures in Métis communities. The two camps will provide community members with trauma-informed healing and support in a space that is culturally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically safe for Métis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples and their families. The two culture and language camps will also provide a permanent outlet to promote Métis heritage and contribute towards the long-term well-being of Métis.
