Violence against Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) people in Canada is an ongoing national tragedy that needs to end. Supporting the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people on their healing journey is a priority for the Government of Canada. Ensuring that community-based organizations have the tools and resources they need to deliver services for families of MMIWG helps fill gaps in services where needs are high and builds on the work of Indigenous organizations and specialized victim service programs.
Since 2016, Justice Canada has committed $37.68 million in funding to support the operation of Family Information Liaison Units and to support culturally responsive, trauma-informed community-based services for families of MMIWG. Through this funding, 30 Indigenous-led projects have received support to provide community-based services.
Today, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced that the Government of Canada is providing financial support to Regina-based Caring Hearts Counselling for the development of a model for culturally appropriate education to support the families of MMIWG in their healing journey. Caring Hearts Counselling was approved for $332,270 in funding over three years starting on September 24, 2020, through the Department of Justice Canada's Victims Fund.
This project draws on cultural teachings shared through Indigenous partnerships and clinical knowledge of loss to develop and deliver programs, services, and assistance to the families of MMIWG through education, counselling and community support. The project also focuses on increasing strong Indigenous partnerships to provide cultural perspectives and foster a more culturally sensitive approach to better reflect the needs of families of MMIWG.
Caring Hearts Counselling advocates for healing and bereavement care in Saskatchewan through education, advocacy, counseling, and support. The organization also provides direct support and services to individuals and families, and delivers trauma-informed care, education and training to professionals and volunteers who work with individuals and families who have suffered a related significant loss in their lives.
