The Government of Alberta opened grant applications on Aug. 1, for communities and organizations working to address the violence, safety and economic security of Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people.
The Community Support Fund will provide grants for community-based, Indigenous-led initiatives that address violence and increase safety and economic security for these groups.
“Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people deserve to live in safety and security, free from violence,” said Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson in a release..
“We are working towards supporting Indigenous-led initiatives that can advance reconciliation and make a meaningful difference in their lives.”
The fund, which will award $4 million in grants each year, is part of the long-term work of the Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Fund recipients must partner with Indigenous organizations, communities and governments and the initiatives must align with actions outlined in the Alberta MMIWG Roadmap.
Recipients can receive a maximum of $200,000 towards their initiatives.
Examples of eligible projects or initiatives include ones that:
- Support families, survivors and loved ones of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people (MMIWG2S+) on their path to healing.
- Promote public awareness of MMIWG2S+ issues.
- Develop strategies and initiatives that increase individual and community safety.
- Address factors related to economic security.
“This dedicated, ongoing funding is important for Indigenous-led projects to support Indigenous women, girls and 2S+peoples,” said Rachelle Venne, chair, Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
First Nations, Métis and Inuit women face significantly higher rates of violence throughout their lifetimes than all other women in Canada.
In Alberta, Indigenous women are seven times more likely to be murdered, three times more likely to experience sexual assault, and twice as likely to be assaulted compared with non-Indigenous women.
In 2021, Alberta had the second-highest reports of homicide for Indigenous people behind Saskatchewan.
LeeAnne Ireland, executive director, Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth, said the grant funding will create safer, more supportive communities for Indigenous women, girls and two spirit people.
“This funding will foster healing, awareness and hope among this vibrant and key demographic,” said Ireland.
The call for applications will close on Oct. 6.
