Drive to thrive: Manitoba launches strategy to empower Indigenous women

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This article was published 22/11/2024 (662 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba has rolled out a $20-million, four-year strategy to protect and empower Indigenous women in the province, considered Canada’s “ground zero” of the missing and murdered women and girls tragedy.

Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine was emotional as she launched the strategy, at the legislature, that she said involves a government-wide approach to programs and services.

The matriarch circle she appointed in March devised the plan, called Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag, which translates to “all women doing well” that will support the safety, protection and empowerment of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse relatives.

“This is the era of the matriarchy” said Fontaine, one of two First Nations women appointed to cabinet last year.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe and protected within their community;” said Fontaine. “But people must also be able to move beyond survival into a future where they can thrive.”

The plan centres on access to economic development, education, food security, health services, housing, justice and safety, transportation and culture.

A $15-million endowment fund will support MMIWG2S+ families and $2.2 million is earmarked for empowerment and prevention grants. Other initiatives include $750,000 for All Nations Co-ordinated Response Network’s safe ride program, which helps the safe return of absent youth in care; $160,000 for the Fisher River Cree First Nation healing space at Osborne Street and Morley Avenue; and $60,000 for Norway House Cree Nation to host an annual healing and family gathering.

The minister noted the matriarch circle, a diverse group of women, youth and gender-diverse relatives, was integral to developing the plan.

Megan McKenzie, a researcher with the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corp., said the help is vital.

“When women are trapped on a dangerous path without supports to create a different way forward, we know where that path leads (but) when we draw on ideas and knowledge from women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people supported by a strategy like Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag, we can ensure people are able to travel safely on a good path.”

Fontaine said Manitoba continues to have some of the highest rates of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people in Canada.

The strategy, which calls for immediate action, consistent efforts, adequate resources and the political will to create lasting change, is a response to the final report of the national inquiry into the missing and murdered tragedy. It had 231 recommendations directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries and all Canadians aimed at ending violence against Indigenous women and girls.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca