Canadians expect to live in a society where the criminal justice system is fair, impartial and supports the needs of victims. This includes continued efforts to break down barriers, combat systemic racism and systemic discrimination, close socio-economic gaps, and promote greater equality and prosperity for Indigenous peoples.
Today, Member of Parliament for Yukon, Brendan Hanley, on behalf of the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced a total of $800,396 in new funding to the Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council (YAWC) for two Indigenous-led projects in Whitehorse, Yukon.
The Government of Canada, through the Indigenous Partnership Fund, is providing $75,000 in 2024-2025 for the development of an organization-specific action plan that will contribute to implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act) and its related Action Plan.
In addition, through the Victims Fund's Community Support and Healing for Families initiative, the Government of Canada is providing $725,396 over five years (2024-2029) for the creation of a community hub at the YAWC office. This hub will offer a range of activities for families of missing or murdered Indigenous people. These activities will include life skills coaching, sharing circles, and mental health workshops to foster holistic healing and empowerment. This project will help to improve services for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people and survivors of violence.
These projects will contribute to the implementation of the UN Declaration Act and improve access to services for victims and survivors of crime. They will also support the Government of Canada's efforts to advance reconciliation,and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action on justice and reconciliation, and the MMIWG National Inquiry Final Report's Calls for Justice 1.7 and 3.1. By contributing to the work of this Indigenous women's regional organization, the Government is also ensuring that implementation of the UN Declaration Act Action Plan is broad, inclusive, and reflective of gender and other diversity considerations.
The YAWC is a non-profit society that supports leadership and advancement for and by Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people in the Yukon Territory and northern British Columbia. This year, it celebrated their 50th anniversary as an organization. Their mission is to enhance, promote, and foster social, economic, cultural, and political well-being in their communities.
