Support line for those affected by missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ 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.

June 29, 2022 – Inuvik, Northwest Territories – Crown−Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Investing in culturally appropriate and inclusive spaces is crucial to addressing the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals.

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, and Grand Chief Ken Kyikavichik of Gwich’in Tribal Council announced $2.3 million in funding for the renovation of Gwich’in Wellness Camp, a culturally centred wellness camp in the Northwest Territories.

The contribution provided through the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program will help the Gwich’in Tribal Council offer a fully accessible space that prioritizes the needs of women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The funding will go towards the addition of outdoor facilities to support meaningful on-the-land programming and the revitalization of ceremonial spaces to better reflect local Gwich’in values.

The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls identified the need for safe, culturally relevant spaces where Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people can have barrier-free, permanent and meaningful access to their cultures and languages. Indigenous groups have also highlighted the importance of culturally centred spaces in pursuing their visions of self-determination.

Budget 2021 announced $108.8 million over two years for the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program. This investment is part of the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, the Government of Canada’s contribution to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Girls, Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This transformative program supports Indigenous Peoples in reclaiming their identity as part of their journey towards self-determination.

The Government of Canada remains committed to ending gender-based violence and advancing reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous Peoples across Canada.