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Fort Erie, ON, Dec. 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, on UN Human Rights Day, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services announced funding over five years through the Indigenous Led Initiative Fund (ILIF) towards the anti-human trafficking protection and healing of Indigenous women and girls. The funding will be used by the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) to further develop and expand the Aakode'ewin - Courage for Change Program across Ontario addressing the unique needs of the disproportionate numbers of Indigenous women, youth and girls affected by human trafficking.
The program supports Indigenous women and girls at risk, currently involved in, or a survivor of human trafficking. It will focus specifically on exploited youth to get them the services and tools they need to exit. The program offers support in a variety of ways, including 24/7 crisis response, harm reduction and safety planning, 1-1 support with referrals to healthcare, counselling and addiction services, and programming focused on capacity building, empowerment and culturally specific healing. Through a multi-sector approach, care and services are provided in a trauma-informed anti-oppressive way, ensuring integration of culture-based practices and mainstream supports.