Posted: Dec 10, 2020 3:17 PM ET | Last Updated: December 10, 2020
The Ontario Native Women s Association (ONWA) will expand its program to support Indigenous women, youth and girls affected by human trafficking, into Fort Erie, Hamilton and other Ontario cities and towns.(Shutterstock)
Fort Erie will be the first place where the Ontario Native Women s Association (ONWA) will expand its program to support Indigenous women, youth and girls affected by human trafficking.
It follows a $46 million provincial investment announced on Thursday dedicated toward anti-human trafficking community supports and Indigenous-led initiatives funds.
ONWA says Fort Erie was chosen to be the first location for expansion because it is a priority area with a current lack of programming, high tourism and proximity to the US border.
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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