{"id":45036,"date":"2021-05-28T10:55:32","date_gmt":"2021-05-28T14:55:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/?p=45036"},"modified":"2021-05-28T10:57:27","modified_gmt":"2021-05-28T14:57:27","slug":"ontarios-new-strategy-responding-to-national-inquiry-provides-holistic-supports-across-government","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/index.php\/2021\/05\/28\/ontarios-new-strategy-responding-to-national-inquiry-provides-holistic-supports-across-government\/","title":{"rendered":"Ontario’s New strategy responding to National Inquiry provides holistic supports across government"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A virtual ceremony was held yesterday with Jill Dunlop (Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues), the Indigenous Women\u2019s Advisory Council, and other Indigenous leaders, communities, and organizations to unveil the Ontario government’s strategy that addresses the disproportionate rate of violence against Indigenous women and girls.<\/p>\n

By working with Indigenous partners this plan addresses critical gaps in supports for Indigenous women, children, and Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, plus (2SLGBTQQIA+) people, including the need for better access to stable housing, health care, education, and employment.<\/p>\n

The virtual ceremony was chaired by Michelle Sault, and began with a prayer by Grandmother Holly. Her eloquent prayer asked for comfort, support and guidance from Creator for all who have experienced violence and loss, and help all to find peace. A honour song for all the women and women to come was sung by Audrey DeRoy from the shores of Lake Superior.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>From Toronto, Jill Dunlop explained that Minister Rickford was unable to attend. She acknowledged the land, and began her presentation, stating that two years ago the MMIW & G report was released. This report had 231 calls for justice. Ontario knew that it had to “respond to these calls for justice as effectively and quickly as possible to ensure that future generations of indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people can live safely and heal from trauma. It also became clear that any efforts to address the root causes of violence cannot succeed unless they are led by Indigenous people, particularly Indigenous women.” She continued explaining that a committee was formed, “Last year the Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council was founded; co-chaired by Cora McGuire-Cyrette, ONWA, and Sandra Montour of Six Nations of the Grand River.” This organization shared time, knowledge and expertise to guide the Ontario government and this response.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe tragedy of violence towards Indigenous people is completely unacceptable and must be met with real solutions to uproot the causes,\u201d said Minister Dunlop. \u201cWe listened carefully to the survivors, families and loved ones who participated in the National Inquiry. We also collaborated closely with Indigenous partners, including members of the Indigenous Women\u2019s Advisory Council, to ensure their voices guided Ontario\u2019s action plan on the critical issues impacting their communities. I am proud of where we have come but know there is much more work to be done to ensure all Indigenous people can live in safety, free from violence.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Indigenous Women\u2019s Advisory Council defined priorities and helped to develop a framework, incorporating 118 initiatives into each of the six areas for action:<\/p>\n