Photo courtesy BC Gov

By Caden Fanshaw

BC GOV

Province partners with Aboriginal Friendship Centres for new community fund

Apr 11, 2022 | 5:03 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – After lengthy consultation and planning the BC government revealed a new Path Forward Community Fund geared towards addressing gender-based violence.

The B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) will develop and administer the Path Forward Community Fund, a key part of B.C.’s plan to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people.

The fund advances a top priority identified by Indigenous communities and individuals to end violence against Indigenous women: the need for safety planning and capacity building so communities can create and implement their own culturally safe solutions.

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“In keeping with the idea of ‘nothing about us, without us,’ we are looking to the BCAAFC to administer and award the grants to Indigenous communities and organizations,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “The Indigenous-led Path Forward Community Fund is a milestone in our shared journey toward lasting reconciliation and gender equality.”

The BCAAFC will manage the $5.34-million fund to help Indigenous communities and organizations expand safety planning capacity. Eligible projects include support for hosting planning sessions, culturally appropriate safety training, and healing and cultural supports.

The fund advances Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and actions the government commitment made in A Path Forward: Priorities and Early Strategies for B.C., the Province’s plan to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Indigenous-led engagement sessions prioritized the need for safe spaces and safety plans that allow communities to implement their solutions.

With 25 Friendship Centres throughout B.C. and a 50-year track record of supporting urban Indigenous communities, the BCAAFC is accessible to diverse populations, and has the required community connections, geographical reach and understanding of the causes of violence against women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people.

The fund will be accessible to support First Nation communities, urban/off reserve communities, Métis citizens, Inuit and 2SLGBTQ+ communities.