A big Seabird Island undertaking has secured funding from the province.
The provincial government recently announced their support of 20 First Nations-run projects throughout the province dedicated to ending violence against Indigenous women, including Seabird Island’s Assuming Roles Cultural Immersion Camps
The Assuming Roles Cultural Immersion Camps would invite men and women to explore their life’s journey through land-based activities and healing through traditional Indigenous science and cultural practices. This includes a Spirit Bath and harvesting medicial ingredients.
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“We are supporting community-led projects that provide opportunities for healing and violence prevention to ensure the health, well-being and safety of Indigenous women and girls,” said Barb Ward-Burkitt, chair, Minister’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Women (MACIW). “Indigenous women are three times more likely to be victims of violence, and these projects give voice to stopping violence against Indigenous women and girls by changing behaviours and attitudes and empowering communities.”
Through the provincial government, the MACIW’s Giving Voice initiative funds these projects, distributing $730,000 over the course of two years from 2019 to 2021 in an effort to “encourage dialogue about gender-based violence and opportunities for healing.”
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Last year’s funding supported 53 projects including 2,000 participants across British Columbia.
“The projects funded by the Giving Voice program will make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous women, girls and their families by strengthening local, culturally relevant responses to gender-based violence,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Through collaborative, community-led initiatives, these projects will foster safer, more resilient communities.”
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