Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Justice and Public Safety

At the first National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (February 2015), all participants agreed to the development of a prevention and awareness campaign.

All jurisdictions

FPT Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women, in partnership with Statistics Canada, updated the report, Measuring Violence Against Women: Statistical Trends. This publication summarizes available data within a framework of indicators of violence against women. Information about the nature, extent and impacts of violence against Aboriginal women is integrated throughout the report (2013).

All jurisdictions

At the June 2014 Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for the Status of Women meeting, Ministers directed senior officials to coordinate a national knowledge exchange on sexual violence. This event is scheduled to take place on June 17, 2015 in Winnipeg. The knowledge exchange will bring together the various disciplines working on sexual violence prevention and intervention to allow for a national dialogue on this pressing issue.

Manitoba and all jurisdictions

The BC government recently partnered with the federal government to fund Indigenous Cultural Competency training over a two-year period to ensure that victim service providers have a greater appreciation for Aboriginal culture and are familiar with the history of colonialism and issues such as residential schools. Over 500 victim service providers have completed the training.

British Columbia and Canada

The RCMP North District Division has directed all Detachments and Traffic Units to implement an Annual Performance Plan or Unit Performance Plan initiative regarding hitchhiking. The intention is two-fold:

• to keep the issue operationally current/visible with a metric to track/analyze number of contacts/locations/time; and
• to ensure an education/awareness initiative is established, ideally using a community- based approach whereby presenters are members of the general public, but coordination and leadership is provided by the Detachment/Unit members.

Detachments situated on or around the highways were engaged in routine stopping and interviews with hitchhikers in all regions (Peace, Cariboo/Chilcotin, Fraser/Fort George, Nass and Bulkley Valleys, Kitimat and Prince Rupert).

The North District is also participating in a study to collect data on area hitchhiking and to map hitchhiking 'hot spots,' conducted by the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) in Prince George. A GPS device was provided to commercial carriers along Highways 16 and 97; when drivers observe a hitchhiker, they press a button to log the time, date and coordinates. In 2012, Dr. Jacqueline Holler, Chair, Womens and Gender Studies, at the UNBC, began researching the magnitude of hitchhiking around the North of BC. The study focussed on the "Highway of Tears" for the first year of data collection, but in subsequent years, has addressed all numbered highways in the north district from 100 Mile House to Fort Nelson. Data collection for the police resulted from direct contact with those found hitch hiking on northern highways. UNBC provided a safety information package to be provided to a hitchhiker. The package included a $5 Tim Hortons card as an incentive to cooperate in providing information to the police officer making contact. Initially this worked, but after several interactions, some frequent hitchhikers refused the package/card. The members also had a booklet of data sheets, similar to a ticket book, where all the tombstone data about individual hitchhikers and where their journeys started and were headed to, could be recorded. Specific, non-identifying data was collated and forwarded quarterly to UNBC. The Officer in Charge of the North District Traffic Services (OIC NDTS) meets annually with Dr. Holler and her survey participants to review the data and formulate strategies. Over the years, the number of incidents and data, as well as anecdotal inquiries with members, have shown a drastically reduced number of hitchhikers. Although the police continue to stop and conduct roadside checks on those hitchhiking, they report that the numbers have dwindled. The study will continue for one more year.

In addition, the RCMP conducted public awareness through the media, focussing primarily on the UNBC study and also on safety and risk awareness for those who engage in hitchhiking. This was not only to bring the issue to the forefront for public awareness, but also for the local bands and communities.

British Columbia and Canada

With support from Justice Canada, the Saskatchewan Provincial Partnership Committee on Missing Persons (PPCMP) developed a strategic business case on supporting families of missing persons (2012). One of the key actions was to promote public awareness through events such as the proclamation of a Missing Persons Week in Saskatchewan (2013).

Saskatchewan and Canada

NGOs, the RCMP and the Edmonton Police Service provided a two-day symposium on Violence against Aboriginal Women in January 2014 and Aboriginal awareness training with stakeholders, including those in the criminal justice system.

Alberta

"Safety Planning for Aboriginal Women", a two-day conference, was hosted by the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women in Edmonton (2014).

Alberta

The Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General's Victim Services facilitate a yearly Aboriginal Awareness event for stakeholders, including those in the criminal justice system (police, court clerks, judges, etc.). Training initiatives on missing and murdered Aboriginal women and violence against Aboriginal women are also provided upon request.

Alberta

A specialized training course for Victim Services providers will be developed as one of the outputs of the Missing and Murdered Women Initiative in 2014.

Alberta

#SaySomething Campaign: The BC government's 2015 social media and radio campaign focuses on the issue of domestic violence. It is a call to action and encourages everyone to speak up and share the responsibility of stopping violence against women. The #SaySomething website is also inclusive of resources (including animated videos, images and tweets) to address the unique needs of Aboriginal, immigrant and refugee populations and people with disabilities. Information is available in Punjabi, Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. This campaign was recently nominated for the BC Multicultural Award.

British Columbia

The Provincial Domestic Violence Plan:After extensive consultations with cross-government, community and anti-violence partners, the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence (PODV) released a three year Provincial Domestic Violence Plan (the Plan) in February 2014.The plan focuses on strengthening the systemic response to domestic violence and includes specific actions and timelines. The Plan also has an Aboriginal focus and diversity lens and includes commitments/actions under five response areas: public awareness and prevention, supports and services for survivors, justice system response to domestic violence, co-ordination, information sharing and referral and research, training and evaluation. In August 2015, PODV released the first annual report that captures Year 1 commitments (April 1, 2014-March 31, 2015).

British Columbia

Domestic Violence Training: training on domestic violence for multi-sector professionals has been a priority, and the number of professionals who have received training on recognizing and providing a coordinated response to domestic violence has reached over 32,000. This builds on training initiatives introduced since 2009 for school personnel, police officers, child welfare workers, employment and assistance workers and community professionals, including victim support workers.

British Columbia

In-person domestic violence training curriculum for Ministry of Children and Family Development social workers and supervisors, Delegated Aboriginal Agency social workers and supervisors was developed and implemented in the Fall of 2013. Training is mandatory for all newly hired social workers.

British Columbia

British Columbia's Ministry of Education is revamping its K-12 curriculum, with guidance from First Nations, Métis and Aboriginal organizational partners, to include requirements to address awareness of Canada's settler/Aboriginal history with all students (mandatory v. elective). British Columbia's Advanced Education Ministry has worked collaboratively with the Aboriginal Education and Training Partners Table to co-develop an Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy and Action Framework that "indigenizes" post-secondary institutions.

British Columbia

British Columbia actively supports raising awareness of the general British Columbia Public Services (approx. 30,000 employees) through the Building Public Service Capacity in Aboriginal Relations (BCAR) initiative. To date, there is a dedicated Aboriginal Relations Resource Centre website which includes resources such as Aboriginal Engagement Guidelines, Aboriginal Policy Lens, blogs, links to resources materials, and a Speakers Bureau. Also developed under the BCAR initiative is a set of Aboriginal Relations Behavioural Competencies co-developed through an Aboriginal and public service collaboration. The competencies are available to be applied to job descriptions and during Employee Performance discussions. To support competency development, B.C. now has an introductory cultural awareness on-line course, "Building Capacity in Aboriginal Relations - We are all here to stay", which is free and available to all BC public service employees. Further modules are under development.

British Columbia

The Ministry of Health developed Indigenous Cultural Competency training for victim service providers throughout British Columbia to ensure services are delivered in a culturally-sensitive and appropriate manner. This training will be revised for staff in the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Children and Family Development and Ministry of Health for rollout in 2015.

British Columbia

British Columbia has worked closely with and supported both the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Canada (TRC) and Reconciliation Canada (RC) during the 2012 Vancouver Island Regional Event and the Week of Reconciliation and the BC National Event in September 2013. This latter event was the largest TRC national event to date and included extensive public participation, School District participation and media coverage.

• The Province's Off-Reserve Aboriginal Action Plan (ORAAP) Provincial Coordination Team identified reconciliation as a key theme and principle of ORAAP moving forward.
• The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) in partnership with the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (MARR), held a Reconciliation Dialogue workshop at their annual convention in September with Chief Robert Joseph as a keynote speaker. UBCM also declared 2013 as their Year of Reconciliation.
• The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) unanimously passed a motion at their June 2013 annual general meeting to partner with RC and UBCM to deliver 100 Reconciliation Dialogue workshops across BC in 2014/2015.

British Columbia

The British Columbia Supreme Court hosts judicial education and training programs on an ongoing basis. Twice a year, a three-day education seminar is held for all judges in association with the National Judicial Institute, the agency in Canada that develops education and training programs for superior court judges. As well, the Judges of the Provincial Court engage in a mandatory five days per year continuing education at the Judges' Education Conference, which has included education/training on matters regarding cultural sensitivity around Aboriginal issues/peoples including the elimination of stereotypes, racism and sexism.

British Columbia

The Criminal Justice Branch (CJB), Ministry of Justice, has provided training and learning events for Crown counsel on numerous occasions over the past few years on:

• Best practices for cases involving vulnerable witnesses and victims (including Aboriginal women);
• Testimonial accommodation and best practices available to reduce the trauma and stress experienced by vulnerable witnesses and victims as they participate in the criminal justice system;
• Awareness of risk factors for victimization and marginalization;
• Resources available to assist vulnerable witnesses and victims.

CJB has also provided Intercultural competency training for both Crown and staff to encourage best practices when dealing with criminal justice participants from different cultures. This training was made possible by funding from the federal government and focussed on best practices when dealing with new immigrants to Canada but many of the cultural competencies are applicable to working with Aboriginal women. In particular, this training taught participants to be self-aware of cultural biases so that assessments of credibility and willingness to participate in the criminal justice system are not based on faulty assumptions and biases. Additionally, CJB is going to develop training for CJB Crown and staff on indigenous culture. CJB is moving from general training on best practices for cases involving vulnerable victims and witnesses to specific training. This specialized training will help Crown counsel and staff handle cases involving Aboriginal victims and witnesses more effectively and more sensitively so that the trauma and stress experienced by victims and witnesses is reduced.

British Columbia

Public education was included in the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission when the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement was negotiated by Canada, legal counsel for former students and the churches that ran the schools, the Assembly of First Nations and Inuit organizations.

Canada

The Government of Canada dedicated a stained glass window in Parliament as a permanent commemoration of the Prime Minister's 2008 Apology to former students and the legacy of Indian residential schools (2012).

Canada

The National Judicial Institute (NJI) conducts a Social Context Education Project, which was designed to provide judges with the practical and analytical skills needed to be able to appropriately take context into account in judicial decision-making (1997). This Project was developed by the NJI in response to a Canadian Judicial Council resolution that there be judicial education programs on social context issues including gender and race which are comprehensive, in-depth and credible. The NJI's Social Context Education Program focuses on assisting judges: (i) to understand the nature of diversity, the impacts of disadvantage, and the particular social, cultural and linguistic issues that shape the people who appear before them; (ii) to explore their own views of the world and reflect on how these views may interact with judicial process; (iii) to examine research and community experience relevant to processes of judicial reasoning; and (iv) to analyze jurisprudence related to the role of social context in decision-making consistent with the constitutional guarantee of equality. Courses include:

• Aboriginal Law: Governance Issues and Judicial Review: a review of procedural and substantive issues and best practices in relation to Aboriginal law proceedings in the Federal Court (law-making authority, governance issues and litigation practice). The presentations and discussions are divided between substantive presentations on law-making authority (customary and non-customary law), procedural and substantive aspects of proceedings involving Aboriginal law and best practices.
• Living in the Margins Seminar (with the Canadian Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges): presents themes relevant to social context and judging in Canada, dealing with family, criminal and civil law areas, with a specific focus on gender dimensions. Topics may include: addictions and the law; violence against marginalized women; family law and Aboriginal women; and case law updates on contemporary issues.
• Justice and Jails: An In-Depth View of Sentencing: Classroom sessions and site visits to meet with professionals in the fields of corrections, mental health and addictions. Topics may include: Parole Board hearings; sentencing tools; access to information and privacy and prisoner documentation; dos and don'ts for judges; federally-sentenced women; and Aboriginal peoples and older offenders.
• Communication Skills in the Courtroom: provides judges with the opportunity to manage some of the communication challenges they face, including communicating with children, persons with cognitive disabilities, intercultural communications and managing communications with self-represented litigants. It is clear from their ongoing curriculum development that the NJI is striving to provide effective training to Canada's judiciary in this important area.
• Managing Domestic Violence Cases in Family and Criminal Courts (four days): using live simulations, videotaped exercises, feedback from experts and a mix of plenary and concurrent sessions, judges have the opportunity to develop their skills and further their understanding of the dynamics, impact, and social context of domestic violence in order to deal with these complex cases effectively, whether in the criminal or family law context.

Canada

Each of the three Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) northern regional offices holds cultural-sensitivity training retreats for prosecutors and other staff of up to two days in duration. These retreats are held in a community setting and include sessions with Aboriginal speakers who provide presentations about historical aspects of Aboriginal cultures and peoples, as well as the impact of residential schools, the justice system and other "southern" influences on their cultures and way of life. In Nunavut, prosecutors and staff undertake mandatory on-line cross-cultural training, comprised of four modules on topics including Nunavut's history, Inuit history and culture, the relationship between the criminal justice systems and its officials with Inuit. The duration of the training course is approximately 16 hours.

Canada

Status of Women Canada provided funding between 2005-2010 to the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) for its Sisters in Spirit initiative to document cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and raise awareness about the issue and its impacts. In its five-year funding, the Sisters in Spirit initiative raised awareness about this important issue and documented the stories of women who have gone missing or have been murdered in Canada.

Canada

The international event Women's Worlds 2011 was held in Canada's National Capital Region in July 2011. Gathered under the theme "Inclusions, Exclusions, Seclusions: Living in a Globalized World", nearly 1,500 women from all over the world exchanged in workshops, conferences and dialogues. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) was pleased to support the Aboriginal Women Leadership Circle. It ensured Aboriginal women's perspectives and strong presence throughout the international event. The AANDC funding also supported a Young Aboriginal Women's Essay Contest, an Artistic Expression - Drum Workshop Indigenous Feminist Policy Papers, and administrative costs.

Canada

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection, in collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations and the RCMP, is raising awareness about programs available for First Nations and Aboriginal families in their search for missing children. MissingKids.ca, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection's missing children resource and response centre, is a central place for critical tools for parents and communities as well as resources to prevent children from going missing. See: http://missingkids.ca/app/en/media_release_afn_national_justice_forum.

Canada

The RCMP has family violence awareness publication resources available online and in print. These include: Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse - It Can be Stopped; The Effects of Family Violence on Children; Dating Violence - Say "No"; and Criminal Harassment.

Canada

The RCMP recognizes youth as a strategic priority for the organization. The RCMP's objective with respect to youth is to: reduce youth involvement in crime both as victims and offenders; promote youth engagement; support long-term solutions to youth crime and victimization; and focus on risks and protective factors, prevention and early intervention. Key priorities for the youth strategy in 2016/2017 include bullying, substance abuse, radicalization to violence, and healthy relationships.

Canada

Training pertaining to domestic violence investigations is available to all regular members of the RCMP. The training is to enhance the knowledge of police officers dealing with domestic violence cases. The e-learning course encourages police officers to take a proactive and collaborative approach to promoting and managing the safety of victims. The course provides recommended best practices and information from police and other experts in the field and also alerts police officers to the potential risk factors that may be present in domestic violence cases. As part of the Basic Cadet Training Program, an entire module (module 7) focuses on the issue of domestic violence. This module consists of approximately two hours of online instruction, nine hours of in-class instruction, seven hours of role play/scenarios and two hours spent with a non-police resource for a presentation on domestic violence. Seven of the eleven RCMP contract Divisions also have mandatory training on investigations related to violence in relationships.

Canada

The RCMP has implemented a mandatory on-line training course, "Aboriginal and First Nations Awareness Training" to all new members and for all employees of the RCMP in the Northern territories. Aboriginal and First Nations Awareness training provides a foundational understanding of the history of Canadas Aboriginal peoples and includes the impact of colonialism, residential schools and the Aboriginal peoples unique position within Canadas social structure. The AFNAC course remains a mandatory course for all new employees within the RCMP. Compliance is monitored at NHQ in Ottawa.

Canada

The RCMP have developed training on the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act, available to all RCMP employees, and made it available on the Police Knowledge Network to other police forces. Public Safety Canada will be providing up to $870 000 of contribution funding over four years, beginning in 2014, to an eligible recipient of the First Nations Policing Program, to develop training supports to assist non-RCMP police services serving in First Nation communities with the enforcement aspects of the new Act. The Act aims at ensuring that women, children and families living on First Nation reserves have access to the same matrimonial rights as those living off reserves, and will protect couples, especially women, in the event of a relationship breakdown or upon the death of a partner, and in situations of family violence (where provinces and territories designate judges).

On October 21 & 22, 2015, National Aboriginal Policing Services (NAPS) held a two day workshop on MRP. APS units from across Canada attended along with members from the Ontario Provincial Police and Sûreté du Quebec's Aboriginal Liaison Units. Presentations from SMEs and reference material were provided to all participants, to develop information sessions to their colleagues. In October 2015 the First Nation Chiefs of Police Association posted a job opportunity seeking an MRP training coordinator.

Canada

The Premier signed a proclamation declaring May 12 as Treaty Day to honour the Treaties of Manitoba and encourage and promote understanding of the significance of Treaties in the province (2010).

Manitoba

Working in partnership with the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and their Council of Elders, the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre, AANDC, and Manitoba Education, the Treaties and Treaty Education Initiative (TEI) continues to support the development and implementation of K-12 teacher resource packages and related teaching materials to increase the knowledge and understanding of the Treaties and the Treaty Relationship. The partnership has resulted in developed, piloted and implemented Treaty education resource materials at the Grade 5 and 6 levels, implemented the quarterly TEI Newsletter as a communication tool to support the broader TEI network among schools, divisions and partners, and supported the review of the Grades 7-12 Treaty Education Teacher Guides.

Manitoba

There was a commitment in the November 2009 Speech from the Throne to "continuing leadership to confront the tragedy of missing and murdered Aboriginal women". Additionally, the 2014 Speech from the Throne referenced Manitoba's continued support of a National Inquiry.

Manitoba

A public awareness campaign aimed at helping the public empathize with families of missing and murdered women and girls was launched by the Manitoba Action Group on Exploited and Vulnerable Women (2011).

Manitoba

The Legislative Assembly of Assiniboia represents a transition from martial law to legitimate, representative democracy in a period of months with balance between French and English representation carefully maintained. Three-quarters of the representatives were Métis. This legislature formally ratified the Manitoba Act on behalf of the Red River settlers in 1870; however, there was no explanation of its significance in the historical record until recently. The Manitoba government held a ceremony officially unveiling historic documents to recognize their contributions in 2012 and also published A History of the Legislative Assembly of Assiniboia. It is an important activity by the province toward renewing its relationship with the Métis in Manitoba and celebrating the Métis contribution in creating the province. In addition to the release of materials related to the Legislative Assembly of Assiniboia, the Manitoba Métis Policy Framework was also announced.

Manitoba

Manitoba's Women's Advisory Council commemorates December 6, Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, with an annual Sunrise Memorial. The Sunrise Memorial acknowledges all forms of violence against girls and women and those who have died as a result of violence within the past year.

Manitoba

A project was developed by Manitoba and the Assembly of First Nations through the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group which would see a prototype education toolkit piloted in selected Manitoba schools. It has five phases beginning with an in-depth assessment of the toolkit. An evaluative report on the toolkit's effectiveness is in development, which will include recommendations for improving it.

Manitoba

Education curricula include components educating students on discrimination and racism against Aboriginal people. A resource guide and DVD are included to help social studies teachers address the topic of residential schools in a deeper and more meaningful context, entitled From Apology to Reconciliation: A Resource Guide for Teachers of Grades 9 and 11 Social Studies in Manitoba.

Manitoba

A public awareness forum entitled Dear John 2: It's Still Rape, Not a Date took place to coincide with Manitoba's Stop Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Week that ran from March 6 - 10, 2011. As with the Dear John forum held in 2010, it provided information to the public on the issue of sexual exploitation of children in Manitoba. The events were organized by the Winnipeg Sexually Exploited Youth Coalition.

Manitoba

A Stop Sex with Kids website was launched in 2010 where the public can view the TV PSA, listen to the radio PSA, access all advertising components and download materials that encourage individuals and businesses to demonstrate their concern and commitment to the protection of children.

Manitoba

Manitoba Prosecutors, Corrections and Victim Services staff participate in cultural-sensitivity training. Attendance is mandatory and staff from all regions of Manitoba attend. The cultural sensitivity training has ranged from an hour to a day and has included cultural sensitivity to Aboriginal people.

Manitoba

A three-day Symposium on Violence against Aboriginal Women was held in 2010 for service providers that focused on capacity-building and expanding the knowledge base on violence against Aboriginal women in order to impact on the services provided to Aboriginal women in New Brunswick.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick has provided Aboriginal Understanding and Awareness sessions to Victim Services and Probation Services staff in conjunction with a working group of Aboriginal women from several First Nations and invited Aboriginal Elders and Residential School Survivors. The training was developed after six New Brunswick delegates attended Northern Responses and Approaches to Victims of Crime: Building on Strength and Resilience, a three-day event in Yellowknife, NWT (2009). Sensitivity training was provided to corrections staff in the Miramichi, Dalhousie, and Southeast facilities (2010 and 2011).

New Brunswick

Newfoundland and Labrador has hosted an annual provincial Purple Ribbon Campaign to prevent male violence against women since 2010, distributing purple ribbon lapel pins, car magnets and fact sheets to key partners and stakeholders, including Aboriginal governments and organizations, community groups, corporations, unions and municipalities. To date, some 420,000 lapel pins and 270,000 magnets have been distributed.

Newfoundland and Labrador

A number of awareness raising activities have occurred, including the Respect Women social marketing campaign to prevent male violence against women. According to Newfoundland and Labrador's 2010 Provincial Survey of Attitudes Towards Violence and Abuse, 63.3% of adults 18 years of age and older in the province are aware of this campaign.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Through the Violence Prevention Initiative, a number of fact sheets have been developed including Violence against Aboriginal Women and Violence against Aboriginal Persons. The Violence Prevention Initiative offers Violence Awareness and Action Training, a one-day program that aims to increase sensitivity and awareness of service providers to the factors contributing to violence and its impact on society. The program includes components on sexism and racism. Approximately 1,000 individuals have been trained since 2006, and a number of training sessions have taken place within Aboriginal communities. The Violence Prevention Initiative consolidated and published information on violence prevention, including crisis and other services for victims of violence in plain language and culturally-appropriate formats. Since 2009, the Violence Prevention Initiative has undertaken a collaborative approach with Aboriginal governments and organizations to develop the Respect Aging project, an education and training program to enhance recognition, prevention and intervention of violence against older persons. The program was developed with a cultural sensitivity lens as well as a gender-inclusive lens and contains specific modules on gender and diversity. Aboriginal partners received Respect Aging as a Train-the-Trainer program (2014) to help provide awareness and tools for their community members. Respect Aging materials are also hosted on a new website: www.respectaging.ca.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The Prevention of Violence against Older Persons social marketing campaign, consisting of pamphlets, posters and radio ads, included an Aboriginal-specific component. According to the 2010 survey, 55.3% of adults in the province are aware of this campaign.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The Skills Seminar offered by the National Judicial Institute for newly-appointed judges on a yearly basis covers cultural sensitivity issues relating to Aboriginal peoples, including the elimination of stereotypes, racism and sexism. The Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador has sent some 11 new judges to this seminar in the past five years.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The Northwest Territories launched a social marketing campaign aimed at changing the attitudes and beliefs about family violence (2014).

Northwest Territories

The Government of the Northwest Territories has worked in partnership with the Legacy of Hope Foundation to develop a curriculum and several teaching units as part of efforts to develop culturally-appropriate and engaging learning opportunities for students. Optional implementation of the new course became mandatory in 2013-2014 for high school students in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. These units explore, among other things, the difficult truths about residential schools in Canada, colonization, land claims and treaties, and how to approach building a sustainable northern economy.

Northwest Territories

Through the Tripartite Forum Justice Working Committee, Nova Scotia participated in foundational research on the realities of family violence in Aboriginal communities. This research offers all service providers an excellent resource to reference when considering how best to address the needs of Aboriginal women and families.

Nova Scotia

The Aboriginal Policing Bureau of the Ontario Provincial Police provides youth learning and mentorship opportunities through educational programming and summer camp experiences that promote healthy lifestyle choices.

Ontario

Human rights for Aboriginal peoples are a key strategic priority area for the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC). The OHRC has a Steering Committee (Human Rights for Aboriginal Peoples in Ontario) that meets on a regular basis to address discrimination and racism faced by Aboriginal peoples in Ontario. The OHRC strives to integrate Aboriginal human rights issues and considerations into all its work, whether in human rights policy development (e.g., regarding mental health, housing, or creed and the accommodation of religious observances, and/or its work on racial profiling with police services. OHRC staff completed two Aboriginal human rights-focused training sessions in the last 2 years: a whole-day event with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs (2012) and a half-day event at the OHRC (2013).

Ontario

The OHRC hosted an event with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission entitled From Remembrance to Reconciliation: A Shared Community Dialogue on Our Roles as Treaty Peoples (2012). Co-organized by the OHRC, Colour of Poverty/Colour of Change, the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) and the Metro Toronto Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic, this event marked the 250th anniversary of the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and the 25th anniversary of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. The purpose was to build solidarity and a common understanding among Aboriginal and racialized communities about their unique and shared histories and parallel struggles for justice in the effort to achieve truth, reconciliation and good relations going forward.

Ontario

The OHRC also partnered with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to present Shared Perspectives, An Evening of Reconciliation, as part of the Planet IndigenUS Festival at Harbourfront Centre, in Toronto (2012). This evening featured TRC Chair Justice Murray Sinclair, performances by dancers and drummers from the Aboriginal and Black communities, and an authors' dialogue between writer-storytellers Itah Sadu and Richard Wagamese, moderated by broadcast journalist Shelagh Rogers. This event widened the reconciliation conversation between Aboriginal communities and other racialized Canadian communities and advanced understanding of Aboriginal history and rights violations in Ontario, and the ongoing legacy of the residential school system.

Ontario

Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall and Commissioners Maggie Wente and Larry McDermott hosted a session at "The Meeting Place", a two-day intergenerational regional gathering (2012). This event, hosted by a cooperative of Aboriginal and supporting organizations, was designed to promote respect, education and engagement on the Indian Residential School System.

Ontario

In partnership with the city of Thunder Bay, the OHRC organized a one-day training session which included a panel discussion of organizational responsibilities under the Ontario Human Rights Code to uphold human rights for Aboriginal people (2013).

Ontario

The OHRC has produced and disseminated a brochure on Aboriginal People in Ontario and the Ontario Human Rights Code. The OHRC also regularly uses media interviews, releases and advisories, and letters to the editor to respond to issues, correct inaccuracies and educate new audiences about human rights and racial discrimination and stereotyping of Aboriginal persons.

Ontario

The OHRC embarked on a multimedia initiative, the Living Rights Project, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ontario Human Rights Code (2012). Through video, art and the written word, this "virtual living library" brings the Code to life as real people share their personal experiences, thoughts and feelings about the struggle for human dignity, equality and respect. Among the contributions is a historical look at Aboriginal rights issues in 1965 Kenora, Ontario (Aboriginal issues in 1965 - you've got to come to Kenora).

Ontario

The OHRC regularly conducts training and outreach activities with the goal of educating the public about racism and discrimination. On November 4, 2013, the OHRC conducted a half-day training session with the Thunder Bay police service focusing on how to eliminate and address racism and discrimination in policing, with emphasis on Aboriginal peoples, through comprehensive human rights organizational change measures.

Ontario

The Public Service Commission, in collaboration with the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat and the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI, put on a series of four sessions called An Introduction to the PEI Mi'kmaq to raise awareness about the history, culture and current context of the Mi'kmaq (2012).

Prince Edward Island

Quebec's Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones provides awareness sessions on Aboriginal realities for Quebec public servants who work in Aboriginal communities. The people who attend these sessions are better able to understand the historic, social and political background of relationships with Aboriginal nations. With a different and more complete overview of the situation in Quebec, the attendees can provide better context for their interventions and establish more harmonious contacts.

Quebec

Training sessions on issues pertaining to Aboriginal realities are offered to various justice stakeholders, including criminal and penal prosecutors and Court of Quebec, CAVAC intervenants, judges who are involved with Aboriginal communities. This optional training, which lasts approximately two days, covers the following subjects: a profile of Aboriginal peoples in Quebec; historic issues; modern-day challenges for Aboriginal communities (identity conflicts, transformation of way of life, substance abuse, poverty, housing problems); issues of family violence and sexual abuse; and offer tools to facilitate interventions with Aboriginal people.

Quebec

The 2012-2017 Governmental Action Plan on Domestic Violence provides a specific component of domestic violence in Aboriginal communities. This component has specific measures related to public awareness and education.

Quebec

During the first Missing Persons Week in 2013, four cases were highlighted through publicly released videos outlining the circumstances in which the person went missing to raise public awareness and seek the public's help. One case involved a missing Aboriginal woman, and another, a missing Aboriginal man.

Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission offers a Preventing Discrimination seminar series that focuses on workplace rights, responsibilities and respect, and human rights and the changing Saskatchewan workplace.

Saskatchewan

Inclusion, diversity and Aboriginal content are core elements of National Judicial Institute's social context judicial education curriculum. They are also a recurring theme in the diversity and equity work of the Canadian Association of Provincial Court Judges. Aboriginal content, including content on Aboriginal women, is also a recurring topic on conference agendas of the Saskatchewan Association of Provincial Court Judges. Some of this training is available online, but it is generally not mandatory.

Saskatchewan

The Public Prosecutions Division of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice has cultural awareness training at their staff conferences. Further, the Division has a representative on the Ministry's Inclusive Workplace Committee, which recently launched a Ministry-wide Inclusive Workplace Strategy.

Saskatchewan

The REDress exhibit by a Winnipeg-based artist, Jamie Black, was recently on display at the University of Regina. As well, there have been a number of local Sisters in Spirit vigils to keep the stories of missing women alive and in the spotlight.

Saskatchewan

The Am I the Solution? social marketing campaign (2010-2013) was designed to raise awareness and address attitudes and behaviours that contribute to the high rates of violence against women in Yukon, as part of the Victims of Crime Strategy co-led by the Women's Directorate and the Yukon Department of Justice.

Yukon

The Women's Directorate delivers public education presentations on gender stereotypes to all youth (including Aboriginal youth) and outlines how the attribution of gender is at the basis of bullying and violence. Students in public schools are one of the target audiences of these presentations. Since the fall of 2010, approximately 94 presentations have been delivered through the Women's Directorate to the following audiences: schools, youth service organizations, young offenders, Yukon College students, parents, teachers and health care professionals.

Yukon

In the Yukon, prosecutors and Crown Witness Coordinators also receive in-person training related to restorative justice programs and initiatives which are administered by the Yukon Territorial Government and are held in various Yukon Aboriginal communities. That training includes practical information concerning First Nations traditional dispute resolution techniques, such as sentencing circles, victim-offender reconciliation, and community case conferences. The objective of this training is to promote inter-agency cooperation in the application of community-based restorative, alternative measures to resolve criminal matters.

Yukon

Yukon has shared a variety of best practices with different sectors, and has given a number of public presentations, including presentations at Women's Worlds and at the National Aboriginal Women's Forum in 2011.

Yukon

As provinces have shifted to a greater emphasis on enhanced prevention in their own approaches, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada has moved forward to implement an Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach (EPFA) to funding child and family services on-reserve. EPFA provides funding for additional supports and tools for parents to care for their children before a situation becomes a matter of child protection.

All jurisdictions

As an extension of the Human Trafficking National Coordination Centre (HTNCC), there are three RCMP regional Human Trafficking Awareness Coordinators (HTAC) placed in strategic locations across the country. A major part of their role is to provide awareness and deliver training on human trafficking to law enforcement, crown counsel, border and immigration officials, government and non-government organizations as well as the general public. They organize sessions and/or workshops which address Aboriginal issues and the vulnerability of Aboriginal women and girls to human trafficking. Further, HTAC are also responsible for developing key partnerships with groups that have a vested interest in human trafficking, including various Aboriginal groups. The RCMP has sought to raise awareness of human trafficking within Aboriginal populations, and to this end, conducted a mass distribution of the 'I'm Not for Sale' human trafficking awareness campaign to Aboriginal communities and groups across Canada and continues to distribute materials. The RCMP also works with its Aboriginal Liaison Officers and the RCMP National Aboriginal Policing Services to increase awareness amongst Aboriginal populations.

Nova Scotia currently has a provincial Human Trafficking Awareness Coordinator under HTNCC. She worked closely with the RCMP is Eskasoni and the Cape Breton Regional Police Service in assisting them with the case of a missing Aboriginal female, who was later located and brought home. Best practices and additional training in the area of Human Trafficking, Missing & Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls, as well implementation of safety practices for sex trade workers, have been worked on throughout the year. More than half of these presentations or training sessions were offered to First Nations-specific audiences.

Project Safe Keeping - The RCMP's 'H' Division has established a working relationship with the Nova Scotia Native Women's Association (NSNWA) and has supported and participated in several Sisters in Spirit educational awareness events throughout the province. The Community, Aboriginal & Diversity Policing Services and Immigration and Passport sections are in the development phase of establishing a working relationship with RCMP detachments and the NSNWA's local community representatives to deliver "I'm not for sale", which seeks to create awareness and education around the human trafficking of Aboriginal women in First Nations communities.

British Columbia currently has a provincial Human Trafficking Awareness Coordinator under HTNCC. She organized some 19 workshops in 2015. Many of the attendees were Aboriginal and were interested in Aboriginal specific content.

Canada and British Columbia Canada and Nova Scotia

The RCMP's British Columbia's Aboriginal Policing Services were part of a national pilot to implement the Aboriginal Shield Program (2010). The program is designed to enable Aboriginal youth to make informed healthy lifestyle choices regarding alcohol, drugs and positive alternatives. The program has been updated to reflect a greater diversity of Aboriginal cultures and to incorporate the latest facts about Canadian drug issues, including emerging social challenges such as those related to Aboriginal gangs. The program consists of two multi-lesson instruction booklets intended for youths in grades 5/6 and 7/8. A member was sent on a train-the-trainer course with the objective of teaching the program in detachment areas along Highway 16.

British Columbia and Canada

Detachment Unit Supplements were developed for detachments along the highway[s] corridor. These supplements direct members, when operationally feasible, to make personal contact with individuals they may observe hitchhiking. Specifically, these individuals will be queried on the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) with the location noted. Individuals will also be informed of the inherent dangers of hitchhiking. The British Columbia RMS added the capturing of names and locations of hitchhikers checked by the RCMP. In addition, CPIC will continue to be used to ensure there are no outstanding matters (e.g., missing person reports) with respect to the individuals being checked.

British Columbia and Canada

On review of the monthly First Nations Policing (FNPP) reports, it is apparent the FNPP Members in those detachments along the Highway of Tears do in fact continue to provide a dedicated culturally-responsive service to the First Nations in their area. The FNPP Members have been assigned to specific Bands and regularly attend to meet with Band Councils. They also engage with the community members through their participation in local powwows, cultural ceremonies, feasts, Aboriginal Days, and also have given presentations to youth and Elders alike on issues such as internet safety, drug and alcohol awareness, and gang prevention. The FNPP members regularly attend schools to interact with the youth.

British Columbia and Canada

In 2007, the RCMP's British Columbia Division Aboriginal Policing Services (APS) were the first to create a Recruiting Unit and a Gang Awareness Unit. Since that time, they have attended all detachments along the Highway of Tears, with the exception of Kitimat, have made presentations to Aboriginal Youth as well as Elders on the dangers, influences, and early warning signs of gang activity within their communities and have assisted in the development of strategies to address these issues. The British Columbia Division's APS have visited every community along the route in a vigorous campaign to recruit Aboriginal people to encourage them to see the RCMP as a viable career choice. The Aboriginal Recruiter and the Aboriginal Gang Awareness Unit continue to be active in all First Nations Communities in "E" Division.

British Columbia and Canada

Over the last three years, BC detachments and FNP members have assisted local First Nations in organizing and participating in a week-long cultural canoe journey along the north coast and waterways known as "Gathering Strength". Typically members take disadvantaged youth with them along the way. The members, Elders, and youth spend time learning each other's cultures, strengthening relationships and building trust.

British Columbia and Canada

In Hazelton, British Columbia, the RCMP detachment has, over the last few years, dealt with a high youth suicide rate and low community/youth involvement and has implemented initiatives to address these matters. The RCMP aircraft is used annually to fly disadvantaged First Nations youth from the Hazelton area to Vancouver for a Vancouver Canucks hockey game. The RCMP has also implemented a martial arts training program for the youth taught by one of the FNP members. The members also take part in various coaching activities for the youth.

British Columbia and Canada

For over 10 years, Aboriginal Policing has worked closely with RCMP National Headquarters in maintaining and utilizing the Aboriginal Summer Student Program. Traditionally, British Columbia has had the most summer students every year, typically seven, and maintains a vigorous recruiting campaign for candidates. Summer students have come from, and been posted in, Prince George, Houston, New Hazelton, Kitimat, and Prince Rupert. Many of these members have gone on to become regular members.

British Columbia and Canada

For over five years now, Aboriginal Policing has joined the Department of Fisheries in participating in the Dream Catchers Youth Conference, hosted by DFO with the assistance of the RCMP. The intent of the conference is to strengthen relationships with youth, and develop and enrich their culture. The RCMP has sent FNP Members along with local disadvantaged youth assisted by local Elders. Transport has been provided to youth from the North District along the Highway of Tears, such as Masset and New Hazelton.

British Columbia and Canada

In 2009, the RCMP's British Columbia Aboriginal Policing Gang Coordinator conducted outreach work to disadvantaged youth by providing and operating a Martial Arts training school in both Prince George and Vanderhoof - Ft. St James, at no cost to the youth. The purpose of the classes was to provide instruction to youth on the fine art of "Aikido", developing self-esteem, self-control, and discipline.

British Columbia and Canada

The Breaking the Cycle project is a federal/community partnership which was undertaken by the Justice Education Society of British Columbia in support of the BC version of the international campaign, We Can BC Campaign, which focuses on changing beliefs and attitudes that perpetuate violence against women. An adult workshop with a facilitation guide, as well as a lesson plan and teaching kit for students were created addressing the important issues in this area, including the residential school system and its impact on Aboriginal communities, particularly in terms of intergenerational violence, the violence that takes place today in Aboriginal communities, and how to move forward in breaking that cycle.

British Columbia and Canada

RCMP Community, Aboriginal & Diversity Policing (CADPS) and Eskasoni Detachment are working in collaboration with the Eskasoni Band Council, Mikmaq Family Children Services and Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselling (NADACA) in the pilot program called We Care which addresses the concerns surrounding Aboriginal Women engaged in a high-risk life style. This four-step program has been developed which will identify, teach, track and provide counselling. The steps are as follows.

1. Identify and prioritize - Hybrid Hub Model
2. Education and Prevention
3. Harm reduction
4. Community Re-integration

Mikmaq Family & Children Services and service providers are hosting weekly dinners and information sessions to build trust and strengthen relationships. Service providers are also seeking ways to increase the womens sense of identity and self-esteem as some may not have a drivers licence nor status card, etc. NADACA is also teaching them to build crafts based on Mikmaq history and culture, which will add to re-building their own self-worth. NADACA is also providing substance abuse counselling.

Nova Scotia and Canada

As the RCMP coordinates the Crime Stoppers Program for Nova Scotia, CADPS has created a Crime Stoppers poster with Aboriginal content in both English and the Mikmaq language. Posters are being distributed to all Aboriginal Communities in the province.

CADPS/Crime Stoppers are also exploring the construction of a map of Canada on all Canadian Crime Stoppers websites with links to missing and murdered Aboriginal women nationwide. Each link will provide details of each case, and a request to contact Crime Stoppers for reporting tips anonymously. In addition, CADPS and Crime Stoppers are looking to develop re-enactments of unsolved cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in the division. This is in the early stages, and additional funding will need to be identified to produce commercials for television. The murder of Tanya Jean Brooks will be featured soon as the unsolved "Crime of the Week" on the Crime Stoppers website. CADPS will be taking a more active approach in featuring other missing and murdered Aboriginal women.

Nova Scotia and Canada

First Nation Girl Empowerment - this program stems from the West Coast Empowerment Training program in British Columbia and promotes self-esteem and self-care in pre-adolescent girls. The workshop addresses the challenges girls face by helping them before they become teens and before problems may develop. The First Nation-focused content is designed to encourage culture competence and provide information pertinent to working with First Nation youth. The RCMP and Mi'kmaq Family and Children's Services co-deliver the training in First Nations communities over a five-week period.

Nova Scotia and Canada

Alberta established the First Nations Women's Economic Security Council and the Metis Women's Economic Security Council supported by a cross-ministry working group. The councils report directly to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and offer the working group, other government councils and interested stakeholders advice and recommendations on ways to improve economic outcomes for Aboriginal women.

Alberta

The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) began the "Moosehide Campaign in 2012 by hosting gatherings of men to stand up for Aboriginal women and children and to speak out against all forms of violence toward them. Men are invited to wear a piece of moose hide, deer hide or bear hide and speak out against violence against women. As part of the day of action, men are invited to take part in a one-day fast to honour the women and children in their lives. In 2014, Paul Lacerte, Executive Director of BCAAFC, was honoured with the Order of BC for creating and advancing this campaign.

British Columbia

The purpose of the Giving Voice Project is to support community groups and organizations to bring Aboriginal women and girls together in a safe environment to give voice to issues of violence and abuse within their lives, their families and communities, as well as learn from stories of resilience and strength. Phase 1(2013) of the project was launched with $120,000 which supported 13 community projects and a video highlighting the success of community-driven and community-led projects. Phase 2 (2014/15) has secured $400,000 and will provide two streams of funding: (1) Giving Voice projects and (2) Community Mobilization and Implementation projects. Some funding will be set aside to leverage partners for a provincial Forum on Ending Violence which will share experiences and showcase successful initiatives.

British Columbia

British Columbia used civil forfeiture proceeds to fund a project to raise awareness and build capacity to address community safety and prevent violence against women along the Highway of Tears. This includes the delivery of community safety workshops to train Aboriginal leaders, educators, community agencies, the RCMP and victim services on the use of a violence prevention toolkit. They also undertook a media awareness campaign to educate the public about violence against women and to promote prevention.

British Columbia

The BC Government has committed to introducing a long-term, comprehensive strategy to move toward a Violence Free BC. This strategy will build on recent initiatives currently underway in British Columbia, and also identify new actions and priorities to address all forms of violence against women, including Aboriginal women.

British Columbia

Public Legal Education and Information is available on a variety of subject matters in both print and online. Legal Services Society (LSS) has a number of public legal information publications designed specifically to assist Aboriginal people. For example, LSS has guides on issues related to Aboriginal child protection, the Indian Residential Schools Settlement, social assistance on reserve and staying in the family home on-reserve.LSS employs information outreach workers in five communities, has local agents in 27 communities, and contracts with community partner organizations in rural and remote communities to provide legal information, education, and outreach services. The purpose of these partnerships is to increase services available in rural, remote, and Aboriginal communities using trusted organizations to identify and address legal needs.

British Columbia

British Columbia released an Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking (2013-2016). The Action Plan includes a focus on Aboriginal communities at risk of human trafficking for sexual exploitation. A one-year status report released in July 2014 provides a summary of the immediate actions and additional activities completed to fulfill the first year of the Action Plan.

British Columbia

British Columbia has supported an Aboriginal Youth Internship Program since 2007 which places Aboriginal youth in one-year internships with ministries (for nine months) and Aboriginal organizations (for three months), fully paid by the province.

British Columbia

Since 2006, the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (MARR) has funded and worked in partnership with key provincial level Aboriginal youth organizations, supporting youth engagement, capacity and leadership development. The MARR also works directly with First Nations communities and a range of partners to support First Nations youth.

British Columbia

The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure engaged in face-to-face discussions with community and First Nations leaders representing 13 municipalities and districts and 12 First Nations communities located along the Hwy 16 corridor to garner a greater understanding of existing transportation challenges along the Highway 16 corridor and interconnectivity of communities from Prince George to Prince Rupert (2014). The majority of community leaders indicated that, although some hitchhiking still occurs, the work done following the Highway of Tears Symposium and other recent programs related to increasing awareness of the dangers of hitchhiking and enhancing safety for vulnerable women have had a positive and noticeable impact. The Ministry is working closely with a variety of partners to identify and implement a number of practical solutions to ensure safe, reliable and affordable transportations services are available along the corridor.

British Columbia

Since 2010, the Government of Canada has supported Aboriginal communities to develop community safety plans that address local problems and provide meaningful solutions aimed at improving the safety of all community members, including Aboriginal women and girls. Since beginning this work, 53 communities have received community mobilization workshops wherein trained Aboriginal facilitators work with the communities to determine the resources available within the community to promote positive change and enhance skill-sets. Of this group of 53 communities, 10 have developed community safety plans which involved developing new partnerships, both within and outside the community, finding ways to better utilize existing resources, and access funding, if required to meet their identified needs. Commencing 2015, Canada's Economic Action Plan 2014 will provide a further $25 million to continue efforts to reduce violence against Aboriginal women and girls.

Canada

The Department of Justice Canada has also worked with the Aboriginal Research Institute and a number of individual Aboriginal contractors to prepare the Compendium of Promising Practices to Reduce Violence and Increase Safety of Aboriginal Women in Canada. This Compendium collects information on programs that have been developed in communities across Canada to address some of the significant issues affecting Aboriginal communities and which also work to improve the safety of Aboriginal women and girls and reduce their risk of violence. The knowledge and information gained from this Compendium is intended to provide a resource for community groups seeking to address similar challenges in their own communities. Ultimately, assisting communities to better address some of the challenges they face will reduce risks of violence and improve the safety of Aboriginal women and girls within their families and communities.

Canada

One of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC)'s Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP)'s success stories is the Alberta First Nations Regional Board for Family Violence Prevention. At the direction of the Alberta First Nation Chiefs, the Three Eagle Wellness Society (TEWS) was formed in 1991. The Board of Directors consists of representatives from the three Treaty areas in Alberta. The objective of the TEWS is to manage prevention projects funded through AANDC's FVPP. This aggregated funding developed promising practices around the maximization of its prevention budget and the reach to benefit all First Nation communities in Alberta. The TEWS has an administrator who works with the Alberta First Nations in preparing project proposals, provides training to First Nation Coordinators; collects the required reports from First Nations who have received project funding and works with the auditors on the annual audit submission to AANDC.

Canada

The Manitoba First Nations Regional Board for Family Violence Prevention (FVPP) has also been created with the aim to empower communities, to build upon their strengths, communicate and network effectively, and provide prevention services through holistic, community-driven programming. The Regional Board was formed as a response to the need for Manitoba First Nations to strengthen their ability to design, administer, and manage the prevention projects funded through the FVPP.

Canada

AANDC provides project funding to the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) to support social development activities, which supports efforts to create awareness and promote promising practices in preventing family violence. The AFN is currently working to complete a video called Living a Life of Integrity, which focuses on engaging men and boys.

Canada

AANDC also supports Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, the national voice for Inuit Women, through Basic Organizational Capacity funding and project funding. Since its incorporation in 1984, violence and abuse prevention have been among Pauktuutit's top priorities. The organization's work includes a National Strategy to Prevent Abuse in Inuit Communities (2006) and the development of Making our Shelters Strong resource for shelter directors across the North. AANDC recently sponsored Pauktuutit's participation at the 2nd World Conference of Women's Shelters in Washington, D.C, to present their Making our Shelters Strong training model and web portal (2012).

Canada

In 2012-2013, AANDC provided funding to Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada to establish the I'm Happy Because I'm Safe campaign. This campaign focuses on three main objectives: developing a culturally-appropriate prevention and protection campaign for Inuit children, which has been promoted in all 53 Inuit communities; utilizing best practices to reach and influence Inuit children in a safe way through the expert advice of the advisory committee; and reducing the vulnerability of Inuit children to violence in their home. The campaign continues into 2013-2014 with a focus on promoting the I'm Happy Because I'm Safe campaign in new, innovative ways, which include developing radio and video public service announcements as well as creating Inuit-specific, child-friendly Inuit safety information resources intended for all 53 Inuit communities.

Canada

Launched on June 6, 2012, the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking (NAP) consolidated all federal anti-human trafficking efforts into one comprehensive plan following the '4-Ps' approach - prevention, protection, prosecution and partnerships. This plan recognizes that individuals who are socially or economically disadvantaged, such as some Aboriginal women and girls, may be particularly vulnerable to human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. It includes a number of initiatives to specifically prevent and protect Aboriginal women and girls from victimization, such as targeted awareness and education as well as research to enhance the Government's understanding of the issue. Under the NAP, PS and AANDC partnered with the National Association of Friendship Centres to develop a national awareness campaign to prevent the domestic sex trafficking of Aboriginal peoples living on- and off-reserve and in rural, urban and northern communities. The campaign, which was launched in spring 2014, seeks to reduce the vulnerability of Aboriginal peoples across Canada, particularly women and girls, with respect to human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation by increasing awareness of the realities of this crime and the resources available to seek help and/or report suspected cases of domestic sex trafficking. The Government of Canada is in the process of developing a performance measurement strategy for the National Action Plan and has committed to an evaluation of the Plan in 2016-2017 to determine its effectiveness in addressing human trafficking in Canada. This will include an evaluation of projects and/or initiatives to address the human trafficking of Aboriginal women and girls. In 2013-2014, the Government issued a call for proposals to examine trends and issues related to the trafficking of Aboriginal women and girls in Canada. The report has recently been finalized and it will be publically released by PS in the near future.

Canada

The RCMP's National Aboriginal Policing Services and Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) partnered on a hitchhiking poster initiative to reduce incidents of missing and, in some instances, murdered Aboriginal women and girls (2013). The poster does not encourage hitchhiking, but is designed to enhance the safety of individuals who choose to hitchhike. It was distributed through the National Aboriginal Policing Services across Canada.

Canada

As a partner to the Government of Canada's Family Violence Initiative, the RCMP's National Crime Prevention Services (NCPS) receive annual funding to distribute to RCMP detachments, non-profit community organizations as well as provincial, territorial and municipal partners to support community initiatives that respond to relationship violence, victim issues and sexual assault investigators training. In 2015-2016, funded applications directly supporting Aboriginal communities represented approximately 50% of projects funded.

Canada

Status of Women Canada, through the Women's Program, works to advance equality for women and to remove the barriers to women's participation in society, putting particular emphasis on eliminating violence against women and girls, increasing women's and girls' economic security and prosperity, and encouraging women and girls in leadership and decision-making roles. Through the Program, Canada has the capacity to invest directly in communities in order to support them to develop community-based solutions. For example, a recent targeted call for proposals entitled Working Together: Engaging communities to end violence against women and girls, focused on supporting women and community partners to work together to develop and implement strategies that address the issue of violence against women and girls in their local area.

Canada

Public Safety Canada, through the work of our National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS), provides national leadership on effective and cost-efficient ways to prevent and reduce crime. The Strategy is administered by the National Crime Prevention Centre (NCPC) in collaboration with the provinces and territories. The NCPS concentrates on two core activities:

• Developing, funding, and evaluating evidence-based crime prevention projects; and
• Building and sharing practical knowledge on what works in crime prevention.

The Strategy aims to reduce offending by targeting those most in need, especially at-risk children (aged 6-11), youth (aged 12-17) and young adults (aged 18-24), Aboriginal people, Northern communities and former offenders no longer under correctional supervision. The NCPS also targets specific priority crime issues, including youth gangs and youth violence, drug related crimes, hate crimes and bullying. Under the NCPS, the Government allocates $40.9 M annually towards crime prevention activities. These activities are funded through four programs: the Crime Prevention Action Fund (CPAF), the Northern and Aboriginal Crime Prevention Fund (NACPF), the Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF) and the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program (SIP). The NCPS is currently funding 39 projects that involve Aboriginal peoples and communities, with a value of over $12 M. Although Aboriginal communities can access grant and contribution funding across all NCPC funding programs, the NACPF is designed specifically for northern and aboriginal groups. It was developed to better respond to the specific and pressing need to implement effective crime prevention interventions both on- and off-reserve for Aboriginal populations. The NACPF assists communities experiencing multiple risk factors and other challenges that affect their ability to respond to crime issues, such as remote geographical locations. It achieves this by providing time-limited funding to support culturally sensitive initiatives that foster the development and implementation of crime prevention interventions in Aboriginal communities and in the North. In addition, it assists in building the knowledge and capacity required to develop or adapt culturally sensitive, effective ways to prevent crime. In 2014-2015, the NCPC is supporting 16 projects specifically through the NACPF, totaling a fiscal year investment of $3.7 M, and multi-year investments of more than $22.6 M.

Canada

Awareness materials for Inuit victims of family violence, entitled Abuse is Wrong in Any Culture - Inuit (created as part of the Justice Canada family violence prevention series of pamphlets Abuse is Wrong) were updated in 2012. Equivalent awareness materials for Aboriginal victims of family violence are currently under development, with the assistance of the National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence.

Canada

Federal funding is available to Aboriginal groups for awareness materials and activities that contribute to breaking intergenerational cycles of violence and abuse in Aboriginal communities. For example, funding was provided to the Canadian Red Cross to revise Walking the Prevention Circle, to adapt it to an online course and translate it into French. Directed specifically at Aboriginal communities, Walking the Prevention Circle is one of the best-known and most widely regarded abuse prevention programs in Canada.

Canada

Strengthening the Spirit-Oskâyi Kiskinotahn: Building a Comprehensive Response to Family Violence in Aboriginal Communities is an innovative prevention program for Aboriginal families at high risk of violent behaviour and contact with the criminal justice system. The project was designed to reduce the incidence of domestic violence in families, reduce the risk of violence for children, and support families' healing and wellness. It was delivered in three First Nation communities as well as an urban centre. Treatment groups were held for men, women and children. The results indicate that those who participated in treatment had a lower rate of re-offending than people who did not participate in the program.

Canada

Society for Safe and Caring Schools: this 24-month project will address the institutional barriers and other factors that limit community efforts to prevent and reduce violence against First Nations women and girls in the community of Wabasca-Desmarais in Northern Alberta. A steering committee comprised of women, men and community stakeholders will be established to guide and oversee the project. In partnership with local stakeholders, promising strategies to address violence against women and girls will be identified and piloted in the community. Results will be shared with other Aboriginal communities working to address the same issue.

Canada

The Akwe:go Urban Aboriginal Children's Program (ages 7-12) and Wasa-Nabin Urban Aboriginal Youth Program (ages 13-18), which provide Aboriginal children and youth living in urban and rural settings with supports, tools and healthy activities, building upon and fostering their inherent ability to make healthy choices. MCYS also funds Girl Power / Wolf Spirit Warrior, which is a youth development program offering programming for boys and girls, ages 8 to 16, that aims to increase their self-esteem, foster healthy relationships and enhance leadership.

Canada

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada ($300,000): this 24-month project will engage Inuit men and boys in working to end violence against women and girls in Nunavut and Nunavik. The project will take a collaborative approach to identifying the issues of violence affecting women and girls, and in engaging men and boys in responding to these issues in their communities. An advisory committee will be established comprised of men's and women's groups, service providers, governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as regional and national Inuit organizations. In collaboration with stakeholders, participants will take part in training activities, develop a needs assessment, and undertake an analysis of issues related to violence in women's lives and implement strategies to address these issues.

Canada

In December 2013, Manitoba partnered with UN Women, the City of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Police Service (WPS), Winnipeg Police Board, and community stakeholders to announce that Winnipeg is the first Canadian city to join the UN Safe Cities Global Initiative. The goal of Safe Cities is to prevent and reduce sexual violence against women in urban public spaces. Currently there are no Aboriginal-led programs for women who have experienced sexual violence within the province. Ka Ni Kanichihk will receive funding to develop culturally-relevant programming at for women who have experienced sexual violence.

Manitoba

Manitoba is developing a four-point plan to raise awareness and enhance co-ordination of sexual assault services will launch a sexual assault website during the sexual assault awareness month by April 2015. The website is aimed at increasing public awareness, enhancing knowledge on provincial resources, and providing information on interventional resources for victims of sexual assault. Manitoba will partner with provincial stakeholders to review web content, web design and other provincial resources.

Manitoba

In November 2013, Manitoba released prevention strategies focused on stopping the cycle of violence before it starts, which included supporting a healthy relationship program for Aboriginal youth at Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre, and the creation of a new grant for community-based solutions to domestic violence. The community-based grant will provide funding over three years to an Aboriginal community-based organization to offer healing programs to Aboriginal women who have experienced domestic violence.

Manitoba

Manitoba's Domestic Violence Prevention Strategy also included a campaign to engage men as allies in ending violence against women. As part of this campaign, the Aboriginal Men's Anti-Violence Campaign (AMAVC) was implemented in partnership with Aboriginal community agencies. AMAVC featured Aboriginal men from a cross-section of ages and roles within the community.

Manitoba

To address poverty in the province, Manitoba passed the Poverty Reduction Strategy Act in June 2011, established the ALL Aboard Strategy (2009), and instituted annual budgetary procedures. The ALL Aboard Strategy is a poverty reduction and social inclusion strategy which formalizes and builds upon poverty reduction efforts underway in the province. Since 2002, the rate of low- income individuals has gone down by 10.2% and clear progress has been made on 12 (of 21) indicators of poverty since the ALL Aboard Strategy was established. Some key programs and initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and promoting prosperity include:

• Rewarding Work helps low-income people get and keep jobs by increasing the benefits of working over receiving welfare.
• Employment Manitoba helps individuals prepare for, return to, find and keep jobs.
• Family Choices child care agenda emphasizes improved access, universality, affordability and quality child care. Budget 2011 announced further enhancements by funding 2,100 more child care spaces, 400 more nursery spaces and expanding the online child care registry province-wide.
• Healthy Child Manitoba works across government to create the best possible opportunities for Manitoba children and their families.
• Changes for Children is strengthening and improving the child and family services system. $42 million has been committed to begin addressing the 200 recommendations outlined in a report on the external review of Child and Family Services and $6.1 million has been dedicated to strengthen Manitoba's foster care system, with an emphasis on recruitment, training and increased funding. The team has established that all implementation plans must:
  • always respect the spirit, intent and longer term objectives of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry - Child Welfare Initiative; and
  • clearly and demonstrably strengthen the capacity of the child and family services system.
• HOMEWorks! is an affordable housing initiative. Women will benefit from this housing policy that acknowledges the importance of safe and affordable housing to social, health and economic wellbeing. The strategy identifies that Aboriginal women are often single-parents, and the need for intense services for those experiencing family violence.
• Closing the Gap is a 10-year initiative to reduce the gaps in the well-being of Aboriginals, compared to non-Aboriginals.
• In 2010 Seeds of Empathy program for pre-school children was launched in Manitoba. Like Roots of Empathy, children learn to understand their own feelings and to develop empathy, the ability to understand the feelings of others. As a result they are better able to develop positive relationships and are less likely to hurt each other.
• Adult Learning and Literacy helps people complete high school or upgrade courses to pursue higher education. It also supports a province-wide literacy strategy.
• Neighbourhoods Alive! and other Community Economic Development programs and initiatives support community based initiatives that build neighbourhood capacity, enhance physical conditions, support the local economy and improve safety and well-being.
• Northern Healthy Foods Initiative in rural and Aboriginal communities supports community projects that promote nutrition and increases access to healthy food.
• Hydro Northern Training and Employment Initiative includes a continuum of training interventions and supports to enable northern Aboriginal residents to prepare for jobs on approved and proposed northern hydroelectric projects.
• MyTeam: Manitoba Youth Transition Employment Assistance Mentorship, a four year pilot project, began in early 2010. MyTeam will support youth between the ages of 16 to 21 years of age to make successful transitions from the child-welfare system to living independently in the community.

Manitoba

A partnership was established with Women's Issues Branch, Partners for Youth and Burnt Church First Nation on a project related to the elimination of teen relationship violence. The goal of this project is the creation of a sustainable framework for youth-centered relationship violence prevention directed by a community action team and led by young women.

New Brunswick

The Violence Prevention Initiative targets the populations who experience the highest rates of violence in Newfoundland and Labrador, including Aboriginal women and children. One of the Violence Prevention Initiative's strategic priority areas is "Supporting Aboriginal women and children." Through the Violence Prevention Program within the Women's Policy Office, the Aboriginal Women's Violence Prevention Grants Program is intended to support Aboriginal governments and organizations in their efforts to prevent violence against Aboriginal women and children. The Violence Prevention Initiative recognizes that there are many valid approaches to ending violence, including increasing awareness, education, training, investing in leadership development, capacity building, or projects that offer healing or the ability for an individual or community to address violence in a culturally-appropriate manner. Aboriginal governments and organizations within the province can apply for a project grant for up to a maximum of $30,000. This program has an annual budget of $200,000. Since 2005, approximately $1.3 million has been distributed for 92 projects.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Community Response Protocols and Emergency Response Teams: the government of the Northwest Territories is currently supporting the development of community-specific protocols and training of community response teams to mobilize non-shelter communities during emergencies related to family violence. These plans are a critical component in improving safety for women and children in isolated and remote communities, many of which do not have a consistent RCMP presence.

Northwest Territories

WEK'ÈAHKAA: A New Day Healing Program: the main purpose of this pilot program is to protect victims while giving violent (high-risk) men opportunities to change their behaviour. As part of the research and development of this pilot, community action research was conducted in 12 communities across the Northwest Territories. This research collected strength-based experiences of non-violence from a wide variety of men and resulted in a DVD documentary. The program is currently running as a pilot.

Northwest Territories

The crime prevention unit at the Department of Justice, in collaboration with the Family and Children Services Division at the Department of Community Services, funds Leave Out Violence Everywhere (LOVE), which has an active anti-violence program in Indian Brook First Nation.

Nova Scotia

The Ontario Women's Directorate funds two large-scale campaigns to raise awareness about violence against Aboriginal women among Aboriginal women and men:

• Kanawayhitowin (Taking Care of Each Others Spirit) campaign: funding was provided to the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC) to develop and implement a public education campaign to help those closest to an abused woman recognize the signs of abuse and understand what they can do to help. The OFIFC also introduced a Kanawayhitowin youth initiative and is training Aboriginal youth facilitators to deliver workshops focusing on identifying and ending violence against Aboriginal women and girls; and
• Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin (I am a Kind Man) campaign: funding was provided to the OFIFC to develop and implement a public education campaign aimed at inspiring Aboriginal men and boys to speak out against violence and abuse against Aboriginal women and girls. The program is currently reaching Aboriginal men incarcerated in provincial correctional facilities for crimes related to violence against women.

Ontario

In Prince Edward Island, the Mi'kmaq Family PRIDE (Prevention, Respect, Intervention, Development and Education) family support program provides prevention services and supports the protection of children in both First Nations. Pivotal to the development of the Mi'kmaq Family PRIDE Program is the belief that children, families and communities benefit most from services that are sensitive to, and congruent with, their cultural beliefs and traditional values. Accordingly, the underlying philosophy of the Mi'kmaq Family PRIDE Program is to provide a holistic and culturally-sensitive approach to individual, family and community wellness and risk reduction through prevention services and protection support. The PRIDE program works with the provincial Child and Family Services and is involved in the Policy and Planning Forum on Child and Family Services.

Prince Edward Island

The Prince Edward Island's Inter-Ministerial Women's Secretariat provided grant funding to the Aboriginal Women's Association to deliver a series of provincial workshops designed specifically for Aboriginal youth that will address gender-based violence and lateral violence (2012). The primary method of knowledge transfer will be based on the traditional Aboriginal approach, which is the circle teaching approach. Prince Edward Island's Inter-ministerial Women's Secretariat also provided grant funding to the Aboriginal Women's Association to provide sessions that incorporate inter-generational learning regarding gender-based violence and cybersafety (2013). The sessions assist in the development of stronger lines of communication between parents and their children to enhance their combined capabilities, individual and collective skills and talents, so that Aboriginal women and their children can participate effectively and safely with new information technology equipment. The goal is to create a process, set of activities, rules and actual tools that maintain the benefits of this new information technology while utilizing culturally-distinct methods to preserve the cultural identity of Aboriginal women and their families. The sessions utilize Aboriginal Elder/Facilitators to implement Traditional Methods/Teachings that will guide their journey into this new information technology society.

Prince Edward Island

A specific component of the government campaign on domestic violence awareness (2006 to 2009), was addressed to First Nations. Tools were created targeting Aboriginal people with a view to increasing awareness of family violence. This component was designed by the Table de concertation pour le mieux-être des Premières Nations of Quebec Native Women. Domestic violence awareness tools were also adapted to Inuit.

Quebec

The Province of Quebec's Plan d'action gouvernemental 2008-2013 en matière d'agression sexuelle [2008-2013 Governmental Action Plan on Sexual Assault] includes an Aboriginal component and specific measures aimed at Aboriginal people, such as financial support for Quebec Native Women Inc. for the campaign component targeting Aboriginal peoples, entitled My sexuality, it's about respect: break the silence!, support for initiatives in the Nunavik communities to assist victims of sexual assault, increased access of Aboriginal people to crime victims assistance centres and awareness among Aboriginal community legal workers of the realities of Aboriginal life.

Quebec

Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association: this 24-month project will address the institutional barriers and other factors that limit community efforts to prevent and reduce violence against women and girls in the James Bay area of Northern Quebec, in the communities of Mistissini, Chisasibi, and Whapmagoostui. The project will engage men and boys, women and girls, and key partner agencies such as the Cree Men of Eeyou Istchee. In partnership with community stakeholders, promising strategies to address violence against women and girls will be identified, and a strategy will be piloted in the community. Lessons learned will be shared with other Cree communities in the region.

Quebec

Yellow Quill First Nation - (Saskatchewan) - This initiative will address and reduce family violence in the local Aboriginal community through the development and delivery of educational workshops and programming.

Saskatchewan

The Liard Aboriginal Women's Society received funding from the Northern Strategy Trust for the Youth Violence Prevention and Healthy Relationships Project. This initiative included talking with youth about healthy relationships and families and the impacts of violence. Youth were encouraged to participate in creative alternative media projects (e.g., theatre, film, music) to transmit their own messages about healthy relationships and families, violence in communities and the effects of residential schools. Workshops focused on youth talking honestly about healthy relationships, life-skills, anger management, self-esteem and traditional roles. This project concluded in 2012.

Yukon

The Whitehorse Aboriginal Women's Circlereceived funding to develop an Aboriginal Women's Role Model and Mentorship Training program. This project developed support networks for professional Aboriginal women, particularly youth and encouraged an Elder/grandparent mentorship for youth. The project also focused on developing an Aboriginal women's role model calendar, which invited nominations from a variety of community members to recognize Aboriginal women in Yukon for their outstanding achievements and contributions to their families and communities. This project concluded in 2012.

Yukon

The Brothers in Spirit - Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council project was a one-year strength-based community inquiry project targeting Aboriginal men. The project was designed to strengthen relationships with community organizations and assist them in working together to develop practices and programs that work for people in Yukon in preventing violence against Aboriginal women. The project is dedicated to increasing awareness and community dialogue about the opportunities for men to talk about their journey, roles and responsibilities in violence prevention. The Brothers in Spirit project also provided an opportunity for men to engage in positive role modeling for youth, and encourage youth to make non-violent choices. The Brothers in Spirit project also provided funding to support the Yukon Status of Women Council to collect data and information related to Aboriginal women as part of their Court Watch program.

Yukon

Prevention of Violence against Aboriginal Women Fund (PVAAW): the Womens Directorate allocates $200,000 per year to run projects designed and developed by and for Aboriginal women for their communities. The purpose of the funding is to work on eliminating violence against Aboriginal women. Organizations may apply for up to $25,000 for one-year projects and $50,000 for two-year projects. Since 2004, the Women's Directorate has contributed approximately $1.5 million toward this Fund. Funding was increased from $100,000 to $200,000 annually in 2009-2010.

Yukon

One project will establish a Violence Prevention Worker within the community of Kwanlin Dun First Nation (Whitehorse). This position will provide indirect support to women who are experiencing violence and engage in specific awareness, prevention/early intervention and community education activities. This support position will work with the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and other service staff who work with Aboriginal women who are victims of violence and engage in more preventative work with women at risk of violence including young women, families and the community.

Yukon

The Aboriginal Justice Strategy (AJS) is a federally-led, cost-shared (with provinces and territories) program that supports community-based justice programs that help to address the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system. Approximately 275 AJS programs reach over 800 communities in all jurisdictions across Canada, including on- and off-reserve, rural, urban and Northern communities. Approximately 10,000 Aboriginal people are referred to AJS programs every year. Operating since 1991, the AJS currently provides $12.7 million annually in grants and contributions to AJS community justice programs that are culturally-based and provide victims, offenders and community members with the opportunity to heal and address some of the root causes of crime. While most programs focus on diversions from the mainstream justice system in appropriate cases, many also provide a range of other services that contribute to increasing safety and reducing the victimization of all community members, including Aboriginal women and girls. AJS programs have been proven to successfully lower rates of re-offending among participants and can help to stop crime from escalating, including by carrying out preventative work with youth. As a result of the role AJS programs have in enabling Aboriginal communities to hold offenders accountable, the AJS was identified as one of the federal government's responses to violence against Aboriginal women and girls in the Government of Canada's Action Plan to Address Family Violence and Violent Crimes Against Aboriginal Women and Girls.

All jurisdictions

Some AJS programs have developed specific responses to family violence:

• The Manitoba Métis Federation Community Justice Program handles domestic violence referrals from the Crown and police services. The Program works with victims and offenders to address the root causes of domestic violence, identify a healing plan for both parties and provides domestic violence counseling for female victims of domestic violence.
• Onashowewin Inc. delivers the Living in Balance Program which is geared toward domestic violence offences. This includes a series of workshops for the victim and offender, such as Negative Energy, Ekwi and Inini as well as one-on-one counseling. The Programs provide people with domestic violence charges with culturally appropriate diversion programming. For example:
  • The Ekwe Workshop is offered to female clients. Women learn about the importance of respect for themselves and how to treat others around them and how to work through challenges. The workshop builds self-esteem for particpants. Female program participants have a strengthened sense of self and are equipped with tools to reduce risk for future victimization.
  • Inini Workshop is offered to male clients and teaches the traditional and current male roles including a healthy lifestyle that is violence free.
  • Negative Energy is an anger management workshop that is offered to participants with domestic violence or assault charges. This workshop equips participants with the tools to address anger in a healthy/non-violent way and teaches participants how to identify their anger triggers. These workshops address the root causes of violence/domestic violence and therefore reduce the incidence of violence/domestic violence in the community served.
• Beardy's & Okemasis First Nation Community Justice Program - In addition to the core work of providing alternatives to mainstream justice processes in appropriate circumstances, activities included - facilitates Family Group Conferencing to address family violence and violence against Aboriginal women and girls; delivers workshops to raise awareness/prevent crime and violence in the communities served; works with the Saskatoon Health Region to administer a Men's Wellness Group to assist male participants to form healthy, respectful relationships with their spouses and families. The program also delivered a workshop Search For My Warrior II and activities aimed at engaging youth and providing information, tools and resources that promote culture, values and healthier lifestyles to reduce crime and violence in the community (2010-2011).
• Métis Family and Community Justice Services (funded by AJS, Justice Canada and Saskatchewan) - this program participates in a child welfare review WG. The WG, which includes courtworkers and social services, meets to review files where there is potential risk to children as a result of domestic violence. The WG determines which path to take: further investigation or no risk but the family needs support so they connect to community supports.

Canada and Manitoba/Saskatchewan

In March 2015, 16 justice workers from eight AJS programs across the country participated in a 10-day Respectful Relationships (RR) training session. The RR program is a violence prevention program developed in British Columbia that helps community members to develop the skills and attitudes needed for healthy and respectful relationships with peers and intimate partners. These workers represented: Saddle Lake Restorative Justice Program (Alberta); Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI (PEI); Prince Albert Grand Council (Saskatchewan); Saskatoon Tribal Council (Saskatchewan); Makivik Corporation (Quebec); Meadow Lake Tribal Council (Saskatchewan); Kwanlin Dun (Whitehorse); and Liidlii kue First Nation (Fort Simpson, NWT). The justice workers also met with the Alert Bay Community Justice Program to learn about their Healing Relationships program, which modified the RR program to incorporate their unique culture and traditions when working with people affected by domestic violence.

Canada and most jurisdictions

Since 2011, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Commission (CMHC) entered into bilateral Investment in Affordable Housing agreements with most provinces and territories. Under these agreements, provinces and territories cost-match federal funding and have the flexibility to design and deliver housing programs to address their local housing needs and priorities, including for accommodations for victims of family violence.

Canada and most jurisdictions

The Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General Victim Services Unit funds Project KARE to provide supports to impacted missing and murdered Aboriginal families to ensure they are supported throughout the court process, understand the court process, and receive required referral and/or advocacy. KARE hosted the first Annual Family gathering (funded by the federal government) and in collaboration with JSG Victims Services. More Victims of Homicide Gatherings are planned for the future.

Alberta and Canada

Alberta is advancing the Alberta Aboriginal Victims Outreach Specialist Project. There are now three Victim Service Unit's (VSU) in place, with one service provider in each, that collectively provide enhanced service delivery to twelve communities (ten First Nation communities and two Métis Settlements) in Northern Alberta, all of which are experiencing high levels of violent crime and victimization. This project aims to reduce gaps in services and provide First Nation victims with better access to services that are available to other Albertans, and enhance these services in a way that is culturally relevant to communities receiving services. These activities will provide direct services to Aboriginal victims of crime, build relationships and trust, engage and mobilize community champions in the design and delivery of local approaches to assisting victims of crime, and improving the cultural relevance of services available for Aboriginal victims. Alberta Victim Services is undertaking research and consultations to better understand the nature, extent, issues and context of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in the province. This work will increase understanding of the issues, barriers, and challenges in moving forward in this area and will inform the development of a provincial framework for coordinated responses to cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women.

Alberta and Canada

Healing the Circle - Phases I and II are implementing a process to build knowledge capacity on cultural competency and responsiveness to victim service delivery. The project will follow two strategic directions: establish a direct culturally competent and responsive victim service delivery model (for Aboriginal victims); and plan, design and convene four regional workshops that will focus on building local and regional expertise in developing and delivering innovative victim services that are culturally appropriate and responsive to Aboriginal victims and families, including those family members of missing or murdered Aboriginal women in British Columbia. British Columbia is working to enhance the accessibility/availability of holistic and responsive victim services to communities in central and northern BC, including families of murdered or missing Aboriginal women along the Highway of Tears. An engagement process is being undertaken, and a community supported plan is being put in place to address victimization along the Highway of Tears, including how to best support family members. In addition, specific training on human trafficking including sexual exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude in being given to develop a local response and prevention initiatives within local communities, including Aboriginal and First Nations communities.

British Columbia and Canada

Manitoba Justice, in collaboration with the Government of Canada, is enhancing victim services for families of missing and murdered Aboriginal women through the creation and of a Family Liaison Contact Victim Services Worker position within Project Devote. Working with police and victim services, this individual provides information and direct support to families of missing persons. The project will provide a point of contact for families of missing persons (particularly families of missing Aboriginal women) and will increase information sharing between police, community agencies, and families. Manitoba is also increasing knowledge and awareness of services available to victims of crime by revising the content of the existing fact sheets on Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking. These fact sheets will be available in 18 languages including, Cree, Ojibway, Tagalog. Given the growing First Nations and increasing immigrant populations, it is imperative that easily accessible and understandable information be available for victims of crime throughout Manitoba.

Manitoba and Canada

Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc. Medicine Bear Counselling, Support and Elder Program, Winnipeg, Manitoba is providing culturally-appropriate resources and therapeutic approaches to restore well-being for families of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Manitoba. The program is utilizing cultural teachings to enable families of murdered and missing Aboriginal women to heal from complicated grief and trauma within a culturally-safe environment.

Manitoba and Canada

Manitoba provides funding for a number of Restorative Justice initiatives, including the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) First Nations Justice Strategy, the St. Theresa Point Tribal Court System (including the Aboriginal Youth Court), the Hollow Water Community Holistic Circle Healing Project, the Aboriginal Ganootamaage Justice Services of Winnipeg, and mediation services in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson. A number of these initiatives are cost-shared with the federal government.

Manitoba and Canada

On a 50-50 cost-sharing basis with the Government of Canada (AANDC), New Brunswick continues to fund Gignoo Transition House for Aboriginal women and their children who are leaving violent relationships (located off-reserve in Fredericton). Gignoo provides culturally-appropriate programs and services to meet the needs of Aboriginal women and children in crisis, as well as addressing issues such as dating violence and parenting skills in the community and hosting symposiums for broader education of service providers. Aboriginal women have access to other transition houses throughout the province. All women leaving violent relationships are priority clients for access to public housing.

New Brunswick and Canada

With funding from Justice Canada, New Brunswick Department of Public Safety (Victim Services) is working with 15 First Nations communities to delivery culturally-sensitive services for Aboriginal victims of crime in the province. They are also establishing a consistent approach for community capacity building and working with Aboriginal communities to reduce victimization. This project will assist in the development and implementation of a provincial Aboriginal strategy to effectively respond to Aboriginal victimization in the 15 First Nations communities in New Brunswick. In addition to conducting an Aboriginal victims needs analysis in order to identify priorities in the area of victims services and support, the project also increased community capacity building and community assistance in accessing funding to implement those priorities and establish culturally-sensitive Aboriginal Victim Services in the province of New Brunswick.

New Brunswick and Canada

With funding from Justice Canada, the Victims of Crime Emergency Fund provides direct, limited, emergency assistance to victims of crime in exceptional circumstances, reducing some of the undue hardship victims of crime experience. In addition, victim services are delivered from eight regional offices throughout the NWT.

Northwest Territories and Canada

With funding from Justice Canada, Nova Scotia Department of Justice is collaborating with the Mi'kmaw Legal Support Network (MLSN) Victim Support Service (VSS) to provide culturally-responsive victim services for Aboriginal victims of crime. The project is intended to encourage the participation of Aboriginal victims in the justice process, increase awareness of Aboriginal victims' rights and role within the justice system, increase education and awareness for service providers when working with Aboriginal clients, and increase partnership and collaboration between Aboriginal communities and the provincial government. The Department of Justice also established a new Aboriginal Victim Case Coordinator position so that there is department resource dedicated to support the work of the MLSN VSS.

Nova Scotia and Canada

With funding from Justice Canada, the Nunavut Victim Support project aims to advance adequate programs and services to Nunavummiut who have been victims of crime, ensuring that training programs are in place for government workers and community service providers who deliver these programs and services. The project will also provide financial assistance to victims of crime in Nunavut to enable them to be accompanied by support persons when attending criminal proceedings. Finally, the project will provide regional training addressing key issues while building on community strengths and partnerships between communities in order for them to discuss victimization, share existing responses and identify further interventions in order to support victims at the community level.

Nunavut and Canada

With funding from Justice Canada, Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, Victim Services Secretariat is collaborating with the Ontario Native Women's Association to establish culturally-relevant victim services in northwestern Ontario for the families of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and for Aboriginal women who have experienced violence.

Ontario and Canada

Aboriginal organizations in Northwestern Ontario have received multi-year funding from the OVS (secured through Justice Canada) to enhance and/or expand their services to better support Aboriginal women and children victimized by violence. With these funds, ONWA is providing comprehensive, culturally-relevant victim services in Thunder Bay and Kenora to families of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and to Aboriginal women who have experienced violence.

Ontario and Canada

Ontario and the Department of Justice Canada funded (over two fiscal years, 2012/13 to 2013/14) the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority to undertake foundational work towards the establishment of a child advocacy centre serving First Nations in northwestern Ontario. The Health Authority developed a service delivery model suited to victim needs in, as well as the circumstances of, remote, fly-in communities. Aboriginal girls who are victims of sexual abuse/assault were a focus of service delivery.

Ontario and Canada

With funding from Justice Canada, PEI is working to enhance services to Aboriginal victims of crime through implementation of an Aboriginal Victim Assistant Program. This program will assist with delivering services to Aboriginal victims of crime, will promote, encourage and/or enhance governmental and non-governmental organizations' involvement in the identification of victim needs and gaps in services, and assist in the development and delivery of programs, services and assistance to victims, including capacity building within non-governmental organizations (e.g. Police, Court Services and Aboriginal communities).

Prince Edward Island and Canada

In collaboration with Government of Canada, three Missing Persons Liaison positions have been created in the police-based victim services units of the three largest municipal police services in the province - Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. These Missing Person Liaison positions provide direct support to families of missing persons, and are also developing services to provide individual and family counselling and/or specialized support groups for family members of missing persons. Saskatchewan is also enhancing the administration and delivery of police-based victim services in northern Saskatchewan, in order to address critical service-delivery, supervision and governance issues in the region. The benefits of the new regional model include: Increased capacity for mobilization of teams to respond to significant community crises throughout the north and offer supports and services during the trauma to residents; increased capacity to develop strategies to recruit, train and retain volunteers; and increased capacity to develop a north-wide strategy for fundraising.

Saskatchewan and Canada

The Yukon Department of Justice Victim Services Unit is increasing responsiveness in the areas of risk assessment, risk management and safety planning, as well as local Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART). Yukon is also enhancing assistance for rural victims through additional staff and community visits as well as assistance for child victims through the provision of child-friendly environments for child victims and witnesses, testimonial aids, and the advancement of Project Lynx, Yukon's CAC model. Yukon has also developed the Victims of Crime Emergency Fund, which provides immediate financial assistance for Yukon victims of crime related to their criminal victimization.

Yukon and Canada

The Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General Victim Services Unit funds14 dedicated Aboriginal community Police Based Victims Services Units and offers translations services in several Aboriginal languages as well as brochures and handbooks. The Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General Victim Services conduct targeted outreach to First Nations and Métis communities to reduce barriers to services, and funds an Aboriginal and Isolated Provincial Coordinator to support the Aboriginal-based victims services Units across the Province. The Alberta Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General's Victim Services have engaged the community through Victim Services Unit presentations and client services, as well as presentations to community leaders. The poster No I didn't deserve it was developed in Cree.

Alberta

All 76 Victim Services Units in Alberta have been provided the document entitled Strategies for Safety Planning (Family Violence Protocol) to assist police and volunteer advocates and/or victim services coordinators in developing safety plans and updating them as needed.

Alberta

Some communities/Victim Services Units invested in facilitating community safety planning initiatives. A dedicated full-time equivalent Aboriginal Liaison was hired.

Alberta

Alberta is moving from a model that focuses on "rescuing" children to a model that focuses on supporting families. This means investing in early wrap-around supports for families who are struggling and re-evaluating the perception of risk and danger. The goal is to have more children receive services at home, less children come into care and children who are in care placed with family members or in kinship placements whenever possible. A Child Intervention Practice Framework is in development, based on the following principles:

• Indigenous Experience: First Nations, Métis and Inuit people have always had their own ways of ensuring that vulnerable members, including children, are safe and protected. Alberta honours that experience by recognizing the Indigenous expertise in matters concerning their children, youth and families;
• Connection: Alberta supports children and youth to maintain relationships that are important to them, be connected to their own culture, practice their religious beliefs and, for those in care, to be included in the decision-making process regarding their care;
• Collaboration: Alberta's approach is child-focused and family-centred. Alberta collaborates with families, community agencies and other stakeholders in building positive, respectful partnerships across integrated multidisciplinary teams and providing individualized, flexible and timely services to support these efforts;
• Continuous Improvement: Alberta shares and uses information appropriately. Its approach is outcome-oriented and evidence-based, such that it supports innovative practice, monitors performance and strives for continuous improvement;
• Strengths-Based: Alberta has reflective, culturally-responsive and strengths-based approaches. Because all families have strengths and resources, there is recognition and support for the right and responsibility of parents to share in the decision-making process for them and their children; and
• Preserving the Family: Alberta believes that children and youth should be safe, healthy and live with their families. The focus is therefore on preserving and reuniting families and building on the capacity of extended family and communities to support children, youth and families.

Alberta

The Walking the Path Together project. Aboriginal children and their siblings in Alberta who have been impacted by family violence receive culturally-appropriate, intensive supervision over two years. Using a "whatever it takes" approach, individual healing plans evolve to meet the needs of these children. Key activities include individual counselling, talking circles, family counselling, and talks with elders. Vital links are also made to multiple other services to match the needs, interests and requests of families, including substance abuse treatment, emotional and spiritual support and sports, arts and other recreational activities. The results to date are: 300 participants have been served, including 67 six and seven year olds, 104 adult caregivers and 129 siblings; 82 children were prevented from entering care; 3,681 service contacts were made; and 24 of the caregivers returned to school or became employed.

Alberta

There also a number of other Alberta initiatives which are not specifically identified for Aboriginal women and girls, but that do address this important issue for vulnerable populations, including Aboriginal women and girls, such as the Protection Against Family Violence Act and the Crime Prevention Strategy.

Alberta

Alberta is inviting local agencies to participate in a $20 million program to help end child abuse, family violence, sexual assault and bullying, and to support children's mental health. The Family and Community Safety program, a grant funding initiative, will support community-led projects that address these and other issues that affect the safety of families and communities. The fund will build on the good work that is already ongoing in communities and strengthen it by supporting new and innovative programs.

Alberta

Alternative to Warrant Apprehension Program (AWAP) is collaboration between Justice and Solicitor General (Alberta Crown Prosecution Service [formerly Criminal Justice Division], Court Services Division, Safe Communities Division) and Human Services (Family Violence Prevention and Homeless Supports Division) together with the Provincial Court of Alberta, Boyle Street Community Services, and the Homeward Trust Edmonton. The goal of AWAP is to develop a process to reduce the number of outstanding summary conviction warrants within the homeless and vulnerable populations in the Province that fit within a resolution options paradigm, adhere to an integrated justice framework, and involve community collaborations/partnerships. Although AWAP does not specifically target Aboriginal women (or the Aboriginal population as a whole), there is a section on the application form for identification as an Aboriginal person. The criteria that were established to refer clients to AWAP include:

• The service provider and caseworker offer services to participants to motivate and challenge them to make the most of opportunities presented.
• The participant works with the caseworker to overcome past difficulties, strive for new opportunities, and work toward achieving housing stability and reaching their full potential.
• Participation in program activities and verified proof of accomplishments in program activities are sent to the Crown prosecutor as part of the AWAP application once it is verified that the applicant has qualifying warrants.

Alberta

The Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General Victim Services Unit funds ACT (Action Coalition on Human Trafficking), which coordinates services for victims, fosters local collaborative responses, delivers training and education and undertakes research on human trafficking in Alberta. The Ministry also funds CEASE (Centre to End all Sexual Exploitation) and Project STAR (support-transition-action-recovery) in order to ensure that there is victim advocate support available to victims who may have been trafficked. It also presents webinars on human trafficking in collaboration with multiple stakeholders.

Alberta

A telephone service available to anyone who has been impacted by crime, anywhere in British Columbia (VictimLink British Columbia, at 1-800-563-0808). This toll-free, province-wide, multi-lingual help and information line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services are provided in over 100 languages, including 17 Aboriginal languages.

British Columbia

Direct Services for Aboriginal Children, Youth and Families: The BC Government has committed $5.5 million for year two (2014/2015) and year three (2015/2016) of the Provincial Domestic Violence Plan (the Plan). This includes a $1.5 million, one-time only investment, for development and delivery of programs specifically for Aboriginal women, men, youth/children who have been or are at risk of being impacted by domestic / family violence. In addition to the above $1.5M funding, $.5M funding is being administered by BC Housing to support Aboriginal women impacted by domestic violence in rural/remote communities. This includes financial support for women and children with limited transportation options to access safe shelter and support services (this includes supporting Aboriginal women on and off reserve).

British Columbia

Direct Services for Perpetrators of Domestic Violence: The BC Government has also committed to investing $1M to develop community based programs for perpetrators of domestic violence prior to criminal justice adjudication. $200,000 of this funding will be used to enhance and evaluate culturally-appropriate programs for perpetrators of domestic violence.

British Columbia

Since 2005, the Corrections Branch of the British Columbia Ministry of Justice has been training Aboriginal Justice Strategy (AJS) service providers with offender programs in Substance Abuse Management (SAM), Respectful Relationships (RR), Facilitation Skills and Alternative Measures. The RR program, a violence prevention program that helps community members to develop the skills and attitudes that are needed for healthy and respectful relationships with peers and intimate partners, is designed for male offenders in the correctional system. Once trained, AJS service providers co-facilitate offender programs with probation officers. AJS service providers also utilize the training to assist community members, and have been revising the RR training to work with women, girls, youth and couples. To date, 152 AJS service providers have been trained. The following 13 AJS programs were trained and are able to carry out the RR training program in their respective communities: South Island Wellness Society (Saanich/Victoria), Tsilhqot'in Restorative Justice Program (Punky Lake wilderness Camp Society) (Williams Lake), Nak'azdli Alternate Justice Program (Fort St. James), Kwadacha Nation Khutsedzi k'e' Alternative Justice Program (Fort Ware), Fort Nelson First Nation Justice Program (Fort Nelson), Esketemc Restorative Justice Program (Alkali Lake/Williams Lake), Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services (Vancouver), Nuxalk First Nation (Bella Coola), Chim An Nah Program (Ahousaht First Nation), Qwi:qwelstóm - Stó:Iō Nation Justice Program (Chilliwack), Yeneid Preventative Justice Program, Lytton First Nation (Lytton), Daylu Dena Council Justice Program (Lower Post), and the Alert Bay Community Justice Program (Alert Bay). In addition to carrying out the RR and SAM training, the Alert Bay Community Justice Program has adapted BC Corrections' Respectful Relationships (RR) program to create the Healthy Relationships Program. Healthy Relationships uses similar lesson plans and activities as RR, but the program is for women and men who attend the sessions as a couple. This allows both partners to learn new skills in communication, managing their anger and emotions, and how to have healthy interactions with the people in their lives. Besides running this program in their own community, the Alert Bay AJS program has created and administered a five-day training program for other AJS workers and community program leaders to learn how to facilitate a Healthy Relationships program. This training has been offered in various places around the province.

• CORE Programming: B.C. Corrections Core Offender Programs are cognitive behavioural programs delivered in the community by probation officers and/or Aboriginal justice workers to Aboriginal clients. These programs target factors linked to an offender's criminal behaviour and are proven to reduce reoffending.
• Substance Abuse Management: This 12 session - 18 hour program is designed as a pre-treatment program to reduce recidivism directly related to substance abuse and to assist offenders to develop healthier lifestyles. The learning objective of this program is to prepare and enable offenders to move to more intensive forms of treatment related to their substance abuse. This program is designed to respond to offenders where they are in a continuum of use or recovery, keep them alive, attempt to engage them in addiction treatment, and influence their addictive behaviours.
• Respectful Relationships: This 10 session - 25 hour program is designed to provide offenders with a greater understanding of their abusive behaviours, the impact it has on themselves, their partners, and their children, and to provide them with strategies to end the violence in their lives. Learning objectives of this pre-treatment program are to move offenders from information through to awareness and skill development.
• Relationship Violence Program: This 17 session - 34 hour program is the second part of the B.C. Corrections domestic violence initiative and is offered to graduates of the Respectful Relationships Program. It is delivered by qualified counsellors under contract with B.C. Corrections. The program is designed to reduce recidivism related to relationship violence perpetrated by men against women.
• Violence Prevention Program: This 10 session - 25 hour program is designed to help offenders to distinguish between anger and violence, analyze sources of anger, and identify non-violent ways of expressing or resolving anger. The intent of this program is that offenders become aware of their cycle of violence and develop self-management skills and to behave in a positive manner.
• Forensic Sex Offender Program and Sex Offender Maintenance Program: B.C. Corrections partners with the Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission in a collaborative and coordinated approach to providing sex offender programming in both a community and custody setting. This partnership includes information sharing between the clinical psychologists facilitating the sex offender treatment program and the probation officers managing the offender's risk and needs. Through this approach, our probation officers are more effective at managing the sex offender's risk, and are positioned to deliver programs designed to follow up on the therapeutic progress an offender made in treatment. The Sex Offender Maintenance Program (SOMP) is a participant driven, post-treatment program intended to maintain gains made in the Forensic Sex Offender Program (FSOP) and assist clients with managing risk in the community.
• Facilitation Skills: B.C. Corrections provides Facilitation Skills training for Aboriginal Justice Workers to provide them with the skills, knowledge and resources to facilitate Core programs in their communities.
• Alternative Measures Training for Aboriginal Justice Workers: B.C. Corrections provides Alternative Measures training for Aboriginal justice workers to provide them with the skills, knowledge and resources to offer restorative justice programs in Aboriginal communities. These programs address the criminal actions of the accused while preserving their dignity and requiring them to be accountable for their behavior. It attempts to make things right by taking a problem solving approach to crime which emphasizes forgiveness, healing, and repairing and restoring relationships with the victim, the accused and the community.
• Aboriginal Liaisons in Correctional Facilities: The Corrections Branch contracts Aboriginal liaison service providers at all nine of its correctional centres to provide spiritual leadership, counselling, post-release planning and cultural programming. Service providers are responsible to provide spiritual and cultural support, counselling services, elder services, and release planning to respond to the unique needs of Aboriginal inmates. They also act as a cultural resources for staff and inmates in our correctional centres. Types of specific services offered at our correctional centres include the following: sweat lodge ceremonies (sweat lodges are located in six of the correctional centres); individual and group counselling services; healing, sharing and talking circles, planning and conducting bereavement ceremonies when family members, close friends and former inmates have died; cultural teachings, the medicine wheel, singing and drumming and long house teachings; support for offenders such as coping with addictions, residential school trauma, setting boundaries and stress and anger management; case management services for release, and traditional crafts training in drum making, carving, painting, drawing, dream catcher making, medicine pouch making, and traditional cooking.

British Columbia

In the province of British Columbia, there are over 400 contracted front-line services for victims of crime and women and children fleeing violence, including over 250 violence against women programs. More than $40 million is provided annually for services to victims, with $1 million annually to specialized Aboriginal victims services. These include programs that are delivered by Aboriginal organizations and/or are developed specifically to serve Aboriginal communities.

British Columbia

In March of 2014, the BC Government provided funding to the Ending Violence Association of British Columbia (EVA BC) to support continued development of the Indigenous Communities Safety Project. The project aims to provide knowledge sharing to Aboriginal leadership in Aboriginal communities related to matters such as criminal justice, family justice and child protection laws.

British Columbia

BC's Crime Victim Assistance Program, offers financial assistance to help with some of the costs and services needed to assist in recovering from or coping with the effects. Benefits which may be available include:

• medical, dental and prescription drugs;
• counselling;
• protective measures;
• replacement of damaged or destroyed eyeglasses, clothing, disability aids;
• income support or lost earning capacity;
• transportation and related expenses; and/or
• funeral expenses.

British Columbia

British Columbia provides $32 million annually to support Transition and Safe Houses as well as Second Stage Housing for women and their children who are fleeing abuse. All these programs serve Aboriginal women and some are operated by Aboriginal agencies. A priority placement program for housing is in place for women leaving violence. Last year, approximately 17,000 women and children stayed in Transition Houses and Safe Homes funded by British Columbia, including many Aboriginal women and children. As of March 31, 2013, there were more than 800 provincially-funded spaces in Transition Houses and Safe Homes housing for women and their children who are fleeing violence across British Columbia. The number of spaces in provincially-funded transition housing and support programs are divided by region as follows: Northern British Columbia (156); Interior British Columbia (173); Lower Mainland (365); and Vancouver Island (148).

British Columbia

The British Columbia Bridging Employment Program provides services to help women who have been victims of violence and/or abuse and women leaving the sex trade. The program helps women to move on, rebuild their lives and overcome barriers to employment. As of December 2011, a total of 2,799 participants had entered the program, 1,155 participants had completed the Individual Services portion of the program and, of that number, 335 had already had successful outcomes. A total of 734 participants have self-identified as Aboriginal. In the program there are four Aboriginal-focused bridging programs in Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Duncan and Burnaby.

British Columbia

Reports of suspected child abuse and neglect are assessed on a case-by-case basis and, depending on circumstances, warrant different types of responses. Indicators pertain to risks to a child's safety and well-being, and a child is removed only if criteria in section 30 of British Columbia's Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA) are met, namely that the child's health and safety is in immediate danger, or that no other less disruptive measure available is adequate to protect the child. Examples of less disruptive measures could be: offering family support services; referring the child and/or family to a community agency; a section 28 CFCSA protection order; section 25 CFCSA provisions of taking a child to a place of safety while an appropriate guardian is sought; and placement with a relative or other individual by consent. If removal is necessary, preference is given to seeking an out-of-care order, which places the child/youth in the custody of an individual other than a parent (extended family member or someone known to the child). Amendments to the Child, Family and Community Service Act have been made to provide social workers with direction in assessing the safety of children exposed to domestic violence. The amendments received Royal Assent in March 2013 and were brought into force June 1, 2014.

British Columbia

British Columbia also provides annual funding (via British Columbia Housing) to the WISH Drop-In Centre Society to improve services to vulnerable women who work in the sex trade in Vancouver. The Drop-In Centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering vulnerable women services addressing their health, safety and well-being. The WISH Mobile Access Project (MAP) van receives annual funding allocations from the British Columbia Ministry of Justice. The MAP van provides services to women working on the street from 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., 7 nights a week, in order to increase their level of health and safety. Van staff provide brief respite from the street and information on services specific to the needs of women survival sex workers as well as connections to shelters and emergency services.

British Columbia

From 2010- 2015, as part of the Government of Canada's seven-step strategy in response to missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls, an additional $1 million annually was dedicated to the Policy Centre for Victims Issues and the Victims Fund for the development of culturally-responsive services for Aboriginal victims of crime and to enhance support for families of missing or murdered Aboriginal women. Funds were available to provincial governments as well as non-governmental organizations. As a result, culturally-responsive victim services for Aboriginal victims of crime and the families of missing or murdered Aboriginal women were advanced across Canada, including through the funding of Missing Persons Liaison positions in police-based victim services units to provide direct support to families of missing persons, and developing services to provide individual and family counselling and/or specialized support groups for family members of missing persons. From 2015-2020, as part of the Government of Canada Action Plan to Address Family Violence and Violent Crimes Against Aboriginal Women and Girls, an additional $1.5 million annually will be dedicated to the Policy Centre for Victims Issues and the Victims Fund for the development of culturally-responsive services for Aboriginal victims of crime and to enhance support for families of missing or murdered Aboriginal women. Projects funded include:

• The Assembly of First Nations is providing direct and culturally appropriate support and services to the families of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in First Nations communities across Canada through a Family Liaison Coordinator;
• The Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan, in collaboration with 5 local Friendship Centres in Fort Qu'Appelle, Regina, Ile La Crosse, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert is hosting weekly meetings to support families of missing or murdered Aboriginal women;
• In partnership with the Assembly of First Nations and the RCMP, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection carried out an awareness raising campaign among First Nations and Aboriginal communities about the services available through the recently launched MissingKids.ca. website;
• Ending Violence Association of BC is adapting their materials developed for their Be More than a Bystander program to Aboriginal and immigrant populations;
• the Elsipogtog Justice Advisory Committee (EJAC) provided support and preparation services to victims of crime for appearances at provincial court, Aboriginal court and restorative justice processes such as healing and sentencing circles. The EJAC assisted victims of the reserve and band members from small surrounding communities, during the pre-trial, trial and post-trial stages; referred victims to appropriate service providers and agencies, facilitated safety measures for victims-at-risk; supported immediate family members of victims of crime and raised public awareness of the impact of victimization.
• The Northern Institute of Social Justice (NISJ), on behalf of all three northern Territories, is enhancing the delivery of victim services in the three territories through the design and development of an "Essential Skills for Northern Victim Service Workers" training curriculum;
• The Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre Society is providing direct assistance and support to both adult and youth family members of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in the Vancouver area through the delivery of the Tree of Life Family Healing Program.

Canada

Evidence to Action I, which received $500,000 in 2010 to develop tools and strategies to empower Aboriginal communities as well as individual girls and women to break the cycle of violence. Status of Women Canada approved funding over three years (2011-2014) to the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) for Evidence to Action II (ETA II). The goal of this 36-month project was to reduce the levels of violence experienced by Aboriginal women and girls in communities across Canada. Building on previous work, the project worked to strengthen the ability of communities, governments, educators and service providers to respond to issues that relate to the root causes of violence against Aboriginal women and girls. This was achieved by education, developing community-based resources and engaging communities, emphasizing awareness, prevention and responsiveness. The project reached out to new audiences and those working to end violence against Aboriginal women through community engagement workshops, and will test and share a community resource guide with Aboriginal women, service providers, police and justice officials and leaders in communities.

Canada

Since 2007, SWC has approved over $49 million in funding for projects that address violence against women and girls. Over the same period, SWC has approved over $15 million in funding for projects to empower Aboriginal women and girls to address the issues of violence they face, build economic security and gain leadership skills. With respect to projects that specifically address violence against Aboriginal women and girls, SWC has committed more than $5.6 million in funding over the past two years.

Canada

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC)'s Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) provides funding to assist First Nations in providing access to family violence shelter services and prevention activities to women, children and families ordinarily resident on-reserve. There are two components to the program: operational funding for an existing network of 41 shelters in the provinces and in Yukon; and proposal-based prevention projects. The expected outcome of the FVPP is the enhanced safety and security of women, children and families living on-reserve. The number of shelters has grown from 35 in 2008-2009 to 41 as a result of the construction of five new shelters, and the addition of an existing shelter in the Atlantic region to the list of AANDC-funded shelters. There are six shelters in British Columbia; six in Alberta; four in Saskatchewan; four in Manitoba; nine in Ontario; six in Quebec; one in New Brunswick; two in Nova Scotia; one in Newfoundland and Labrador; one in Prince Edward Island; and one in Yukon for a total of 41 AANDC-funded shelters. Approximately 329 or 55% of First Nations communities are served by the shelters. In 2011-2012, approximately 2,440 women and 2,596 children accessed family violence shelter services and 302 proposal-based prevention projects were supported. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada's (AANDC) Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) also provides funding for organizations such as the National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence (NACAFV). The NACAFV emerged from a series of grassroots-level consultations with Aboriginal family violence service providers in 2002. Its mandate is to initiate, design and deliver culturally-appropriate programs and services to address family violence and to support shelters, including those funded by AANDC.

Canada

There are three additional First Nations shelters for women and children in Saskatchewan, located in three communities with a higher proportion of First Nations people. These shelters are funded through AANDC. None of the shelters are located on-reserve.

Canada

With respect to on-reserve shelters, funding for accommodations for victims of family violence is delivered by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) through the Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP), which can be used to create new or renovate and improve existing shelters for victims of family violence. CMHC works with First Nation communities and organizations that are interested in the SEP as well as with AANDC. Close to $5 million was delivered from 2008 to 2012, toward 299 units/beds. With respect to off-reserve shelters, until 2011, federal assistance for accommodations for victims of family violence was provided through the SEP, which was cost-shared and delivered by provinces and territories in most jurisdictions on a 75(federal)/ 25(P/T) basis. SEP assistance could be used to create new or renovate and improve existing shelters for victims of family violence. Since 2011, CMHC entered into bilateral Investment in Affordable Housing agreements with most provinces and territories. Under these agreements, provinces and territories cost-match federal funding and have the flexibility to design and deliver housing programs to address their local housing needs and priorities, including for accommodations for victims of family violence. There is a minimum level of federal funding that must be used by provinces and territories toward accommodations for victims of family violence, totalling $1.9 million annually. 212. From 2008 to September 2013, more than $74 million in contributions were delivered to create or renovate and improve 4,058 shelter units/beds for victims of family violence. These contributions reflect the cost-sharing arrangements with provinces and territories.

Canada

AANDC's First Nation Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program funds child and family services agencies established, managed and controlled by First Nations and delegated by provincial or territorial authority. In areas where FNCFS agencies do not exist, AANDC funds services provided by provincial or territorial organizations or departments. The Program funds 105 First Nation Child and Family Services agencies (and provinces and the Yukon Territory where there are no agencies) to deliver culturally-appropriate child and family services on-reserve in accordance with provincial or territorial legislation and standards.

Canada

In urban areas, AANDC works with provinces through such programs as the Urban Aboriginal Strategy, the Aboriginal Friendship Centre program, and Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth to support urban Aboriginal people increase their participation in the economy. This includes funding initiatives that support positive life choices which aid in the prevention and recovery from such issues as domestic violence and trafficking. Initiatives in the past have provided supports such as financial literacy, life skills, and skills training for vulnerable Aboriginal women or Aboriginal women who have been victims of violence, parenting supports, culturally-appropriate counselling services, emergency shelter and shelter transition services, outreach to support victims of sexual exploitation and gang involvement and initiatives that improved relations between communities and police services.

Canada

Under Canada's Homelessness Partnering Strategy, governments, communities, and the private and voluntary sectors work together using a "housing first" approach to strengthen capacity and to prevent and reduce homelessness. Many projects target young people, women fleeing violence, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, and off-reserve Aboriginal people in need of support. Between 2007 and 2011, this strategy created more than 4,500 new permanent shelter beds; placed over 38,000 people in more stable housing; helped almost 10,800 Canadians pursue education or training opportunities; and assisted more than 7,000 people find part-time work and another 7,500 to find a full time job. The Government of Canada recently renewed its commitment to this strategy with an investment of $119 million per year, over 5 years.

Canada

As part of its Community Safety Planning program, Public Safety Canada has entered into an agreement with a First Nation community to develop and pilot test (in four surrounding communities) a community-led response to domestic violence. This response includes a community capacity development component and when completed in 2015, will result in a model that could be shared with other First Nation communities.

Canada

In addition to co-funding the core work of the Aboriginal Justice Strategy in providing alternatives to mainstream justice processes in appropriate circumstances, Justice Canada funds other community development work by Aboriginal communities, including:

• Alert Bay Community Justice Program (Whe-La-La-U Area Council) - modified the Respectful Relationships Program curriculum so that the training is tailored for First Nation communities. The training manual will allow all Aboriginal communities to provide this program to their members.
• Sagamok Anishnawbek Community Justice Program - developed the Reconnecting & Restoring Series that takes a holistic, cultural perspective in learning about the Anishnabe Way of life, including anger management, healthy relationships and parenting; "Way of the Warrior" program that looks at men's roles and responsibilities to themselves, family and community; and adapted the "I Am a Kind Man" program for the community with a trained facilitator.
• Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) Urban Extrajudicial Sanction Program and Opikinawasowin Program - In addition to the core work of providing alternatives to mainstream justice processes in appropriate circumstances, administers "Managing Emotions" program including to youth between the ages of 12 and 17 which teaches anger management skills and reduces violent incidences, working closely with the families to enhance successful outcomes of interventions that will reduce crime and violence in the community served.

Canada

From 2010-2012, as part of the Government of Canada's seven-step strategy in response to missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls, additional funding was made available under Justice Canada's Justice Partnership and Innovation Program - Family Violence Initiative Component to Aboriginal groups and communities, and to groups working with Aboriginal communities, for awareness materials and activities that contribute to breaking intergenerational cycles of violence and abuse in Aboriginal communities. Some of these initiatives are listed below. From 2015-2020, as part of the Government of Canada Action Plan to Address Family Violence and Violent Crimes Against Aboriginal Women and Girls, $500,000 will be made available annually under the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program - Access to Justice for Aboriginal Women component for projects to break intergenerational cycle of violence and abuse by raising awareness and building healthy relationships.

• Girls Action Foundation to support an Aboriginal young womens leadership project aimed at increasing the confidence, skills and knowledge of young Aboriginal women nationally so that they are better equipped to implement community action plans that address violence and victimization;
• Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc.'s "Medicine Bear Project" was a pilot project aimed at breaking the cycle of violence in Aboriginal communities by creating a system for mobilizing awareness, connection and safety plans for Aboriginal youth and women highly vulnerable to stranger and/or partner violence. This pilot project created a culturally recognizable symbol that will increase awareness, connected with vulnerable youth and women and mobilize Aboriginal communities affected by violence issues. The organization also hosted community based workshops that provided a forum for family members of murdered and missing women to voice and share their experiences with vulnerable youth and women at risk of violence. Upon completion of the workshop, each participant had the opportunity to create and develop an individualized safety and preventive action plan. The pilot project will yield a positive impact on workshop participants leading to higher rates of prevention through the use of individualized safety plans.
• Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada provided culturally appropriate resources that address the complex issue of child sexual abuse. This multifaceted awareness project was built around: producing two DVD sets entitled "The Hidden Face" (the first addresses the impacts of sexual abuse on children and the second examines adult survivors of child sexual abuse); producing two guidebooks specific to each DVD; developing a four-day training workshop manual to assist front-line workers; implementing a communications strategy (involving television and radio public service announcements, posters, Internet social networking, high profile spokespersons, school outreach and community events); and conducting an evaluation to assess the success of the project products.
• Sun and Moon Visionaries Aboriginal Artisan Society Warrior Shield Project: a therapeutic cultural art program for Aboriginal women and girls who are survivors of extreme violence or are at risk of violence, as well as for family members who have an immediate relative missing or found murdered;
• SWOVA Community Development and Research Society adapted the program "Respectful Relationships" which takes an inclusive approach to help participants develop skills and attitudes needed for healthy and respectful relationships to make it culturally-relevant to Aboriginal participants. The adaptation was done in consultation with the Musqueam Indian Band in British Columbia. The program was piloted in partnership with the Band and then evaluated. An e-learning training program was also developed for program facilitators.
• Treaty 8 Missing and Murdered Women Awareness Campaign: this includes developing communication tools and providing information sessions in all 24 communities and 16 high schools of the Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta; and
• Thunderchild First Nation Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women Awareness Project: this includes workshops and information sessions in Aboriginal communities in Saskatchewan on the factors that can lead to victimization, with a particular focus on the migration of women to urban centres and the challenges they are likely to face.

Canada

The Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act aims at ensuring that women, children and families living on First Nation reserves have access to the same matrimonial rights as those living off reserves. The Act will protect couples, especially women, in the event of a relationship breakdown or upon the death of a partner, and in situations of family violence (where provinces and territories designate judges).

Canada

Coming out of the February 27, 2015, National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Manitoba committed to make their annual Wiping Away the Tears gathering a national gathering with Manitoba supporting the families of missing and murdered indigenous women from across the country. This culturally-safe and secured event only for families of missing and murdered indigenous women was held September 9 to 11, 2015, in Winnipeg.

Manitoba

Manitoba Justice Victim Services is a systems-based, provincial government program that helps victims of the most serious crimes as outlined in the Victims' Bill of Rights, victims of domestic violence and child victims and witnesses throughout Manitoba. In general, Victim Services helps people access their rights, understand their responsibilities and connects them to other services or agencies. Services are provided free of charge and are available in person, by phone, by fax or on the Internet. On May 17, 2011, The Victims' Bill of Rights was expanded to include the offence of Human Trafficking.

Manitoba

Manitoba Justice - Victim Services coordinates an inter-agency working group of the agencies/individuals dedicated to the issue of missing persons, specifically MMAWG, to ensure that all involved are aware of the current services provided by each agency and to create a link between them so that the affected families, along with the agencies will have an easier time navigating the system and accessing services.

Manitoba

Wiping Away the Tears 3 was held on July 12 and 13, 2012 with the families of MMAWG. During this event, Project Devote honoured their May 2012 commitment to share information with families first prior to releasing any information publicly by identifying the victims of the 28 cases under their review and providing an overview of their work to date. Wiping Away the Tears 4 was held on July 18 and 19, 2013 with the families of MMAWG. On December 21, 2013, the second Annual Christmas Celebration for Families of Manitoba's Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women & Girls took place. The first event took place in December 2012.

Manitoba

In November 2012, Manitoba launched its Domestic Violence Prevention Strategy, including new commitments in the following areas: supports for victims and families; interventions for people with abusive behaviours; and awareness, prevention and training. This Strategy provides specialized programs and counselling for Aboriginal people and the over-representation of Aboriginal women and children in Manitoba's shelter system is identified as a priority. Consultations were held in March and April 2012 to inform Manitoba's multi-year domestic violence prevention strategy. These consultations took place in the following communities: Brandon, Thompson, Churchill, Flin Flon, Dauphin, Winnipeg, Gimli, Steinbach, and Mordon/Winkler.

Manitoba

Manitoba's Department of Family Services, through the Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP), supports three agencies that provide culturally-sensitive services to Aboriginal clients. These include:

• Ikwe Widdjiitiwin Inc., which is the second largest shelter in Manitoba which offers crisis accommodation and services to women and their children;
• Ma Mawi-Wi-Chi-Itata Inc., which implements a Family Violence Counselling Program based on Aboriginal traditional teachings; and
• Wahbung Abinoonjiiag Inc., which provides services to families affected by domestic violence with a special focus on children.

Manitoba Justice has provided funding to: Aurora Family Therapy Centre's 'Unresolved Loss' program which will enhance supports and long-term counselling for the families of missing persons; Ka Ni Kanichihk to expand and enhance the work of the Medicine Bear Project, specifically to increase partnerships and resources in rural and northern communities; and to Eyaa-Keen's Ni Mino Biimatiziiwin Project (My Good Life) to address the grief and loss experienced by families of MMAWG.

Manitoba

Off-reserve in Manitoba, 10 women's shelters provide emergency accommodations and supportive counselling to women and their children who are victims of family violence. 4 Residential Second-Stage Housing Programs in Manitoba offer protective, affordable long-term housing and services for women leaving abusive relationships but who have extensive outstanding needs. These programs also provide comprehensive emotional and practical support including individual and group counselling, parenting support, and information.

Manitoba

Nine Women's Resource Centres in Manitoba provide individual counselling, information and referral, outreach and support groups to women impacted by domestic violence, as well as educational programs, volunteer training and community development activities. Funding also provides for children's services.

Manitoba

Manitoba is also developing a 24/7 Drop In/Support Centre for Aboriginal Women and Girls. The 24/7 Drop In Centre, which is currently under development, will provide a culturally-appropriate, safe, non-judgmental and loving space where Aboriginal women and girls can choose to drop in whether in crisis or not. Aboriginal woman and girls would have access to: cots for sleeping; access to washroom and laundry facilities; phones and computers; a recreation lounge; support services; and resource information. The 24/7 Drop In Centre will link with other Aboriginal agencies; government and non-governmental services; and ceremonial services.

Manitoba

Manitoba has Aboriginal group-specific child care authorities that assist in the administration and delivery of child and family services in Manitoba. As part of Manitoba's Changes for Children initiative, the Child Protection Branch of Family Services Manitoba has begun to implement a Differential Response/Family Enhancement approach to child welfare. This early intervention and prevention approach provides services where immediate child protection concerns or the apprehension of a child is not warranted, but where families are struggling with challenges that, if left unaddressed, could result in children being at risk in the future. With this prevention-focused approach, Manitoba intervenes early in a supportive manner so that the more intrusive and potentially adversarial child protection response may not be required. By intervening early, before children's safety is at risk, Manitoba can help to preserve and strengthen families and prevent children from coming into care. This intervention and prevention approach is expected to decrease the number of children in care in Manitoba, over the long run. Importantly, Manitoba also offers culturally-appropriate services for a family or person seeking the involvement of child and family services.

Manitoba

Aboriginal women may also use Legal Help Centre services provided by Manitoba's Public Interest Law Centre (PILC). PILC works to increase access to legal and social service systems for lower-income residents in Winnipeg by providing referrals, legal help and public legal education and information. PILC provides public legal education through its website, workshops and drop-in Clinics. Drop-in clinics are available to individuals with a family income that is less than $50,000 per year. PILC provides legal information in the areas of family law, family violence, criminal law, employment law, wills/estates, real estate, housing, social assistance, human rights, Aboriginal rights and complaints against police.

Manitoba

Manitoba is recognized as a leader in Canada with respect to its sexual exploitation strategy Tracia's Trust. This multi-sector strategy currently invests over $10 million annually for initiatives to prevent and intervene with the sexual exploitation of children, youth and adults in Manitoba. Tracia's Trust, phase two of Manitoba's Sexual Exploitation Strategy, was launched December 10, 2008. Emphasis was placed on the need to build upon phase one by: implementing more prevention initiatives; developing a fuller continuum of services for victims; increasing public awareness; and making offenders more accountable. Phase two of the strategy was expanded to include the full spectrum of ages, including children, youth, and adults, and the five most common forms of sexual exploitation, including prostitution, sex trafficking, child pornography, internet luring, and child sex tourism. On May 17, 2011, phase three of Tracia's Trust was announced. It includes a multi-year plan which includes 23 new components with a greater focus on human trafficking, offender accountability and protection for victims. StreetReach a key component of Tracia's Trust has expanded and strengthened the safety net for youth who have been sexually exploited or who are at high risk of being victimized. StreetReach consists of 25 trained professionals who coordinate the work of 22 organizations. There are 12 StreetReach teams in the province including a team in Thompson.

Tracia's Trust is a provincial strategy that works in partnership with numerous community and law enforcement agencies and has implemented numerous initiatives in the areas of prevention, intervention, legislation, coordination, research and evaluation to support vulnerable girls and women in Manitoba. The Strategy encompasses the coordination of services for all ages, including children, youth and adults, as well as all forms of sexual exploitation, including prostitution, pornography, sex trafficking, sex tourism and internet luring. More than $8 million is invested annually in the Strategy. Examples of initiatives include: learning materials on personal safety for children, youth or adults based on the Aboriginal traditional teachings, focused on prevention, organized by a community organization; and "Honouring the Spirit of our Little Sisters", a safe transition home coordinated by an Aboriginal-based community organization. Development and implementation of Tracia's Trust Strategy is ongoing and several other new initiatives include:

• The Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking Act (the Act) was proclaimed on April 30, 2012.
• There has been the designation of two specialized Crown Attorneys to coordinate and prosecute cases of sexual exploitation/sex trafficking.
• The Criminal Property Forfeiture Branch has broadened its mandate to consider seeking forfeiture of property where exploitation occurs.
• The Victims Bill of Rights was expanded to give victims of trafficking offences the right to case information including negotiations, and the right to present victim-impact statements.
• The Prosecution Policy was expanded as it applies to children exploited through prostitution. The policy was expanded to consider human trafficking charges to ensure that offenders be dealt with severely by the courts.
• Extensions have been made in social services and health care to not deny emergency or primary care to persons who are trafficked and are in Canada, but outside of immigration and domestic laws.
• Employment and Income Assistance has been providing priority assistance to those affected by human trafficking. Staff continues to work with victims of human trafficking to get them the assistance needed, regardless if they have an address or Canadian Citizenship
• Training and awareness on sexual exploitation and human trafficking continues to occur: stakeholder awareness presentations across the province; updates in the Sexually Exploited Youth training to include human trafficking; work underway to identify specialists within the Authorities; and revisions to the Child and Family Services Standards.
• A Manitoba Specific Code of Conduct to address sexual exploitation in the business sector is currently being developed.
• The Commit to Kids child abuse prevention program (offered through the Canadian Centre for Child Protection) for child serving organizations has been expanded to Residential Care and Foster Care programs within Manitoba.
• The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) delivered the Alaskan Pathway to Hope: Healing Child Sexual Abuse training in Winnipeg (February 2013) to over 30 participants representing various Manitoba First Nations communities.

Manitoba

In addition, Manitoba has introduced a number of innovative and ground-breaking program and initiatives:

• The Ndinawe Child and Youth Care Training program (world renowned) that trains former sex-trade workers as youth care workers.
• The StreetReach programs in Winnipeg and Thompson that provide a rapid coordinated response by child welfare, police, and community outreach agencies to high risk child victims who are the most at risk of sexual exploitation.
• The establishment of a six-bed rural healing lodge for sexually exploited youth that utilizes a blend of Aboriginal traditional healing approaches and clinical therapeutic services.
• The establishment of placement resources for sexually exploited children who are aging out of care; eight residential care beds through the Transition, Education and Resources for Females (TERF) program and three specialized foster care beds through Ka ni Kanichihk.
• The mobilization of 12 multi-sector regional teams around the province to address sexual exploitation locally and the hosting of an annual community forum in Winnipeg with 300 to 400 stakeholders in attendance each year.
• The establishment of working partnerships with the business sector, such as the Manitoba Hotel Association, to train their workers on how to spot and report suspected exploitation.

Manitoba has established policies to address the issue of child sexual exploitation, such as:

• Identification of the issue as a form of child abuse and the establishment of child and family services Standards to inform the work of child and family services agencies with respect to this matter;
• The utilization of experiential workers (those with lived experience); and
• Capacity building with Aboriginal organisations and the guiding principle that programs and services should be culturally appropriate, include a holistic perspective, and lead by Aboriginal leaders and communities in their development.

Manitoba is also a leader with respect to legislative and prosecution initiatives, such as:

• Increased penalties for child protection offences (2005), toughest in Canada;
• Mandatory reporting of child pornography (2009), first of its kind in Canada;
• Appointment of sexual exploitation prosecution coordinator and trafficking specialists; and
• Utilization of offence provisions in The Child and Family Services Act for sexual exploitation abuses.

Manitoba

There are 12 shelters in New Brunswick that are available to all New Brunswick women.

New Brunswick

Most Aboriginal children in New Brunswick live in one of the First Nation communities. Very few children would be in care outside of their communities. Individual First Nations have Child Protection Social Workers who are designated by the Minister and who provide services under the Family Services Act, but who work to meet the needs of each community.

New Brunswick

Newfoundland and Labrador, through its Regional Health Authorities, currently provides $6,206,596.97 in operational funding for 10 transition houses in the province to assist women and children fleeing from violence, including three in the Nunatsiavut communities of Nain (Nain Safe House), Rigolet (Rigolet Safe House) and Hopedale (Selma Onalik Safe House). There is also a shelter in Happy-Valley-Goose Bay (Libra House) where the NunatuKavut Community Council (formerly Labrador Métis Nation) is located. The six remaining shelters are located in St. John's (Iris Kirby House), Carbonear (O'Shaughnessey House), Marystown (Grace Sparkes House), Gander (Cara Transition House), Corner Brook (Transition House), and Labrador City (Hope Haven). Two additional shelters are located in the Innu communities of Natuashish (Natuashish Safe House) and Sheshatshiu (Nukum Munik Shelter) which are funded by the federal government. The provincial government also provides $105,000 annually to the Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador which serves as the umbrella organization for the 12 shelters throughout the province.

Newfoundland and Labrador

There are 10 Regional Coordinating Committees which provide core services in information and referral, public education, training and outreach, and community leadership, coordination and accountability to communities that receive $80,000 annually through the Violence Prevention Intervention. Included in that is the Labrador region (Violence Prevention Labrador) which receives an additional $20,000 annually for regional travel, as well as the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre which receives $110,000 annually and has a toll-free 1-800 sexual assault crisis line for all residents of the province.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation (SIFN), in partnership with the Department of Justice, delivers culturally-appropriate victim and probation services to SIFN members. Contracts are renewed annually pending budget approval.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Currently, 30 communities are accessing program support for restorative justice programming such as Community Justice Committee alternative measure options, reintegration supports, and crime prevention activities. The Northwest Territories also currently fund eight regionally-situated community-model Victim Service Programs that assist victims through both the criminal and the restorative justice process and provide emergency financial support for victims of serious crime.

Northwest Territories

The Northwest Legal Aid Commission provides equal access to its programs and services, but depending on the nature of individual circumstances, priority is given to victims of violence. The Northwest Territories have taken various measures under their Family Violence Action Plan. During the first phase of this plan (2003-2008), the Protection Against Family Violence Act (PAFVA) was enacted; preliminary work was completed on the Yellowknife Interagency Family Violence Protocol; staff positions dedicated to addressing family violence were created at the Northwest Territories Departments of the Executive and Justice; and next steps for developing programming for persons who use violence in their intimate partner relationships were completed. As part of phase II of the Northwest Territories' Family Violence Action Plan, funding has been allocated to emergency shelters for women fleeing abusive situations. There are five family violence shelters within the Northwest Territories, located in Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. Shelters within the territory receive funding from their local Health and Social Services Authorities. They also fundraise within their communities to cover costs. Each Health and Social Services Authority has family violence funding that covers the transportation costs for women and children who wish to go to a shelter, when there is no shelter in their community. To access the transportation fund, the woman will need to speak with her community social worker, who will be able to arrange for safe transportation for the woman and children to a shelter. The Northwest Territories have also taken measures to familiarize shelter workers with the legal mechanisms available to women who are victims of family violence.

Northwest Territories

Community Response Protocols and Emergency Response Teams: the government of the Northwest Territories is currently supporting the development of community-specific protocols and training of community response teams to mobilize non-shelter communities during emergencies related to family violence. These plans are a critical component in improving safety for women and children in isolated and remote communities, of which many do not have a consistent RCMP presence.

Northwest Territories

Children Who Have Witnessed Abuse: the Northwest Territories provide recovery and support programs for children who have witnessed and/or have been victimized by family violence in Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort Smith.

Northwest Territories

Family violence programs such as the Domestic Violence Treatment Option (DVTO), the Planning Action Responsibly Toward Non-Violent Empowered Relationships (P.A.R.T.N.E.R.) program (for low-risk clients) and the New Day healing program (for low, medium and high-risk clients) offer services to clients charged or self-identified as using violence in their relationship. The DVTO started in Yellowknife as the pilot city for the program and has since expanded to the Communities of Behchoko and Hay River. The P.A.R.T.N.E.R program is still active and works in conjunction with the DVTO program. The Northwest Territories have a dedicated RCMP Restorative Justice position located within the Community Justice division, which liaises between program areas to increase referrals, communication and networking opportunities between the RCMP, communities and the Department of Justice of the Northwest Territories to build on program successes and develop innovative restorative responses to justice issues in the Northwest Territories. The Northwest Territories is partnering with Aurora Research institute on a five-year study involving Intimate Partner Violence in Remote/Northern Communities. The Northwest Territories has also added a new full-time Family Coordinator position.

Northwest Territories

Under the Child and Family Services Act, voluntary support services can be provided to assist the mother in a variety of areas. For example, child protection workers can demonstrate creativity and flexibility in administering these services, including the following: counselling; in-home support; respite care; parenting programs; services aimed at improving the family's financial situation or housing conditions; drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation; mediation of disputes; services aimed at assisting the family in dealing with the illness of a child or a family member; and all other services agreed to by the Director and the person with lawful custody of the child.

Northwest Territories

Piloting and evaluation of the newly developed 24-week program for those who use violence (see "WEK'ÈAHKAA: A New Day" Healing Program).

Northwest Territories

In 2013, there are 13 women-only shelters in the province, with two on-reserve.

Nova Scotia

The Department of Community Services supports urban second stage housing and counselling supports for women exiting violent relationships through funding to the Native Council in Truro, Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia

Department of Justice Victim Services Program has an ongoing partnership with the Mi'kmaq Legal Support Network to develop and deliver Mi'kmaq specific victim services. The Mi'kmaq Legal Support Network (MLSN) is a unique aboriginal justice service delivery organization, whose work has been recognized nationally as a best practice approach. MLSN is a valued justice service provider of culturally appropriate, community based, justice services for aboriginal persons in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia

As part of the Domestic Violence Court Pilot Program, support was provided for the development of the Aboriginal specific Two Wolves Program to have a mechanism for men's treatment services which were focused on the unique needs of Aboriginal men.

Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Children in Care Manual requires that when an Aboriginal child is placed in the care and custody of an agency by the court, the agency must transfer the child's guardianship to the Mi'kmaw Family and Children's Services.

Nova Scotia

The province of Nova Scotia is in partnership with the Mi'kmaq Legal Support Network (MLSN), as the sole aboriginal justice service provider. Together, the province and MLSN work collaboratively to develop and maintain a sustainable justice support system, to ensure fair treatment of all Mi'kmaq and Aboriginal Peoples in the Justice System. This holistic approach helps to build healthier and safer communities.

Nova Scotia

The AJS Customary Law Program in Nova Scotia is funded by the Province of Nova Scotia in partnership with Canada. The AJS Customary Law Program is a culturally-appropriate restorative justice program which facilitates healing circles, reintegration circles, accountability circles for both pre-charge and post-charge, sentencing circles, community placements and referrals to other programs and services.

Nova Scotia

Under The Action Team on Sexual Violence & Bullying in Nova Scotia, a two-year pilot project is underway by the Mi'kmaq Native Friendship Centre which aims to build navigation and support for young urban Aboriginal women in the Halifax area who are, or who are at risk of becoming, victims of sexual violence.

Nova Scotia

The CyberSCAN Investigative Unit places an important focus on public awareness and to be responsive and serve First Nations communities in Nova Scotia, the Unit is looking to have all public awareness brochures translated to Mi'kmaw.

Nova Scotia

The Family Abuse Intervention Act (FAIA) created Community Justice Outreach Worker (CJOW) positions in each community in Nunavut. CJOW help individuals in obtaining emergency protection orders, community intervention orders, assistance orders and/or compensation orders when necessary. The FAIA allows abused individuals to stay in the family dwelling and removes the alleged abuser in order to prevent further victimization.

Nunavut

There are four shelters in Nunavut: the St. Michael's Crisis Shelter in Cambridge Bay; the Qimavvik Shelter in Iqaluit; the Kataujuq Society Shelter in Rankin Inlet; and the Kugluktuk Women's Crisis Centre in Kugluktuk.

Nunavut

In 2012-2013, Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA), Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC), Métis Nation of Ontario and Independent First Nations continued work on program pilots directed towards the development of culturally-relevant victim services for Aboriginal women and children victimized by violence. With support provided through the Ending Violence against Aboriginal Women (EVAAW) Fund, each Aboriginal partner is undertaking an initiative suited to the unique interests, concerns and needs of the communities they represent. The initiatives range in focus. For example, one is directed toward women and girls who have experienced sexual violence while another is centred on children who have witnessed domestic violence. They all demonstrate the integration of Aboriginal values, beliefs and ways of knowing and doing into services for victims, and work to promote knowledge about the effectiveness and importance of culturally-relevant services. The OVS secured approval to extend the EVAAW Fund for a further two years, that is, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. The additional resources enable the Aboriginal partners to continue developing culturally-relevant services.

Ontario

The Ontario Women's Directorate currently supports a number of programs to respond to violence against Aboriginal women and build the capacity of Aboriginal women and organizations, including educational resources on family law topics specifically for Aboriginal women. The Ontario Women's Directorate, which is currently providing $1 million over four years to support an initiative developed by the Aboriginal partners to help improve community responses to sexual violence against Aboriginal women in four communities (Sudbury, Hamilton, Thunder Bay and Six Nations of the Grand River). OFIFC, ONWA, MNO and IFN are leading projects.

Ontario

In 2012-2013, nine Aboriginal-directed shelters in First Nations communities received funding through the EVAAW Fund for time-limited projects, such as minor repairs and maintenance and capacity-building initiatives.

Ontario

Funding to Aboriginal organizations for Talk 4 Healing, a helpline for Aboriginal women. The helpline was launched in 2012 and provides culturally-appropriate crisis support and referral services for Aboriginal women affected by violence in remote and isolated communities.

Ontario

Employment training for Aboriginal women who are experiencing or are at risk of domestic violence.

Ontario

The Ministry of Children and Youth Services has released a practice guide for Children's Aid Societies and First Nations on formal customary care in order to increase culturally-appropriate placements for First Nations children and youth. Formal customary care is a placement option for First Nation children to live in their communities according to the customs and traditions of their Bands. The guide is intended to familiarize child welfare practitioners with the concept and the practice of formal customary care as a culturally-appropriate placement option so that First Nations children and youth are protected and remain strongly connected to their cultures and communities. Training on customary care is being delivered across the province in 2013 and early 2014.

Ontario

The Ministry also funded the Association of Native Child and Family Services Agencies of Ontario to develop a request for services for the development of an Aboriginal cultural awareness training module for non-Aboriginal Children's Aid Societies and a culturally-appropriate home study tool for use by Children's Aid Societies when working with prospective Aboriginal caregivers.

Ontario

As the provincial police force, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) participate in various community initiatives to reduce violence against Aboriginal women, such as participating on committees led by First Nations communities that focus on awareness and programs to assist victims and offenders of domestic violence. The OPP supported the New Start Women's Centre Violence against Women Awareness campaign that was held from November 25 to December 10, 2013.

Ontario

There is one off-reserve shelter in Prince Edward Island, the Chief Mary Bernard Memorial Womens Shelter, Lennox Island. It is a shelter for women in distress, women without housing or for young mothers who need extra support. Shelter residents have access to employment services, parenting and life skills programs, and services of the Lennox Island Health Centre.

Prince Edward Island

In December, 2013, the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI (Child and Family Services) and the Department of Community Services and Seniors (Child Protection Services) signed a protocol that provides a truly collaborative approach to child protection services for Aboriginal children and families. It is designed to ensure that services are delivered in a manner that preserves and promotes the cultural identity Aboriginal children and families.

Prince Edward Island

Financially supporting and developing in Aboriginal communities the services of the Crime Victims Assistance Centres (CAVAC), including those offered to victims of domestic and family violence, increasing access of Aboriginal populations to CAVAC and promoting, in regions where there are Aboriginal communities, the presence of Aboriginal personnel.

Quebec

To better respond to the particular needs of Aboriginal women, Quebec grants annual funding to five shelters for Aboriginal women, located in Montreal, Quebec and Nunavik. Furthermore, because of their geographic location, several other shelters accept Aboriginal women who are victims of domestic violence and their children. These are found in Roberval, La Tuque, Val-d'Or, Amos, Maniwaki, Ville-Marie, Forestville, Baie-Comeau, Sept-Îles and Chibougamau.

Quebec

Financially supporting the Quebec Native Women organization in the exercise of the activities of the Coordinator for the promotion of non-violence and Aboriginal shelters and in the carrying out of the Coordinator's overall mission as well as in the activities of the organization's network of shelters. Financially supporting the Quebec Native Women organization in the exercise of the activities of the Coordinator of health and social services for sexual assault cases.

Quebec

The Government of Quebec supports the development of front-line services in the 29 Aboriginal communities involved in the transfer of knowledge and expertise to stakeholders, the delivery of training programs and access to the computer applications of the Réseau québécois pour la gestion des dossiers en services sociaux de 1re ligne et en protection de la jeunesse [translation: Quebec network for the management of front-line social services and youth protection records].

Quebec

The Programme-services Jeunes en difficulté groups services for youth, from early childhood to adulthood, with developmental or behavioural issues, or social adjustment problems (delinquency, violence, suicide, etc.). This program is also intended for youth who require appropriate assistance to ensure their security and development (abuse, neglect, etc.) or to prevent them from being in danger. This program also includes services for the families of the youth involved. This program is available to all Quebec residents. First Nations communities that wish may request the program services for youth in difficulty. The province can also collaborate to develop services adapted to specific needs identified by the communities.

Quebec

In 2001, the YPA was amended to include a provision allowing for agreements between Quebec and interested Aboriginal nations or communities for the establishment of a specific youth protection regime to adapt the terms of application of the Act to Aboriginal realities. Further, an agreement with the Atikamekw Nation Council is anticipated soon. Memoranda of understanding currently exist between youth centres and First Nation communities regarding the application of the YPA. The intent of these agreements is to ensure the communities' involvement at each stage of the enforcement process of the YPA. Thus, if the child is considered to be in danger following an assessment of the situation, the decision as to the directing of the child is made in close collaboration with community members. In addition, in some communities, stakeholders involved in the application of youth protection measures are employed by the community.

Quebec

Aboriginal Resource Officers (ARO), who work with six police-based victim services programs to provide crisis intervention in the immediate aftermath of a crime and information and support throughout the criminal justice process. In most cases, ARO speak one of the two main dialects in Saskatchewan, Cree or Dene.

Saskatchewan

Aboriginal Family Violence Initiatives, which are offered by Aboriginal organizations in five communities. They work closely with and receive referrals from any domestic violence courts in three of these communities. These domestic violence courts have a strong link to Aboriginal organizations and emphasize meeting the needs of Aboriginal victims. Kanaweymik and other Aboriginal Family Violence Programs offer holistic programming as needed to Aboriginal victims and their families who are affected by violence in the home.

Saskatchewan

Through the Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Program, Saskatchewan supports 42 community-based programs in 17 communities that provide services for any women (including Aboriginal women) and their children who are fleeing violence and abuse.

Saskatchewan

In 2013-2014, ten provincially-funded transition houses are located in eight communities across Saskatchewan. The transition house in the community of La Ronge is co-funded by the provincial and federal governments. The majority of the residents in 10 transition houses in Saskatchewan are Aboriginal. In 2011-2012, a total of 810 women and 1,047 children resided in these transition houses with an average stay of 19 days. Of this number, 79% of women are Aboriginal (Status: 68%, Non-Status: 4%, Métis: 7%) and 83% of children are Aboriginal (Status: 71%, Non-Status: 8%, Métis: 4%). Two of the transition house programs have a primary focus on services for Aboriginal women and children. There are also two non-residential programs offering outreach services primarily focused on the needs of Aboriginal women and children.

Saskatchewan

Three enhanced residential service programs receive provincial government funding. The services are delivered through the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Saskatoon and the YWCA of Prince Albert (in two facilities: Central Avenue and Our House).

Saskatchewan

Three Missing Persons Liaison positions have been created in the police-based victim services units of the three largest municipal police services in the province. These Missing Person Liaison positions provide direct support to families of missing persons. They are also developing services to provide individual and family counselling and/or specialized support groups for family members of missing persons.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan implemented the Structured Decision Making (SDM®) System for Child Protective Services in 2012. The Saskatchewan model was developed by Saskatchewan Social Services in consultation with the Children's Research Centre (CRC), a non-profit social research organization and a centre of the National Council on Crime and Delinquency. The CRC has been working to improve child safety, permanency, and well-being since its establishment in 1993. CRC works in partnership with child-serving agencies to improve direct practice and organizational operations through models that integrate evidence-based assessments, family-centered engagement strategies and implementation science. A Flexible Response Pilot began in October, 2013 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The Pilot model was developed together with First Nations and Métis community members and agencies. The model also includes the ongoing involvement of the First Nations and Métis community in decision-making and case planning in child protection matters. Their participation will ensure that services are culturally-competent and that the interests of First Nations and Métis children are represented. The Flexible Response Pilot model supports two approaches to investigating allegations of abuse and neglect. Currently, the model has two investigation pathways, one of which is for reports of child harm that are severe in nature and may require a joint investigation with police. This approach is focused primarily on ascertaining facts or substantiating an incident of abuse or neglect and would be highly structured. The second approach is for reports of child harm that are less severe in nature and focus on worker-family/caregiver relationships. With the second approach, engagement is a vehicle for assessing child safety, risk and family strengths and needs. This approach is less structured and is customized depending on the needs and strengths of the family.

• Intensive In-Home Support: operate in three centres (Yorkton, Regina and Saskatoon) providing an intensive response to family crisis to ensure the personal safety of children while allowing them to remain within the family home.
• Where extended family placements or culturally-appropriate placements are not readily available, family connections planners and case workers collaborate with the 17 First Nations Child and Family Service Agencies (which provide on-reserve child welfare services to First Nations individuals in Saskatchewan) across the province to explore extended family placements or culturally-appropriate placements options. Where extended family placements or individuals with a pre-existing connection to the child are not available, culturally-appropriate placements are sought. The Ministry currently actively works with the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association and other community-based organizations (for instance, Fox Valley Counselling Services) to recruit and retain Aboriginal foster families.
• Family Support: operate in many centres throughout the province providing direct support services to families by strengthening communication and problem solving skills, and enhancing family cohesion.
• Intensive Direct Service (this includes outreach services, programs for sexually exploited youth, safe shelters for sexually exploited youth, mentor programs, emergency placement programs, life skills programming, etc.): services operating throughout the province provide mentorship and support for at risk families, reduce the number of children/youth coming into care and support the preservation of families where appropriate.
• Services to Teen Parents: operate throughout the province providing support and services to pregnant young women, young and new parents and their children, i.e., Baby Steps/Michael's Place in Saskatoon.

Saskatchewan

Community-based outreach and support services for sexually exploited youth, and supportive peer-based social housing for at-risk youth in Regina and Saskatoon that are operated by Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre Inc. (EGADZ) and the Street Culture Project. EGADZ for the Operation Help Program: Operation Help assists youth (particularly young women) with leaving the sex trade. It uses an inter-agency approach to address legal, health, security, spiritual and housing needs, involving the Saskatoon Police Service, addiction services, and mental health services. Streetworkers Advocacy Project (SWAP) outreach program, based in Regina, and a drop-in centre for those working in street prostitution and for youth who are at risk for street involvement in Regina and surrounding First Nations Communities. SWAP also advocates for and assists in the development of appropriate services for the target population and provides educational presentations to youth, parents, other human service providers and the general public.

Saskatchewan

In 2009, Provincial Partnership Committee on Missing Persons (PPCMP) met with families of missing persons to report on progress made regarding the 20 areas of recommendations from the 2007 report. The purpose of the family meetings on October 14 and 16 of 2009 was to update families on what progress had been made on implementing the recommendations of the Final Report and to receive further input and direction. A total of 24 family members representing 14 families participated. In nearly all areas, PPCMP was able to report that action had been taken or was underway. PPCMP continues to hold meetings to ensure the 20 areas of recommendations are followed up on and also to identify other possible initiatives that may assist missing persons and their families.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan proclaimed the Missing Persons and Presumption of Death Act to assist families to administer assets of missing persons. To support families, a checklist and media kit were developed along with an inventory of agencies involved in missing person cases and posted to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice website. Further, to support understanding of issues related to runaways, research was completed and posted on the Ministry of Justice website. The Missing Person Protocol was developed by the Saskatchewan Police Commission. It sets out standards for all police services to ensure that all missing persons cases are responded to in a consistent manner and all avenues of investigation are completed. The protocol was implemented in spring 2013.

Saskatchewan

The Yukon has no reserves. Most First Nations in the Yukon are self-governing (11), although three are still being administered under the Indian Act. Yukon has three shelters: the Women's Transition Home Society (Kaushee's Place) in Whitehorse, which now has a 10-unit transitional, supportive housing facility called Betty's Haven; the Dawson Women's Shelter in Dawson City; and the Help & Hope for Families Society (with second stage housing) for women and families in Watson Lake.

Yukon

Yukon Government Victim Services Unit supports individuals in crisis. The Unit assists people in remaining safe and supports them through the court system. The Unit services all Yukon communities, including those that are predominantly First Nation, and advocates for its clients using a client-centered approach.

Yukon

The Yukon Child and Family Services Act, proclaimed in 2010, mandates a different approach to working with children, families and First Nations in planning and decision making with respect to the care, safety and well-being of children. Supports are provided to the parents and extended family to assist parents in caring safely for their children and, if out-of-home care is needed, that extended family is the first choice for this alternative care, without bringing the child into the formal care of the Director. Cooperative planning and Family Conferencing is mandated to ensure parents, extended family, and First Nations are involved in planning and decision making.

Yukon

The Yukon Sisters in Spirit project (YSIS), a collaborative project run by the Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council to address the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Yukon. The project was specifically developed to: 1) research the circumstances and events surrounding missing and murdered Aboriginal women from Yukon; 2) create resources for families and communities of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Yukon; and 3) communicate with families of the women, and involve them in raising awareness of violence against Aboriginal women. [...] A major component of the initiative has been to remember, honour, and continue to value these sisters who are no longer with us, such that their memory will be kept alive. Since the project started, the project has built relationships with community members, organizations, and First Nations. Collaborative working relationships with other community groups, especially with the government of the Yukon and the RCMP, have been the cornerstone of the Yukon Sisters in Spirit (YSIS) project. These groups frequently demonstrated their support publicly by attending events and commemorative marches and through joint media efforts to raise awareness of the project and clarify some of its findings.

Yukon

The Whitehorse Aboriginal Women's Circlereceived funding for the development of a Culturally-Relevant Gender-Balanced Analysis course to assist community-based organizations, First Nations, and government in developing policy and programming that is culturally-competent and gender-informed. This project sunsetted in November 2013.

Yukon

The First Nations Policing Program (FNPP) is a federal contribution program that supports the provision of professional, dedicated and responsive policing services in First Nation and Inuit communities through tripartite agreements between the Government of Canada, the province or territory and the First Nation or Inuit community. The federal and provincial/territorial governments provide parallel financial contributions for these agreements at a ratio of 52% federal and 48% provincial/territorial. In 2013-2014, the FNPP funded 170 policing agreements, which represented approximately 1,250 professionally-trained and dedicated police officers working in approximately 400 First Nation and Inuit communities, serving a total population of over 338,000. On March 4, 2013, the Government announced that it would maintain funding for policing agreements with First Nation and Inuit communities under the FNPP until March 2018. Later that month, Budget 2013 followed through on that announcement by committing new funding totaling $90.2M over five years for the FNPP. Since its creation in 1991, the FNPP has assisted in strengthening public safety in First Nation and Inuit communities, while facilitating positive relationships between communities and the police. For instance, for FNPP agreements where the RCMP is the police service provider, which are commonly referred to as Community Tripartite Agreements, communities have the opportunity to develop and support the policing needs of their community through the creation of a Community Consultative Group (CCG). A CCG is made up of community members who identify and advocate for the community's policing priorities. Among other duties, it promotes dialogue and good communication between the police service and members of the community. Community-level RCMP policing priorities are therefore collectively established via community consultations. The RCMP meets with CCGs to identify mutual priorities/initiatives, and develop specific programs that meet the unique needs of the First Nation, and Inuit communities that they serve.

Canada and other jurisdictions

In 2002, the RCMP initiated the High Risk Missing Person Project (HRMPP) that gained the cooperation of all police jurisdictions in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. In each case, the HRMPP led to other initiatives, as described below.

Canada, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories

In Alberta, the efforts and outcomes of the HRMPP led to Project KARE, created in 2003 by the RCMP and the Edmonton Police Service to look at the deaths of several high-risk missing persons whose remains were found in the rural area surrounding the City of Edmonton. Project KARE has evolved since its inception to include all of Alberta's municipal police services and community agencies. It is now a permanent unit within the RCMP "K" Division's (Alberta) Serious Crimes Branch.

In addition, KARE has been the launching point for three other units that are also part of the Serious Crimes Branch - the Alberta Missing Persons and Unidentified Human Remains (AMPUHR) Project which is now known as the "K" Division Missing Person and Unidentified Remains Unit (MPU), the KARE ProActive Unit (KPU) and the Historical Homicide Unit (HHU) (cold case squad).

KPU, a proactive initiative involving a number of highly trained investigators who immerse themselves into the world of sex trade workers, has existed since 2003, and was initially established to canvass, identify and register Sex Trade Workers and others engaged in vulnerable lifestyles on the streets of Edmonton. The program consists of 3 main components: collection of personal information/biological samples, harm reduction and criminal intelligence. It collects information from the sex trade workers on a voluntary basis in the event of a missing person. KPU has expanded the High Risk Persons (HRP) registry to all RCMP jurisdictions within Alberta. The biological samples and personal information are collected from vulnerable members of society who are at high risk of going missing or being murdered. This information is available to investigators if the person goes missing or is found deceased. To date, over 2,000 persons have registered with the HRP registry. It is not used for enforcement purposes. The role of KPU is to establish communication with sex trade workers operating on the streets. KPU maintains contact with various social agencies and health care professionals who have an interest in assisting those who find themselves in the sex trade or who are vulnerable to sexual exploitation. This personal engagement with vulnerable people has also expanded to regular meetings within correctional facilities and youth group care facilities. KARE recently expanded its mandate to include education of investigators and the public on how people are being lured into the sex trade and being trafficked in Alberta and KARE also provides assistance in these investigations. KARE has also developed a Victim Services component with one person dedicated to working with the families of those who go missing or are murdered during the investigation.

Alberta and Canada

In February 2008, Alberta's policing services launched a publicly accessible missing person website, called the "Alberta Missing Persons and Unidentified Human Remains" website. A further partnership was established with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Alberta. This will enable, where appropriate, cases involving unidentified human remains to be added to the website.

Alberta and Canada

Project Even-Handed, a Joint Forces Operation between the RCMP and the Vancouver Police Department, was created in 2001, and continues its work. When it was first created, it was an unprecedented large-scale project initially established to advance investigations of 68 missing and murdered women from the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver and surrounding areas.

British Columbia and Canada

Project E-PANA began in the fall of 2005. It was created as a result of RCMP British Columbia Division's Criminal Operations ordering the review of a series of unsolved murders linked to Highway 16. The purpose of the review was to establish if a serial killer was responsible for a number of the homicides/missing persons and to identify if there were future viable investigational avenues. Approximately $5 million per year is spent and $20 million has been spent since 2005.

British Columbia and Canada

The RCMP has numerous First Nations Policing (FNP) positions posted within detachments along Highway 16. These include Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Burns Lake, Smithers, New Hazelton, Terrace, Kitimat, Nass Valley and Prince Rupert and total 24 Members. The First Nations Policing Program is intended to provide First Nations communities with community policing services that are culturally-sensitive and strategically responsive to particular needs of the First Nations communities. It enhances the level of policing services normally provided under the Provincial Police Service Agreement. Under the Framework Agreement, these officers devote 100% of their general duty policing time to the specific needs of First Nations Communities, with most of their time spent within the First Nations jurisdiction. Consequently, these officers assist the First Nations in developing strategic approaches to problems or issues concerning their community. The FNP members continue to work within the perimeters of the CTA and along with the FN communities and are active in the communities establishing a yearly Letter of Expectation (LOE) to capture the concerns of the community.

British Columbia and Canada

In 2006, the RCMP in British Columbia implemented an Integrated Roadside Safety Unit. This allowed members to provide enhanced patrol capabilities along the Highway 16 corridor from Prince Rupert to Prince George and beyond. Two members were stationed in Prince Rupert, one in Terrace and five in Prince George. This allowed for a more dedicated presence all along Highway 16 in concert with the existing Provincial Traffic positions and the General Duty Detachment component along the highway.

British Columbia and Canada

Some RCMP detachments rely on prevention to address street level prostitution. For example, Nanaimo RCMP promotes the use of a multi-disciplinary long-term approach by working in partnership with a community cohort. This approach is aimed at preventing violence against sex workers by increasing the reporting of violent offenses and improving the trust of sex workers toward police. Through training sessions, British Columbia's Provincial Prostitution Unit encourages police officers to consult with stakeholders in their communities to develop proactive strategies aimed at preventing further harm to women.

British Columbia and Canada

The Manitoba Integrated Task Force for Missing and Murdered Women was established in August 2009 by the Province of Manitoba, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) "D" Division and the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) to review 84 cases of murdered and missing women and 112 investigations involving male victims. Based on the review of the MITFMW, in 2011, the RCMP, Winnipeg Police Service and Manitoba Justice established Project Devote to investigate 20 unsolved historical homicides, and eight missing person cases where foul play is suspected, involving exploited persons (an additional case was subsequently added to bring the total to 29). Five criteria are considered before a case becomes a part of Project Devote: substance abuse, transient lifestyle, hitchhiking, mental health issues, and involvement in the sex trade. In January 2013, the Project Devote investigative mandate was increased when one more missing person investigation was added. A September 2015 conviction in a murder investigation returned the number of investigations to 28. The three participating agencies also deliver concurrent prevention, intervention and investigative programs to address exploited, missing and/or murdered persons as part of their respective mandates. The RCMP arm of this is the Exploited Persons Proactive Strategy (EPPS), a unit housed with Project Devote.

Manitoba and Canada

The Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police publicly accessible website, Project Disappear, profiles missing person files of all Police Services in Manitoba, and is administers the Historical Case Unit (HCU) of the RCMP. HCU has also undertaken Project Discover which is a coordinated effort to compile, organize and modernize historical missing persons and unsolved homicide investigation files. This is ongoing and being handled by two retired members (public service term employees) under the direction of the NCO of the HCU.

Manitoba and Canada

In the Northwest Territories, the HRMPP led to the Major Crime Unit currently having a full-time civilian member working on converting all of the old paper files into digital and uploading them to the EMR III program.

Northwest Territories and Canada

A lot of work in relation to missing persons investigations was started in the early 2000's and continues today across Saskatchewan. Major Crimes Units and Historical Case Units were created as well as a Missing Person Coordinator. On November 27, 2006 - Saskatchewan Minister of Justice announced a task force to review missing persons called the Provincial Partnership Committee on Missing Persons (PPCMP). The PPCMP is chaired and managed by Department of Justice, with 17 representatives from a variety of organizations. The PPCMP established a vision of hope to "Work towards a future that ensures that when people go missing, there is a full response that mobilizes all necessary participants and that recognizes the equal value of every life." In his Forsaken Report, the Honourable Wally T. Oppal recognized the Saskatchewan Provincial Partnership Committee on Missing Persons as a model and best practice; when referring to fostering innovation and institutional support required to update policies and procedures relating to missing persons on an ongoing basis.

In 2005-2006, the province of Saskatchewan provided additional funding for cold case investigations, including four new RCMP positions, resulting in eight positions dedicated to cold cases, as well as two municipal police positions. According to police members of the Provincial Partnership Committee on Missing Persons (PPCMP), these resources have been instrumental in solving some of the cases involving Aboriginal women in Saskatchewan, as well as establishing key connections with the families and communities of these missing women. Significant additional resources have been devoted to recent investigations, including calling upon the cold case network across western Canada, which meets regularly, for consultation and support. Saskatchewan formalized in 2011, the Saskatchewan Association of Cold Case Investigators (SACCI) with representatives from Regina Police Services, Saskatoon Police Services, Prince Albert Police Services and RCMP. The SACCI sub committees work to improve investigation of cold cases and are currently working on a High Risk DNA Registry proposal for Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police (SACP) also developed a missing person website: Missing Persons Found Unidentified Human Remains website www.sacp.ca that was launched in 2006. The website is maintained by Saskatoon RCMP MCM and was the first comprehensive Provincial Missing Person website in Canada.

Saskatchewan and Canada

The Vancouver Police Department has a zero charges policy against sex trade workers for "communicating" (street prostitution). For several years, no charges have been pursued against sex trade workers for "communicating". The only street prostitution-related charges are against Johns (customers), because the "communicating for the purpose of prostitution" offence is the same for a John or a sex trade worker.

British Columbia

The Major Case Management system [MCM] facilitates the coordination of all law enforcement agencies involved in multi-jurisdictional cases. It ensures the sharing of information between investigations in a manner that is based on co-operation among individual police services. The MCM methodology combines unified leadership across police jurisdictions with standardized case management procedures and, inter-disciplinary support from forensic scientists and other agencies. The MCM software provides investigators with the necessary tools to organize, manage, retrieve and analyze the potentially large volumes of investigative data collected during major case investigations. Electronic Major Case Management (eMCM) refers to the electronic capture, storage, organization, management and disclosure of information collected as part of a major criminal investigation. In addition, it also provides the capabilities for the investigation team to manage and track tasks within the investigation. Major Case Management is the foundation for planning, correlating information, setting priorities, allocating resources, meeting objectives, and overall team alignment of serious criminal investigations.

• It is a methodology for managing major investigations which provides accountability, clear goals and objectives, planning, utilization of resources and control over the speed, flow and direction of the investigation.
• It is a model or "Framework" through which the police can best organize themselves for a competent and consistent effort in every investigation in which it is employed. It is insurance of an end result which is satisfactory to both the police and the public they serve.

Major Case Management (MCM) refers to the methodology and acceptable practices and standards concerning how large and complex investigations are conducted whilst Electronic Major Case Management (eMCM) refers to the electronic storage, organization, management and disclosure of information collected as part of a major criminal investigation.

Canada

While CPIC has been in existence since 1972, its database has been significantly upgraded. Most recently, improvements have been made to the system, through discussions with the Committee of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police on a Canadian Strategy on Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains, allowing for more information to be captured for missing person entries. In collaboration with CSMPUR, CPIC has made numerous enhancements to the "Missing" and "Body" categories. There are two CPIC releases a year when changes are implemented into CPIC. Enhancements such as hair description, biological and cultural affinity, an increase in the clothing fields and if the missing person is First Nation, Métis or Inuit. CPIC maintains a relationship with NCMPUR and will continue to assess and implement enhancements to the CPIC system that will assist in investigations of missing persons and unidentified remains.

Canada

ViCLAS is a Canada-wide computer system that assists specially trained investigators to identify serial crimes and criminals by focusing on the linkages that exist among crimes committed by the same offender. The mandate of the ViCLAS Section is to develop, implement and maintain the system for the RCMP and the Canadian police community. ViCLAS is an automated case linkage system designed to capture, collate and compare certain crimes of interpersonal violence in order to identify those of a serial nature. ViCLAS has been operational since January of 1994 and currently has approximately 520,000 files on the national database. The ViCLAS Section has program management and national policy centre responsibilities for the ViCLAS program.

Since its establishment in 1994, the ViCLAS program has experienced phenomenal growth as a national/international program. At this time, there are approximately 120 full-time employees dedicated to ViCLAS duties at nine sites across Canada; seven are operated and maintained by the RCMP, while the remaining two are operated and maintained by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Sûreté du Québec. ViCLAS has also been adopted by, and implemented, in nine foreign countries and one state within the United States of America. The use of the ViCLAS program has been legislated in two provinces and it has been adopted as the international standard for automated case linkage systems around the world.

The ViCLAS National Policy Centre (NPC) and the Application Development Branch (ADB) of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) Sector are currently in the process of introducing a web-based version of ViCLAS expected "go live" in April 2016.

In cooperation with the Canadian Police College (NPC) the ViCLAS NPC continues annual ViCLAS Specialist training at the CPC in Ottawa for national and international ViCLAS analysts.

Canada

The RCMP formed its Behavioural Sciences Group (BSG) in 2003 to provide operational support to investigators of crimes which are of a serial, predatory or violent interpersonal nature. Specialists within the BSG apply a variety of analytical techniques and case linkage methodologies to interpret and understand criminal behaviour. Additional specialized units have been formed since that time to assist in the investigation of violent offenders and sexual predators, including: the Integrated Child Exploitation Unit (ICE), the Integrated Sexual Predator Observation Team (ISPOT), the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR), the Threat Assessment Specialists Unit, the Provincial Coordinator and the Operational Psychologist Unit. Through the BSG, these units are designed to work collaboratively to investigate cases involving sexual violence.

Canada

A recent enhancement to the RCMP's National Missing Persons policy directs a missing person complaint will be accepted and acted upon by any detachment, regardless of jurisdiction. This includes any information, tips or leads regarding any missing person's investigation.

Canada

The National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains (NCMPUR) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) provides support to law enforcement, medical examiners, and chief coroners through specialized investigative services. As part of its operations, the NCMPUR manages the National Missing Children/Persons and Unidentified Remains (MC/PUR) Database, the provision of investigative advice and case analysis to law enforcement partners and the provision of specialized services to investigators of primary jurisdiction.

The NCMPUR has also created on-line training for missing persons investigators. Five courses are available to all law enforcement agencies:

• Child Abduction: Amber Alert;
• Child Abduction: Applicable Legislation and Charging Guidelines;
• Level 1 Investigator - Missing Adult;
• Level 1 Investigator - Missing Children; and
• Level 1 Investigator - Unidentified Remains.

The Canada's Missing website, managed by the NCMPUR, is a public website that contains profiles that represent a sample of missing persons and unidentified remains in Canada. This website provides law enforcement, medical examiners and chief coroners the opportunity to publish profiles of missing children, missing persons and unidentified remains in order to solicit tips from the public. Any missing person or unidentified remains profile which has been entered into Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) can be published on the Canada's Missing website upon request of the primary investigator. Investigators are strongly encouraged to submit their cases to the NCMPUR for inclusion on the website. For the last three years, the RCMP has been the lead on organizing an online campaign for missing Aboriginal women by using the RCMP's national Facebook and Twitter accounts. The public is then directed to the Canadasmissing website to obtain more information regarding the investigation.

Canada

On April 19, 2012, the Manitoba government introduced new legislation, The Missing Persons Act that would give police timely access to the kind of information needed to solve cases involving missing people. Previously, police could only access telephone, bank and personal-health records to help locate a missing person if they had reason to believe that a crime had occurred and the information would provide evidence of the offence. The Missing Persons Act would provide police the authority to quickly access personal information in missing person cases even where they do not suspect a crime has been committed.

Manitoba

On October 4, 2012, Manitoba Justice and partnering law enforcement agencies announced that Facebook would be added as a method of public broadcast in Amber Alert situations for faster notification of missing children.

Manitoba

The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) has guidelines in place under the Policing Standards Manual that address issues related to domestic violence occurrences and sexual assault investigations. The guidelines contained in the Policing Standards Manual are one of the primary investigative tools to assist police services boards, chiefs of police, police associations and municipalities in Ontario with their understanding and implementation of the requirements under the Police Services Act. They also include the MCSCS's position in relation to policy matters and advice respecting the management and operation of police services. MCSCS has developed and released tools that are intended to assist police officers in managing domestic violence investigations, identifying risk factors for recidivism that may exist in domestic violence cases and identifying best practices for responding to domestic violence incidents (e.g., the Domestic Violence Risk Management Report and the Model Police Response to Domestic Violence).

Ontario

The Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police implemented a public website that provides a summary of each case of a missing person, including a description of the person and the nature of the disappearance. The website presents statistical information related to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal persons. The website can be viewed at: www.sacp.ca/missing/index.php.

Saskatchewan

The Missing Person Protocol was developed by the Saskatchewan Police Commission. It sets out standards for all police services to ensure that all missing persons cases are responded to in a consistent manner and all avenues of investigation are completed. The protocol was implemented in 2013.

Saskatchewan

The Government of Canada contributes directly to criminal legal aid (and civil legal aid in the territories in recognition of the federal government's unique constitutional responsibilities in the North) through the Department of Justice Canada and to civil legal aid in the provinces through the Canada Social Transfer. The core objective of Canada's contributions to the provinces and territories is to promote fair legal proceedings and to ensure access to justice for economically disadvantaged persons regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. Criminal legal aid services are available to all individuals who are ordinarily resident in Canada.

All jurisdictions

In partnership with participating provinces and territories(Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick currently do not operate programs), the Government of Canada contributes funding toward the Aboriginal Courtwork Program that assists Aboriginal people involved in the justice system to obtain fair, just, equitable and culturally-sensitive treatment. Aboriginal Courtworkers provide direct services throughout the court process to Aboriginal women and men (adults and youth) in contact with the criminal justice system In partnership with participating provinces and territories, Aboriginal Courtworkers provide direct services throughout the court process to Aboriginal women and men (adults and youth) in contact with the criminal justice system. Approximately 173 Courtworkers provide services to over 435 communities across Canada. Courtworkers also help their clients to access legal and community resources, including legal aid. Over 52,000 Aboriginal people receive services from an Aboriginal Courtworker each year and approximately 33% of those served are Aboriginal women. Aboriginal Courtwork Services were created to respond to requests by Aboriginal communities for local community-based interventions to bridge the gap between the justice system and the community, for the benefit of the justice system, the accused and the community. In addition to their core work of supporting Aboriginal people who are charged with a criminal offence to better understand their rights and responsibilities so that they are ready for court processes, Aboriginal courtworkers conduct public legal education workshops in the communities they serve.

The current programs are -

• British Columbia: Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia
• Alberta: Native Couselling Services of Alberta Aboriginal Criminal Court Worker Program
• Rocky Mountain House - Yellowhead Tribal Council Courtworker Services
• Siksika First Nation Courtworker Services
• Blood Tribe First Nation Courtworker Services
• Stony Plain- Yellowhead Tribal Council Courtworker Services
• Tsuu Tina First Nation Tsuu Tina First Nation Court Worker Services
• Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Aboriginal Courtworker Program
• Manitoba: Aboriginal Court Worker Program of Manitoba
• Ontario: Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres
• Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto
• Québec: Native Para-Judicial Services of Quebec
• Nova Scotia: Mi'kmaw Legal Support Network
• Nova Scotia Government
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Conne River - Miawpukek First Nation Aboriginal Courtwork Program (pilot)
• Yukon: Yukon Department of Justice - Community Justice
• Dawson City - Trondëk Hwëchin Aboriginal Courtwork Program
• Old Crow - Vuntut Gwitchin Aboriginal Courtworker Program
• Pelly Crossing - Northern Tutchone Tribal Council Aboriginal Courtwork Program
• Ross River - Ross River Dena Council Aboriginal Courtworker Program
• Watson Lake - Liard First Nation Aboriginal Courtwork Program
• Whitehorse - Council of Yukon First Nations Aboriginal Courtwork Program
• Northwest Territories: Legal Aid Commission of the Northwest Territories
• Nunavut: Nunavut Legal Services Board.

Most jurisdictions

The Aboriginal Criminal Court Work Program provides services at pre and post court appearances. Aboriginal staff support local restorative justice and community justice initiatives, accessible to any Aboriginal person at no cost to client.

Alberta and Canada

The Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia (NCCABC), a 40-year-old organization that is located in 28 communities and 70% of the province's courthouses, assists Aboriginal people in navigating the unique challenges faced in the justice system. NCCABC's service is accomplished through access to counselling and referral services to clients with substance abuse and detox support issues; advocacy services for Aboriginal family and youth; facilitating and enhancing access to justice by assisting clients involved in the criminal justice system; provides services to Vancouver community court; providing community outreach; networking and partnerships; advocacy services; and providing training and workshops. The provincial Ministry of Justice, Corrections Branch, and the federal Department of Justice cost-share approximately 2.3 million dollars to support NCCABC to ensure continued involvement throughout provincial courts.

British Columbia and Canada

Aboriginal women have access to legal aid in Manitoba if they qualify under income requirements. An applicant must earn an annual gross income that is less than the income qualification amounts. The gross income qualification amounts vary based on family size. It bears noting that the income requirements are guidelines and Legal Aid assesses each applicant individually to determine whether they qualify for legal aid. If individuals do not meet the income qualifications, they may still qualify for legal aid if they pay back some of their fees and disbursements, plus the 25% program fee.

Manitoba and Canada

In Newfoundland and Labrador, Aboriginal women have the same access to legal aid as any other man or woman in the province. Legal Aid has Community Services Worker programs located in Nain, Hopedale, Natuashish and Sheshatshiu, which provide outreach services. These workers provide information on Legal Aid and assist with the application process and other client support in preparation for the court process.

Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada

Several communities have local court workers, most of whom are Aboriginal women, who assist individuals and families in obtaining fair, just, equitable, and culturally-sensitive treatment. These court workers act as a liaison between justice officials and Aboriginal people and communities.

Northwest Territories and Canada

In Nova Scotia, Aboriginal women have the same access as all others to legal aid provided that they are financially eligible to receive such legal aid, that legal aid provides representation in the area of law in which they are seeking representation and that there is legal merit to their case. Individuals are financially eligible to receive civil (i.e., family) legal aid or criminal legal aid if they qualify for income assistance benefits or are in an equivalent financial position.

Nova Scotia and Canada

The Aboriginal Court Worker Program is cost-shared between the province of Nova Scotia and Canada. The program is administered by the Province of Nova Scotia, and delivered through the Mi'kmaq Legal Support Network MLSN). This program provides an Aboriginal Court Worker to all Aboriginal persons in NS who have been charged with a criminal offence or involved in proceedings under the YCJA. The purpose of the program is to provide support and counselling services, other than legal, to help Aboriginal persons understand and navigate the court process.

Nova Scotia and Canada

In 1988, Ontario established Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) as an independent but publicly-funded and accountable non-profit corporation to administer legal aid services to low-income individuals in Ontario. LAO is committed to providing services which recognize the importance of diversity, access, equity, creativity and quality. LAO provides legal aid services in matters involving domestic violence, family law, child custody, refugee and immigration hearings and poverty law. LAO also provides assistance in criminal cases where the accused faces a substantial likelihood of incarceration if convicted.

Ontario and Canada

Quebec provides a legal aid system that is accessible to low-income individuals, including Aboriginal women. In October 2013, Quebec announced a first historic increase in the eligibility threshold for legal aid, which would give free access to legal aid to full-time minimum-wage workers. As of January 1, 2014, the increase provided free access to seniors living alone who rely primarily on the Guaranteed Income Supplement. As for December 29, 2016, Quebec announced another increase of 17.75 % in the eligibility threshold for free legal aid, starting January 1, 2016. The second increase in two years will also extend access to legal aid for those living at the minimum wage.

Quebec and Canada

Access to legal aid services, i.e., full legal representation by state-accredited legal counsel, is available for:

• certain criminal charges, upon conviction of which, in respect of their seriousness and quantity and the applicant's prior criminal record, there is a risk of incarceration;
• family law matters for which claims for recourse are made by or against the applicant, with the exception of claims for the distribution of family assets on separation and enforcement of delinquent support orders already made;
• depending upon various factors, including:
  • the applicant's financial eligibility determined by income levels based on the household's cumulative earnings for its constituent size, plus quantification of liquid assets; and
  • whether there is merit in the defence of the charges or the pursuit of or resistance to the family claims.

Saskatchewan and Canada

Victims can register with the Victim Safety Unit, which will notify them about when there are changes to the custody status of the offender or give them information about a court proceeding. This is particularly important to women who may be at risk of further violence if an offender is released.

British Columbia

The Legal Services Society (LSS) is an operationally independent agency that delivers legal aid in British Columbia. Legal aid involves a continuum of lawyer and non-lawyer services, ranging from full representation to self-help information and education. Legal representation services are available in the following circumstances to everyone who qualifies financially:

• criminal matters where there is a likelihood of imprisonment or loss of livelihood upon conviction;
• child protection matters;
• serious family matters where the security of the applicant or the applicant's children is at risk or where there has been a persistent denial of parenting time;
• some prison law matters; and
• mental health review panel and Review Board hearings.

The LSS also provides:

• a pilot Gladue report-writing projectaimed at ensuring that judges have an understanding of the personal histories of Aboriginal offenders and of the unique systemic or background factors that may have played a part in bringing them before the court and encouraging judges to sentence Aboriginal offenders in a way that helps them and their communities heal (2011). A final evaluation report has been completed on the Gladue Report Disbursement initiative. This project has been extended.
• information about First Nations Courts in British Columbia and how to have a case transferred to that court. First Nations Courts are located at New Westminster, Kamloops, Duncan and North Vancouver.

British Columbia

Duty counsel and telephone advice services for criminal matters are available to everyone and there are no financial eligibility criteria. Duty counsel, family advice lawyers and family telephone advice services are available to those who qualify financially. Advice services are available for issues such as child protection, parenting time, guardianship, child support and limited property division. Representation services are available to all complainants and witnesses in sexual offence cases where the defence has made an application for disclosure of records relating to the victim or witness. Representation is provided to all applicants regardless of their financial status, and for that reason, the application process is streamlined and automatically approved.

British Columbia

Aboriginal community legal workers provide information and limited legal advice about family and child protection law, Indian residential schools, housing, and wills and estates. They work in two communities in British Columbia.

British Columbia

In September 1996, an amendment to the Criminal Code of Canada came into force which created a new sentencing disposition, the conditional sentence of imprisonment, available to courts in the case of low-risk offenders sentenced to less than two years. Once a sentence to imprisonment has been made, the court may order that the offender serve this sentence in the community under supervision, provided that certain conditions are met.

Canada

The Government of Canada supported two Private Member's Bills which strengthened the criminal justice system's approach to trafficking in persons: Bill C-268, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (minimum sentence for offences involving trafficking of persons under the age of eighteen years), enacted in June 2010; and Bill C-310, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in persons), enacted in June 2012. Bill C-268 imposed mandatory minimum penalties for child trafficking. Bill C-310 amended the Criminal Code of Canada to extend extra-territorial jurisdiction in respect of all Criminal Code trafficking offences. It also included an interpretive provision setting out factors that a court may take into consideration when determining whether a person has exploited another for the purposes of the trafficking offences in the Criminal Code. These factors include the use of force, deception, and abuse of a position of trust, power or authority.

Canada

Alternatives to incarceration based upon traditional First Nations and Métis justice practices fall under the general rubric of Restorative Justice. These include: victim and offender mediation; circle sentencing; family group conferencing; and community sentencing panels. Other alternatives to incarceration for low-risk offenders include: 1) restitution to victims; 2) community service orders; and 3) mediation services.

Manitoba

Establishing timelines for domestic violence cases, through the provincial court's front-end project, encourages early discussions between the Crown and victims and promotes effective resolution discussions with defence counsel to reduce case backlogs and unnecessary remands. Other improvements include: assigning family violence cases to a specific Crown attorney earlier in the process; and creating an early resolution court docket to provide a timely opportunity for the Crown to assess a case, meet face-to-face with victims and decide whether to accept a guilty plea, stay the charge or proceed to trial.

Manitoba

For certain criminal matters, advice may be provided by Duty Counsel at the court house. Duty Counsel can explain the court process and provide informal advice about making a plea, asking for an adjournment and appearing at a bail hearing or at sentencing. The Duty Counsel lawyer may appear with the accused to enter a plea, but will not represent the accused or appear at trial. Anyone can access Duty Counsel for certain criminal matters right at the courthouse. There are no financial eligibility criteria for duty counsel services. Legal Aid Duty Counsel participates in case conferences with multiple appearances connected to the Mental Health Court in Saint John. Duty Counsel also represents individuals who have been found unfit for trial and who appear periodically before Mental Health Review Boards.

New Brunswick

In 2007, New Brunswick officially opened its first Domestic Violence Court. The court is an integrated and holistic approach with all specialized service providers working in collaboration, e.g., risk/need assessment, treatment for perpetrators, victim services treatment for children and victims, and probation services.

New Brunswick

The Domestic Violence Treatment Options (DVTO) Court is an option for low-risk offenders who are willing to take responsibility for their actions by pleading guilty and participating in treatment. Offenders are carefully screened and are required to attend appropriate treatment. Successful completion of treatment is a mitigating factor in sentencing. This specialized court became operational in March 2011.

Northwest Territories

Department of Justice Court Services Division funds the Mi'kmaq Legal Support Network (MLSN) to prepare court requested Gladue reports. These reports, prepared by specially trained writers, provide the court with sensitive information which is pertinent to the aboriginal clients' background and might not otherwise be considered.

Nova Scotia

In 2007, Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) began the development of an Aboriginal Justice Strategy (AJS), with a mandate to develop a 3-to-5 year plan to achieve measurable improvements in LAO's services to Aboriginal people. LAO recognized that in order to actively improve its legal services and promote access to justice, a plan that speaks to the needs and concerns of Aboriginal people had to be implemented. The AJS was developed after consultation with over 250 individuals including First Nation, Métis and Inuit people, Aboriginal service agencies, Aboriginal political organizations, LAO and clinic staff, private bar lawyers, and federal and provincial government staff. In 2008, LAO publicly released the Aboriginal Justice Strategy Development paper. The main issues identified during the consultations were:

• removing barriers to accessing justice;
• addressing the lack of Aboriginal representation within LAO and LAO's Advisory systems;
• addressing the need for increased Aboriginal legal representation that is appropriately informed of the unique needs of Aboriginal clients; and
• improving services on legal issues specific to the Aboriginal community and addressing the role of LAO in participating in or supporting those processes specific to or driven by Aboriginal people.

One of LAO's important initiatives to date was the creation of a process to properly identify its Aboriginal clients. The ability to self-identify as First Nation, Métis or Inuit captures the various Aboriginal people in Ontario and allows LAO to provide tailored and culturally-appropriate legal services. Additionally, LAO has up-to-date and reliable certificate statistics on the Aboriginal population it is serving. Since May 3, 2009, LAO has asked Aboriginal clients to self-identify and now knows that about 12% of all certificate clients are Aboriginal.

Targeted approaches are critical to appropriately addressing the legal needs of Aboriginal individuals and communities. Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto and Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation are examples of LAO-funded Aboriginal legal services that provide directed legal services, including poverty law and restorative justice programs in Ontario. To facilitate access to justice for Aboriginal clients, LAO ensures that the private bar and duty counsel representing Aboriginal clients are competent and confident in making appropriate submissions on behalf of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system. LAO requires that criminal panel members that represent Aboriginal clients complete mandatory panel standards training such as being familiar with certain case law, legislation, and research memoranda and training materials produced by LAO. Additionally, LAO provides translation and interpretation services for all clients, including translation services in several First Nation languages.

Ontario

The Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Service Corporation expanded its Victim Witness Liaison Program to provide culturally-relevant, court-based services to victims in 34 First Nations communities in the Northwest.

Ontario

In 2012-2013, under the Safer and Vital Communities grant, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services provided funding to Elizabeth Fry Toronto for their Aboriginal Women's Court Intervention Pilot project. The project was intended to address the disproportionate number of Aboriginal women in the justice system in Toronto. Elizabeth Fry is a social service agency with a specific mandate to provide programs and services for and about women in conflict with the law.

Ontario

Since April 2015, Justice Quebec has funded court-requested Gladue reports. These reports are prepared by trained writers to provide perspective on the historical, systemic and individual factors that may have contributed to the accused's appearance before the court and to propose, where applicable, other available options adapted to the accused's needs.

Quebec

In 2012, Saskatchewan launched an Aboriginal Family Courtwork program to assist Aboriginal parents to navigate the family court system in child protection cases. Aboriginal family courtworkers provide information, counselling, liaison and referral services at family courts in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert.

Saskatchewan

The Province of Nova Scotia supports the Mi'kmaq Legal Support Network (MLSN) in its partnership with Canada in the provision of the Building a Bridge project designed to assist communities and incarcerated Aboriginal individuals in supportive reintegration. Consultative and meaningful involvement in release planning prepares both communities and offenders for reintegration and reduces recidivism in Aboriginal communities across NS.

Nova Scotia and Canada

In 1997, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) approved a National Strategy on Aboriginal Corrections with a focus on strengthening Aboriginal correctional programming, enhancing the role of Aboriginal communities in corrections and improving partnerships and relationships with Aboriginal leaders and agencies. By 2001, the CSC had established eight healing lodges (four of which are managed in close partnerships with Aboriginal communities) to facilitate an integrated path of healing from the institution into the community. Two of these healing lodges (Okimaw Ohci and Buffalo Sage) are dedicated to Aboriginal women offenders. For over 20 years, the CSC has engaged the spiritual services of Aboriginal Elders to provide spiritual guidance to Aboriginal offenders and assist Aboriginal offenders to re-establish relationships with their community.

Canada

With the financial support of the Treasury Board of Canada in the early- to mid-2000s, the CSC initiated and/or strengthened the Pathways Initiative, Aboriginal Liaison Officers, and Aboriginal Community Development Officers programs and enhanced the CSC policy framework, particularly the Commissioner's Directive 702 to better provide guidance on the implementation of Aboriginal initiatives for Aboriginal offenders. Further, the CSC continues to implement the Aboriginal Women Offender Correctional Programs which were developed internally to foster a balance between correctional and healing interventions. The CSC continues to strengthen the use of section 84 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) in developing and planning the release of Aboriginal offenders in collaboration with Aboriginal communities.

Canada

In 2006, the CSC implemented the Strategic Plan for Aboriginal Corrections (SPAC), articulating an integrated vision and key objectives to build on more than two decades of learning and innovation in Aboriginal corrections. With the Aboriginal Continuum of Care at its core, the SPAC outlines strategies for implementing critical services and initiatives for Aboriginal offenders, enhancing collaboration with the Aboriginal community and partners and addressing any systemic barriers to the effective management of Aboriginal offenders from admission to their warrant expiry. The SPAC continues to be the CSC's integrated framework for managing Aboriginal offenders, including Aboriginal women offenders.

Canada

In addition to co-funding the core work of the Aboriginal Justice Strategy in providing alternatives to mainstream justice processes in appropriate circumstances, Justice Canada funds other community development work by Aboriginal communities, including:

• Kwanlin Dün First Nation Social Justice Program - supports the community in healing after it has been harmed; emphasis on reintegration;
• Prince Albert Urban Alternative Measures Program - provides support and follow-up to improve client success in living a healthy/violence-free lifestyle.
• Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) Community Justice Program - provides supports for victims of domestic violence during and after reintegration of offenders, providing support and self-care planning through an Aboriginal women's wellness group to reduce recidivism.

Canada

An Offender Services Coordinator position for the Labrador Correctional Facility provides coordination for special need cases including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Aboriginal Prison Liaison Officer positions exist at several correctional facilities including the Clarenville Correctional Center for Women. This position provides support to incarcerated Aboriginal female offenders.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The Northwest Territories offer programming, services and activities in correctional facilities to address criminogenic needs and to better prepare inmates for reintegration into their communities, such as:

• anger management programs;
• Alcoholics Anonymous;
• the Family Violence Program;
• the Sex Offender Program;
• the Substance Abuse Program;
• the Reintegration Program;
• the Take Charge Program / Journey Program;
• Health, Education, Life Practices;
• psychological services;
• traditional counselling services;
• education services; and
• cultural services (wilderness programs, sharing circles, pipe ceremonies, Elder visits, and harvesting of traditional medicines).

Northwest Territories

There are also programs and services available to individuals serving community sentences, such as the Matrix Program, the Living in Balance Program and Alcoholics Anonymous.

Northwest Territories

The Nova Scotia Department of Justice Correctional Services Program has developed cultural and spiritual programs for First Nations offenders in custody and under community supervision. Community members, elders and local organizations assist with sweat lodges, smudging and cultural information and sharing programs for offender groups. Correctional Services has completed a two-day training package, L'nu-way, which is delivered to all staff which provides historical information and experiences from an Indigenous perspective. Correctional Services Indigenous staff helped to develop and deliver the program. Community Corrections recruits for Mi'kmaq probation officers in targeted hiring competitions to support supervision and program delivery within First Nations communities.

Nova Scotia

The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services has developed Aboriginal Core Rehabilitation Programs, which are delivered to Aboriginal inmates. These programs address substance abuse, partner abuse and sexual offending, and are available both within correctional institutions and in the larger community.

Ontario

Reducing the risk of recidivism by providing community reintegration programs in detention is the primary focus for addressing the proportion of Aboriginal incarcerated women. Aboriginal women may participate in the full array of programs and services offered to all incarcerated women, such as francization, adult education and release preparation workshops or activities, self-help groups and work activities. Some programs are also offered specifically for Aboriginal women, such as activities with elders from their community.

Quebec

Quebec does not currently offer measures specifically aimed at assisting Aboriginal women to leave prostitution. However, for women detainees, programs and services offered to all women offenders or prisoners (for instance, workshops on self-esteem, social skills or employability) are available to them and can contribute to that objective.

Quebec

Since the majority of female offenders are of Aboriginal ancestry, Saskatchewan offers culturally-relevant programs to female offenders in custody, such as First Nation and Métis cultural and tradition programs and Elder services and ceremonies. Teaching offenders their traditions and ceremonies is a positive step toward changing their lifestyles and helps in developing the motivation to initiate and maintain these changes. Creating a supportive atmosphere for these programs allows participants to take pride in who they are and enables them to start their healing journey.

Saskatchewan

Assistance with community reintegration is supported and utilized as much as possible, but it is sometimes challenging to find the positive supports needed for a smooth transition back into the community due to remote locations and lack of community-based programs. Programs such as Iskwew Women Helping Women, offered through the Community Clinic in Prince Albert, and Elizabeth Fry, a provincially-funded agency, are often helpful in the reintegration process. These programs further a reduction in recidivism and support crime prevention through a social development approach.

Saskatchewan

In the Yukon, the Whitehorse Correctional Centre delivers programming designed to prevent recidivism. Programming for all inmates is based on a risk-needs assessment that identifies their underlying issues. Programming is then tailored toward the specific needs of the individual. One-to-one counselling and/or assessments with a psychologist are available. Elder counselling, substance abuse programming, emotions management programming, cognitive skills, relationship skills for women, educational upgrading, work programs, life skills (e.g., finance, parenting, health and nutrition, exercise), and an array of First Nations cultural programs are available for women under corrections supervision. Not all programs are available at all times.

Yukon

Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety approved the release of a report on the implementation of the Missing Women Working Group recommendations on November 14, 2013. This report provides a summary of the work undertaken to implement the 52 recommendations included in the Missing Women Working Group's September 2010 summary report and January 2012 comprehensive final report. The report discusses the Group's findings on root causes, including the findings of research suggesting that serial sexual predators consider three main components when targeting victims: availability, vulnerability, and desirability. The report also discusses best practices in detecting potential serial murderers, as well as strategies to identify and protect marginalized persons from becoming victims. Responsible Ministers have announced their support for the report's recommendations, noting that some have already been implemented, and reiterating their commitment to continue to co-ordinate their efforts on this important issue.

All jurisdictions

On November 14, 2013, FPT Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety approved the release of a Draft Framework to Address Violence against Aboriginal Women and Girls. The Draft Framework, which reflects issues identified in work by Aboriginal and other groups in numerous reports and consultations, is intended to help FPT justice officials, Aboriginal organizations, and other partners work together across the country and within their respective jurisdictions to find local solutions to address this serious issue.

All jurisdictions

On February 27, 2015, participants at the National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls adopted a Framework for Action to Prevent and Address Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls that identified three priority areas - prevention and awareness; community safety; and policing measures and justice responses. There was consensus that additional tangible and immediate actions must be taken in these priority areas.

All jurisdictions

There have been four National Aboriginal Women's Summits in Canada, where participants discussed issues faced by Aboriginal women. The first took place in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador in June 2007, the second in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories in July 2008, the third in Winnipeg, Manitoba in November 2013, and the fourth in Membertou, NS in October 2014.

All jurisdictions

The Federal/Provincial/Territorial Working Group on Federal Bill S-2: Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act is a forum to support the planning and implementation of Bill S-2 to ensure effective, coordinated use of the Bill's provision for emergency protection orders and discuss issues related to domestic violence.

All jurisdictions

The Aboriginal Affairs Working Group (AAWG) of provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and National Aboriginal Leaders from five National Aboriginal Organizations (Assembly of First Nations, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Métis National Council, and Native Womens Association of Canada) has provided national leadership since 2009, and worked together on three priority areas, including ending violence against Aboriginal women and girls. Provincial and territorial Ministers and NAO leaders continue to support the NAO Leaders' call for a national public inquiry into Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls, and approved a Framework for Coordinating Action to End Violence Against Aboriginal Women and Girls, inviting the Government of Canada to participate in the Framework. There is a commitment to share their actions and experiences using the Framework as a tool to guide their work, as well as support of continued collaboration with the FPT Justice Table and FPT Justice Framework. Provinces and territories and the national Aboriginal organizations are also working through the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group to develop a menu of actions which provinces and territories could choose and customize within their own jurisdictions (in consultation with Aboriginal communities) to address violence against Aboriginal women and girls.

All P/T jurisdictions

Since its creation in 1991, the First Nations Policing Program (FNPP) has assisted in strengthening public safety in First Nation and Inuit communities, while facilitating positive relationships between communities and the police. For instance, for FNPP agreements where the RCMP is the police service provider, communities have the opportunity to develop and support the policing needs of their community through the creation of a Community Consultative Group (CCG). A CCG is made up of community members who identify and advocate for the community's policing priorities. Among other duties, it promotes dialogue and good communication between the police service and members of the community.

In British Columbia, as part of the Community Tripartite Agreement, a CCG is developed in each community. In 2015, Public Safety Canada and the Province with input from RCMP's Aboriginal Police Services in BC updated the "Tool Kit" to assist the detachment commanders and the First Nation Police members in various "How tos", including establishing CCG and LOE.

In Labrador district, there is a requirement in the CTAs that monthly CCG reporting take place.

In Saskatchewan, CCGs exist, but not all CTAs have active CCGs.

In Alberta, CCGs exist in the Division, however not in every community where a CTA is in place. The CCGs in existence are very active with the local Detachment and Chief and Council. Monthly reports are distributed to the committee during their regular meetings.

In Manitoba, there are two CCG groups formed within the 8 CTAs. Some Chief and Councils like to use their local Justice Committees to act in a CCG capacity. Over the past several years First Nation Communities and Leaders have had difficulty forming CCGs due to a lack of interest from community members. CCGs are always available through PSC and the last training session that PSC and "D" Division APS conducted was in 2012, when funding was made available by PSC. It was at this training session that we were advised by community members and Leadership that maintaining a CCG is very difficult because it is a volunteer position where interest quickly fades or isn't there. We are in the process of collecting a list of various committees that have been formed that look and feel like a CCG. These committees come with potential honorariums, so they are easily filled. The Annual Performance Plan (APP) is utilized a lot more by our detachments to include input from community Leadership down to community members themselves. It is this plan and community participation as a whole that provide the RCMP in "D" Division with the required assurances when making decisions on issues, concerns and initiatives as specified within those communities. The APP is a "living document" that can be modified to reflect any issues or concerns the communities may have at any time and is signed off by the elected officials of said communities.

The Northwest Territories Detachments now all have Action plans instead of CCGs, which direct the Policing Priorities for the particular Community. The Action plans are created by the Detachment Commander in consultation with the SAO, Chief and Council of the Community. The action plans give the Community an opportunity to advocate for what they want the Community's policing priorities to be for the year. NWT Division Detachment Commanders also sit on inter-partnership committees within their respective communities which promote dialogue between different agencies within the Community.

In Nunavut, the population of Nunavut's 25 communities is predominantly Inuit and a strong sense of tradition and culture is retained. Although Nunavut does not have an official CCG program, community consultation is built into the Detachment Annual Performance Plan (APP) and through regular dialogue with community leaders. Detachment Commanders meet with the Mayors/Councils monthly to discuss any arising issues within the community and to provide a monthly policing report. Before the end of the fiscal year, each Detachment Commander meets with the representatives to establish new priorities and identify issues in each respective community. The RCMP takes these priorities and develops a plan via the APP system. The plan is supported by initiatives and risk analysis to ensure that resources are focussed on the most relevant items. Community meetings are also utilized when appropriate to ensure everyone's views are considered. This kind of community consultation also serves to improve the dialogue and the commitment from all as they are involved in every steps of the process.

In Nova Scotia, "H" Division has one community out of seven covered by First Nations Policing Agreements that has an active CCG. The CCG of Wagmatcook Band Council meets regularly with the Baddeck Detachment responsible for providing policing services. During these meetings it allows an opportunity to openly discuss service delivery and areas of needed attention. It is from this platform where collaboration between the two takes place to address any issues that may arise. The communities of We'koqma'q and Millbrook do not have CCGs, but they have an agreement in place with the RCMP Detachments providing policing services that sees the Chief and Council meeting monthly with the police, as a means to cover the needs similar to that of a CCG. It is at these meeting times where collectively they discuss and address any issues, concerns and initiatives within the community. The other five communities have advised that while some have had CCGs in the past, they are not currently active. They are, however, in collaboration with the RCMP serving their communities to look into the development of CCGs in the future.

In New Brunswick, there are two communities that have CTA and have created CCGs. The CCG is currently operating in Elsipogtog and has been for many years. The committee meets every 6 - 8 weeks with the Detachment NCO team and members. There are currently seven community members sitting on our committee. There are representatives for Elders, Youth, Service Agencies and Band Council. The Chief also sits on this committee. They receive regular policing updates and also provide community input in addressing any issues raised. They also participate in our Annual Performance Plan consultations and assist with setting Detachment priorities each fiscal year. Tobique is another FN community and attempts to meet on a monthly basis. Their next meeting is scheduled for January 2016.

Canada and other jurisdictions

In 2008, the RCMP and Municipal Departments signed a Public Safety Protocol with First Nations in British Columbia. The Protocol stipulates that children, youth, women, men and elders require safe, secure and stable communities. The purpose of the Protocol is to ensure ongoing and continuous communication with First Nations to identify situations that could lead to a crisis and exchange information and advice on how to prevent such a crisis. Aboriginal Policing maintains regular and frequent contact with First Nations Leadership and regularly discusses potential flashpoints and matters of concerns, including investigations of interest such as missing persons. This Protocol has been extended to August 16, 2014.

British Columbia and Canada

On June 15-17, 2011 the Province of British Columbia co-hosted with the Native Women's Association of Canada the Collaboration to End Violence: National Aboriginal Women's Forum. The Forum acknowledged the heightened risks and vulnerabilities that expose Aboriginal women to violence; focused on leading practices to address socio-economic conditions that make Aboriginal women vulnerable to violence, including missing and murdered women; and identified key actions that could be implemented in jurisdictions. More than 250 people attended the forum, with participants including representatives of provincial and territorial government departments and agencies, national Aboriginal organizations, and First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities and community-based organizations.

British Columbia and Canada

First Nations Community Liaison (FNCL) was established in August 2009 to enhance the ability for First Nations leadership, community members and members of the RCMP to foster current and pursue new avenues of effective communication. The FNCL works with First Nation communities in areas of suicide intervention (ASIST), restorative justice and human trafficking education and awareness and has a shared role of RCMP liaison for the Provincial Action Group for Vulnerable and Exploited Women. The FNCL also liaises regularly with the leadership and staff of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and Southern Chiefs Organization.

Manitoba and Canada

With funding from Justice Canada, work was being done on the development of an integrated service delivery model for justice services, which looks at how to collaboratively address justice issues in remote communities without a lot of justice services, to examine efficiencies building on the supports and services already in existence.

Northwest Territories and Canada

With funding from Justice Canada, the Provincial Partnership Committee on Missing Persons (PPCMP) organized a Western Regional Forum in March 2011 to discuss a more coordinated approach to serving families of missing persons. Following the forum, a report was released in 2011 setting out 16 recommendations, including a call for the development of a strategic business case.

Saskatchewan and Canada

Justice Summit: B.C.'s 4th Justice Summit brought together over 80 leaders from the judiciary, legal profession, police agencies, victim services, corrections, First Nations groups, the academic community, provincial government and community and advocacy organizations, including those working with multicultural populations and people with disabilities. This diverse group of participants identified key ways to address issues related to domestic and sexual violence. This summit also examined how this issue affects Aboriginal women and what systemic improvements can be made to address the high rates of domestic violence perpetrated against Aboriginal women.

British Columbia

The Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation announced at the 2011 National Aboriginal Women's Forum the creation of a Minister's Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women (MACAW). The goal of the council is to provide advice to government on how to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal women across British Columbia. Membership includes 10 Aboriginal women from across the province. Since 2011, the council has tabled a progress report to the Minister; submitted its 2013 Direction to Government on Taking Action to End Violence and Improve the Lives of Aboriginal Women in BC; and realized a number of their strategic actions including launching the Giving Voice initiative, and securing an MOU between the Government of British Columbia represented by the Premier and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and the First Nations Summit, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, the BC Assembly of First Nations and the Metis Nation British Columbia Regarding Stopping Violence Against Aboriginal Women and Girls.

British Columbia

TOGETHER! BC Collaborates to Stop Sexual & Domestic Violence: On December 9-10, 2015 over 900 multi-sector professionals from around the province, including Aboriginal service providers, gathered in Vancouver to participate in a training forum - TOGETHER! BC Collaborates to Stop Sexual & Domestic Violence. Several of the workshops were dedicated to training cross-sector professionals on issues facing Aboriginal peoples. The event was hosted by the BC Association of Chiefs of Police, BC Society of Transition Houses, Ending Violence Association of BC, Government of B.C., Police Victim Services of BC, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This collaborative training forum was the first of its kind in B.C.'s history.

British Columbia

Domestic Violence Units (DVU): DVUs generally bring police investigators, community-based victim services, and child protection workers together in one location to coordinate and collaborate on the highest risk domestic violence cases, including cases involving Aboriginal families. Year 2 of the Plan will provide $1M investment toward the development of additional DVUs. In 2014/15, the total number of DVUs increased from four to seven across BC.

British Columbia

Integrated Case Assessment Teams (ICAT): ICATs work to appropriately share information through coordinated risk identification, management and safety planning. ICATs are made up of responders to high-risk domestic violence and often include (but are not limited to) a representative from police agencies, community-based victim services, police-based victim services, child welfare agencies, health, Aboriginal service providers, and other agencies that respond to domestic violence. There are currently 24 active ICATs (and others under development) across BC. They are usually located in smaller communities that do not have the same volume of domestic violence cases as urban centres (which usually have DVUs).

British Columbia

In March 2012, the British Columbia government established the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence (PODV) as the permanent lead for government, focussed on strengthening the services and supports available for children and families affected by domestic violence. It is accountable for ensuring all provincial policies, programs and services related to domestic violence are effective and delivered in a comprehensive and unified way across government. It is responsible for monitoring, evaluating and regularly reporting progress as well as consultation with stakeholders to support a coordinated, systemic approach to addressing domestic violence. PODV coordinated the development of the Taking Action on Domestic Violence in British Columbia action plan, and the office is accountable for monitoring and reporting on the progress made in implementing the action plan. The final progress report was released in August 2014, and the majority of the immediate and short-term actions were complete as of March 31, 2014. One of the commitments in the action plan was a three-year provincial plan to address domestic violence. PODV worked with the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and consulted with the Minister's Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women on the development of an engagement strategy to engage with First Nations, Metis and Aboriginal leadership, communities and organizations on the development of the three-year plan. The plan which is inclusive of an Aboriginal and diversity focus was released in February 2014.

British Columbia

The Missing Women Commission of Inquiry (MWCI), completed November 2012, held several Community Forums in Northern British Columbia. These forums were aimed at ensuring input into the proceedings by members of these communities, particularly Aboriginal people, who have been affected by the high incidence of missing and murdered women in this area. Community input informed the development of policy recommendations in the MWCI Report, released in December 2012.

British Columbia

In December 2012, an independent advisor and champion was appointed by British Columbia to provide advice on the implementation of the Recommendations from the MWCI Report. The independent advisor engaged on the MWCI Report recommendations with First Nations leaders and organizations, community groups, policing organizations and family members from December 2012-May 2013.

British Columbia

The RCMP Commissioner's National Aboriginal Advisory Committee (CNAAC) was formed in 1990 to provide strategic advice and cultural perspective on matters pertaining to the delivery of Aboriginal policing services in all provinces and territories, except Ontario and Quebec. The Commissioner meets with the committee bi-annually.

Canada

RCMP's Commanding Officer Aboriginal Advisory Committees (COAAC) provide thoughtful advice and strategic guidance on Aboriginal issues, including cultural protocol, tradition, practice and ceremonial etiquettes and RCMP education and training initiatives pertaining to Aboriginal people. The COAAC also builds relationships and liaises with community stakeholders as requested.

In Manitoba, the COAAC is very active in regular communication with the CAPP Unit along with the CO. The COAAC members have participated in the delivery of our Aboriginal Perceptions Course, as they are trained to deliver same. In addition, they have organized and invited other RCMP Units to participate in various ceremonies. It was a Sun Dance ceremony this past summer, where two of the Project Devote Sgt's were invited to observe. The COACC is still current and active and meet at least twice a year.

In Prince Edward Island, the COAAC is also active.

In Nova Scotia, the COAAC in "H" Division provides thoughtful and strategic guidance on Aboriginal issues, including cultural protocol, tradition, practice and ceremonial etiquettes and RCMP education and training initiatives pertaining to Aboriginal People. It continues to build relationships and liaises with community stakeholders as requested.

In New Brunswick, the "J" Division COAAC meets annually, usually in May. The APS unit coordinates the meeting with all Chiefs and/or a representative including the one community not policed by the RCMP (St Mary's - Fredericton City Police Department jurisdiction), as some community members do live in RCMP areas. Depending on the current issue(s), both provincial and federal government partners are invited to speak and answer questions from the Chiefs. In the past the presentations would reflect programs currently working in the communities such as the Community Programs Officers, diversion programs and crime statistics. The Commanding Officer also appreciates the opportunity of having open discussions and addressing questions. The sitting member for CNAAC and lead of the CCG in Tobique are also included in the meetings.

In Alberta, the NWT, Saskatchewan and in Newfoundland, the Committee remains active.

In Nunavut the COACCs mandate is to provide strategic guidance on Inuit issues. The committee also provides ideas and advice on cultural issues, practices and etiquette. The committee identifies challenges faced by the Inuit members and offer solutions on how to rectify the negative impact from those challenges.

The COAAC in British Columbia is no longer in existence. Senior Management of BC meets on a regular basis with key Aboriginal Leaders within BC to discuss concerns within policing and any community issues. Senior management engages RCMP's Aboriginal Policing Services in BC on anything concerning First Nation issues or culture.

Canada

RCMP policing priorities are collectively established via community consultations. The RCMP meets with community consultative groups to identify mutual priorities/initiatives, tailoring divisionally specific programs that focus on the reduction of violence and meeting the distinctive needs of First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities. RCMP Detachment Commanders consult further with local Aboriginal governments to formalize priorities on annual performance plans that measure and track the realization of shared objectives.

Canada

The RCMP has a member dedicated to liaising with the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC). The RCMP works in collaboration with the NWAC to develop initiatives directed at reducing violence against Aboriginal women and girls, including reducing incidents of missing and, in some instances, murdered Aboriginal women. This is reflected in the collaborative partnership that led to the development of the community education tool kit, entitled Navigating the Missing Persons Process, and the hitchhiking poster initiative.

Canada

In December 2011, the RCMP and the Assembly of First Nations signed a joint work plan in which both organizations agree to work collaboratively on issues related to missing and murdered Aboriginal persons. In December 2015 the RCMP and the AFN had discussions agreeing to meet in early 2016 to develop a new work plan on issues related to missing and murdered Indigenous persons.

Canada

In March 2011, Public Safety Canada funded the convening of regional, national, and international roundtables that focused on the prevention of human trafficking. Participants included experts from all levels of government and civil society, in particular Aboriginal organizations, and international stakeholders. These roundtables explored current preventive practices, identified sub-populations and places at risk, and advanced thinking on the key elements of a prevention framework. A local level diagnostic tool is being designed to guide the development of an integrated preventive policy and action plan in relation to trafficking in persons and related forms of exploitation in Canada's urban centres.

Canada

In addition to co-funding the core work of the Aboriginal Justice Strategy in providing alternatives to mainstream justice processes in appropriate circumstances, Justice Canada funds other community development work by Aboriginal communities, including:

• Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto - Community Council Program - participates in the "Aboriginal Family Violence Roundtable" at Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, a collaborative approach
• Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw - Atikamekw Authority Intervention System - Youth component, and Atikamekw Community Justice Process - Adult component -implementation of collaboration framework in situations of domestic and family violence, with social services and the Council of the Wise;
• Nicola Valley Aboriginal Community Justice Program - participates on ICAT (integrated case assessment team), a strong team that meets for urgent domestic violence cases and works together with the victim to focus on a wellness plan for the family;
• Southern Chief's Organization (SCO) First Nations Justice Strategy - participates in a collaborative partnership to respond to family violence with key stakeholders that serve clients who have experienced or are at risk of domestic/family violence;
• Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre - Chair and member of the Thunder Bay Naadmaagewin Aboriginal Domestic Violence Committee which aims for greater collaboration
• Yuuhlamkaskw Alternative Justice Program (Nisgaa Nation) - in partnership with RCMP and Nisga'a Valley Health the Program drafted a "Sexual Assault Protocol"

Canada

In Manitoba, the Aboriginal Courtworker service has formed a joint project with the Community Justice Workers employed by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) (funded under the Aboriginal Justice Strategy). Not only have the two groups aligned their respective services, but they have established the Northern Focus Group, a voluntary organizing committee comprised of individuals, employees and members from provincially and federally-funded programs, as well as other organizations and services involved with the Manitoba justice system. The group's mission is to bring together individuals, employees, agencies, services and organizations, institutions and interested parties that have involvement, influence, impact and responsibilities for Aboriginal people within the judicial system.

Canada

At the February 27, 2015 National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Manitoba's Premier committed to host a justice summit to explore best practices and share information on policing and justice responses. The summit took place on January 7 and 8, 2016.

Manitoba

In November 2010, the Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet appointed Nahanni Fontaine as the Special Advisor on Aboriginal Women's Issues with primary focus and responsibility on the Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls portfolio.

Manitoba

In September 2009, Manitoba partnered with Aboriginal organizations and front-line service agencies to form the Manitoba Action Group on Exploited and Vulnerable Women and Girls (MAG). MAG provides strategic advice to the province in developing new policies to address the crisis of abused and exploited women in Manitoba.

Manitoba

The Exploited Persons Pro-Active Team is an operational, non-enforcement team that will implement strategies throughout Manitoba to help minimize the risk of having potentially exploited persons go missing or become the victim of foul play. This team will work in partnership with various groups and agencies that are already providing support and services for potentially exploited persons.

Manitoba

Regional gatherings to expand on the 2008 Pitawik Roundtable, a day-long event that provided service providers representing the Aboriginal community with an opportunity to inform organizers of the National Aboriginal Women's Summit II of priority areas that need to be addressed from a Manitoba perspective. There were four gatherings in the Pitawik series: the first was held in The Pas on March 28, 2009; the second in Thompson on November 13-14, 2009; the third in Brandon on April 30-May 1, 2010; and the final gathering took place in Winnipeg on September 30 and October 1, 2010.

Manitoba

With respect to dialogue with representatives of Aboriginal communities, the Strategic Framework was developed by the New Brunswick Advisory Committee on Violence against Aboriginal Women, which includes Maliseet and Mi'kmaq representatives from different areas of the province and Aboriginal organizations. This group was formed prior to, and participated in, the 2006 FPT Ministerial Policy Forum on Aboriginal Women, and it continues to meet. New Brunswick's Advisory Committee on Violence against Aboriginal women continues to meet bi-annually to provide direction and advice on the implementation of the Strategic Framework to the Policy Coordinator. Advisory committee members have been involved in many of the initiatives that have been coordinated by the Aboriginal Policy Coordinator and the Women's Equality Branch specific to the implementation process of the priorities outlined in the Strategic Framework. In addition, a new roundtable has been established to address all topics pertaining to Aboriginal Women in the province.

New Brunswick

In 2009, a New Brunswick Aboriginal Women Leaders Dialogue Forum was held on violence against the province's Aboriginal women.

New Brunswick

An Aboriginal Police/Justice working group was established in 2009 to review training and protocols regarding violence against Aboriginal women. Its members include representatives from the Aboriginal community and officials from the departments of Policing Services, Justice, Victim Services, and Corrections. Its work will be integrated in an upcoming review of the Woman Abuse Protocols.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick's Action Plan on Violence Against Women is targeted to all women living in New Brunswick, including Aboriginal women. Among the notable accomplishments of the plan are the following:

• an abuse information page has been included in all New Brunswick phone books;
• a Directory of Services was compiled and has been distributed to all family physicians, regional offices, transition houses, etc.;
• the Woman Abuse, Child Abuse, and Adult Victims of Abuse Protocols have been updated and training provided to front-line staff is ongoing.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick is currently developing an Aboriginal Women's Issues table as part of its ongoing process in working with the First Nations communities in New Brunswick through the Bilateral and/or Tripartite process. It is anticipated that the Issues table will begin in the near future.

New Brunswick

A Deputy Minister's Steering Committee on Aboriginal Issues was created in 2013. The mandate of this Steering Committee is to provide overall strategic advice on Aboriginal issues and to ensure that Aboriginal consideration and priorities are reflected in government wide decisions and multi-departmental priorities.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Since 2006, the Women's Policy Office has worked in collaboration with Aboriginal women throughout the province to implement a provincial Aboriginal Women's Conference. An advisory committee of Aboriginal women works with the Office to identify key issues, priorities, and opportunities for Aboriginal women for the conference program each year. The Office has held eight successful Aboriginal women's conferences to date on the following topics:

• Path to the Good Life: Aboriginal Women's Conference;
• Path to the Good Life: Moving Forward, Building Strength;
• Path to Economic Prosperity;
• Aboriginal Women and Policy Development;
• Aboriginal Women and Evolving Opportunities;
• Strong Women, Strong Communities: Advancing Aboriginal Women's Equality
• Path to the Good Life - Strong Women, Strong Communities through Culture; and
• Path to the Good Life: Bridging Two Worlds.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The Family Violence Action Plan was developed through the collaboration of the Coalition Against Family Violence (CAFV) and the government of the Northwest Territories. The CAFV is a territorial interagency group that brings together individuals, non-government and government agencies to share information and undertake projects in keeping with the mandate.

Northwest Territories

In Nova Scotia the Mikmaq- Nova Scotia- Canada Tripartite Forum is a partnership between the Nova Scotia Mikmaq, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada, to strengthen relationships and to resolve issues of mutual concern affecting Mikmaq communities. It is a strong vehicle in addressing issues that affect the lives of all Mi'kmaq living in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia, through the Mi'kmaq-Nova Scotia Tripartite Forum, is collaborating to establish mechanisms to support communities with high crime and victimization rates. With the structure of the Tripartite Forum, the Justice Working Committee's current work plan identifies specific initiatives to address violence against Aboriginal women and girls. For example, the Family Violence Sub-committee, is exploring operationalizing the April 2011 Research Report on Family Violence in Aboriginal Communities. Likewise, the Justice Committee is working to establish a crime prevention framework in collaboration with Tripartite Social and Health Working Groups, with an emphasis on the development of enhanced access to addictions supports and youth at risk and mental health services.

Nova Scotia

The Province of Nova Scotia has entered into a capacity building collaborative partnership with the Nova Scotia Native Women's Association in order to foster better collaborative opportunities on a range of issues impacting Aboriginal women in Nova Scotia. The first joint work that will emerge from this partnership is ensuring the perspective of Aboriginal women is sought in the early stages of the development of the provinces new sexual violence response strategy.

Nova Scotia

The Province of Nova Scotia hosted the fourth National Aboriginal Women's Summit. In developing this summit, Nova Scotia used a collaborative approach by working directly with women leaders across Nova Scotia to design the cultural and spiritual elements of the day.

Nova Scotia

Section 32.1.1 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act provides that the Inuit have the right to participate in the development of social and cultural policies, and in the design of social and cultural programs and services, including their method of delivery, within the Nunavut Settlement Area. In compliance with this provision, Nunavut engages in consultation with the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, which represents the Inuit of Nunavut, regarding all laws, regulations, and policies concerned with violence in Nunavut.

Nunavut

Ontario formed a Joint Working Group on Violence against Aboriginal Women in 2010 that consists of representatives from 10 ministries and five Aboriginal organizations. Two sub-committees of the Joint Working Group have been established. The sub-committee on Human Trafficking is examining research and best practices to develop options to prevent and respond to the human trafficking of Aboriginal women and girls. The sub-committee on Data Collection and Information Sharing is examining current data collected on violence against Aboriginal women and exploring issues and challenges in data collection practices. Aboriginal organizations represented on the Joint Working Group include the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC), Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA), Métis Nations of Ontario (MNO), Independent First Nations (IFN) and the Chiefs of Ontario. Aboriginal organizations and ministries on the Joint Working Group work together to identify policies, programs and services that respond to advancing the Strategic Framework. The work of Ontario's Joint Working Group on Violence against Aboriginal Women has informed discussions at the PT Aboriginal Affairs Working Group (AAWG). Ontario is represented on this working group by the Ontario Women's Directorate and the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs. Ontario regularly seeks input from Aboriginal partners on the Joint Working Group on Violence against Aboriginal Women to inform Ontario's feedback and participation on the AAWG's Violence Against Aboriginal Women Working Group. Funding for the Aboriginal partners of the Joint Working Group on Violence against Aboriginal Women to engage in consultations and develop an Aboriginal Sexual Violence Action Plan. The action plan outlines priorities for responding to sexual violence in Aboriginal communities. The Ontario government convened the Joint Working Group on Violence against Aboriginal Women in 2010 to engage in dialogue with representatives of Aboriginal communities. The goal is to identify priorities and opportunities for support, development, and implementation of policies, programs, and services that prevent and reduce violence against Aboriginal women and their families. Ontario's funding priorities are identified through the Joint Working Group and the Strategic Framework to End Violence against Aboriginal Women. Initiatives that respond to the Strategic Framework are developed "by and for" Aboriginal women and organizations. The Joint Working Group has facilitated relationship-building between the five Aboriginal organizations and ministry representatives, and it has provided a forum for information sharing and collaboration to advance the Strategic Framework together.

Ontario

As the provincial police force, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) participate in various community initiatives to reduce violence against Aboriginal women, such as participating on committees led by First Nations communities that focus on awareness and programs to assist victims and offenders of domestic violence. The OPP supported the New Start Women's Centre Violence against Women Awareness campaign that was held from November 25 to December 10, 2013.

Ontario

The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) and its policing partners have been working together through the Future of Policing Advisory Committee (FPAC) process to plan for effective, efficient and sustainable police service delivery in Ontario in the future. MCSCS is also consulting with First Nations policing partners through a working group under the FPAC process as the operational input of First Nations Chiefs of Police is an essential component of this project. While discussions do not directly deal with the topic of preventing and eliminating violence, the working group has established a forum for ongoing dialogue with First Nations police services to enhance service delivery and to make it sustainable into the future.

Ontario

MCSCS is also developing an Ontario Crime Prevention Strategy and is currently engaging communities, including First Nations and Aboriginal groups, to gather input. Feedback from these engagement sessions will inform both the Strategy as well as identify crime issues, risk factors, challenges, and resources/partnerships in Ontario's communities. As a first step in this process, MCSCS released the Crime Prevention in Ontario: A Framework for Action booklet. The booklet identifies family violence as a risk factor that may contribute to crime and also recognizes the unique challenges with respect to crime, violence and victimization experienced in First Nations Communities.

Ontario

The 2007 Canada / PEI / Mi'kmaq Partnership Agreement established a Coordinating Committee of representatives appointed by each of the parties to oversee the work of Policy and Planning Forums in five sector areas: justice; health; child and family services; economic development and employment; and education. The goal of this Agreement is to assist in restoring, revitalizing and strengthening the Mi'kmaq of Prince Edward Island, their communities and families, improving their quality of life outcomes in the long term and establishing a new partnership among the parties. The Justice Forum brings together representatives of the provincial and federal government and the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island to discuss issues pertaining to Aboriginal Justice in the province. There was an initial meeting of all fora in November 2012 and another is planned for December 2013. The issue of violence against Aboriginal women in Prince Edward Island relates to all these sectors but it has not yet surfaced as a common concern.

Prince Edward Island

Special consultations were held in April and June 2011 with different representatives of Aboriginal groups in order to involve them in the work leading up to the development of specific actions as part of the third Government Action Plan on Domestic Violence (2012-2017).

Quebec

The government of Quebec is currently holding consultation sessions with all regions of Quebec for the development of a new action plan to combat sexual abuse and exploitation. With regard to consultation of Aboriginal communities and organizations, a Parliamentary Committee is currently reviewing the living conditions of Aboriginal women and the relationship to sexual assault and conjugal violence.

Quebec

In May 2011, the Minister of Justice set up a group, now called le Forum sociojudiciaire autochtone, amongst other objectives, to promote better coordination in issues involving Aboriginal justice. The members of the Forum, representing different Aboriginal communities, police, health and social services, the courts, etc., focus their efforts on developing concrete actions that can be short-term solutions to identified barriers and other issues affecting Aboriginal people in the justice system.

Quebec

Saskatchewan has developed or participated in several models for engaging Aboriginal communities, and worked with organizations such as the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, as well as Tribal Councils, individual bands and Aboriginal agencies. Examples include bilateral and tripartite processes, commissions and inquiries, advisory boards, justice conferences, and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner Treaty Table. These models focus on partnerships and mutual respect for roles and responsibilities and involve dialogue at virtually every level.

Saskatchewan

Public concern about missing persons, including cases involving Aboriginal women, led to the creation of a Provincial Partnership Committee on Missing Persons (PPCMP) in 2006. This committee consists of organizations with province-wide experience in dealing with missing persons cases. The PPCMP started its work in 2006 with 14 organizations representing government, police, First Nations, Métis and community-based organizations involved with missing persons. Since then, it has grown to include representatives from 20 sectors, including the coroner's office.

Saskatchewan

An Inter-ministerial Committee on Interpersonal Violence and Abuse is developing an integrated approach to address interpersonal violence in various forms, from bullying to spousal abuse.

Saskatchewan

In November 2007, the Government of Yukon and the Yukon Advisory Council on Women's Issues co-hosted a Yukon Aboriginal Women's Summit in Whitehorse and Watson Lake as a follow-up to the National Aboriginal Women's Summit. The goals were to communicate the outcomes of the National Aboriginal Women's Summit and to determine Yukon Aboriginal Women's priorities for furthering Aboriginal women's equality. In October 2012, the government of Yukon and the Yukon Advisory Council on Women's Issues co-hosted a second Yukon Aboriginal Women's Summit.The Women's Directorate has been working in partnership with Yukon Aboriginal women's groups and Yukon First Nations to develop a collaborative implementation plan to respond to some of the priority recommendations and key messages from YAWS I and II. From 2010-2013, seven projects were supported focused on implementing priorities from YAWS I. From 2013-2016, further funding is dedicated for the implementation of recommendations from the Yukon Aboriginal Women's Summit 2. The funding will build on the success of the first series of YAWS I implementation projects, such as the Yukon Sisters in Spirit campaign, which made a significant impact on identifying outstanding justice concerns related to the safety of Aboriginal women. This funding will advance the policy, research and program priorities established at YAWS2.

Yukon

From 2005-2008, the Women's Directorate and the Yukon Department of Justice co-facilitated an 18-member interagency working group in developing a long-term public education campaign on the prevention of violence against women and children, entitled C.O.R.E. (Circles of Respect and Equality) Long Term Public Education Campaign on the Prevention of Violence against Women and Children. The campaign included posters, radio advertisements, a website, training workshops and a violence prevention video.

Yukon

In 2008, Canada repealed s. 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act, an exception which provided that nothing in the Canadian Human Rights Act affects any provision of the Indian Act or any provision made under or pursuant to the Indian Act. With the repeal of this provision, the Canadian Human Rights Commission is now able to receive complaints against First Nations governments about discrimination in employment, goods, services, facilities, and accommodation that were previously outside its jurisdiction.

Canada

On February 14, 2013, Canada's Parliament voted to establish the Special Committee on Violence Against Indigenous Women, a House of Commons special committee mandated to conduct hearings on violence against Indigenous women in Canada, including the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls, and to propose solutions to address violence against Aboriginal women across the country. The Committee reported in 2014, in Invisible Women: A Call to Action, and the Government of Canada responded with the 2015-2020 Action Plan to Address Family Violence and Violent Crimes Against Aboriginal Women and Girls.

Canada

Indspire is managing the Justice Canada Legal Studies for Aboriginal People (LSAP) Program, which aims to promote equitable representation of Aboriginal people in the legal profession through awarding bursaries to Aboriginal post-secondary Canadian Métis and Non-Status Indians students across Canada enrolled in a pre-law program or a three-year law program in Canada.

Canada

As of November 2, 2015, there are 2,037 Aboriginal employees working in the RCMP as regular members, civilian members and public servants. There are 1,491 regular members who identify as Aboriginal males. There are 10 Aboriginal Special Constables, 138 Civilian Members and 398 public servants.

Canada

In urban areas, AANDC works with provinces through such programs as the Urban Aboriginal Strategy, the Aboriginal Friendship Centre program, and Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth to support urban Aboriginal people increase their participation in the economy. This includes funding initiatives that support positive life choices which aid in the prevention and recovery from such issues as domestic violence and trafficking. Initiatives in the past have provided supports such as financial literacy, life skills, and skills training for vulnerable Aboriginal women or Aboriginal women who have been victims of violence, parenting supports, culturally-appropriate counselling services, emergency shelter and shelter transition services, outreach to support victims of sexual exploitation and gang involvement and initiatives that improved relations between communities and police services.

Canada

Under Canada's Homelessness Partnering Strategy, governments, communities, and the private and voluntary sectors work together using a "housing first" approach to strengthen capacity and to prevent and reduce homelessness. Many projects target young people, women fleeing violence, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, and off-reserve Aboriginal people in need of support. Between 2007 and 2011, this strategy created more than 4,500 new permanent shelter beds; placed over 38,000 people in more stable housing; helped almost 10,800 Canadians pursue education or training opportunities; and assisted more than 7,000 people find part-time work and another 7,500 to find a full time job. The Government of Canada recently renewed its commitment to this strategy with an investment of $119 million per year, over five years.

Canada

On August 12, 2014, the Manitoba government unveiled a monument in honour and support of Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls. The monument is the first of its kind in Canada and was created in partnership with community and government.

Manitoba

On May 5, 2011, the Province of Manitoba celebrated Inuit culture and contributions with a special event at the Manitoba Legislative Building as part of efforts to strengthen ties with Nunavut. The province provides support to the Manitoba Urban Inuit Association to help it promote Inuit culture and enhance peoples' quality of life through programs and services that help orient them to the southern culture and environment and stay connected to their heritage.

Manitoba

New Brunswick's Aboriginal population is now specifically included in the Attitudinal Survey on Violence against Women. The survey measures the New Brunswick population's attitudes towards various forms of violence against women.

New Brunswick

In Summer 2014 the Provincial Government committed to building capacity and expertise through the following initiatives:

• The development of a Land Claims and Self-Government Agreements Implementation Policy;
• The development and implementation of an Aboriginal Human Resources Strategy; and
• A review of Aboriginal content and delivery in provincial school curriculum.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The Women's Policy Office provides an operation grant to the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network (NAWN), which liaises with other organizations on a regional, provincial and national level, which have common goals. NAWN speaks on behalf of their members wherever possible to improve access to programs and services in health, social, education, economic and political programming and emerging issues. NAWN continues to assist in the formation of local women's groups and works to revitalize cultural heritage through cultural education, traditional teachings and relearning of Aboriginal languages, where possible. NAWN develops programs and services that address priority issues identified by its membership.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The Northwest Territories are committed to a public service that is representative of the population it serves. In 1989, the Northwest Territories implemented the Affirmative Action Policy to help meet this goal. Through this policy, the Northwest Territories give preference in employing the following groups:

• Indigenous Aboriginal persons;
• Indigenous Non-Aboriginal persons;
• resident persons with disabilities;
• resident women in senior management; and
• women in non-traditional occupations.

At the end of 2012, there were 1,502 Indigenous Aboriginal employees, representing 32% of the public service.

Northwest Territories

The Building Aboriginal Women's Leadership Program, which is strengthening the capacity of Aboriginal women to take on leadership roles in their communities. Since 2007, over 3,000 Aboriginal women have attended training and over 450 program participants have engaged in leadership roles in their communities.

Ontario

The Whitehorse Aboriginal Women's Circlereceived support to develop an Aboriginal Women's Role Model and Mentorship Training program. This project developed support networks for professional Aboriginal women, particularly youth and encouraged an Elder/grandparent mentorship for youth. The project also focused on developing an Aboriginal women's role model calendar, which invited nominations from a variety of community members to recognize Aboriginal women in Yukon for their outstanding achievements and contributions to their families and communities. This project concluded in 2012.

Yukon

The Women's Equality Fund provides local women's organizations with ongoing Operational and Maintenance funding annually. The Women's Equality Fund provides up to a maximum of $50,000 per organization per year by means of three-year agreements. The three active Aboriginal women's organizations currently receive funding.

Yukon

The Women's Community Project Funding is primarily to enhance support to eligible organizations which require small top-up funds for training, organizational development or program expenses. Organizations are limited to one application per year and a maximum request of $1,000. Applications may be submitted at any time.

Yukon