Funding for Indigenous women’s organisations announced in Newfoundland & Labrador

St. John’s – Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities face discrimination, violence, and barriers, which prevent them from participating in economic, social, and political aspects of life. Supporting organizations that represent these communities helps to build a safer, more equitable and inclusive Canada.

Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, alongside Minister O’Regan, St. John’s South—Mount Pearl, Member of Parliament Joanne Thompson, St. John’s East, and Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality in Newfoundland and Labrador, announced $867,162 for two organizations whose respective goals are to support, among others, Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Gender-based violence and affirming healthcare are at the heart of the projects receiving support.

• First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre received funding for a project to advance missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) policy change to end gender-based violence in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The National Inquiry into MMIWG highlighted the underlying systemic causes of ongoing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Increasing the capacity of Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations will enable organizations to address the root causes of gender-based violence and ensure that Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people, and their communities, can prosper now and in the future.
• Quadrangle LGBTQ Community Centre received funding for a project on health equity research outreach.
• Following the launch of the 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan last year, the Government of Canada continues to prioritize direct support to 2SLGBTQI+ communities. This includes supporting community-informed projects that will address key issues facing these communities.