The Manitoba government is providing over $350,000 to establish a new Indigenous Women's Support Team.
The new team will increase the presence of the Downtown Community Safety Partnership in downtown Winnipeg and will provide safe supports and services for Indigenous women.
"This investment is part of our government’s commitment to the empowerment and protection of Indigenous women and communities who already face disproportionate rates of violence," said Fontaine. "The new Indigenous Women’s Support Team will ensure the people who need them most can access culturally safe and appropriate supports."
The new team will also increase response times, provide another layer of safety for people in the downtown area and help make connections to resources for people in need.
"The creation of this Indigenous Women’s Support Team was in direct response to community calls for a specialized approach to protecting vulnerable women in downtown Winnipeg," said Greg Burnett, executive director, DCSP. "This unit will be staffed by Indigenous women who will make sure their response meets the unique needs of the people they serve, keeping everyone safe."
The DCSP is a non-profit organization that provides 24-7 assistance to vulnerable and at-risk individuals, as well as prevention and outreach focused on long-term solutions.