Fonds de Solidarité IKWÉ - IKWÉ Solidarity Fund, an initiative related to the Val-d'Or Native Friendship Centre's commitment to assist and support Aboriginal women faced with difficulties

VAL-D'OR, QC, Nov. 13, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Val-d'Or Native Friendship Centre created the Fonds de Solidarité IKWÉ to support Aboriginal women faced with difficulties due to their social conditions, poverty and a sense of insecurity since the broadcasting of the program Enquête last October 22^nd. 

The creation of the Fonds de Solidarité IKWÉ emerged out of the will expressed by citizens, organisations and enterprises to provide financial assistance in the form of donations to Val-d'Or's Aboriginal women.  The collected funds are used to offer ad hoc emergency aid to these women and include a variety of services such as healing programs, assistance with judicial processes, material needs and transportation.

The first person to benefit from the Fonds de Solidarité IKWÉ is Prescilla Papatie, an Anicinabekwe who was propelled into the public arena following her testimony on the program Enquête.  The Fund allowed paying for a bail bond for Ms. Prescilla Papatie, in relation to a case dating back to 2010, and thus allowing her to receive the necessary care and assistance in a time of great vulnerability. "This action is consistent with the Val-d'Or Native Friendship Centre's commitment to assist Aboriginal women in a spirit of security and justice and provide them with all the support they need to move towards a state of well-being" said Director General Édith Cloutier. People wishing to make a donation to the IKWÉ Fund can access the necessary information on the Native Friendship Centre' website at www.caavd.ca.

The Val-d'Or Native Friendship Centre is an urban services clearinghouse which provides a living environment and cultural anchor for our First Peoples. Dedicated to well-being, justice and social inclusion, it promotes harmonious co-existence in our region.

SOURCE Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre

Sources: Édith Cloutier, Director General, Val-d'Or Native Friendship Centre; Nathalie Fiset, Administrative Coordinator, Val-d'Or Native Friendship Centre, 819-825-8299, ext. 251