Government of Canada announces funding for Ndinawe to provide 24/7 service at Winnipeg youth resource centre

The 24/7 Safe Place for Indigenous Youth to be dedicated in honour of Tina Fontaine

WINNIPEG, March 27, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, Jane Philpott, announced funding to support Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. (Ndinawe) for the expansion of the 24/7 Safe Place for Indigenous Youth program at the Ndinawe Youth Resource Centre in Winnipeg.

The expansion of the program will be dedicated, with the support of her family, to the memory of Tina Fontaine.

The investment of $349,387 will allow the program to provide access 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provide a place of safety for youth during times of high risk when other resources are unavailable to them. The centre will provide a safe alternative to the streets for youth who are in need of immediate support and resources. It will also help to build a sense of connection and belonging for youth at risk within their community and reduce the social isolation they experience.

In collaboration with partner organizations, the centre will be a central hub where young people can connect, build strong relationships with experienced staff who can assess their needs and refer them to appropriate resources and programming. Partners include Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. (Ndinawe), Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO), Dakota Ojibway Child and Family Services (DOCFS), Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc, Sagkeeng First Nation, Thelma Favel (Tina Fontaine's family) and Indigenous Services Canada.

Quotes

"I am proud that our government can support this Indigenous-led program. This initiative undertaken by Ndinawe and their partners recognizes that youth are most vulnerable when they have no safe place to turn for help. By expanding access 24/7 to a culturally safe space, Ndinawe is building a better future for Indigenous youth."
The Honourable Jane Philpott, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

"We are happy that there will be a safe place for young people in Winnipeg. We are honoured that Tina will not be forgotten and other young children will be safe."
Thelma Favel, great aunt of Tina Fontaine

"We are pleased the Department of Indigenous Services Canada will support our community to honour the memory of Tina Fontaine by investing funding in Ndinawe's youth resource centre to ensure Indigenous youth have access to culturally appropriate safe space 24 hours a day in Winnipeg.  Building these important partnerships help us protect our children because our children are sacred gifts from the Creator."
Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
Southern Chiefs' Organization

"Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad is incredibly honored to have the opportunity, in collaboration with Tina Fontaine's family and our partners to create a true, twenty-four-hour safe space. Every day in the City of Winnipeg, too many Indigenous youth are faced with high risk situations and limited resources to turn to. The centre will honor the memory of Tina Fontaine in our work to ensure vulnerable young people have immediate access to a safe place and supports when they need them."
Tammy Christensen, Executive Director
Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc.

Quick Facts

• The goals of the 24/7 Safe Place For Indigenous Youth include providing supports and services targeted at harm reduction, crisis intervention and stabilization to youth that are at risk for, or are experiencing, homelessness, sexual exploitation, family conflict, placement breakdown, and mental health crises.

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

media may contact: Andrew MacKendrick, Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, 819-956-5372; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160