HAIDA GWAII- New Democrat MLA Tamara Davidson says that people on the North Coast will benefit from projects that will advance public safety, help prevent violence, and promote healing.
“These two projects receiving funding on Haida Gwaii and in Prince Rupert will help with culturally significant supports that encourage healing in our communities,” said Tamara Davidson, MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii. “These grants take funds that were captured from criminal activity to support valuable projects across the province.”
On Haida Gwaii, the Skidegate Band Council is receiving $40,000 for their Strength in Spirit: Indigenous Men’s Healing and Recovery Workshop, which will deliver a culturally rooted, holistic healing and recovery workshop designed for Indigenous men on Haida Gwaii, and foster emotional resilience, physical wellbeing, and spiritual balance through traditional practices and community-building.
In Prince Rupert, the Kxeen Community Services Society will receiving $39,651 for their Ła yeltgm project, which will support urban Indigenous clients referred to the restorative justice program at the Kxeen Community Services Society the opportunity to learn about their culture through traditional activities and on-the-lands-based experiences.
The New Democrat government is providing $9.1M in one-time grants through the Civil Forfeiture Grant Program to support 166 community projects across the province. These projects are being led by local governments, community-based not-for-profits, school districts, health authorities, academic institutions, police departments and Indigenous organizations.
$900,000 of the $9.1M will support specialized police equipment and training, $500,000 will support the Anti-Hate Community Support Fund, and $200,000 will support the response to the April 26 tragedy after the Lapu Lapu festival.
The Civil Forfeiture Office was established in 2006 with the purpose of removing the tools and proceeds of unlawful activity and redirecting them back into programs that support community safety and crime prevention initiatives.