Prince George, B.C.- Four Prince George area First Nations and organizations are receiving over $33,000 in “Giving Voice” grants from the provincial government to fund projects aimed at stopping violence against Aboriginal women and girls.

“No woman or girl should have to live in fear of violence or abuse. This is a paramount principle in our province’s aim of a violence free B.C.,” says Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond. “Aboriginal women are more likely to be victims of violence than non-Aboriginal women. We’ve listened to First Nations leaders and by supporting Aboriginal-led projects, we are helping their communities develop grassroots solutions to improve life for Aboriginal women and girls. There is much work to be done but this is an important step in the right direction.”

The four local First Nations and organizations receiving funding are the Carrier Sekani Family Services, Kwadacha Nation, Nusdeh Yoh Aboriginal Choice School, and the Yekooche First Nation.

“We all have a responsibility to end violence against women. As a former police officer, I have seen domestic violence’s awful consequences; and it needs to be made clear that there is zero tolerance for abuse,” says Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris. “No one – no victim – should be forced into silence. This is why their voices must be heard and heeded to let all know that violence against women is unacceptable in all cultures, Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal.”

The purpose of the “Giving Voice” grants, an initiative of the Minister’s Advisory Council for Aboriginal Women, is to provide Aboriginal women, men, youth, and Elders safe opportunities to give voice to issues of violence and abuse within their lives, families, and communities. The projects are designed to change behaviours and attitudes, along with mobilizing communities.

Across British Columbia, 37 community-based Aboriginal organizations will share close to $350,000 in “Giving Voice grants”.