
Ontario is expanding helpline services to support Indigenous women and their families facing violence.
The province is supporting Beendigen Inc., an Indigenous family shelter in Thunder Bay, to expand culturally appropriate helpline services for Indigenous women across Ontario. For over 40 years Beendigen Inc. has provided safety and shelter to Indigenous women and children experiencing violence, and facilitated the cycle of healing through culturally appropriate programs and services to individuals and families.
This investment builds on the success of Talk4Healing, an Indigenous-designed and delivered helpline for Indigenous women in Northern Ontario.
Expanding helpline services for Indigenous women is a key commitment under Walking Together: Ontario’s Long-Term Strategy to End Violence Against Indigenous Womento help respond to the high rates of violence experienced by Indigenous women.
Supporting Indigenous women is one of many steps on the journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It reflects the government’s commitment to work with Indigenous partners and to create a better future for everyone in Ontario.
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario is investing an additional $500,000 annually in Beendigen Inc. to expand culturally appropriate helpline services for Indigenous women across the province.
- In October 2017, the province released a call for proposals for an Indigenous partner to develop, implement and operate expanded helpline services for Indigenous women in Ontario.
- This investment is part of the $100 million, three-year Walking Together: Ontario’s Long-Term Strategy to End Violence Against Indigenous Women
- Talk4Healing launched in 2012 and is a helpline for Indigenous women and community members in northern Ontario that is available 24/7, with services in multiple languages, including Ojibway, Oji-Cree and Cree.
- In Canada, Indigenous women 15 years and older are three to five times more likely to experience violence than non-Indigenous women.