PROVINCIAL FUNDING FOR SASKATOON ABORIGINAL FAMILY VIOLENCE PROGRAMS

Released on April 30, 1998

Justice Minister John Nilson today announced continued funding of

$90,000 for two family violence programs for Aboriginal people in

Saskatoon. This funding is part of a $350,000 provincial Aboriginal

family violence initiative. The Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship

Centre and the Family Healing Circle Lodge are two of eight

organizations that received start-up funding in 1997-98 for programs

that work to stop the cycle of family violence and abuse.



"Violence and abuse in any form is unacceptable," Nilson said. "This

funding will continue to help urban Aboriginal organizations offer a

holistic approach to violence in families. Victims, children,

offenders, other family members and the community will all benefit."



Nilson met today with the board of directors of the Saskatoon Indian

and Metis Friendship Centre and the Family Healing Circle Lodge. The

funding will enable the Friendship Centre to hire an additional

counsellor, enhancing the centre's ability to deal with the effects of

family violence through its traditional healing approach. The Family

Healing Circle Lodge will hire two additional part-time counsellors

for its men's program to include individual counselling and support.



"Aboriginal organizations asked for help from the justice system

in responding to family violence," Nilson said. "This initiative

will enable these organizations to offer culturally appropriate

services to Aboriginal people in co-operation with others working

in the family violence field."



This family violence initiative is another example of how

Government is continuing to work in partnership with communities,

families and individuals to foster family relationships that are

free from violence and abuse.



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For more information, contact:



Debi McEwen

Saskatchewan Justice

Regina

Phone: (306)787-7872

e-mail: dmcewen@justice.gov.sk.ca



Ida Linklater, Executive Director

Saskatoon Indian and

Metis Friendship Centre

Saskatoon

Phone: (306)244-0174



Carole Gorgchuck, Treasurer

Family Healing Circle Lodge Inc.

Saskatoon

Phone: (306)653-0384