A dozen Manitoba communities, six of them First Nations, will benefit from $1.4 million that the provincial government is spending to support community safety and well-being planning.
Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced April 29 that money to develop plans and implement local safety priorities will go to the municipalities of Steinbach, Portage la Prairie, Dauphin, Selkirk, Swan River and The Pas.
“Research shows that community safety and well-being planning supports a collaborative approach to addressing local priority risks to safety and well-being by establishing programs and strategies in four planning areas including social development, prevention, risk intervention and incident response,” said Goertzen. “This proactive planning process can help communities reduce crime and other risks using evidence-based responses that address unique local circumstances and the needs of residents.”
In partnership with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimanakak, funding will also support safety and well-being panning in Cross Lake, Northlands Denesuline First Nation at Lac Brochet, Sayisi Dene First Nation at Tadoule Lake, Manto Sipi Cree Nation and Sapotaweyak Cree Nation.
St. Theresa Point First Nation, Sandy Bay First Nation and Peguis First Nation will also benefit from the funding, according to the government’s press release.
“This is consultation and reconciliation in action,” said Goertzen. “Reconciliation is a priority for this government and we are committed to listening to Indigenous leaders, partners and elders, and putting reconciliation commitments into action.”
MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee said the advocacy organization that represents 26 Northern Manitoba First Nation had been working closely with the minister and Manitoba Justice staff to make sure First Nations are as safe as they can be for residents.
“In particular, MKO and Manitoba have been collaborating to operationalize the protocol for the enforcement and adjudication of First Nation laws and bylaws that has been entered into between the MKO First Nations, RCMP and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada,” said Settee. “These partnerships between Manitoba and MKO are all part of the ‘whole-of-government response’ being called for by MKO. This whole-of-government response incorporates targeted enforcement with restorative justice processes that lead to healing and wellness supports with the guidance of elders and involvement of land-based cultural opportunities.”
Thompson began developing a community safety and well-being plan with provincial government funding a few years ago and unveiled the strategy in October of last year.
The province is also providing $100,000 to expand community mobilization in Waywayseecappo First Nation and Morden and $20,000 to support the Waywioka Community Mobilization Initiative Targeted Engagement Strategy in Portage la Prairie. Community mobilization connects at-risk youth and families to social services to help them receive appropriate supports and interventions.
