Anishinabek News

Provincial funds to combat racism and hate

Published

5 months ago

June 29, 2023

Funding will support the Anishinabek Nation to increase public education

NIPISSING – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, announced that the Ontario government has invested $39,000 to help build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive community. This funding, as part of the government’s Anti-Racism Anti-Hate Grant, has supported the Anishinabek Nation in the development of a free online education resource, De’aabshkoo Gdaawmi: We are all the Same, to help people recognize and act to prevent occurrences of racism towards Indigenous people. The online format of the resource is publicly available on the Anishinabek Nation website, and is suitable for anyone age 12 and up.

“There is no place for hate or intolerance of any kind in our community. No Ontarian, regardless of their background, faith or sexual orientation, should be afraid to express who they are,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “This critical investment will empower organizations in our community to build a better place for all of us to live, work, and raise a family.”

“De’aabshkoo Gdaawmi: We are all the Same is a unique education resource with built-in Ontario Curriculum expectations that brings to light First Nation peoples’ experience with racism,” said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe. “This resource helps fill the current Indigenous education gap within the Ontario Curriculum and helps teachers lead meaningful conversations with students that can extend beyond the classroom. It emphasizes the need to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and highlights the systemic racism that exists within the Indian Act. Educational resources such as these are powerful tools to combat racism and help create a safer space for our most vulnerable demographics.”

The Anti-Racism-Anti Hate Grant was developed in collaboration with community partners. Since 2021, the government has invested nearly $5 million to support 82 projects that build capacity to combat racism and hate, deepen the public’s understanding of it, and support impacted communities.

“There is no place for hate in this province, and we are confident that the Anti-Racism and Anti-Hate Grant will help create more inclusive environments in every corner of Ontario,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “By supporting Indigenous-led projects, we are taking action to reduce hate and intolerance within communities through mediums that will achieve real results.”

This investment builds on the government’s recent announcement of an investment of $25.5 million in the new Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant. The grant will provide up to $10,000 to help religious groups, Indigenous communities, and cultural communities better protect and secure their facilities from hate-motivated incidents, graffiti, vandalism, or other damage.

Anishinabek News

Administrative Coordinator

Published

15 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Anishinabek News

Executive Assistant to the Vice-President Academic and Research (VPAR)

Published

15 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Anishinabek News

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund launches $15,000 fundraiser for GivingTuesday

Published

22 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund aims to raise $15,000 to provide vital winter clothing to 18 First Nations, collaborating with the KO First Nations, Keewaytinook Internet Highschools, and Fort Hope First Nation on GivingTuesday on November 28, 2023. – Photo supplied

THUNDER BAY (November 22, 2023) — Mikinakoos Children’s Fund, an Indigenous children’s charity providing essentials to youth in remote First Nations in Northwestern Ontario, is announcing the launch of a special fundraiser in recognition of GivingTuesday.

In alignment with the global GivingTuesday movement, Mikinakoos Children’s Fund aims to raise $15,000 to provide vital winter clothing to 18 First Nations, collaborating with the KO First Nations, Keewaytinook Internet Highschools, and Fort Hope First Nation. The initiative seeks to purchase over 1,500 coats for children in these regions, ensuring they are equipped to brave the harsh winter months.

“The winter season can be particularly challenging in the remote areas we serve, where many children lack access to proper winter gear,” said Mikinakoos Executive Director Emily Shandruk. “Mikinakoos Children’s Fund believes that every child deserves the warmth of hope during the colder months. With this in mind, we’re launching this crucial campaign to make a positive impact.”

Recent support from TD Canada Trust’s Ready Commitment Funding, a $50,000 grant over two years, is boosting Mikinakoos Children’s Fund’s Warm Clothing initiatives, of which this initiative is a part. With growing requests from various communities and organizations, Mikinakoos’ GivingTuesday funding alone wouldn’t have sufficed. Thanks to the extra support, the charity can now ensure that no child is left without essential resources.

GivingTuesday, which falls on November 28, marks the opening day of the giving season—a global movement encouraging people to come together for a day of generosity and positive change. Mikinakoos invites individuals and organizations alike to join in the effort to make a difference.

Here’s how you can contribute:

Donate: Your contribution, regardless of size, will bring Mikinakoos Children’s Fund closer to its $15,000 goal. Every dollar counts. GivingTuesday falls on November 28; however, this fundraiser will run until December 31.
Spread the Word: Share our campaign on social media, with friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can make a wider impact.

“The remoteness of the communities we serve presents challenges in shipping and distributing necessities, such as food, sporting equipment, and winter gear, especially with the absence of permanent roads,” said Shandruk. “Climate change has further exacerbated the inconsistency of ice road conditions, making the delivery of essential items even more difficult.”

Please consider contributing to Mikinakoos Children’s Fund’s GivingTuesday campaign through this link or by texting “WARMCOATS” to 807-500-1522. Interviews with spokespeople from Mikinakoos Children’s Fund are available upon request.

About Mikinakoos Children’s Fund

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund is a charity created to address poverty by providing basic amenities, such as food, clothing, and shelter to First Nations children residing in remote communities. Join us on this journey to create positive change and secure the safety and wellbeing First Nations children. Engage with Mikinakoos Children’s Fund on social through #FirstNationKidsFirst.

Contact:

Victoria Belton
Senior Consultant
Media Profile
Tel: 416-992-5179