A community fund is being developed to end violence.

The Path Forward Community Fund is being developed by the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and is dedicated towards ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people.

In total, $5.34 million will be distributed to different Indigenous communities and organizations across the province. The funding will be made available to the Path Forward Community Fund to ensure an Indigenous-led approach and an Indigenous organization to developed and administer the funding. The group can award medium-sized grants to other organizations which will support initiatives to build capacity and increase safety in Indigenous communities.

Here are the organizations eligible for the funding provided:

• Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations
• Indigenous non-profit societies or registered charities
• First Nations, Bands, and Tribal Councils
• Treaty First Nation Governments
• Metis Chartered Communities
• Metis organizations or service providers
• Urban/off reserve Indigenous organizations

In a statement reported by myeastkootenaynow.com, Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General released the following statement.

“In keeping with the idea of ‘nothing about us, without us,’ we are looking to the BCAAFC to administer and award the grants to Indigenous communities and organizations. The Indigenous-led Path Forward Community Fund is a milestone in our shared journey toward lasting reconciliation and gender equality.”

Eligible projects include everything from hosting of planning sessions, culturally appropriated safety training, along with healing and cultural support.