The Manitoba government has announced the establishment of a new $15-million endowment fund to support families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit (MMIWG2S+) relatives. The announcement was made by Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, who is also responsible for women and gender equity.
Fontaine described the announcement as “transformative” and “historic” for MMIWG2S+ relatives, emphasizing that the fund represents a long-term commitment to meeting the needs of families and supporting them for years to come.
The endowment fund will be managed by The Winnipeg Foundation. The revenue generated from the fund will be used to provide application-based grants for MMIWG2S+ families, enabling them to heal, learn, and empower themselves. The initial investment is expected to generate up to $750,000 per year, which will be paid out in grants. The fund is designed to grow over time, ensuring the grant program’s continuity.
The first intake for the new grant program is slated for launch in 2025. In the coming months, the Manitoba government will collaborate with MMIWG2S+ families, the Matriarch Circle, and community partners to develop grant eligibility and distribution guidelines.
The fund is the inaugural initiative of the Manitoba government’s new multi-year Strategy and Action Plan on Empowering and Protecting Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Peoples. Cora Morgan, Manitoba’s special advisor on Indigenous women’s issues and secretary to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Peoples and Gender-Based Violence Committee of Cabinet, is supporting the initiative.
The investment aligns with the Calls for Justice in the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, including the call to provide continual and accessible healing programs and support for the children of MMIWG2S+ people and their families.
The Winnipeg Foundation, a registered charity and community foundation, distributes funds to support organizations in Winnipeg and beyond. For more information, visit www.wpgfdn.org.
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