THUNDER BAY —The federal government is giving the Elizabeth Fry Society Northwestern Ontario $396,000.
It's a charitable organization that supports and advocates for women in prison, women transitioning back into the community, and women at risk of criminalization.
The money is part of over $14 million in funding approved by Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, to support Indigenous women by improving economic participation, increasing leadership in various sectors, and preventing and eliminating gender-based violence.
Details of the Elizabeth Fry project were not immediately available.
According to a government press release, the project's title is Stronger together: Aligning feminist efforts in Northern Ontario to impact systemic change for criminalized women.
The government said this and 33 other projects it's funding across the country will enhance reconciliation and distinction-based approaches for Indigenous women and girls, while addressing the barriers to equality that many communities face.
Distinction-based means that programs must recognize the unique needs of the three federally-recognized Indigenous groupings: First Nations, Métis and Inuit.
