STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
Alberta

Province highlights Budget 2023 investments in reconciliation and safety

Apr 13, 2023 | 2:18 PM

The Alberta government is once again highlighting Budget 2023, noting an investment of $9 million into a new reconciliation grant program for Indigenous communities and $15 million into building a safer province for Indigenous women.

Alberta’s government says it is committed to collaborating with Indigenous communities and walking the path of reconciliation together. Provincial officials say Budget 2023 invests in Indigenous-led community solutions to affect meaningful change over time.

According to the government, the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative will provide grants of up to $100,000 to support cultural and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities in Alberta.

“Reconciliation is about working with Indigenous leaders and communities to address past harms and build a brighter future. Budget 2023’s investment supports Indigenous-led solutions with funding designed to meet the needs of communities. I look forward to the good that will come from these new grants,” says Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations.

The Alberta government is once again highlighting Budget 2023, noting an investment of $9 million into a new reconciliation grant program for Indigenous communities and $15 million into building a safer province for Indigenous women.

Alberta’s government says it is committed to collaborating with Indigenous communities and walking the path of reconciliation together. Provincial officials say Budget 2023 invests in Indigenous-led community solutions to affect meaningful change over time.

According to the government, the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative will provide grants of up to $100,000 to support cultural and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities in Alberta.

“Reconciliation is about working with Indigenous leaders and communities to address past harms and build a brighter future. Budget 2023’s investment supports Indigenous-led solutions with funding designed to meet the needs of communities. I look forward to the good that will come from these new grants,” says Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations.

To address the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people, government officials say Budget 2023 invests $15 million over three years.

Of this, $3.5 million annually in grants is expected to be available through the Community Support Fund. Officials say this grant initiative will support community projects that address violence and increase safety and economic security for Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

The government says an additional $1.5 million each year will support the implementation of the Government of Alberta Roadmap on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, including the Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, as well as the First Nations and Métis Women’s Councils on Economic Security.

“As a family member and part of the Premier’s Council, I am very hopeful that these funds will lead to implementation of the 113 calls to action. I truly appreciate the province of Alberta for recognizing the need to build safer and stronger Indigenous communities,” adds Josie Nepinak, executive director, Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society.

Provincial officials say reconciliation is a priority for Alberta’s government. As partners in reconciliation, the government says they are listening to and working with Indigenous Peoples in Alberta to determine the best ways forward to a better future.