Description:
Through this 58-month project, the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre will increase its ability to prevent and address gender-based violence (GBV) against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ persons with a focus on the sexual exploitation and trafficking of youth in the Winnipeg area. This will be achieved by building capacity through the revision of the current organizational program model; strengthening and expanding collaborations and partnerships by creating 3 local advisory councils with sister service delivery organizations; development of strategies for staff recruitment, training, and retention; development of an advocacy strategy to establish relationships with governments and philanthropy partners and the creation of a digital library of wise practises.
The project will engage ally organizations such as Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc., Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc., North End Women’s Centre, Voices: Manitoba Youth in Care Network and various grassroots outreach programs. Engagement will include consultation, feedback, and support to meet the complex ever-changing needs of Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ victims and survivors of sexual exploitation/trafficking and to ensure long-term organizational sustainability.
By the end of the project, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre will have strengthened their capacity and created programs and tools to prevent and address gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples and most notably victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
With the supplemental funds and extension provided in early 2026, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre will operationalize the HOME residential healing program; develop and deploy an Indigenous SEY outreach model grounded in the Seven Sacred Teaching; deliver integrated training curriculum for outreach workers and sector partners; and update and expand on advisory committee roles and advocacy strategy development. Through this they will further advance Gender Equality by building culturally grounded, community-led systems that protect and support sexually exploited Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse youth.
Program Purpose:
The purpose of ESSOGIE program is to advance social, political and economic equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Advancement towards a greater understanding of the intersection of sex and gender with other identity factors that include race, national and ethnic origin, Indigenous origin or identity, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic condition, place of residence and disability are encouraged under the Program.