The deadline is fast approaching for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Aftercare Support.
Victims and family members that made statements during the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) are eligible for extra support of up to $3,500 to assist with their aftercare expenses. But the deadline to make an application is March 15, 2019.
At the end of 2018, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) wrapped up after hearing testimony from 2,386 participants from across Canada. Those that made statements were offered support in the form of resource people that worked on behalf of victims of violence or their families.
The National Inquiry is now offering aftercare support in the form of financial assistance to help in the healing process.
The MMIWG Aftercare Support is financial aid intended to help families and survivors of violence access support where there are no existing external resources to help their needs.
Those that made statements are eligible for up to $3,500 if they are registered with the National Inquiry and have shared their truth in the Truth Gathering Process.
The support can be used for counselling/healing/treatment program costs that are not covered by outside agencies. It can also be used for traveling expenses to attend ceremonial events, or for hosting your own commemoration event. Coverage can include activities that support physical wellness, workshops related to healing, or any other reasonable expense may be considered upon special request and approval.
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is committed to working in a trauma-informed way and to making culturally appropriate support available to families and survivors of violence who shared their stories during the Truth Gathering Process.
Short-term aftercare services are available to families and survivors who participated. National Inquiry outreach and support workers work directly with families and survivors to create a plan of care that outlines their needs.
Support can be provided for up to three consecutive months or upon the completion of the National Inquiry, whichever comes first.
In order to access this support, eligible family members and survivors of violence will be contacted by a case support worker. If you haven’t heard from your case support worker you may email the National Inquiry at profile@mmiwg-ffada.ca or call the toll-free line at 1-844-348-4119.
“We encourage family members and survivors who shared their truths with the National Inquiry to access long-term aftercare services through Indigenous Services Canada (ISC),” wrote Lisa Watts in an email, who is a resolution health support worker with the NTC’s Teechuktl Mental Health department. “Until 2020, ISC covers mental health counselling and cultural support services for survivors, family members and those affected by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.”
For more information visit: http://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/aftercare-services/
If you need assistance or more information you may contact Lisa Watts at Teechuktl Mental Health Services at 1-888-624-3939. If you are in Port Alberni you may reach Lisa Watts at 250-724-3939.
