Sweetgrass and CFWE news - April 6, 2016

Mayors, councils gather to share ending-poverty strategy

April 6, 2016. Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, is speaking Wednesday at the Cities Reducing Poverty: When Mayors Lead gathering in Edmonton. Blackstock is addressing ending poverty for Indigenous children by enacting the calls to action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The three-day event began Tuesday and brings mayors and councils from across Canada together to share their visions, plans and work on the ground to reduce poverty. Also attending are provincial and territorial representatives as well as sector leaders and practitioners. Vibrant Communities Canada is the lead sponsor of the event.

Calgary invests in services to help families, individuals

April 6, 2016. The City of Calgary is investing $10.5 million in services that offer supports and programs to individuals and families. The city has opened up calls for proposals that fall under three categories: crime prevention investment plan, emergency resiliency fund, and family and community support services. The city partners with local non-profit organizations to deliver social, recreational, arts and sports programs which contribute to the overall quality of life for Calgarians. “Investing in our communities is essential,” said Katie Black, Calgary Neighbourhoods director. “We know that thriving people make thriving communities, and thriving communities make Calgary a great place to live.” Applications for all three funding streams will be accepted until May 5.

Inuit Edmontonmiut talk about upcoming MMIW

April 5, 2016. Inuit Edmontonmiut, a new group representing Inuit in Edmonton, hosted a gathering on April 2 on behalf of Tungasuvvingat Inuit to give input into the upcoming national inquiry on murdered and missing Indigenous women. Norma Dunning, vice president of the Edmonton group, says members welcomed the opportunity to provide input as urban Inuit are often left out. “I don’t think it’s an intentional oversight, it’s just based on dominant Aboriginal population,” she said. “But there was that gap, so we’re able to fill it by hosting (the event) here in Edmonton.” Among other concerns noted by participants was the challenges southern Inuit face when a loved one goes missing or is murdered as the cost of a flight home for a funeral is often prohibitive, and the difficulty of communication among family members.