The Manitoba government has announced the creation of a new $15-million “healing and empowerment” endowment fund to provide support for the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit individuals. Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine made the announcement on Red Dress Day, emphasizing that the fund will offer direct support to affected families. She highlighted the story of Bernice and Wilfred Catcheway, who have been searching for their daughter Jennifer Catcheway on their own funds for years. Fontaine stated that the fund will also support Indigenous-led frontline organizations and help family members access education, healing, and ceremony.
Fontaine stated that the endowment fund will be a permanent fixture in Manitoba, ensuring its existence regardless of the government in power or the minister in office. The fund is expected to generate up to $750,000 annually, which will be distributed through application-based grants. Housing and addictions minister Bernadette Smith, who is personally impacted by the issue, expressed her belief that the fund will make a significant difference for families who are struggling to access resources and support for their missing loved ones. She emphasized the importance of the fund in saving lives and providing much-needed assistance to families.
The fund will accept donations, with Fontaine hoping to eventually grow it to $50 million. Corporate entities, businesses, and individuals committed to reconciliation are encouraged to contribute to the fund, demonstrating their support for Indigenous communities. Guidelines for eligibility and distribution of the fund will be developed in partnership with MMIWG2S+ families, the Matriarch Circle, and community partners in the coming months. The project is expected to launch in 2025 and will be managed by the Winnipeg Foundation, ensuring transparency and accountability in the distribution of funds to those in need.
The announcement of the healing and empowerment endowment fund comes on the heels of Red Dress Day, a day dedicated to remembering and honoring MMIWG2S+. Fontaine stressed the historic and transformative nature of the fund, highlighting its potential to provide critical support to families who have been searching for their missing loved ones for years. She expressed her commitment to ensuring that the fund continues to exist beyond her time in office, emphasizing its lasting impact on families and communities in Manitoba. The fund will offer financial assistance for families to continue their search efforts, access necessary resources, and engage in healing and ceremony to cope with their loss.
The creation of the $15-million endowment fund represents a significant step forward in addressing the ongoing issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit individuals in Manitoba. By providing financial support to families, Indigenous-led organizations, and individuals seeking education and healing, the fund aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by these tragedies. With plans to grow the fund through donations and partnerships, the Manitoba government is demonstrating its commitment to reconciliation and supporting Indigenous communities in their efforts to seek justice and healing. The launch of the fund in 2025 will mark a new chapter in the ongoing fight for justice and empowerment for MMIWG2S+ families in Manitoba.
