Photo Credit: Opokaa'sin Early Intervention Society

By Aaron Mahoney

Federal Funding

Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society receiving $350,000 in federal funding to strengthen economic security and prosperity of Indigenous women

May 10, 2019 | 11:30 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The federal government has announced new funding in Southern Alberta that’s designed to make sure Indigenous women continue to hold important places as leaders in their families and communities.

Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society, based in Lethbridge, is receiving $350,000 for a three-year project entitled Blackfoot Women’s Empowerment from Security to Prosperity that will empower Blackfoot women to overcome the social, economic, and geographic barriers to their prosperity, whether they live on or off reserve.

Minister for Women and Gender Equality Maryam Monsef made the announcement on Friday, May 10, and says by creating the conditions for Indigenous women to succeed, they’re supporting their families and communities.

“When we invest in women, we strengthen the economy and our communities for everyone. By funding organizations like Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society, that address the genuine barriers that Indigenous women face, we are ensuring that all women have an equal and fair chance at success. It’s not just the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do,” Monsef said, adding Indigenous women have the talent, leadership, and ingenuity to inspire positive change.

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Opokaa’sin will encourage Indigenous women in Blackfoot confederacies to participate in leadership roles, conduct a Gender-based Analysis Plus on the role of women in cultural and community practices, and develop and implement a strategy to advance the economic security of women in all Blackfoot confederacies.

C.E.O Tanya Pace-Crosschild says since their inception, Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society’s mission has been to nurture and support the strengths and resilience of Indigenous families, children, and youth.

“With this investment, we will empower Indigenous women with culturally appropriate community responses about economic prosperity for the benefit of all nations within the Blackfoot Confederacy.”

This is one of 15 projects receiving funding through the Department for Women and Gender Equality’s call for proposals Addressing the Economic Security and Prosperity of Indigenous Women.