The Victoria-based Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness was one of several groups to be recognized this past week for its work on crime prevention and community safety.
The Coalition, which provides culturally supportive, affordable housing and services for First Nations, Métis and Inuit on Vancouver Island won the Safe Communities Award at the 25th-annual Community Safety and Crime Prevention Awards, held in Vancouver on Friday.
Also winning were Shawn Bayes, chief executive of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver, Lovepreet Brar of the RCMP Integrated Homicide Investigation Team in Surrey, Mary Brown of the Heiltsuk Gvi’las Restorative Justice Program and the Sk’ai Zeh Yah Youth Centre in Prince George.
The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness developed the province’s first culturally supportive housing program and decolonized harm-reduction services with the Indigenous Street Family Program, which includes land-based healing.
“These inspiring award recipients prove we can create a safer province by working together to prevent crime,” said Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety and solicitor general.
The awards recognize individuals, non-profit organizations, and justice and community partners for their work in advancing crime prevention, restorative justice and support for vulnerable people.
