About the Program:
At Keepers of the Circle, we recognize that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals experience increased rates of gender-based violence (GBV) due to historical and systemic realities. To support the safety and wellbeing of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, we offer two main services: Direct Frontline GBV Support and GBV Awareness and Prevention Education.
Direct Frontline GBV Support:
Our GBV Support Coordinator provides confidential, culturally informed frontline support to individuals who are experiencing, leaving, or recovering from GBV.
Frontline Services we offer:
- Individualized safety planning
- Referrals to community agencies and specialized services
- Housing, shelter and system navigation
- Assistance accessing basic needs and emergency supports
- Help identifying financial, transportation and communication barriers
- Coordination with other service providers, with the member’s consent
- Follow-up support and advocacy
If you, a friend, or family member is at-risk of or experiencing violence in their life, we believe that they shouldn't feel like they have to manage a difficult or unsafe situation on their own. Our support is member-led, confidential, non-judgmental, and based on each person’s individual circumstances. Our goal is to provide information, practical support, and referrals so members can decide what is safest and most appropriate for themselves.
Contact Information:
For more information or to request for support, please contact:
Shirley Beaudry (she/her)
Gender Based Violence Support Coordinator
Cell: (705) 622-7837 l Office: (855) 647-7874 Ext. 5030
s.beaudry@keepersofthecircle.com
GBV Awareness and Prevention:
Our Gender-Based Violence Awareness and Prevention Worker focuses on raising awareness about gender-based violence through educational workshops, community programming, and community events. We provide education to help people understand more about gender-based violence and the local support available in their communities, create safe and welcoming spaces where people can learn, ask questions, and have conversations about gender-based violence. Some common topics that our workshops are focused on include: healthy relationships, consent, gender-based violence awareness, and personal safety.
We also host community initiatives such as the annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ (MMIWG2S+) Walk and Take Back the Night, along with cultural activities such as beading, ribbon skirt making, and many other workshops that provide a safe space for our members. At Keepers of the Circle, we strive to offer programming that is welcoming, informative, and provide a safe space where people feel comfortable attending, connecting, and learning.
Awareness and Prevention Services Offered:
- Community programming and educational workshops
- Gender-based violence awareness and prevention initiatives
- Community events and public education
- Safety resources and information
- Collaboration with community partners
- Information about local supports and services
- Referrals to appropriate community resources when needed
Contact Information:
For more information or to request for support, please contact:
Makayla Barre (she/her)
Gender Based Violence Awareness and Prevention Worker
Office: 1(855)-647-7874 ext. 2050
Resources:
Below is a list of local and general GBV resources that may be of use to you or a loved one who is at-risk of or experiencing violence:
If you are interested in hosting a GBV workshop with us with your organization or community or want to attend any upcoming workshops, please contact our GBV Awareness and Prevention Worker.