OHSWEKEN — The Attorney General of Ontario selected Sonhatsi:wa, Ganohkwasra’s Sexual Violence Healing Center, as a recipient of the Attorney General’s Victim Services Award of Distinction for 2020-21.
The award recognizes the dedication and creativity of professionals and volunteers who serve victims, and the courageous efforts of individuals who have been personally impacted by crime and are now working to raise the profile of victims’ issues in Ontario.
SNGR announced the award Tuesday, acknowledging the work the Sonhatsi:wa team does for the community, saying the award is a well-deserved recognition of efforts the organization makes to provide support and counselling to individuals and their families.
“Sonhatsi:wa cares for some of the most vulnerable members in the community, and it’s a great honour that they are being recognized for the compassion and love they impart each day to help those in need overcome past trauma and hurt,” said Elected Chief Mark Hill.
The organization was nominated for the award by the Sexual Assault Centre of Brant.
Sonhatsi:wa provides one-on-one counselling to survivors of sexual abuse and other forms of sexual violence, victims of human trafficking, residential school or intergenerational trauma and abuse; to educate them about issues of family violence and sexual assault, and encourages them to do “present day repair work” on past traumas.
Sonhatsi:wa received their award during a virtual awards reception on April 27, 2021.