OTTAWA – The province is introducing new resources to help address elder abuse in Indigenous communities — part of Ontario’s Action Plan for Seniors that is helping seniors access the support they need at every stage of their life.
Ontario will be providing additional resources to Indigenous partners through the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy, to support prevention and education activities grounded in Indigenous culture. This will build greater community awareness of elder abuse in Indigenous communities, provide frontline staff training and create culturally appropriate supports through service providers.
“Preventing Indigenous elder abuse through public education, culturally appropriate supports and in working with front-line staff is part of our government’s plan to help seniors stay safe, healthy and remain active in their communities. It’s imperative that we continue to work alongside Indigenous partners to address this issue which affects so many in our province,” said Dr. Helena Jaczek, minister of community and social services.
This investment builds on initiatives underway as part of Ontario’s Long-Term Strategy to End Violence Against Indigenous Women and embodies the government’s commitment to working hand in hand with First Nation, Métis and urban Indigenous partners to drive coordinated action and make real progress.
“Elder abuse can take many forms and can occur in any setting. Through Aging with Confidence Ontario’s Action Plan for Seniors, this government is taking a stronger approach by creating new initiatives to prevent elder abuse and strengthen our capacity to intervene when a senior is at risk or is experiencing abuse,” said Dipika Damerla, minister of seniors affairs
The new funding will promote Indigenous elders/seniors’ wellness and resiliency which is integral to building healthy Indigenous communities.
Helping Indigenous seniors is one of many steps on the journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It reflects the government’s commitment to work with Indigenous partners and to creating a better future for everyone in the province.
