National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

2 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 M any do not make it safely out of the clutches of trauma. This is something that the Clan Mothers understands well. Decades of personal experience and years of showing those who have suffered the effects of abuse have given the Elders and organiza on's leaders the ability to li up those who need their wisdom and guidance. The Clan Mothers Healing Village & Knowledge Centre (CMHV & KC) is integral to this restora ve plan. CMHV & KC is a holis c centre designed to care for women who have been vic ms of sexual abuse, exploita on and trafficking. Based upon tradi onal Indigenous matriarchal healing, CMHV & KC is rooted in the Clan Mothers' successful model of tradi onal care. Why is ac on needed immediately? According to a 2020 Stats Canada report, Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ experience much higher rates of violence. An Amnesty Canada report reveals that Indigenous women are seven mes more likely to be murdered. Close to home, in Winnipeg, the numbers are not be er. Of the 400 children and youth trafficked and exploited on the streets each year, 70-80 per cent of them are Indigenous. Age 13 62.7% 74% 48.9% 19.3% 56% 83% 81% Grade 7 was the average age of first exploita on. had been physically and sexually abused. had been in the care of Child and Family Services. had been homeless. had family members involved in a gang. were associated with a gang. received drugs or alcohol from their exploiter as a method of control. had family in residen al schools. was the highest grade level completed. Additional statistics facing trafficked and exploited women and 2SLGBTQQA+: To create a better future, we need to heal the past —this takes a village

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