The Yukon Government Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust has awarded more than $227,000 dollars to ten community-led projects.
The funded projects focus on crime prevention and services for victims and will be delivered in several Yukon communities as well as Whitehorse. Indeed, the majority of the projects don’t seem to have much to do with crime at first glance, and 4 of the projects are for youth.
According to Director of Victim Services, Lareina Twardochelp, many of the projects aim to fight crime at its root by supporting young people who may be at risk.
Twardochlep says many of the projects seek to engage youth or support victims. She says that programs like this look at the base causes of criminal behaviour, address risk factors and promote protective factors. She says that connecting young people to strong role models is important when it comes to crime prevention, in a long term, and sustainable way. Twardochlep says that on the surface some of the projects may just sound like fun, but underneath they aim to address serious issues in a way that young people want to be a part of, and can support their development.
The Champagne and Aishihik First Nation received funding for a Trauma and Conflict Resolution Program and a Youth Outreach Program.
The Kluane First Nation received funding for a Roots “Trauma Healing and Support Workshop Series” Project.
The Teslin Tlingit Council received funding to support a Weaving Culture through Justice course.
Other programs being support include a Dawson City Youth Fiddle and Jigging Community Tour and a Hip Hop program at the Heart of Riverdale Community Centre.
Kluane First Nation, Champagne and Aishihik First Nation and Teslin Tligit Council Among Crime Prevention Grant