Federal Government announces funding for Okanagan Indian Band Crime Prevention

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” It is so much easier, so much more effective, so much more likely to be successful if you identify the issue in advance and try to prevent it rather than deal with the consequences after the fact, ” said Goodale.

The crime prevention strategy hopes to engage more indigenous communities and the Federal Government says it will include more outreach, mentoring, and counseling for youth while making sure that the strategy remains culturally appropriate.

“We know that when it comes to crime prevention, there is no one size fits all solution. The Okanagan Indian Band’s approach is youth-centred, with a community capacity-building component that will help reduce and prevent youth violence – making our communities safer and ensuring more young people have the opportunity to succeed,” said Goodale.

Several crime prevention strategies already exist within the Ministry of Public Safety including the Northern and Aboriginal Crime Prevention Fund , which according to the Ministry “supports the adaptation, development and implementation of innovative and promising culturally sensitive crime prevention practices” .

When Beach Radio News asked if the announcement is a re-announcement of an existing program, Goodale  said the program is ” a new cycle of a program that has existed for a number of years”.

Asked Minister Goodale if the announcement is a re-announcement of an existing program (Northern and Aboriginal Crime prevention program) and he said it is “ a new cycle of a program that has existed for a number of years “ #bcpoli #vernonbc pic.twitter.com/QS60skOwn8

— Tiffany Goodwein (@CityNewsTiffany) March 14, 2019

Goodale added that funding for crime prevention programs expires after five years and this announcement is the first specific project for the Indian band.

Okanagan Indian Band Chief Byron Louis said he’s excited about what the announcement will mean for the community.

” I think we are going to use this program in a positive way to actually do some good not only for kids but for generations in our community.”

He also said that the announcement is a step towards reconciliation.