Tina Fontaine (WPS / HANDOUT)
An expanded centre for Indigenous youth in Winnipeg will be dedicated to the memory of Tina Fontaine.
Minister of Indigenous Services, Jane Philpott, was in Winnipeg Tuesday for the announcement of $349,387 towards the 24/7 Safe Place for Indigenous Youth at the Ndinawe Youth Resource Centre.
The funding will allow the program to extend its access 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide a place of safety for youth during times of high risk when other resources are unavailable to them.
Fontaine’s body was pulled from the Red River in Winnipeg in August 2017 when she was just 15-years-old. Police continue to investigate her death.
“We are happy that there will be a safe place for young people in Winnipeg. We are honoured that Tina will not be forgotten and other young children will be safe,” said Thelma Favel, great aunt of Tina Fontaine.
The centre will also provide supports and services for crisis intervention and stabilization to youth that are at risk for, or are experiencing, homelessness, sexual exploitation, family conflict, placement breakdown, and mental health crises.
