TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - February 24, 2016) - On February 23, 2016, the Ontario government released Walking Together: Ontario's Long-Term Strategy to End Violence Against Indigenous Women. Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) Chair France Picotte attended the announcement on behalf of the MNO along with MNO Associate Chief Operating Officer Margaret Froh.

This long-term strategy incorporates a number of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action and reflects the government's commitment to work with Indigenous partners. The Strategy also reflects over six years of work of the Joint Working Group to End Violence Against Aboriginal Women, as well as work at the Indigenous Leaders and Ministers level in Ontario. 

Walking Together builds on the existing projects being implemented by Indigenous partners, community organizations and government to raise awareness of and to prevent violence. The Ontario government's long-term strategy promotes community safety and healing and addresses root causes of violence across six areas, namely: supporting Children, Youth and Families; Community Safety and Healing; Policing and Justice; Prevention and Awareness; Leadership, Collaboration, Alignment and Accountability; and Improved Data and Research. 

Speaking in support of the long-term strategy, MNO President Gary Lipinski stated, "Ending violence against Indigenous women requires collective commitments and concrete actions. Ontario's $100 million investment in this strategy over three years demonstrates a significant commitment to address the root causes of violence that impact all Métis, First Nation and Inuit communities throughout the province. The MNO will work closely with the provincial government and its Indigenous partners to fully implement all components of this long-term strategy and associated investments. We applaud Premier Wynne, once again, for her decisive leadership in ending violence against Indigenous women at the provincial and national levels."

The MNO has been a strong leader in ending violence against Indigenous women. It has been a member of the Joint Working Group on Violence Against Aboriginal Women since its inception in 2010. Additionally, the MNO delivers a number of important programs and services including Victim Services, a Métis culture-based program that addresses, deters, and reduces violence against women and children. The MNO is involved in a province-wide public education campaign called Honouring Métis Women and is working with Métis women, youth and other community leaders in all areas of ending violence.