Aboriginal Peoples Alliance (Northern Ontario) (APANO)

Published purpose

Through this 59-month project, the Aboriginal Peoples’ Alliance Northern Ontario (APANO) will increase its ability to prevent and address gender-based violence (GBV) against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, across rural and urban communities in northern Ontario. This will be achieved through the implementation of their strategic plan; the development of internal policies and procedures to support safe and inclusive GBV programming; the strengthening of healthy workplace culture and skills; the development of an APANO Database to support efficient and targeted programming; the development and implementation of a results evaluation plan (centred on effectiveness of response and sustainability); and the development of internal research capacity. This project will engage urban and rural indigenous people across Northern Ontario, through work with local branch offices of APANO. By the end of the project, APANO will have strengthened their capacity to prevent and address GBV against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Northern Ontario. Supplemental funding will be used to create a GBV advocacy campaign; engage with the community to develop a referral network and culturally-responsive programming; and increase organizational funding capacity. With the supplemental funds and extension provided in early 2026, the Aboriginal Peoples’ Alliance Northern Ontario (APANO) will (1) expand and operationalize its administrative database to strengthen community safety and improve tracking of MMIWG cases; (2) develop and deliver training focused on men’s mental health, addictions, and the intersections with gender‑based violence; (3) create and implement a trauma‑informed Indigenous Circle Process training for staff rooted in restorative practices; (4) strengthen HR governance by creating organizational safety protocols, communication and conflict resolution training, and incorporating internal GBV policy in onboarding materials. Through this, they will further advance Gender Equality.