Anishinabek Police Service launches Project Aakode’ewin Victim Service Navigator Program during Victims and Survivors of Crime Week

Press Release

May 12, 2026

The Anishinabek Police Service (APS) is pleased to announce the introduction of Project Aakode’ewin (Bravery) – the Anishinaabe name for its new two-year pilot Victim Services Navigator Program. The goal of Project Aakode’ewin is to increase the likelihood of equitable outcomes for members of our First Nation communities who are disproportionately impacted by crime and violence by ensuring they are connected to culturally grounded, dignified, Indigenous-led, trauma-informed, direct support and assistance. A first of its kind at APS, this program will greatly enhance the existing support framework for victims of crime. This funding is provided through a Ministry of the Attorney General Civil Remedies Grant.

Victim Services Navigator
The one-time Civil Remedies Grant funding will be used to recruit and onboard a new Victim Services Navigator (VSN) who will ensure that every victim or survivor of a violent crime that takes place in our jurisdiction is provided tailored connection to services through trauma-informed, direct outreach that reduces the harmful effects of victimization and re-victimization.

Enhancement of Police Analytics Tools
A portion of the funds will be used to enhance APS’s existing Police Analytics Tools. A specialized Victim Services Tracker interface will provide a centralized view of victim data that is not currently captured, such as culturally appropriate service referrals, and specific vulnerability markers. By bridging these data gaps, the VSN will be optimally positioned to address the unique needs of each victim through highly personalized support and more effective long-term advocacy.

B-SAFER training
An understanding of the principles of violence threat assessment and management can assist in the prevention of violent incidents. A portion of the Civil Remedies Grant funding will be used to bring specialized B-SAFER training to members of the APS who work with victims and offenders in the prevention of intimate partner violence. The Brief Spousal Assault for the Evaluation of Risk (B-SAFER) is a set of comprehensive structured professional judgment guidelines that enables risk assessors to reach supportable conclusions concerning IPV risk levels, risk factors, and management strategies in a transparent and systematic way.

Impact of Project Aakode’ewin
Connecting victims and survivors to appropriate supports and assistance can:

• lessen the impact of crime and trauma on victims and their families and assist them in their recovery;
• enhance victim safety and help reduce the risk of further victimization;
• increase victims’ level of participation in the criminal justice system; and
• prepare victims acting as witnesses in court proceedings.

By increasing access for Indigenous victims and survivors of crime to culturally grounded supports and services, the Anishinabek Police Service strengthens its response to the calls made through the final reports of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (Call #40) and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Quote
“This funding from the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG) will allow the Anishinabek Police Service to build real capacity to lessen the impact of trauma on victims and survivors, enhance victim wellbeing through access to culturally safe, dignified and responsive supports, assist victims in their grief and healing journey, and reduce the risk of further victimization. We are grateful for MAG’s commitment to achieving tangible change to address systemic and structural barriers for the safety, security, healing, and wellness of victims and survivors of crime and trauma in our Indigenous communities.” [Deputy Chief Julie Craddock]

Background: Victimization of First Nations peoples
Trauma resulting from colonialism, systemic racism, and deeply rooted social and economic challenges have resulted in First Nations people being overrepresented among victims of violence in Canada. In fact, a Statistics Canada survey found that over one-half of Indigenous adults reported being a victim of violence during their lifetime (vs. 37% of non-Indigenous adults). Further, the homicide rate for Indigenous Peoples in 2020 was almost 7x higher than that of non-Indigenous Canadians.

Background – Civil Remedies Grant Program
The Civil Remedies Grant Program is funded by cash, proceeds and property seized from unlawful activity in Ontario. Not-for-profit organizations, law enforcement agencies and Indigenous communities and organizations can apply to get funding for projects that fight crime, strengthen public safety, and/or support victims of crime in their communities. The program reinvests cash and proceeds seized from unlawful activity to help support victims of crime and

Media Contact
Jennifer Hartman, Communications Lead
Email: media@apscops.org

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