Manitoba’s MMIWG2S+ Healing and Empowerment Endowment Fund sees major donation
Posted February 14, 2025 4:09 pm.
Last Updated February 15, 2025 10:23 am.
In a major step to support Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirited people, the Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health announced a significant commitment to healing and empowerment Friday, aiming to impact families affected by missing and murdered Indigenous women.
To honor the lives lost and the families left behind, Shoppers made a $10-million donation to the MMIWG2S+ Healing and Empowerment Endowment Fund, which was launched in 2024 with an initial $15 million investment.
“This is a demonstration that our organization cares and is committed to helping with reconciliation and committing funds to change the dialogue,” said Jeff Leger, the president of Shopper Drug Mart.
Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine emphasized that this donation is an example of how corporate partners can play a pivotal role in reconciliation, by offering tangible support to communities and survivors.
“It is all of our responsibility, and this is one way, a really tangible way that Manitobans can contribute to that pathway,” said Fontaine.
Gerri-Lee Pangman, Jennifer McPherson’s Sister, adds, “Having easy access to funds and support during such devastating times can profoundly have a positive impact on families by aiding in the grieving process.”
“At such a young age there was no counselling available for my siblings and me, so we had to carry this trauma alone never completely healing.”
Highlighting the need for this funding was the family of Jennifer McPherson from Peguis First Nation, who was killed by her husband in 2013. Jennifer’s sister Gerri-Lee Pangman stressed the need for proper supports, highlighting how hard it can be when there is NO helping hand
“During our sister’s trial and sentencing in 2014, we were not supported or invited by victim services to attend any of the court dates in person, no funds were available for us which added to our grief because of this, and to this day we do not feel we had closure,” said Pangman.
The first round of grants from the fund will be available later this year.
