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A Sioux Lookout resident and a northwestern Ontario support group are two recipients of the 2020-2021 Attorney General’s Victim Services Awards of Distinction
The award recognizes the exceptional achievements of dedicated professionals, organizations and volunteers working to raise awareness of victims’ issues in Ontario and provide support when victims need it most.
Only 15 individuals and organizations across Ontario were honoured by Attorney General Doug Downey
Shauna Pitawanakwat has worked as a Family Information Liaison Unit worker in the Sioux Lookout area, helping to support families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls across the north.
The province says she has promoted healing and traditional practices for clients and their families and supported many commemorative events such as candlelight vigils and walks.
Shauna’s persistence and attention to detail resulted in the reopening of an historic case involving the death of an Indigenous woman in Sioux Lookout.
A statement reads, “She has made a profound difference in the lives of people she has worked with and supported.”
Rainy River District Victim Services was the second to be recognized.
The province says staff at the Fort Frances based program regularly go above and beyond.
They have helped create a comprehensive sexual assault network so victims can access local services easier, and hosted speakers for service-provider and community training workshops.
The workers also provided support and coordination to develop a separate examination room at Riverside Health Care Facilities to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of victims of sexual violence.
Staff members also participate in local initiatives such as the Fort Frances Homeless Committee, Safe Communities Rainy River District, Domestic Violence Court Advisory Committee, To Be the Voice Committee for Human Trafficking and the Care Givers Group in Atikokan.
