A coalition of several women’s advocacy groups signed a new safety protocol with the RCMP – Together for Safety in Whitehorse May 29th. PSAC member Linda Moen was invited to represent the YT Regional Women’s and Aboriginal People’s committees in the newly formed coalition.
The initiative was inspired by a previous ground-breaking collaboration between the Liard Aboriginal Women’s Society (LAWS) and Watson Lake RCMP. The 2013 Together for Justice community safety protocol represented a progressive step in advancing safety for women.
In the same year, the Whitehorse RCMP and women’s advocacy groups began working on a similar partnership. Together for Safety was the result of a series of consultations spanning more than a year. This protocol aims to improve response services to women and girls in Whitehorse.
As a mother, Aboriginal woman and engaged union member, Linda Moen was able to contribute to the discussions more than she had, perhaps, anticipated. Linda was also honoured to be one of the signatories and to represent the Regional Women’s and Aboriginal People’s Committees in this important initiative. Linda hopes that Together for Safety will change the interactions between the women of Whitehorse and the RCMP.
“As activists we give a voice to those that don’t have one, an ear to listen to, a shoulder to lean on and a hand to help. Because I was an activist in the union I was able to help make a difference. Social justice impacts each of us and is important for us to try and make change where we can. I am honored to participate on behalf of the committees and will continue to be engaged as we begin to implement the protocol,” says Moen.
REVP North Jack Bourassa extends his congratulations and thanks to Linda Moen, the YT Regional Women’s Committee and the YT Aboriginal People’s Committee for taking an active role in the community. Furthermore, he commends their efforts in advancing women’s right to safety through collective action and progressive change, values our union stands for.
Sources
YEU NEWS, June 2015
http://www.liardaboriginalwomen.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=108&Itemid=141
http://www.whitehorsestar.com/News/women-s-groups-rcmp-to-ink-safety-protocol