Half a dozen programs aimed at helping to prevent youth violence in Nanaimo will be funded for the next three years. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

youth violence

Youth anti-violence programs receive federal funding via City of Nanaimo

Oct 5, 2023 | 4:43 PM

NANAIMO — Substantial funding is being put to work to address the growing issue of violence among youth in the city.

In July 2022, the City of Nanaimo received $1.85 million from the federal government to tackle gang and gun violence, eventually resulting in the approval of a Nanaimo Youth Resilience Strategy (NYRS) earlier this year.

The City of Nanaimo stated a review conducted by Snunyexmuxw First Nation (SFN), the City and an evaluation committee led to the beneficiaries of the Building Safer Communities Fund, with a little over $1.6 million heading to various initiatives between Oct. 1, 2023 and March 31, 2026.

Groups receiving funding include Big Brothers Big Sisters, BGC Central Vancouver Island, Nanaimo Food Share, SD68 and the Nanaimo Hornets rugby club.

The 42-page NYRS report was guided by opinions from about 230 participants, including local youth and service providers.

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Backed by numerous data sources, the NYRS document noted front-line reports of increasing gang presence in both elementary and high schools.

“In recent years, there has been an alarming trend of mainland gang members recruiting young people from Nanaimo, often through social media, resulting in increasing levels of youth involvement in gang-related activities, including drug trafficking and violent crime,” the report stated.

Risk factors outlined in the report include unstable home life, poverty, lack of suitable housing, cultural and recreational services.

In the initial July 2022 announcement, the federal government committed to a $250 million fund to help municipalities and Indigenous communities address root causes of gang and gun violence.

A complete list of organizations and programs receiving money is:

• Big Brother Big Sisters – Mindful Mentoring: Nurturing Resilience in Youth
• BGC Central Vancouver Island – Nanaimo South Youth Hub
• City of Nanaimo – Parks, Recreation and Culture: Youth Initiatives
• Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society – Connections
• Nanaimo Food Share – Food for Youth
• Nanaimo Hornets Rugby Club – RugbyWorks
• School District 68 – Uy’ Sqwalawun (Good Heart & Mind)

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes