The federal government is investing $800,000 in a new initiative aimed at protecting Indigenous children and teenagers from online sexual exploitation, with a focus on education, cultural awareness and community-based prevention.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced the funding Oct. 15, supporting a five-year project led by the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC).
The initiative, known as the Bringing Empowerment, Awareness, Culture and Online Navigation (BEACON) Project, will provide Indigenous youth and their families with tools and information to recognize online risks and navigate digital spaces more safely.
Friendship Centres to lead prevention efforts
Through the BEACON Project, Friendship Centres across Canada will deliver culturally relevant online safety education.
The initiative will bring together youth, families, Elders, service providers and community organizations to strengthen awareness of online sexual exploitation and other digital risks.
The project also aims to improve the collection of information about Indigenous youths’ online experiences, helping shape future prevention programs and policies.
The federal government says Indigenous-led approaches are important because they allow communities to develop resources that reflect their cultural values and experiences.
“Indigenous youth deserve to feel safe and supported online,” said National Association of Friendship Centres CEO Jennifer Rankin.
“We welcome the Government of Canada’s investment in Project BEACON, which will support Indigenous youth in developing culturally relevant tools to prevent online exploitation and other digital harms.”
What it could mean for Saskatchewan communities
For families across West Central Saskatchewan online safety remains an important concern as young people increasingly use social media, messaging platforms and other digital services.
The BEACON Project is designed to help Indigenous youth recognize potential threats, understand online exploitation and access support through trusted community networks.
Friendship Centres will play a central role in delivering educational resources and connecting youth and families with prevention services.
However, the federal announcement does not specify which Saskatchewan Friendship Centres will receive funding or whether programming will be delivered directly in West Central communities.
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The investment is being provided through the Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime, which funds initiatives intended to prevent and address online child sexual exploitation.
The project builds on Canada’s National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet, established in 2004.
The strategy supports prevention, public awareness, law enforcement, victim protection, research and partnerships.
According to Public Safety Canada, the federal government invests more than $27 million annually through the national strategy.
Anandasangaree said community organizations play an important role in helping vulnerable population