The federal government is providing five million dollars to Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak for an Indigenous-led alternative to incarceration.

The funding will support MKO’s Gladue Pathways to Healing Initiative, which will help courts consider culturally informed sentencing options aimed at addressing the root causes of involvement in the justice system.

Participants will receive individualized plans and support connecting them with services including housing, health care, addictions counselling and education.

The initiative is expected to reach up to 26 MKO member communities and support as many as 500 people each year.