b'ABORIGINAL VICTIM & FAMILY SUPPORT A SYMPATHETIC EARBy Charnel AndersonAfter losing her mother to violence, Bryanne Machimity helps others cope with their own experiences with MMIWGA lmost 20 years ago, Bryanne Machimitys mother Rena Fox was murdered in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Today, Machimity works with the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) as ONWAs Indigenous Victim and Family Liaison in Kenora, in Northwestern Ontario. She also supports Indigenous women experiencing violence, and her reach covers Thunder Bay and other regions in the Grand Council Treaty #3 area. I just wanted to be somebody who can support people in a way that I needed it, says Machimity, whose mothers case has never been solved, despite repeated calls to police. I think that having the experience I\'ve had has been really beneficial in my role. Im able to connect with families on a different level. Its something that has comeI dont want to say easybut its more natural for me to be able to build those relationships.Machimity has been fulfilling this role since 2018, when she started supporting Indigenous women and the families of MMIWG. As ONWAs Indigenous victim and family liaison, Machimity provides families with assistance in navigating the criminal justice system, which includes accompanying the families to meetings with the police and to the courts; helping with paperwork, crisis and emer-gency response; and providing referrals to traditionalBryanne Machimity: "I\'m able to connect with families on a different level.and contemporary counselling services.It\'s more natural for me to build those relationships"We can help!Call or Text our 24 Hour Crisis LineToll Free: 1-800-565-5368New Starts for Women - Womens ShelterServing the Red Lake/Ear Falls District & Northern Communities of Cat Lake, Deer Lake, Keewaywin, North Spirit Lake, Pikangikum, Poplar Hill and Sandy Lake36Spring/Summer 2020'