Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority will receive funds to hire more mental health supports and provide staff with education to better provide care for people affected by the Indian Residential School system
The province recently announced that they are providing $800,000 to eight Indigenous healthcare teams through the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC) to enhance the delivery of integrated, culture-based mental health and addictions trauma care for people experiencing intergenerational trauma as a result of the Indian Residential School (IRS) system.
This funding is in addition to specific funding for investigations into unmarked graves at former Residential Schools across the province.
“Ontario is supporting the Council and its important work providing culture-based treatment and traditional healing programs and services within their communities,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs.
He continued, “This funding will help provide much-needed support for Survivors, their families and community members suffering from mental health and addictions challenges due to the harms inflicted by the Indian Residential School system.”
Eight participating IPHCC member organizations will receive funding, including the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA), which will be used to hire additional mental health specialists, provide existing staff with additional training and education, and develop models of traditional healing.
Chief Executive Officer and President of SLFNHA, James Morris, commented “Kitchi-Miigwech to the IPHCC and the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs for supporting traditional healing for Mental Health and Addictions across Kiiwetinoong. This help means more tools and resources will go to where they are needed most.”
“We thank you for helping to improve the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people across Northwestern Ontario,” he concluded.
“Our government is listening to the perspectives of Indigenous peoples and communities on how to improve health outcomes and support actions and initiatives for advancing reconciliation with Indigenous communities across the province,” said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
“Today’s announcement is an important step towards ensuring communities throughout the province have access to culturally appropriate mental health and addictions care, when and where they need it,” he added.
In a press release, the provincial government went on to reaffirm their commitment to providing support to Indigenous-led initiatives, to address the ongoing mental health impacts of the Indian Residential School system on Indigenous communities, and to meaningful reconciliation.