God’s Lake Narrows First Nation opens new nursing station

From: Indigenous Services Canada

News release

May 22, 2019 – God’s Lake Narrows First Nation, Treaty 5 Territory, Manitoba – Indigenous Services Canada

Today, the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services, offered his congratulations to the community of God’s Lake Narrows First Nation on the grand opening of their new nursing station.

This community-led construction project includes a new nursing residence, which is attached to the facility. By continuing to work collaboratively with First Nations and Inuit partners, the Government is working to eliminate barriers to accessing quality health care.

The new nursing station is designed to increase the number of residents remaining in the community while receiving medical care, and to improve health outcomes. Once it is fully operational, some of the new features of the fully-accessible building will include:

  • a home hemodialysis room;
  • a traditional healing space for community members who practice traditional medicine; and
  • a digital x-ray machine.

The new facility will also benefit the dedicated teams of local and visiting health professionals who provide quality health services to God’s Lake Narrows First Nation. They will now have a modern space and updated equipment to support them in their work.

The completion of the $20 million project reflects the commitment of the Government of Canada to work with Manitoba First Nations to improve health services in remote communities through major health infrastructure investments. Funding was provided under a five-year, $270 million Social Infrastructure Fund announced as part of Budget 2016, with approximately $50 million of the funds targeted for investment over two years to upgrade health facilities in Manitoba First Nations. The investment is part of the Government of Canada’s $180+ billion Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.

Quotes

“Congratulations to God’s Lake Narrows First Nation on the opening of your new nursing station. The best health outcomes for Indigenous peoples are achieved through programs that are designed, developed and led by Indigenous communities. Our Government has been proud to partner with you on this important health infrastructure investment in your community.”

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minister of Indigenous Services Canada

Quick facts

  • God’s Lake Narrows First Nation, Manitoba, is a fly-in community located approximately 240 kilometres southeast of Thompson, Manitoba.

  • The on-reserve population is 1,475.

  • The station is staffed with three to five nurses, support staff, and locally-employed community-based health program teams. Physician services are provided by Amdocs health. Emergency services are also available after hours, on an on-call basis.

  • Primary health services and community-led health programs will continue to operate in one location, out of the new modern facility.

  • Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Associated links

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Kevin Deagle
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Seamus O'Regan
Minister of Indigenous Services
873-354-0987

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
SAC.media.ISC@canada.ca

Chief Gilbert G. Andrews
God’s Lake Narrows First Nation
204-335-2130

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