Government of Canada supports Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Mental Health and Addictions Program for Northern Ontario First Nations

"COVID-19 has affected nearly every facet of day-to-day life, and in particular the lives of people in remote and isolated parts of the country. First Nations communities and organizations such as NAN, KO and SLFNHA worked tirelessly and with great leadership to address the COVID-19 crisis and its effects on the mental health of the peoples they represent. Their actions are saving lives. We will continue to support and work collaboratively with these partners on this First Nations-led and distinctions-based approach to meeting the specific health needs of their communities and members."

The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services

"Our First Nations are taking extraordinary measures to keep safe, and many community members are experiencing heightened feelings of isolation and uncertainty, which has understandably resulted in increased levels of anxiety and depression. Without proper supports, people in these circumstances often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, and we need to ensure they receive the support they require. This innovative program sets out pathways to access mental health and addiction services and incorporates 24/7 rapid-access emergency and crisis support for members on and off reserve. I congratulate everyone involved in its development, and I thank the government for their quick action to fund these much-needed services."

Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler
Nishnawbe Aski Nation

"SLFNHA greatly appreciates the focus on mental health and addictions at a time when there is increased difficulty accessing services because of COVID-19, this will help some of the most vulnerable members of our communities."    

Dr. John Guilfoyle
Public Health Physician for Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority

"Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) eHealth Telemedicine Services and KNet is pleased to be a partner with the NAN Mental Health and Addictions Initiative along with our partners, the Ontario Health-Ontario Telemedicine Network and Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority. We strive to provide quality health services utilizing video-conferencing. From the beginning of the KO telemedicine initiatives, the main goal has been to provide access to services for First Nations that otherwise would not be available in the communities. We believe this project will alleviate stress and anxiety for youth and other vulnerable populations during this challenging time."
 
William Hutchison
A/Executive Director for Keewaytinook Okimakanak

• Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is providing $2,657,560 to support the NAN Mental Health and Addictions Pandemic Response Program – Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) ehealth will receive $1,666,185 of this amount and the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority will receive $991,375 of this amount to run their components of the program.

• Since 2017, the Government of Canada has invested close to $202 million in NAN First Nations communities through Choose Life, which has supported more than 22,000 First Nations children and youth. Choose Life funds enhanced mental health and crisis counselling support, peer support programs, art and recreational therapy, school-based support programs, mental health promotion and prevention training and education.

• Since 2017, the Government of Canada has invested $16,625,000 in mental wellness teams in Ontario, of which $6,125,000 was invested to support NAN First Nations communities.

• To date, the Government of Canada has made $1.7 billion in distinctions based funding available to Indigenous peoples to support their efforts to successfully battle COVID-19, notably, a $305 million distinctions based Indigenous community support fund.

Associated links

• For more information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Indigenous communities: Canada.ca/coronavirus-info-indigenous

For more information, media may contact:

Vanessa Adams
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services
343-543-7645

Michael Heintzman
Director of Communications
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Office: 807-625-4965
Cell: 807-621-2790

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

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