The $2.5 million in funding is intended to assist all Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan. (Nicole Reis/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Nicole Reis

Federal funding grants for First Nations

First Nations receive $2.5 million in wake of youth suicide crisis

Dec 19, 2019 | 5:47 PM

A funding envelope of $2.5 million over two years toward the empowerment and wellness of Saskatchewan First Nations youth was announced by the Federal Government and FSIN today.

This funding was announced in the wake of a significant rise in youth suicides in the previous months.

Makwa Sahgaiehcan CEO/Executive Director Barry Chalifoux said this is a good start for relationships between the federal and provincial governments and all 74 First Nations within FSIN.

“It doesn’t matter what amount of funding we receive; it’s never enough because there are so many needs out there. Our goal is to start somewhere. I am very appreciative and many of the chiefs present were also very appreciative of the step the government had taken,” Chalifoux told meadowlakeNOW.

Chalifoux added Warren Kaeding, provincial minister for Rural and Remote Health and MLA for Melville-Saltcoats was challenged to match the funding granted by the federal government.

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According to Chalifoux, his response was “it’s a little early to decide.”

“People need to continue to build those relationships with the federal and provincial governments. Get in touch with them and get in touch with their offices. Lobby for your communities and build that connection and that relationship. When you’ve got that connection with people who are in positions to make those changes, that’s the key and very important,” Chalifoux said.

Chalifoux added he and Chief Ronald Mitsuing are appreciative for any support from any direction and will continue to lobby for their communities.

Gary Vidal, MP for Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Services, joined Minister Marc Miller, Minister Warren Kaeding, FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron, Vice Chief David Pratt, Chief Mitsuing, and other representatives from the FSIN as Minister Miller announced investments for First Nations youth harm prevention.

“I was pleased to be part of the process. We were part of the process when the whole crisis developed at Makwa Sahgaiehcan and to follow it through to this point, and to be there with Chief Mitsuing and the minister this morning, I was just pleased to have the opportunity to be invited,” Vidal told meadowlakeNOW.

—With files from CKOM

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: nicolereis7722