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By Nicole Reis

Mental Health Funding

Northern Indigenous leadership responds to extra funding from Feds for enhanced mental health support

Aug 25, 2020 | 5:31 PM

Minister of Indigenous Services, Marc Miller announced $82.5 million in federal funding for mental health and wellness supports to assist Indigenous communities adapt and expand mental wellness services, improving access and addressing growing demand of support.

The funding announcement is in response to the advocacy of many Indigenous leaders who have pushed for enhanced mental supports over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meadow Lake Tribal Council Chief Richard Ben says over his discussions with nine local Indigenous communities, many are still struggling with isolation and anxiety and expressed concern about youth who have been out of school for nearly five months.

“It’s been really difficult for our young kids who have not been in school or able to see their friends,” Chief Ben told meadowlakeNOW. “School has played a big factor in mental health because kids are used to having personal interactions and learning on a regular basis.”

Over the course of the pandemic, several communities experienced possible suicide attempts. Some youth experience broken families and the presence of alcohol in their homes. Culturally appropriate and timely mental health supports are critical to promote the well-being for anyone struggling to cope with the added stress and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Chief Ben said access to internet and online mental health support did not serve the northern communities as anticipated. Some homes do not have access to reliable internet service and many cannot afford to pay for internet services, especially in remote areas where high-speed internet doesn’t exist.

“During the pandemic, many communities turned to land-based teaching where youth are taught how to hunt, become stewards of the land and learn traditional medicine,” he said. “I think it steers youth away from developing mental health problems.”

Chief Ben said he plans to consult with chiefs, councillors and elders to determine what works best for their communities in creating enhanced stability in response to the unique needs of each community.

La Loche mayor Robert St. Pierre explained during the virus outbreak in his community, there was a lack of mental health support available and the community is still dealing with the crisis, consequences and aftermath of COVID-19 isolation on top of inter-generational trauma. He says it’s a community issue which needs to be addressed right away.

“[The funding] could be best used for infrastructure, isolation camps and culturally sensitive mental health support in regards to healing and dealing with the anxiety of the pandemic and inter-generational trauma experienced throughout a lifetime,” he said.

Western health supports were made available to the La Loche community, but many are seeking culturally sensitive and traditional support.

The funding will help communities adapt mental to wellness services including expanding access to culturally appropriate services such as on-the-land activities, community-based health supports and mental wellness teams. Adapting mental health services such as virtual counselling, to meet increased demand and supporting Indigenous partners in developing innovative strategies to address substance use and improve access to treatment services.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722