Indigenous Peoples face multiple barriers in accessing adequate mental health care, primarily due to systemic racism stemming from colonial practices and policies like residential schooling. The Government of Canada is committed to addressing disparities across our universal healthcare system and ensuring that all Indigenous Peoples have equitable access to compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally-based mental health resources and care, wherever they live.
Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced $2.5 million for two projects led by the First Peoples Wellness Circle (FPWC) that focus on mental health supports for Indigenous Peoples.
Under the Supporting the Mental Health of Those Most Affected by COVID-19 fund, FPWC is receiving $1.5 million for its, "Gathering Our Knowledge Bundles Development and Implementation Guide" project. FPWC will create and promote a guide to help First Nations' Mental Wellness Workforce support those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The guide will provide a framework and process to support the creation and promotion of "Knowledge Bundles" consisting of mental wellness resources and tools.
Under the Addressing Racism and Discrimination in Canada's Health System program, FPWC is also receiving $1 million to support its project "First Nations Knowledge and Evidence: Taking Action on Systemic Racism through Cultural Safety." FPWC will increase the number of mental health professionals in New Brunswick to provide culturally safe and inclusive mental health services and evaluation tools for First Nations populations.
The Government of Canada will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous leadership, all levels of government, partners, stakeholders, and organizations in communities across the country to improve health outcomes, increase access to adequate mental health and substance use supports, and foster healthcare systems free from systemic racism and discrimination where Indigenous Peoples feel respected, safe, and heard.
