Alberta investing $7.7M to support Indigenous-led mental health efforts
The Alberta government is investing $7.7 million to foster Indigenous-led efforts to improve mental health, including supports for residential school survivors and their families.
Through the Residential School Mental Health Support Grant Program, First Nations, Metis Settlements and the Métis Nation of Alberta will be eligible to apply for funding toward counselling services and traditional healing practices like talking circles for individuals, families and communities affected by residential schools and the ongoing discoveries of unmarked graves.
“The mental health and wellness of all First Nations have been impacted in some way by residential schools," said Chief Douglas Beaverbones of the O’Chiese First Nation.
"We all know someone or have heard stories of what happened to our children who were taken away. The trauma runs deep and significant effort needs to be made to heal. This funding is a welcome step in that direction.”
More than $2.8 million will be available through grants of up to $50,000 each.
The province is also providing $4.9 million over two years to the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Indigenous Wellness Core, which "partners with Indigenous peoples, communities and stakeholders to provide accessible, culturally appropriate health services for First Nations and Metis people and the Inuit in Alberta," according to a release.
“The funding is a part of the Alberta government’s efforts to address the painful legacy of residential schools. Mental health supports are especially important as burial sites continue to be uncovered," said Health Minister Tyler Shandro.
"We are committed to working with First Nations and Métis peoples to achieve real and meaningful improvements in all aspects of health and well-being.”
Trauma associated with residential schools is far-reaching, said Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Mike Ellis.
"The path to reconciliation is through independence. We hope this funding will provide more independence for Indigenous and Métis peoples in Alberta to improve their mental wellness and begin recovering from community trauma," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau acknowledges charges in Nijjar killing, calls for commitment to democracy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the charges laid Friday in relation to the murder of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.