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

July 10, 2020 — Ottawa, Traditional Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

Community-driven, 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 the COVID-19 pandemic has created. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for counselling and mental wellness support was already trending upward and innovative solutions are particularly needed now.

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced $2,657,560 to support the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Mental Health and Addictions Pandemic Response Program, a unique First Nation-led initiative responding to the specific health needs of community members in northern Ontario. It will identify the mental health and wellness services that are already available, and bridge the existing gaps so that every individual can have access to culturally safe and community based mental health services when needed.

Building upon federal investments made since 2017 in mental wellness, including Mental Wellness Teams and the Choose Life Initiative, this initiative will coordinate the services from the different regional providers, and offer a simple process for individuals using their services.

Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) eHealth and Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) will run the program, which is designed to provide community members with equal access to high-quality, culturally safe substance use treatment and mental health services with direct input from communities. The services will be coordinated, delivered and promoted by the Regional Health Authorities, Tribal Councils, and community organizations within the NAN region, and will offer access to 24/7 culturally appropriate crisis supports, triage and live service navigation, improved usage of tele-mental health supports, and will help eliminate duplication in existing mental health and problematic substance use services.

This community-driven initiative is grounded in community leadership and First Nations approaches to Mental Health services. It will provide better coordination of existing care and play a central role in ensuring better access to tailored, and high-quality mental health and substance use services across 49 First Nation communities in Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory.