Winter is a special time for many in Saskatchewan, but it can also be a very trying period. Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) sees the need for a community response to alleviate hardships elevated by the COVID-19 pandemic right now and is responding accordingly.
The MN–S Ministry of Health is donating a total of $930,000 to over two dozen organizations across the province that provide front-line support to Métis experiencing difficulties associated with disrupted employment, financial pressure on households, and stress that negatively impacts mental wellness. These funds will help the organizations continue providing essential services in their respective communities.
MN–S Minister of Health Marg Freisen said, “The work of front-line organizations such as those addressing mental wellness, food insecurity, harm reduction, housing insecurity, and other important services are especially critical. Many Métis and First Nations individuals depend on these services for their physical health, mental wellbeing and safety.”
In determining the most critical supports as mental wellness, food insecurity, housing insecurity, children and young families, the MN–S investment targets establishments providing access to those supports directly to Métis people in need.
MN–S President Glen McCallum said, “We are grateful for the work of front-line service providers who continue to offer critical care during this challenging time. Their ongoing efforts are not only helping reduce the spread of COVID-19 but are also addressing other serious mental wellness and health issues. This is not a long term solution, but we hope this financial support helps ensure the continued operations of delivering critical, life-saving support to those who need it the most at a time they need it the most.”
Some of the organizations receiving MN–S funding include the Canadian Mental Health Association, food banks across the province, Meadow Lake Outreach Ministries, the Piwapan Women’s Shelter in La Ronge and Homeward Bound in Prince Albert.
Meadow Lake Outreach Ministries Executive Director Natanis Bundschuh said, “For a lot of people, this is the most difficult time of the year. Recent statistics indicate that the majority of our ministry participants are Indigenous. This support from the Métis Nation means so much and will have a huge impact on our community.”
Homeward Bound Chief Executive Officer Donna Brooks said, “Métis Nation is such a huge support to our organization. The pressure on individuals and organizations at this time of the year is tough. Most of our clients are on income supports and that doesn’t give them anywhere enough to live on. This MN–S contribution gives direct supports to our most vulnerable clients, making things possible for them this season.”
MN–S Local 165, the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), President Shirley Isbister said, “With this MN–S gift we can provide children in emergency homes, and the more than 30 families with 75 children in the Coming Home Program, with Christmas meals and gifts. It will support some of our most vulnerable families and help build a better quality of life for Métis people.”
Piwapan Women’s Shelter Executive Director Karen Sanderson said, “We are seeing an unusually busy November and December, there’s been a rise in need of shelter and assistance due to domestic violence and issues of homelessness, and our shelter is overflowing. This amazing support from MN–S will ease the stress we’ve had to put on our other funding sources and help provide food security for clients at a time when the cost of living is getting so high.” MN–S Minister Friesen added, “Healthy citizens and healthy communities need our ongoing collaboration, dialogue, partnership, and financial support for essential front-line services. As the Métis government in Saskatchewan, we encourage everyone in Saskatchewan and across the Métis Nation to find ways to engage with community needs and respond with kindness, compassion and generosity.”
