Inuit leaders applaud funding commitment for Indigenous mental health
'We look forward to working with Canada on identifying how we'll make that work here'
Nunavut's associate deputy minister for quality of life says she's encouraged by the federal government's pledge to put nearly $70 million over three years toward helping solve the health and suicide crises among Indigenous people.
"What I understand from that is we're being heard in Ottawa, that some of our needs, Inuit-specific and Nunavut-specific needs, are being recognized by Canada," said Karen Kabloona, who co-ordinates the Nunavut government's efforts on suicide prevention.
"So we look forward to working with Canada on identifying how we'll make that work here."
David Lawson, president of the Embrace Life Council, said he is also pleased with the announcement, but noted one of the commitments is for a 24-hour "culturally sensitive" crisis response line, when Nunavut already has the Kamatsiaqtut Help Line.
He hopes the existing help line can tap into the funds available.
"They seek funding on a year-to-year basis and if we can tie this into federal funding that's provided every year, it would make it easier for the help line to continue," he said.
Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said the federal government's level of responsiveness is unprecedented.
"The idea of mental wellness teams and targeting areas that need counsellors or need specific services where there is a crisis, this shows a responsiveness that we haven't seen," he said.
Obed said his organization is in talks with Canada's Health and Indigenous Affairs ministers to make sure there's an Inuit-specific discussion about mental wellness and suicide prevention funding. He's hopeful that by the time ITK releases its National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy on July 27 there will be an Inuit-specific mental wellness and suicide prevention announcement.
with files from Nick Murray