The Government of the Northwest Territories and the Federal Government are providing funding for Indigenous mental health and wellness.
On Wednesday, Member of Parliament Michael McLeod, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, and Glen Abernethy, Minister of Health and Social Services for the Northwest Territories, announced an investment of $500 000 to support Mental Wellness Teams across the territory.
Minister Abernethy said in a statement the Government is dedicated to providing culturally appropriate mental health and addictions services to all residents.
“In the Northwest Territories we have seven Mental Wellness Teams that provide services to our residents in their communities where they are needed the most. The funding announced today will enhance the work of the Mental Wellness Teams as they provide day-to-day mental health services that include assessment, intake and aftercare as well as community outreach with events like sharing circles and land-based programming.”
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As Minister Abernethy said, the funding will go toward supporting the work of Mental Wellness Teams through 2018-2019, while also strengthening existing community supports for Indigenous Peoples.
The funding will build upon previous investments over the past two years. The Government of Canada has invested over $350 million annually for community-based mental health and addictions programming on-reserve and in the territories.