Question Period Note: Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation

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About

Reference number:
ISC-2019-20021
Date received:
Dec 13, 2019
Organization:
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Name of Minister:
Miller, Marc (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of Indigenous Services

Suggested Response:

I am deeply concerned about the loss of young lives by suicide in Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation and my heart goes out to the families.
I have spoken to Chief Mitsuing to offer my condolences and ensure that the necessary supports are in place.
We are working closely with the leadership and partners in Saskatchewan to ensure the community receives the mental health and crisis supports they need.

Background:

The Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation in Saskatchewan declared a state of crisis after a 10-year-old girl took her own life on November 21, 2019.

The First Nation is calling for the provincial and federal governments to provide immediate aid in the form of suicide intervention and prevention workers to go into the community to assist students, school staff and families.

The band has had seven suicides since 2016. This is the third youth suicide in recent months.

Funding received directly to the community is NIHB Management and support of $35,000 and Jordan’s Principle medical transportation of $5,338. All other services are provided by MLTC including NIHB crisis mental health and mental wellness team services.

MLTC has 3 therapists, an elder, and youth supports through Jordan’s Principle for Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation. ISC-SK needs to confirm the dollar amount for this group request. In 2019/20 Indigenous Services Canada provided an additional $10,000 sent to each of the 9 MLTC communities including Makwa Sahgaiehcan, for Suicide Prevention which also supports 2 additional counsellors to be sent from the education department.

Additional Information:

If pressed on health funding of Makwa Sahgaiechan First Nation

We know that the best success comes from Indigenous-led and delivered health systems.
This is why we support the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) with over $30 million annually to provide all health programs and services to nine communities.
This includes $13 million this year for mental wellness programs and supports through Jordan’s Principle; $1.8 million of this funding supported programs and services specifically in for Makwa Sahgaiechan First Nation.
We will continue to work with partners to ensure Indigenous communities have access to the health services they need.