Feds pledge $2.5M to Sask. First Nations to prevent youth ‘harms and deaths’ – CTV News

December 19, 2019

SASKATOON — Indigenous Services Canada on Thursday announced it will spend $2.5 million over the next two years to help Saskatchewan First Nations offer mental health and wellness programming for children and youth.

The funding announcement comes in the same week the Ochapowace First Nation declared a state of emergency following the suicides of four people in the last three months.

It also comes in the wake of Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation’s declared state of crisis after a rash of suicides and suicide attempts late last month involving youth.

According to an Indigenous Services Canada news release, the funding is meant to help communities prevent “further harms and deaths among their children and youth.”

“Our government is committed to supporting Indigenous leadership and communities in implementing solutions that promote life and enhance mental, physical and spiritual health. While there is still much work to do, this investment will have a measurable, positive impact on First Nations children in Saskatchewan,” Minister Marc Miller said in a news release.

Read More: https://saskatoon.ctvnews.ca/feds-pledge-2-5m-to-sask-first-nations-to-prevent-youth-harms-and-deaths-1.4736912

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