Manitoba First Nations chiefs put pressure on governments to fund regional hospital – The Toronto Star
Nov. 2, 2022
WINNIPEG – Chiefs from four remote First Nations in northeastern Manitoba are calling for the provincial and federal governments to work together to build a hospital in their area.
The chiefs from the Island Lake region said their communities are dealing with a mental health and addictions crisis, and that proper infrastructure in the community would address these issues.
Leaders estimate 15,000 to 18,000 people live in the region, but none of the four communities have a hospital.
Grand Chief Scott Harper, with the area tribal council or Anishininew Okimawin, said it’s the duty of the federal government to provide substantive and equal health care and social services to First Nations comparable to what is provided in non-Indigenous communities across the country.
