Message from the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health on National Indigenous Peoples’ Day – June 21, 2022

Press Release

From: Health Canada

June 21, 2022

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honour the heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. This day is also an opportunity to recognize the historic leadership and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across the country.

Indigenous communities continue to demonstrate resiliency and strength, rising above the social, heath, and economic inequalities stemming from colonialism and related racist policies like the residential school system. The Government of Canada is committed to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit to Crown and government to government relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples based on a recognition of rights, respect, truth, co-operation, and partnership.

In 2021, we announced $126.7 million over three years to foster health systems free from racism and discrimination where Indigenous peoples are respected and safe. As we listen and learn from Indigenous peoples, we must ensure that our health systems are informed by their lived experiences. Racism and discrimination have no place in Canada and we must continue working together to ensure our future is equitable, inclusive, healthy, and safe for everyone.

To address unique and deeply rooted traumas of Canada’s colonial system which continues to affect Indigenous peoples and communities, it will require a distinctions-based approach to mental health and wellness that is developed and delivered by Indigenous peoples. That is why the Government of Canada proposed in Budget 2022 to provide $227.6 million over two years, starting in 2022-23, to maintain trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, and Indigenous-led services to improve mental wellness.

This June also marks the anniversary of the release of the First Annual Report for both the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls (MMIWG) Federal Pathway and the MMIWG National Action Plan. As part of the MMIWG Federal Pathway, in April 2022, we announced the launch of a Call for Proposals for projects under the Addressing Racism and Discrimination in Canada’s Health System Program, a new program aimed at improving equitable access to health services for racialized and marginalized populations. Together, with Indigenous peoples and communities we will continue our work to support healthy and safe communities and foster health systems free from anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination where everyone is safe, and where access to culturally relevant mental health and wellness services is improved.

On this Indigenous Peoples Day, and every day, we should learn more about the cultures, languages, spirituality, and history of Indigenous peoples and celebrate the incredible contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across the country. Let us also recognize that eliminating anti-Indigenous racism in our health systems will require action at all levels, including individual so let’s all keep working to create a safer, healthier, and more inclusive Canada for all.

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, P.C., M.P.

Contacts

Marie-France Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
613-957-0200

Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-957-2983
[email protected]

Maja Staka
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
343-552-5568

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