Ontario Expanding Treatment and Healing Centres – Province Supporting Culturally Appropriate Treatment and Healing Services

Province Supporting Culturally Appropriate Treatment and Healing Services
April 17, 2018 10:00 A.M.

Ministry of Community and Social Services

Ontario is supporting new and expanded culturally appropriate mental health and addictions treatment and healing services for Indigenous peoples across the province.

In partnership with Indigenous partners, the province is investing in 10 new and expanded Indigenous-led Healing and Treatment Centres across Ontario to help Indigenous youth, adults, and families access culturally safe treatment closer to home. This investment will also include over 50 new treatment beds.

These centres will serve up to 650 adults and youth each year and will offer more access to culturally safe treatments, using a combination of traditional healing and clinical approaches. Services will include substance use disorder services, holistic mental health counselling and cultural supports.

Ontario is working with Indigenous partners to deliver these centres, including:

Tungasuvvingat Inuit
United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (North West site)
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (North East site)
Six Nations of the Grand River
Enaahtig Healing Lodge and Learning Centre
Native Child and Family Services Toronto
Whe Che He Wayo-Gamik Family Treatment Centre
Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig Health Access Centre
Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services

The province’s investment in Indigenous Mental Health and Addictions Treatment and Healing Centres is part of The Journey Together: Ontario’s Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, which outlines the province’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, and the Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy.

Investing in the health and wellness of Indigenous communities is one of many steps on Ontario’s journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It reflects the government’s commitment to work with Indigenous partners and communities, creating a better future for everyone in the province.

Quick Facts

Through The Journey Together: Ontario’s Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, Ontario is investing more than $250 million over three years, starting in 2016, on programs and actions focused on reconciliation. These are being developed and evaluated in close partnership with Indigenous partners.
As part of this investment, Ontario is providing start-up costs in 2017-18 and $13.2 million in operational funding in 2018-19 and ongoing years to establish or expand 10 Indigenous-led Healing and Treatment Centres across the province.
These Treatment and Healing Centres are being implemented alongside 34 new Indigenous mental health and wellness programs across the province, which include traditional healing, to provide enhanced, culturally appropriate supports for Indigenous youth, adults, families and communities. These programs include funding over 100 new mental health workers that will serve more than 69 First Nations communities, as well as urban Indigenous communities in cities such as Toronto, Kenora, Thunder Bay, Barrie, Midland, Sudbury, Ottawa and London.
Ontario announced its investment in The Mino Ayaa Ta Win (Helping Ourselves Heal) program run by Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services in June 2017. The Centre opened on December 1, 2017.
In 2017-18, the government is committing over $52.6 million to the Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy.

Additional Resources

Quotes

“Access to culturally appropriate care, based on cultural practices and clinical expertise is an important part of our reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. We are pleased to work with Indigenous partners to ensure that vital services and supports meet their unique needs.”

Michael Coteau
Minister of Community and Social Services

“These historic investments to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities are a result of respectful partnerships between Ontario and Indigenous communities. We know more work still needs to be done, and our government is committed to continued partnership and investments so communities can enjoy the high quality of life they deserve.”

Dr. Helena Jaczek
Minister of Health and Long-term Care

“Because of these equitable partnerships, supported by meaningful investment, Indigenous communities will have greater access to services that support not only wellness, but the distinct cultures of these communities. I’m very happy to see the traditions and heritages of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples recognized in this project. This is a very meaningful step towards the vision of The Journey Together, and Ontario’s path to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.”

David Zimmer
Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

“This program is unique to the healing and wellness needs of Inuit in Canada and is built on the harmony of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Values and modern day approaches to trauma and addictions. By restoring and rebuilding a sense of identity and pride in Inuit culture, the Mamisarvik healing model supports our journey towards wellbeing. Tungasuvvingat Inuit acknowledges the significant commitment of the Ontario Government which aligns with the 21st and 22nd TRC calls to action by supporting the Inuit of Ontario path to self-determination through access to this life saving service.”

Jason LeBlanc
Executive Director, Tungasuvvingat Inuit

“This project has been a collaboration of good will among the many partners and levels of governments. Without cooperation and vision, people in the Rainy River District would continue to struggle to access services taken for granted by a majority of Ontarians. We are proud to be a part of this effort.”

Calvin Morrisseau
Executive Director, Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services

Media ContactsLyndsay Miller
Minister’s Office
416-325-5450

Gavin Halford
Communications
416-325-0216

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