Discussions underway between Gov’t, Athabasca Health Authority
In response to a request for help from the Fond du Lac Denesuline Nation and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, the federal government has stated discussions are currently underway with the Athabasca Health Authority (AHA).
An email sent by a department of Indigenous Services Canada spokesperson said they are in discussions with the AHA to provide additional resources to help meet the needs of Fond du Lac and the surrounding region.
“Indigenous Services Canada’s [has committed] 2018 – 2019 community-based program funding of $1,586,634 to AHA for health services programming in the communities of Fond du Lac and Black Lake,” an email from Edith Pedneault with the department of Indigenous Services Canada said.
Pedneault’s statement outlined how the money is broken down; $262,000 is used to operate a Mental Wellness Team in both Fond du Lac and Black Lake. A further $98,500 is dedicated to suicide prevention in both communities. The remaining $250,000 is dedicated to providing mental health, emotional and cultural support services to former Indian Residential School attendees and their families.