Each week, the Indigenous Health department highlights good news stories from the North and from across the country.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) welcomes investments in Budget 2022
The federal government has committed to enhancing funding for mental health care, affordable housing, and addictions supports in Budget 2022.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) recognizes the relationship between social determinants of health and mental health. For example, the relationship between how factors such as social and economic conditions impact on mental health. The newly enhanced funding for mental health supports will be Indigenous-led as well as trauma-informed and culturally appropriate.
The current funding envelope will also include the co-development and launch of an Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy and the Rapid Housing Initiative, dental care for children, in addition to, legal aid and an employment strategy for persons with disabilities.
Read more about this story on the Indigenous Health Today website.
New affordable housing for Indigenous Peoples opens in Prince George
A partnership between the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George (AHSPG) and the Province of BC has created 50 new affordable rental homes in Prince George, with more to come. The units are intended for individuals and families under a low salary threshold, with rent accounting for no more than 30% of a person's or family’s income. According to AHSPG President, Ruby Baptiste, “AHSPG is excited that their dream of empowering the community's vulnerable population to a culturally safe and affordable home is coming to life.”
Read the full article and learn more about this initiative from the Prince George Citizen.
Funding helps organizations tackle racism
The Government of British Columbia has funded 60 initiatives for a total of approximately $300,000 through the BC Multiculturalism Grants program. Each organization was able to apply for up to $5000.00 for their individual initiatives. The funds have been provided to a range of community-based organizations for projects that build intercultural interaction, trust and understanding, or challenge racism, hate, and systemic barriers. Projects receiving a grant in the regions served by Northern Health include:
- Prince George – Canadian Mental Health Association of Northern BC
- Indigenous Training – a 2-day intensive training will be held for all staff on the impacts of colonialism and racism on Indigenous Peoples served by the CMHA of Northern BC.
- Dawson Creek – Dawson Creek Literacy Society/Lakeview Learning Centre
- International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: A Celebration – A celebration of cultural diversity in Dawson Creek and surrounding area.
- Dawson Creek – Pillars of Our Community
- A collaborative project between local artists to transform the lobby of the Kiwanis Performing Arts Centre into a more inclusive space by turning pillars into story poles about each groups journey.
In spring 2022, the provincial government will introduce anti-racism data legislation.
Read the full news release and learn more about this funding imitative on the BC Government website.