Journal staff
Kettle and Stony Point First Nation is receiving a boost from the province to help combat mental health and addictions, officials announced this week.
“No matter where you live, everyone knows someone impacted by mental health and addiction,” Monte McNaughton, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, said in a news release, pointing to $659,083 in funding for the First Nation community.
Funding was also announced for the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, and Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC), totalling more than $2 million.
“It is with great pride and appreciation that we accept this nominal gift to help us combat the worldwide problem with mental health and addictions in our community,” said Kimberly Bressette, Chief of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. “The health of our community depends on us addressing our problem from a grassroots standpoint. The funds received will assist our First Nation in accomplishing some of these goals.”
In total, $25 million will go directly to Indigenous organizations and communities across Ontario to deliver 93 unique initiatives to help create new spaces for mental health and addictions programs, upgrade infrastructure and equipment at existing facilities, and support the purchase of health and safety supplies, according to the province, which recently announced $33 million in provincial investment expanding access to programs and services for Indigenous peoples and their families.