The events described below are far-reaching and deeply impactful. If you need someone to talk to, the Hope for Wellness Helpline offers support to all tribal peoples. Counselors are available by phone or online chat. This service is available in English and French and, upon request, in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut. Call the toll-free helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.
In September, horrific attacks that killed 11 people and injured 18 others on the James Smith Cree Nation and the nearby community of Weldon, Saskatchewan, shocked Canadians from coast to coast. We come together to mourn those whose lives have been taken and to support their loved ones. The Government of Canada continues to support community members who are dealing with the loss and trauma of this senseless and tragic violence.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the James Smith Cree Nation today to meet with community leaders, families of victims and survivors and announce $62.5 million over six years, starting this year, and an ongoing $4.5 million to support the healing, mental health and well-being of community members affected by the tragic events of September, and to support indigenous-led approaches to community safety. Everyone should have access to the kind of support they need, and today we’re taking action to improve access to culturally-informed mental health and addiction care for the people of the James Smith Cree Nation.
Of this new funding, $42.5 million will help support mental wellness and healing, including through the construction of a new community wellness center and the repurposing of the existing Sakwatamo Lodge. It will also enable the James Smith Cree Nation to develop and design programs that better meet the needs of its members, including increased access to mental health, trauma and substance use services. This will ensure that members of the James Smith Cree Nation community have immediate and long-term support to continue their healing process.
The Prime Minister also announced an additional $20 million over four years to supplement the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative, which builds on our work to implement the Federal Pathway and end violence against indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. This initiative supports the James Smith Cree Nation and other communities in developing and delivering community-based safety and wellness projects.
Access to quality mental health care that is culturally relevant and trauma-informed is critical to the well-being of communities and to support recovery from grief, trauma and loss inflicted by tragedies such as horrific violence of the past. September. The Government of Canada will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples across the country to promote Indigenous-led approaches to mental well-being. Our priority is that everyone in Canada has access to the mental health care they need, when they need it.
Quotes
“Today, I heard firsthand the pain, sadness, anger and grief felt by people here in the James Smith Cree Nation community. Canadians mourn with you. Increased access to mental health and addiction care will help create a safer and healthier community, and for the people of the James Smith Cree Nation: the government will be their partner every step of the way on their healing journey.”
“From tragedy to healing is a long journey, but the people and leadership of the James Smith Cree Nation have remained strong. Healing takes time and ongoing support. That is why we will continue to support and fund indigenous designed and led approaches to health. There is much more to do to transform systems of care to ensure that Indigenous Peoples can access health and wellness supports that are safe, culturally focused, and equitable. The federal government remains committed to being a strong partner in this work.”
“We are grateful for your visit – your kind words were deeply moving as members of our community continue to grieve the loss of loved ones. We recognize that Prime Minister Trudeau and his government responded to our immediate needs for emergency medical assistance immediately after the incident, helping us during a time of great turmoil. His visit gives us confidence that we can continue to work together to achieve our long-term goals that include our need for treatment centers and self-managed surveillance.”
Fast facts
- On September 4, 2022, 11 people were killed and 18 injured on the James Smith Cree Nation and the nearby community of Weldon, Saskatchewan. The suspect in these homicides was detained by police, suffered medical problems and later died in hospital. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigation into these tragic events is ongoing.
- In the wake of this tragedy, the Government of Canada provided a number of immediate supports to the local community, including:
- temporary accommodations to address immediate needs for individual counseling, family therapy, and mental wellness support at the community level;
- mental health counseling and addiction support through 15 mental health therapists; Y
- more than $300,000 to address the specific mental health needs of children at James Smith Cree Nation School.
- In October, the Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Prince Albert Grand Council announced a partnership with the goal of improving public safety and policing in their 12 First Nations and 28 member communities. This team will advance work on indigenous-led public safety initiatives tailored to the needs of each community.
- In Budget 2022, the government committed an additional $227.6 million over two years to sustain indigenous-led services to improve mental well-being. This is based on $597.6 million funding provided in the 2021 Budget for distinctions-based indigenous mental health and wellness strategies.
- Funding for the Mental Wellness Program has increased from about $325 million annually in 2015-16 to $580 million in 2021-22. An additional $107 million in that year expanded trauma-informed supports to all forms of trauma, bringing total funding for the program to $687 million in 2021-22.
- The Government of Canada is committed to supporting mental health for everyone in Canada. If you or a loved one is struggling, the Hope for Wellness Helpline it is available to all Indigenous Peoples throughout the country. Experienced and culturally competent counselors can be reached by phone at 1-855-242-3310 and online chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Both the telephone and online chat services are available in English and French. Telephone support is also available upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
