Feds pledge $37M for Sask. Métis and First Nations

The federal government has pledged $37 million to support Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis organizations in their efforts to contain and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.

The funds, part of a greater $305-million package from Indigenous Services Canada, will be distributed through existing offices and agreements, with funding prioritized based on the community’s location, population and needs.

First Nations will receive $30,189,000; Métis will receive $7,250,000. The money will be allocated through their governing bodies.

“We are working to ensure communities have access to needsbased resources, open communications, personal protective equipment and other medical supplies to strengthen communities’ resilience to this virus,” Dr. Tom Wong, ISC chief medical officer of public health, said in a news release.

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron has repeatedly noted the severe impact a pandemic could have on reserves, which are often far from medical services. Many communities also have high rates of chronic disease and limited housing options. Some First Nations have declared their own states of emergency and activated individual pandemic plans. The FSIN and the national Assembly of First Nations have both also declared states of emergency.

Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand said he welcomed the funding announcement, but noted more clarity is needed about support for First Nations people in urban areas like the city of Saskatoon.

Only $15 million in the $305-million package is explicitly allocated for urban organizations, like friendship centres. Arcand said the

STC has yet to receive details of a potential funding envelope.

The STC has shifted its operations to focus on providing food and key services to its 25,000 members. They’re prepared to do that for months if needed, Arcand said.

“I think we as First Nations have to be accountable and make sure we’re using this money in the right ways,” he said, adding that “$30 million for First Nations across the province is a good start, but it’s not the finish line. We’re right at the start of this pandemic.”