I rise today to provide Honourable Members with an
update on the Suicide and Detrimental Lifestyles Grant Program that is
administered by the Aboriginal Affairs Branch within the Department of
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs.
We were pleased in Budget 2009 to maintain the funding
for this program at its present level of $100,000. This government is
dedicated to increase awareness by Aboriginal groups of programs and
services available to them and to further encourage their participation.
The Suicide and Detrimental Lifestyles Program is an excellent example
of the progress we have made on this commitment.
I am pleased to report, thanks in part to dedicated
officials in the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs working
closely with Aboriginal groups, that during this past year we received a
number of applications under the program. The department will soon have
issued virtually all of the $100,000 we have budgeted for this fiscal
year.
Allow me to provide a few brief examples of how
Aboriginal groups are applying this funding. The Newfoundland Aboriginal
Women�s Network used it to conduct suicide intervention training; the
Miawpukek First Nation of Conne River is working to establish a Young
Women�s Cultural Club; the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation will hold a
youth and elder forum to address suicide prevention, mental health and
family wellness; the Mushuau Innu first Nation will hold workshops with
youth and the community concerning suicide, addictions and other
challenges, the Labrador Metis Nation will deliver an Anti-Bullying
campaign; and, the Nunatsiavut Government and the Labrador-Grenfell
Regional Health Authority will collaborate to develop a plan to achieve
a better understanding of suicide in Labrador Aboriginal communities.
This funding is being applied to innovative programs
that are being developed and implemented at the community level. This
government understands that improving the health, circumstances and
wellbeing of Aboriginal people is a goal that requires a long-term,
visionary and strategic approach. The Suicide and Detrimental Lifestyles
Grant Program is just one part of a larger effort by this administration
that is helping to affect positive change at the local level in our
communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is indeed
listening to the concerns of Aboriginal groups and is taking action. We
will continue to make investments that demonstrate our commitment to
address issues of importance to Aboriginal communities.
2009 04 01
2:20 p.m.