Today is National Aboriginal Day in Canada and Ontario’s Regional Chief Isadore Day says there’s much to celebrate this year.
Day says the fact Canada has adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples means the country will be adopting all 94 of the TRC’s Calls to Action.
Recently, the federal government announced $70-million will be going to mental health programs and services for First Nations.
The funding comes as remote First Nations communities across Canada, including Attawapiskat in northern Ontario, declared a state of emergency after a staggering amount of suicide attempts were recorded.
The TRC Calls to Action include the elimination of poverty, poor health conditions, children’s welfare and the inquest into missing and murdered indigenous women.
Days says Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne’s heartfelt statement of reconciliation also marked a historic moment for First Nations.
Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus, Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes and Timmins-James Bay MPP Gilles Bisson have all been fighting for more funding and resources in First Nations communities within their ridings.
When the funding for mental health was announced last week Angus explained while it’s a good start, there’s still a long way to go for both sides.
