Message from the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health on National Indigenous Peoples Day - June 21, 2023

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate and honour the heritage and achievements of Indigenous Peoples across the country. This day encourages Canadians to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences, and histories of First nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

June 21, 2023 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, and during both National Indigenous Peoples Month and Pride Month, we celebrate and honour the rich and diverse cultures, voices, achievements, and incredible leadership of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across the country, including 2SLGBTQI+ Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous communities continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and strength while providing crucial insight into how to address social, health and economic inequalities stemming from Canada's history of colonialism. The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and is working with and learning from Indigenous researchers and physicians like Canadian Medical Association President Dr. Alika Lafontaine, Canada Research Chair and 2023 Indspire Award recipient Dr. Chris Musquash, and many other Indigenous leaders in our healthcare industry, to inform best practices in care.

We are placing priority on Two-Eyed seeing, and aspire to achieve the balance of the medicine wheel to keep all people well - mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually instead of the "repair shop" approach of the medical model. We must foster health care systems where Indigenous Peoples have equitable access to compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally competent care, free from systemic racism and discrimination.

Budget 2021 announced $126.7 million over three years to foster health systems where Indigenous Peoples feel respected and safe. Through this funding, we are supporting patients, patient advocates, and cultural safety training for medical professionals.

Most recently, following the announcement of close to $200 billion to improve health care for Canadians, the Government of Canada has been meeting with provinces, territories, and Indigenous leaders to help address gaps and systemic inequities in health care services for Indigenous Peoples. This is why we are investing a dedicated $2 billion distributed through a new Indigenous Health Equity Fund, in alignment with Indigenous regional and community health priorities. Led by Indigenous Services Canada, this fund is part of our working together plan to improve health care across the country.

The Government of Canada is also providing more than $1.5 billion over six years, starting in 2021-22, to support trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, Indigenous-led services to improve mental wellness, including more than $825 million through Budget 2021 and Budget 2022 to help distinctions-based mental health and wellness strategies with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation. In addition, we are providing $100 million over three years to support innovative mental health interventions for populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including Indigenous Peoples, youth, seniors, Black, and racialized Canadians.

If you are in need of mental health or substance use support, or if a loved one is struggling, the Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both telephone and online chat services are available in English and French, and telephone support is also available upon request in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin) and Inuktitut.

On this Indigenous Peoples Day and every day, let's celebrate and embrace the cultures, languages, spiritualities, histories, and leadership of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across the country, from coast to coast to coast.

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, P.C., M.P.

Contacts

Guillaume Bertrand
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
613-957-0200

Maja Staka
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
343-552-5568

Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca