Indigenous groups to get a financial boost

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/03/2020 (2043 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As part of the federal government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, Manitoba First Nations and the Manitoba Metis Federation will receive up to $35,974,000 and $7,250,000 respectively.

It’s not clear when those funds will begin to flow.

“The money that’s been announced is not here, yet,” said Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation Chief Norman Bone.

“That’s been our concern for the past couple of weeks.”

Keeseekoowenin has been in conversation with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization in the past weeks, as well as with Indigenous Services Canada.

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization declared a state of emergency for its 34 member nations March 17, as did the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs for all 64 Manitoba First Nations.

“Right now, communities are spending what they have, what’s available, for them to prepare. They’re coming together as much as they can, and they are particularly interested in protecting our most vulnerable, those who are 35 (years old) plus and those with compromised immune systems,” Grand Chief Jerry Daniels told The Brandon Sun at the time.

“First Nations in Manitoba do not have the physical housing ability to socially isolate, and have unique infrastructure challenges that requires clear and decisive action for the safety of First Nations citizens, especially elders and youth,” Grand Chief Arlen Dumas stated in a news release.

Bone said he and his council have indeed taken money from a variety of existing programs to purchase needed COVID-19 related items for households on social assistance, as well as for households without transportation.

“Due to COVID-19 pandemic planning, the band programs are providing assistance to community members by providing basic essential items to assist in disinfecting their homes and providing grocery items to help with meals,” stated a March 16 public notice.

Sixty baskets with supplies, based on a list from Health Canada, have so far been delivered in the community of 170 households. That work continues.

Governor General Julie Payette signed the federal government’s emergency bill on Wednesday, providing up to $52 billion in relief funding for the nation. The total amount set aside for First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada is $215 million for First Nations, based on population, remoteness and community well-being, $45 million for Inuit and $30 million for the Métis Nation via each provincial governing member, such as the Manitoba Metis Federation. As well, $15 million has been set aside for regional and urban Indigenous organizations supporting their members living away from their communities, and to regional organizations such as friendship centres.

The funds will be allocated for, but are not limited to, support for elders and vulnerable community members, measures to address food insecurity, educational and other support for children, mental-health assistance and emergency response services and preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to Indigenous Services Canada.

“Canada recognizes that First Nation, Inuit and Métis are among the most vulnerable, and that during this crisis, in particular, those in remote and fly-in-only parts of the country are uniquely vulnerable. Communities are incredibly resilient and full of solutions and innovative ideas,” the federal government stated.

“This is why we must support distinctions-based measures to improve public health response for Indigenous communities and provide them with the flexibility they need to address the specific needs identified by communities and their members.”

Bone said Thursday he was told the federal government would be using existing contribution agreements to flow the funds through to First Nations.

Indigenous Services Canada did not provide a timeline for the release of funds by press time.

 » mletourneau@brandonsun.com

» Michele LeTourneau covers Indigenous matters for The Brandon Sun under the Local Journalism Initiative, a federally funded program that supports the creation of original civic journalism.