Support for Indigenous Communities Across Canada

For Immediate Release

July 17, 2020 - Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

On behalf of the Hon. Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedNor), is announcing support for Garden River First Nation from the Indigenous Community Support Fund. This support will help address the immediate needs of Elders, people with disabilities, and families with children by providing food and supplies, wellness checks, online workshops, and other services.

As part of the Indigenous Community Support Fund, the Government of Canada is distributing a total of $90 million to Indigenous organizations and communities providing services to First Nations people off-reserve, and Inuit and Métis living in urban areas, to support essential services to the most vulnerable and to prevent and respond to potential COVID-19 outbreaks. This support is part of $1.7 billion that has been committed in specific support to Indigenous and northern communities and organizations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quotes

“We look forward to receiving the Indigenous Community Support Funds that will address and further support our Elders and Families with Children living off reserve with their immediate needs by providing essential food and supplies, information, wellness checks, and online workshops. These services are being provided by our amazing staff from the Garden River Child & Family Services. I want to express my gratitude to all First Nation leadership and the Canadian Government who pushed hard to make this funding available."

Chief Andy Rickard, Garden River First Nation

“Times like these have shown us how resilient Indigenous communities are, and I have witnessed incredible actions taken by leadership at all levels to protect the most vulnerable. This support will help those who need it most in our community during the pandemic, and I’m proud of Garden River Child and Family Services for their hard work.”

Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

Quick Facts

Project funding for the Indigenous Community Support Fund – urban and off-reserve stream is being allocated through a national Call for Proposals process.
First Nations, Inuit and Métis also have access to other support measures available to Canadian individuals, businesses and industries, through the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

-30-

Media Contact:

Jennifer MacNab

613-406-1280 | [email protected]