Jul 14, 2021 | International
The Government of Canada supports Indigenous languages in Nova Scotia through the Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey
Membertou First Nation, unceded traditional Mi’kmaq territory – July 13, 2021
Language is at the heart of cultural identity; it shapes who we are and our perspectives. Languages are integral to Indigenous cultures, self-identity and well-being. They carry stories, the memory of those who came before us, and the promise that we hold for those who come after us. They convey wisdom and traditions from elders to youth, from one generation to the next. The Government of Canada understands that we have a key role in protecting and supporting the revitalization of Indigenous languages.
Yesterday, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, along with members from the Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey Board of Directors, announced $513,492 in federal funding for the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance and strengthening of Indigenous languages and cultures by increasing access to language instruction and language resources suited to the needs and realities of Mi’kmaw First Nations.
Starting in 2021–22, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey will now act as the third-party delivery administrator of the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program for the province of Nova Scotia. Transferring control back to Indigenous partners is the best way to improve the realities of Indigenous educators, families and youth. Today’s announcement is in line with the Government of Canada’s commitment to transfer control of service delivery back to Indigenous peoples and will empower and inspire others to explore similar opportunities.
As part of this new role, the organization will undertake the call for proposals process in a fair, open and transparent manner, assess applications, make funding recommendations, and flow funding to successful applicants. Individual funding amounts are being determined, but work through Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey is underway. Additional details will be forthcoming.
Budget 2021 provides $275 million over five years and $2 million per year ongoing for Canadian Heritage to support Indigenous languages. This funding is in addition to funding announced in Budget 2019, which allocated $333.7 million over five years and $115.7 million ongoing, doubling the total funding amount over the next three years for various initiatives such as languages and culture camps, mentor-apprentice programs, and the development of Indigenous languages resources and documentation.
“Language not only reflects our identity as individuals and communities, but also holds our shared history and cultural heritage, and reveals our dreams for the future. For these reasons, the revitalization of Indigenous languages in Nova Scotia, and throughout Canada, is and will remain a priority for me, for our government and for all Canadians.”
—The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“It is difficult to imagine a right more basic than the right to be immersed and surrounded by one’s own language. Language is at the heart of cultural identity, shaping who we are by connecting us to our families, communities and history. This announcement with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey ensures Indigenous partners have control over and support for the programming for their communities to preserve, strengthen and revitalize the Mi’kmaw language in the way they envision it.”
—The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services
“Indigenous languages are fundamental to Indigenous identities, cultures, spirituality and self-determination. It is critically important that we work together to support Indigenous peoples in reclaiming, revitalizing, strengthening and maintaining Indigenous languages in Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. I look forward to a future where First Nations, Inuit and Métis children will grow up speaking their languages, and where this valued linguistic heritage is cherished and protected for future generations.”
—The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P., Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
“Support for Indigenous languages is a crucial part of reconciliation. Speaking one’s Indigenous language allows today’s Indigenous youth to view the world through the lens of their ancestors. Today’s announcement is a step towards revitalization of the Mi’kmaw language and preserving the Mi’kmaw culture moving forward.”
—Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria
“Our positive working relationship with Canada and its departments align with the agreement of 1997 respecting Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey’s sovereignty as a collective representing the education and language rights of the Mi’kmaw here in Nova Scotia. Control and delivery of the Indigenous Languages Component fund allows Mi’kmaw to identify priorities and projects to help revitalize, reclaim, and restore our beautiful L’nu language.”
—Blaire Gould, Executive Director, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey
Camille Gagné-Raynauld
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
camille.gagne@canada.ca
Adrienne Vaupshas
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services
adrienne.vaupshas@canada.ca
Jun 16, 2021 | International
Please be advised that the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, Valerie Gideon, Associate Deputy Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, and Dr. Tom Wong, Chief Medical Officer of Public Health, will hold a news conference to provide an update on coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Ottawa, Ontario — Please be advised that the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, Valerie Gideon, Associate Deputy Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, and Dr. Tom Wong, Chief Medical Officer of Public Health, will hold a news conference to provide an update on coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Date: June 16, 2021
Time: 12:00 PM (ET)
Location: Sir John A. Macdonald Building – Room 200
144 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario
The media availability will also be held by teleconference.
Toll-free (Canada/US) dial-in number: 1-888-265-0903
Local dial-in number: 613-960-7527
Passcode: 1096603#
Adrienne Vaupshas
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services
adrienne.vaupshas@canada.ca
May 20, 2021 | International
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, is pleased to announce the Ministerial Appointment of Ms. Dawn Madahbee Leach as the new Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB) for a five-year term, effective April 30.
May 20, 2021 — Ottawa, Traditional unceded Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada
Increasing Indigenous participation in the economy helps improve the well-being and quality of life of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, but also that all Canadians are enriched by Indigenous economic inclusion.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, is pleased to announce the Ministerial Appointment of Ms. Dawn Madahbee Leach as the new Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB) for a five-year term, effective April 30.
Ms. Madahbee Leach, an Anishinabe-kwe and member of the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, is an Indigenous leader in the field of business and economic development with strong expertise developed at the regional, national and international levels. Ms. Madahbee Leach has served on numerous governmental advisory committees, including serving as Vice-Chair of the NIEDB, and is also a director with Peace Hills Trust and Niobay Metals Inc. Ms. Madahbee Leach is also the first Indigenous woman in Canada to lead a regional financial lending institution, serving as the General Manager of the Waubetek Business Development Corporation since 1988.
Ms. Madahbee Leach is replacing Chief Clarence Louie, who has stepped down as Chair of the NIEDB.
“I am happy to announce the appointment of Ms. Dawn Madahbee Leach as Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB). Ms. Madahbee Leach is a highly qualified leader, and her extensive experience in giving voice to Indigenous economic needs nationally will serve the NIEDB and Canada well in the future. I also wish to offer my sincere thanks to Chief Clarence Louie, who has led the NIEDB as Chair for the last fourteen years, for his time and dedication in providing advice and guidance to the federal government on issues of Indigenous economic development.”
The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services
Vanessa Adams
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services
343-543-7645
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May 8, 2021 | International
Mental Health Week, and Child and Youth Mental Health Day are about celebrating, protecting and promoting mental health. More than ever, the COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the crucial importance of taking care of our mental wellness.
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (May 7, 2021) – The Minister of Indigenous Services, Marc Miller, issued the following statement today:
“Mental Health Week, and Child and Youth Mental Health Day are about celebrating, protecting and promoting mental health. More than ever, the COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the crucial importance of taking care of our mental wellness.
We know that people of all ages and backgrounds are experiencing unprecedented stress and feelings of anxiety related to the pandemic. Forty per cent of Canadians say their mental health has deteriorated since the onset of the pandemic. If you feel that way, you are not alone.
The pandemic is having profound impacts on mental wellness in Indigenous communities, magnifying existing mental health issues and inequities, and creating new gaps and needs. According to Statistics Canada, 6 in 10 Indigenous people report that their mental health has worsened since the beginning of the pandemic, noting physical distancing, not being able to spend time with loved ones and not being able to engage in cultural activities as the largest contributor to this feeling.
There are ways we can support mental wellness now. One of those ways is to talk about it. Speak out about how you’re feeling. Name your emotions. Reach out to friends, family, Elders and mental health professionals.
And if you need help, there is support you can turn to:
The Hope for Wellness Help Line is there for anyone – First Nations, Inuit, Métis, child, youth or adult. Call toll-free 1-855-242-3310 or connect to an online chat at hopeforwellness.ca. Services are available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut.
Kids Help Phone can connect you with an Indigenous volunteer crisis responder by texting FIRST NATIONS, INUIT or METIS to 686868 for young people and 741741 for adults or through Facebook Messenger.
Mental wellness has long been a priority for Indigenous populations—this is a priority shared by the Government of Canada. To address the growing impact of the pandemic on Indigenous mental wellness, the Government of Canada announced $82.5 million in mental health and wellness supports in August 2020 to help Indigenous communities adapt and expand mental wellness services, improve access and address growing demand.
This additional investment builds on the progress being made through on-going annual funding of approximately $450 million. This investment supports Indigenous-led, culturally relevant and community-based mental wellness and substance use services for First Nations and Inuit communities.
Recognizing the importance of being able to access critical mental wellness supports, Budget 2021 committed $597.6 million over three years, beginning in 2021–22, to continue providing access to emotional, cultural and mental health supports for survivors of Residential Schools and their families, and to stabilize other community-based supports.
The Government of Canada also funded $59 million through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement for First Nations to adapt their on-reserve community infrastructure. First Nations were able to use these funds to support the safe restart of schools, daycares and Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve. Resuming these activities safely has been key to supporting mental health in children and youth who have been tremendously impacted by the disruptions to their routines and daily lives.
Furthermore, Budget 2021 commits $2.5 billion over five years to build on the existing distinctions-based approach to Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care. This investment supports a range of programs and services that build strong social connections and focus on resiliency and emotional regulation in young children. These experiences and skills, in turn, support mental health as children age into adulthood.
Even in times of extreme anxiety and stress, mental health is something we should strive to protect and nurture. We all struggle from time to time, and we all deserve to be well.
Today—and every day—join me to #GetReal about mental wellness.”
Adrienne Vaupshas
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services
adrienne.vaupshas@canada.ca
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Apr 30, 2021 | International
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, and Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, will participate in a media availability following roundtable discussions on economic development.
Ottawa, Ontario — Please be advised that the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, and Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, will participate in a media availability following roundtable discussions on economic development.
Date: April 30, 2021
Time: 12:30 PM (ET)
Where: Virtual participation only via Zoom.
Meeting ID: 876 9663 5219
Passcode: 926629
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Media should join 15 minutes prior to the event and identify themselves and their outlet when logging into Zoom.
