Alberta News in Brief July 11, 2016

Federal health funding to improve facilities, services

July 12, 2016. Money through the federal Social Infrastructure Fund will see $17.3 million used to upgrade health facilities in three First Nations communities in Alberta. John D’Or Prairie will receive a new health centre over the next two years, while existing facilities in Saddle Lake Cree Nation and Enoch Cree Nation will be expanded to offer more of the quality health services they currently provide. Both health facilities will see an approximate 30 per cent increase in size to better serve their clients. Late last week, Health Canada also announced it will fund four new mental wellness teams within the next three years to serve First Nations communities in Alberta. These teams are community-based and provide a comprehensive suite of culturally appropriate services including capacity-building, trauma-informed care, land-based care, early intervention and screening, aftercare, and care coordination with provincial and territorial services. Health Minister Jane Philpott recently visited Alberta, touring Maskwacis Health Services and meeting with Treaty 6 Chiefs; attended the Treaty 8 annual general meeting; and toured the Blood Tribe First Nation and met with Treaty 7 Chiefs. The new five-year $260-million Social Infrastructure Fund was committed to by the federal government in its latest budget.

Stoney Nakoda history to be highlighted as Canada 150 celebration

July 12, 2016. Money from the federal Canada 150 Fund will result in Stoney Nakoda Nation stories being printed on signs, which will include artwork, and placed alongside log benches throughout the Stoney Nakoda Nation and Municipal District of Bighorn. A $10,000 grant towards the ‘Telling Our Stories’ will move the project forward. Leaders from the Nakoda Elders Wisdom Society will tell eight stories of historical and cultural importance to the Stoney Nation and to Canada that occurred throughout the Bow Valley. The Banff Canmore Community Foundation spearheaded the project. Actual installation of the benches and signs, which will include one at the residential school site in Morley, will be undertaken by Stoney Nation members and MD of Bighorn staff. In spring of 2017, tours to the eight sites will take place and Elders, who are able to make it, will share the stories. The total project is $25,000.