2024-25 Reporting on the Calls for Justice: 7.1 - 7.9: Health and Wellness Service Providers

Through Budget 2024, $90.5 million over four years, starting in 2024-25 was provided for the Clinical and Client Care Program. In 2024–25, the Clinical and Client Care Program continues to deliver primary care services in remote and isolated First Nations communities and advance the transfer of health service management to Indigenous communities, in line with broader commitments to self-determination.

The Clinical and Client Care Program responds to Call for Justice 7.1 by ensuring that primary care services are available and accessible to First Nations in remote and isolated communities. It funds 29 communities to manage and deliver their own primary care services, and directly provides care in an additional 50, with a long-term goal of transferring service delivery to Indigenous communities in support of health self-determination. The program delivers urgent and emergent care, routine primary care, and public health services through collaborative, predominantly nurse-led teams. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities are served through community-based access to triage, urgent and emergent care, primary care, and public health services in locations where no other options exist.

• Primary care access in remote communities: Ensures life-saving and routine medical services are available to First Nations people in communities without access to these services.
• Support for health self-determination: Equips communities to manage their own health services, aligning with Indigenous self-governance goals.
• 24/7 emergency response: Delivers urgent and emergent care in geographically isolated areas.
• Collaborative health teams: Nurse-led care teams supported by visiting physicians and health professionals increase service coverage and continuity.

In 2024–25, the Clinical and Client Care Program supported 79 communities (29 through community-led care and 50 through direct Indigenous Services Canada delivery), through previous budget investments, Budget 2024 investments, and ongoing funding allocations.

To ensure First Nations across the country have fair and equal access to the health care they deserve, Budget 2024 provided $104.9 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, for health transformation initiatives to support First Nations self-determination in the design and delivery of health services in their communities.

In 2024–25, continued investments were made to support the planning and implementation of sub-regional health transformation projects. ISC collaborated closely with First Nations partners to build organizational capacity, support the design of governance models, and facilitate community engagement. Funding was directed toward the co-development of health service delivery models that reflect the specific needs, cultural frameworks, and priorities of participating First Nations.

As of 2024–25, six sub-regional health transformation projects are underway: Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. and Southern Chiefs' Organization (Manitoba), Tajikeimɨk (Nova Scotia), Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Ontario), La Commission de la santé et des services sociaux des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador (Quebec), and Battleford Agency Tribal Council (Saskatchewan).

In June 2024, the Southern Chiefs' Organization signed an Agreement-in-Principle on Health Governance with Canada, which outlines how health programs and services will be transferred from Indigenous Services Canada to the soon-to-be-established Southern First Nations Health Authority, serving the 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations in Manitoba.

In March 2025 Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. signed an Agreement-in-Principle with Canada, which commits the Parties to negotiate a legally binding Health Transformation Framework Agreement that sets the stage for transferring the responsibility for health service delivery from Canada to a First Nations-led health system that ensures that health care in Northern Manitoba is led by and for First Nations.

Also in March 2025, at the Special Chiefs Assembly of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), First Nations Chiefs reached a consensus on a new health and wellness governance model for First Nations in Quebec. This milestone sets the stage for an Agreement-in-Principle and a future framework agreement, similar to the BC model with the FNHA.

These efforts align with the Government of Canada's commitment to service transfer, distinctions-based partnerships, and the advancement of Indigenous self-determination in health care. As these First Nation-led entities progress toward service transfer, the focus remains on ensuring that services are culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and responsive to the unique needs of First Nations communities.

The Health Transformation initiative responds to Call for Justice 7.1 by supporting service transfer and the establishment of First Nation-led governance over health service delivery. These structures enable communities to assume control over the development and administration of health programs that are designed in accordance with local knowledge, priorities, and cultural values.

For Indigenous families, survivors, and communities affected by the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, this initiative marks an important step toward more accountable and culturally safe care. It provides a framework for addressing the intergenerational effects of trauma and for creating health systems that respond to the lived experiences and safety needs of those most impacted by systemic violence. The shift toward Indigenous-led service delivery supports the design of responsive, community-specific health solutions and improves trust in health institutions.

• Advances Indigenous self-determination: Supports the development of First Nation-controlled health systems.
• Enhances health equity: Aligns service delivery with community-identified health priorities.
• Strengthens cultural safety: Integrates Indigenous knowledge, languages, and practices into care models.
• Supports reconciliation commitments: Reflects a distinctions-based, rights-based approach to service transformation.
• Improves health system responsiveness: Addresses the safety and healing needs of those affected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis.

Funding is allocated to support the development of governance structures, strategic planning, and community engagement processes associated with the establishment of First Nation-led health authorities. ISC continues to work collaboratively with First Nations and provincial governments to support readiness activities and ensure long-term sustainability of each transformation initiative. Budget 2024 provided $104.9 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, for health transformation initiatives, which has been allocated to the 6 sub-regional health transformation projects and tables.

In 2024–25, the Health Services Integration Fund continued to support ongoing projects focused on improving health system integration and advancing reconciliation in health care. Priorities for this fiscal year include:

• Strengthening cultural safety: Supporting projects that embed cultural safety training and practices within provincial, territorial, and federal health systems.
• Expanding integration efforts: Funding new initiatives that bridge service gaps and enable First Nations and Inuit communities to access provincial or territorial health services without jurisdictional barriers.
• Supporting Indigenous-led health governance: Enhancing the ability of First Nations and Inuit organizations to co-lead the planning and delivery of health services, including through expanded data governance and evaluation capacity.
• Scaling traditional healing initiatives: Further integrating Indigenous healing practices into mainstream health systems by resourcing Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and land-based wellness supports.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Improving outcome tracking to assess the long-term impact of integration initiatives and inform broader health policy development.

The HSIF responds to part of Call for Justice 7.1 by supporting collaborative, cross-jurisdictional initiatives that enhance First Nations and Inuit access to equitable and culturally appropriate health services. The initiative advances Indigenous-led health-care solutions by funding projects that integrate traditional healing practices into mainstream health systems and by enabling Indigenous communities to co-lead the design, delivery, and management of health services. Through partnerships with provincial and territorial governments, the HSIF helps dismantle jurisdictional barriers, promotes culturally safe care, and supports systemic changes that align health service delivery with Indigenous worldviews and rights to self-determination in health and wellness. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program by gaining improved access to integrated, culturally grounded health services that reflect their unique needs, traditions, and rights.

• Cross-jurisdictional integration: The HSIF facilitates collaboration between Indigenous, federal, provincial, and territorial partners to improve continuity and access to care.
• Inclusion of traditional healing: Projects support the inclusion of Indigenous healing practices and cultural approaches in mainstream healthcare systems.
• Community leadership in health planning: Indigenous communities and organizations are increasingly engaged as co-decision-makers in the design and delivery of health services.
• Systemic change in health delivery: The fund helps drive changes that make health systems more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of First Nations and Inuit communities.

The HSIF is a proposal-based program, with funding allocated to eligible First Nations and Inuit communities and organizations, as well as to provincial and territorial governments working in partnership with Indigenous communities. Funding amounts vary based on the scope and duration of approved projects.

In 2024–25, ISC officials have worked closely with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and their organizations on the implementation of the program. Funding is being distributed to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and their organizations in support of Indigenous-led approaches to quality and culturally-safe health services. ISC will continue to work closely with Indigenous communities to report on progress and to communicate successes.

The Indigenous Health Equity Fund responds to Call for Justice 7.1 as it provides funding for self-determined, Indigenous-led initiatives to increase fair and equitable access to quality and culturally safe health services.

Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from the increased stability and responsiveness of health systems that reflect their values, knowledge systems, and healing practices. The fund supports the long-term development of services that are self-determined, rooted in cultural safety, and eliminate systemic barriers to care.

• Promotes Indigenous self-determination: Empowers communities to design and implement health solutions tailored to their priorities.
• Increases access to culturally safe care: Supports care models that are grounded in Indigenous values, languages, and traditions.
• Reduces health inequities: Addresses structural and systemic gaps through sustained investment.
• Encourages innovation: Funds short-term, targeted initiatives that explore new models of culturally appropriate health service delivery.
• Builds community capacity: Supports leadership, planning, and long-term systems change in Indigenous health.

The Indigenous Health Equity Fund provides $2 billion over ten years (2024–25 to 2033–34). Of this, $190 million annually supports long-term distinctions-based health priorities, and $10 million supports targeted projects addressing Indigenous health priorities.

In 2024–25, the Mental Wellness Program continued to flexibly fund a suite of mental wellness services, with most services delivered by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations. The Program funds access to trauma-informed mental health supports for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people; Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors, family members, and others impacted by Indian Residential Schools; Federal Indian Day Schools; This program funds access to mental health counselling (such as psychologists and social workers) and emotional (such as community-based health workers, peer counselling) and cultural (such as Elders, Traditional Healers) support services. The program also supports Indigenous-led suicide prevention, life promotion and crisis response programs and services – including crisis line intervention services and enhancing the delivery of culturally-appropriate substance use treatment and prevention services throughout Indigenous communities.

Some examples of organizations funded in 2024-25 through the Mental Wellness Program include:

• National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)
• Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network (NAWN)
• Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities (EIWSC)
• Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC)
• First Light St. John's Friendship Centre
• Regroupement Des Centres D'Amitie Autochtones Du Québec (RCAAQ)
• Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council
• Qavvivik
• Tunngasugit Inuit Resource Centre
• Indigiqueer
• 2-Spirited People of The 1st Nations
• Manitoba Métis Federation
• Métis Nation British Columba (MNBC)
• Northwest Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN)
• Metis Settlement General Council (MSGC)
• Otipemisiwak Métis Government
• Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)
• Métis Nation - Saskatchewan (MN-S)
• Métis National Council (MNC)
• Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN)
• Two Spirits in Motion Society (2SIMS)
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• First Peoples' Wellness Circle
• We Matter
• Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
• Thunderbird Partnership Foundation

The Mental Wellness Program engages at national and regional levels with Indigenous organizations to identify mental wellness priorities, gather feedback on existing programs, share funding opportunities, and discuss ongoing funding arrangements.

The Mental Wellness Program responds to Call for Justice 7.2 by providing immediate, culturally appropriate, and trauma-informed health and wellness services that address the distinct needs of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. The program invests in Indigenous-led suicide prevention and life promotion initiatives, crisis response services, and culturally grounded substance use prevention and treatment programs that reflect Indigenous knowledge systems and healing practices. The program directly addresses mental wellness as a fundamental component of safety and healing and ensures that services are accessible to those at heightened risk of violence and trauma. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program as it improves access to culturally safe care and strengthens supports for those who have experienced intergenerational trauma.

The Mental Wellness Program continues to be supported by investments from Budget 2021, Budget 2022, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, and Budget 2024. Specifically, Budget 2024 provided $630.2 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to support Indigenous people's access to mental health services, including through distinctions-based mental wellness strategies. 7.3 Support Indigenous-led prevention initiatives in the areas of health and community awareness.

In 2024-25, 9-8-8 continued to offer crisis support to individuals in distress. Since its launch on November 30, 2023, and February 2025, 9-8-8 received 449,594 calls and texts.

The 9-8-8 initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 7.3 by offering suicide prevention support accessible to Indigenous individuals, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. The initiative acknowledges the distinct mental health needs of Indigenous Peoples and has taken steps to enhance cultural safety by working with Indigenous organizations through advisory and working groups. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this service by gaining immediate access to life-saving crisis support that is culturally safe and tailored to their unique needs.

• Accessible suicide prevention support: 9-8-8 provides immediate, no-cost crisis intervention available nationwide.
• Referral pathways: Hope for Wellness Helpline is part of the 9-8-8 network and local Indigenous crisis services will be involved in the future.
• Cultural adaptation efforts: Indigenous partners advise on the involvement of local Indigenous crisis lines and enhancing cultural competency of the 9-8-8 service network.

Budget 2023 allocated $158.4 million over three years, with $5 million annually ongoing, and a total of $106,114,942 has been allocated to date. This service is fully funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada and administered through a contribution agreement with CAMH.

The FVPP responds to part of Call for Justice 7.3 by funding Indigenous-led prevention initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and addressing the root causes of family violence. While additional long-term resources are needed to expand and strengthen prevention strategies, this initiative enhances Indigenous self-determination in addressing violence prevention. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program through increased access to community-based, culturally grounded healing, awareness and educational programs that work to prevent violence before it occurs.

• Community-driven prevention projects: Funding for Indigenous-led, community-based workshops, training, and outreach initiatives focused on family violence prevention. Initiatives may include education on gender-based violence, safe and healthy relationships, and/or mental health.
  • Example: In 2024-25, the Violence Prevention for Métis Families Project will focus on the development of an evidence-informed, needs-based, and culturally-appropriate workshops series on the prevention of violence in Métis communities.
• Indigenous-led approaches: Funding prioritizes Indigenous organizations and communities to lead violence prevention initiatives and strengthens community capacity to develop and sustain long-term violence prevention strategies.
  • Example: In 2024-25, the National Indigenous Circle Against Family Violence, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak received funding to continue engagement amongst Métis communities to access shelter and programming tailored to their respective communities.
  • Example: In 2024-25, at the regional and grassroots level, organizations like Infinity Women's Secretariat, Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre, and Three Eagle Wellness Society were supported to deliver community-rooted interventions.
  • Example: In 2024-25, funding was extended to groups such as 2 Spirited People of Manitoba and Circling Buffalo, whose work strengthens safety and healing for 2SLGBTQI+ communities and rural Indigenous populations.
• Capacity building for service providers: Funding for training and education that enhances the capacity of shelter staff and frontline workers contributes to violence prevention and awareness efforts.
  • Example: In 2024-25, the Family Violence Prevention Program is developing a coordinated response to support Inuit women coming from the north to Ottawa who are fleeing violence who become homeless and developing the capacity of key service providers who may interact with Inuit women on the street so that they can refer them to appropriate culturally-relevant services at the first possible opportunity and do no further harm.

The initiative is funded as part of the $724.1 million Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy. ISC will receive $304.1 million over five years starting in 2021-22, with $96.7 million ongoing to support the operation of new shelters and transitional homes, as well as fund culturally appropriate violence prevention activities. The Family Violence Prevention Program spent its full allocation of $96.7 million in 2024-25. This includes $9.6 million to support facility operations, $21.5 million to support shelter project development, and $65.6 million to programs and services for Indigenous peoples facing gender-based violence.

The ISTHI responds to part of Call for Justice 7.3 by funding community-driven proposals for family violence prevention initiatives. These initiatives integrate cultural safety, healing practices, and trauma-informed services, strengthening Indigenous-led violence prevention programming. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit by accessing Indigenous-led prevention programs that promote safety and healing.

• Community-led prevention efforts: Funding community-led violence prevention initiatives.
• Culturally relevant support services: Increased access to culturally relevant support services.
• Indigenous leadership in violence prevention: Strengthened Indigenous leadership in family violence prevention.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $3,644,700 was allocated to Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network Inc.'s Ne'ata'g Place to build 6-unit transitional housing for women, children and 2SLGBTQI+ community members fleeing domestic violence.

Since 2021, $336.78 million has been committed towards the construction of new shelters, with construction funding managed by CMHC and flowed to Indigenous partners.

As of December 31, 2024, in fiscal year 2024-2025, CMHC funded 32 new projects through ISTHI and provided $161,706,675 in funding.

In 2024–25, the Mental Wellness Program continued to flexibly fund a suite of mental wellness services, with most services delivered by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations. The Program funds access to trauma-informed mental health supports for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people; Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors, family members, and others impacted by Indian Residential Schools; Federal Indian Day Schools; and other colonial sources of trauma. This program funds access to mental health counselling (such as psychologists and social workers) and emotional (such as community-based health workers, peer counselling) and cultural (such as Elders, Traditional Healers) support services. The program also supports Indigenous-led suicide prevention, life promotion and crisis response programs and services – including crisis line intervention services and enhancing the delivery of culturally-appropriate substance use treatment and prevention services throughout Indigenous communities.

Some examples of organizations funded in 2024-25 through the Mental Wellness Program include:

• National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)
• Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network (NAWN)
• Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities (EIWSC)
• Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC)
• First Light St. John's Friendship Centre
• Regroupement Des Centres D'Amitie Autochtones Du Québec (RCAAQ)
• Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council
• Qavvivik
• Tunngasugit Inuit Resource Centre
• Indigiqueer
• 2-Spirited People of The 1st Nations
• Manitoba Métis Federation
• Métis Nation British Columba (MNBC)
• Northwest Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN)
• Metis Settlement General Council (MSGC)
• Otipemisiwak Métis Government
• Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)
• Métis Nation - Saskatchewan (MN-S)
• Métis National Council (MNC)
• Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN)
• Two Spirits in Motion Society (2SIMS)
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• First Peoples' Wellness Circle
• We Matter
• Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
• Thunderbird Partnership Foundation

The Mental Wellness Program engages at national and regional levels with Indigenous organizations to identify mental wellness priorities, gather feedback on existing programs, share funding opportunities, and discuss ongoing funding arrangements.

The Mental Wellness Program responds to Call for Justice 7.3 by supporting the development and delivery of Indigenous-led, culturally appropriate, and trauma-informed mental health services that are responsive to the specific needs of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Through investments in crisis intervention, life promotion, and substance use prevention and treatment, the program ensures that wellness supports are grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and community leadership. Initiatives such as the MMIWG2S+ Health and Cultural Support Program and the MMIWG2S+ Crisis Line are designed to directly support individuals impacted by gender-based violence and the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People. These services are rooted in the recognition that safety and healing are inseparable from culturally safe mental wellness supports. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program as it strengthens access to care that supports trauma-informed and culturally appropriate approaches.

The Mental Wellness Program continues to be supported by investments from Budget 2021, Budget 2022, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, and Budget 2024. Specifically, Budget 2024 provided $630.2 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to support Indigenous people's access to mental health services, including through distinctions-based mental wellness strategies.

This initiative responds to part of Call for Justice 7.3 by investing in Indigenous-led prevention initiatives that develop and implement programs that enhance access to sports, recreation, and physical activities. By funding Indigenous-led initiatives, SSDIC – Stream Three supports culturally relevant and community-driven programs to health, awareness, well-being, and safety in relationships. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities benefit from this program as it provides opportunities that are affordable, accessible, and aligned with their community needs, providing a pathway to healing through social inclusion.

• Increased community-led sports programming: Funds Indigenous organizations to develop and deliver culturally relevant sport and recreation initiatives.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $97,500 was allocated to SaKaeah North for coaches and a program coordinator to travel to Indigenous communities and provide snowboarding and skateboarding clinics, along with mentorship, skill training, and Q&A sessions.
• Healing and well-being through sport: Provides families and survivors who have experienced trauma, violence, or loss access to safe and supportive recreational spaces that promote mental and physical healing.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $88,950 was allocated to Terry Lee Canoe Club/Docks Community Paddling Society to focus on promoting physical fitness and mental well-being through regular training sessions, including canoeing, jogging, and gym workouts, while also teaching craftsmanship and teamwork during canoe refurbishing.
• Greater access to safe and inclusive spaces: Supports initiatives that ensure Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples have safe, welcoming environments to engage in sport and recreation.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $130,000 was allocated to Squamish Indian Band 555 to create a safe and inclusive environment for women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ members by offering support through an Inclusion Navigator, organizing tailored community activities, and providing non-gender biased cultural programs. The initiative also focuses on increasing accessibility and participation by offering childcare, one-on-one support, specialized training, and promoting mental health awareness within the community.
• Strengthened Indigenous leadership and self-determination: Builds capacity within Indigenous communities to sustain and expand wellness-focused programming.
  • Example: In 2024-25, $99,574 was allocated to Canoe Culture Society to provide a six-month program combining cultural grounding with hands-on paddle-making workshops, traditional paddling techniques, and on-water practice, fostering both physical fitness and cultural connection.
• Enhanced social development outcomes: Addresses key social issues, including suicide prevention, sexual trafficking awareness, sexual positivity, physical and mental health, and safe relationships.

With an annual budget of $2.5 million, SSDIC - Stream Three ensures that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples have meaningful opportunities to engage in activities that promote well-being. Budget 2021 allocated $14.3 million over five years, with $2.9 million in ongoing funding to sustain and expand program access. To date, $3.75 million has been allocated, and an additional $1.25 million has been reprofiled to support the program for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Budget 2024 provided $167.6 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, to combat anti-Indigenous racism in health care through continued support for: patient advocates, health system navigators, midwives, and birth support workers, and initiatives to increase Indigenous representation in the health professions.

In 2024–25, ISC continued funding national and regional Indigenous organizations to lead initiatives addressing anti-Indigenous racism in health systems. These included: various Indigenous health system navigator and patient advocate initiatives; the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations' First Nations Ombudsperson Office; the Métis Nation of British Columbia's Métis Health Experience Program; Two-Spirited People of Manitoba Inc's information sessions on informed consent and rights awareness; and midwifery and birth support initiatives across Canada, including in Yukon, Inuvialuit, Nunavut, and Kuujjuaq.

The AAIR initiative responds in part to Call for Justice 7.4 by supporting the recruitment, retention, and advancement of Indigenous professionals within health systems. It also supports institutional efforts to embed patient and cultural safety through mentorship programs, education pathways, and workplace transformation.

These actions directly support Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis by increasing access to care providers who reflect and understand their lived realities. Greater Indigenous representation contributes to safer health care environments and helps dismantle systemic racism in health institutions.

• Strengthens cultural safety: Supports culturally appropriate services across the health system.
• Supports system navigation: Supports the training and employment of Indigenous health navigators and patient advocates.
• Increases representation: Creates pathways for increasing Indigenous representation in health professions.
• Prevents violence in care: Improves awareness and accountability through culturally safe training.
• Supports reproductive justice: Expands access to midwifery, doula, and wrap-around supports.

Building on the success from Budget 2021 investments, Budget 2024 reinvested $167.6 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, to combat anti-Indigenous racism in Canada's health systems. Funding allocations are guided by distinctions-based approaches, community needs, and collaboration with Indigenous health leaders and regional tables to ensure ongoing relevance and impact. Funding has been allocated for 2024-25 and 2025-26.

• Land-based programming: Dechinta continues to offer land-based university accredited programming in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon blending academic instruction with on-the-land learning led by Elders, faculty, and knowledge holders.
• Increased program accessibility for remote learners: Dechinta is enhancing accessibility for students from remote communities by continuing to cover travel costs, tuition, accommodations, culturally appropriate child-care, and food for participants, ensuring full participation without financial burden.
• Active research and knowledge mobilization initiatives: The Centre is leading Northern Indigenous-led (including Dene, Inuit, and Inuvialuit) research initiatives on topics such as wellness, language revitalization, climate change, and governance, and is actively sharing knowledge through academic publications, presentations, workshops, community reports and collaborative research publications.
• Expanded partnerships with academic institutions: Dechinta maintains and strengthens partnerships with institutions working in education in the North on an ongoing basis. Dechinta's university accredited courses are currently in partnership with the University of British Colombia.

The Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning responds to part of Call for Justice 7.4 by providing access to Indigenous health and wellness teachings, including land-based healing and knowledge systems that support holistic well-being. Indigenous families, survivors, and communities are served by the way the Centre is reclaiming traditional healing practices, restoring cultural teachings, and fostering intergenerational resilience through land-based education.

• Revitalization of indigenous healing practices: Dechinta integrates land-based health teachings into its curriculum, reinforcing traditional healing knowledge.
• Intergenerational learning: Elders and knowledge holders share wisdom that strengthens cultural identity and well-being.
• Accessible health education: Land-based programming offers students practical knowledge on traditional healing, environmental stewardship, and community wellness.

Since Budget 2019, Dechinta has received $18.17 million, with an additional $150,000 in 2023 for wildfire recovery support. This includes $5.2 million over two years, approved in October 2024, to continue supporting Dechinta's educational programming. Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada administers the funding for Dechinta.

Through Budget 2019, ISC committed $47.5 million over five years to support the design and construction of Aqqusariaq and $9.7 million ongoing in support of treatment centre operations. In 2024-25 ISC provided an additional $10 million in funding towards the construction. Construction of Aqqusariaq is on track with a substantial completion date by December 2025.

Community consultations also took place in 2024-25, which included the main Inuit Wellness Organizations throughout Nunavut. These consultations were primarily focused on governance, informing the development of the future governance model for Aqqusariaq.

Aqqusariaq responds to Call for Justice 7.5 as it will provide a range of treatment and healing interventions that will address both problematic substance use and trauma and will be founded and developed based on Inuit cultural practices and values. Aqqusariaq will ensure that Inuit Qaujimajatuqanngit principles – recognized as a unified system of beliefs, values, and knowledge characteristic of the Inuit culture – are prioritized in the delivery of addiction treatment services for citizens and will further the government's goal to provide crucial in-territory care. It is important to have a centre, in-territory, that will be grounded in Inuit language and culture, with strong linkages to community-based on-the-land programming for culturally safe healing. Services will be offered in Inuit languages, when possible.

Families, survivors, and communities impacted by intergenerational trauma and substance use benefit from this initiative through increased access to culturally appropriate treatment services. In delivering services in Inuit languages and fostering strong links to community and land-based healing, Aqqusariaq supports long-term wellness and the reclamation of Indigenous healing practices.

• Inuit-led healing: A fully Inuit-designed and Inuit-governed recovery centre based on IQ principles.
• Improved access: In-territory care reduces the need for individuals to leave Nunavut to seek treatment.
• Cultural continuity: Services delivered in Inuit languages and connected to land-based programs.
• Systemic reconciliation: Embeds Inuit self-determination and co-development into the health care system.
• Trauma-informed practice: Merges clinical and cultural approaches for holistic recovery outcomes.

Through Budget 2019, ISC committed $47.5 million over five years to support the design and construction of Aqqusariaq and $9.7 million ongoing in support of treatment centre operations. In 2024-25 ISC provided an additional $10 million in funding towards the construction.

Budget 2024 provided $167.6 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, to combat anti-Indigenous racism in health care through continued support for: patient advocates, health system navigators, midwives, and birth support workers, and initiatives to increase Indigenous representation in the health professions.

In 2024–25, ISC continued funding national and regional Indigenous organizations to lead initiatives addressing anti-Indigenous racism in health systems. These included: various Indigenous health system navigator and patient advocate initiatives; the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations' First Nations Ombudsperson Office; the Métis Nation of British Columbia's Métis Health Experience Program; Two-Spirited People of Manitoba Inc's information sessions on informed consent and rights awareness; and midwifery and birth support initiatives across Canada, including in Yukon, Inuvialuit, Nunavut, and Kuujjuaq.

The AAIR initiative responds to Call for Justice 7.6 by providing funding to Indigenous organizations to develop and deliver culturally safe training for healthcare professionals. These trainings address anti-Indigenous racism, promote culturally informed care, and are tailored to reflect the specific experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

Families and survivors of the MMIWG2S+ crisis benefit from increased provider awareness and sensitivity, which can help prevent re-traumatization and reduce instances of neglect or discrimination in clinical settings.

• Strengthens cultural safety: Supports culturally appropriate services across the health system.
• Supports system navigation: Supports the training and employment of Indigenous health navigators and patient advocates.
• Increases representation: Creates pathways for increasing Indigenous representation in health professions.
• Prevents violence in care: Improves awareness and accountability through culturally safe training.
• Supports reproductive justice: Expands access to midwifery, doula, and wrap-around supports.

Building on the success from Budget 2021 investments, Budget 2024 reinvested $167.6 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, to combat anti-Indigenous racism in Canada's health systems. Funding allocations are guided by distinctions-based approaches, community needs, and collaboration with Indigenous health leaders and regional tables to ensure ongoing relevance and impact. Funding has been allocated for 2024-25 and 2025-26.

Budget 2024 provided $167.6 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, to combat anti-Indigenous racism in health care through continued support for: patient advocates, health system navigators, midwives, and birth support workers, and initiatives to increase Indigenous representation in the health professions.

In 2024–25, ISC continued funding national and regional Indigenous organizations to lead initiatives addressing anti-Indigenous racism in health systems. These included: various Indigenous health system navigator and patient advocate initiatives; the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations' First Nations Ombudsperson Office; the Métis Nation of British Columbia's Métis Health Experience Program; Two-Spirited People of Manitoba Inc's information sessions on informed consent and rights awareness; and midwifery and birth support initiatives across Canada, including in Yukon, Inuvialuit, Nunavut, and Kuujjuaq.

The AAIR initiative responds to Call for Justice 7.7 by funding midwifery and doula training. Support is provided for Indigenous-led programs and the delivery of culturally safe reproductive care in both urban and remote settings.

For families and survivors of the MMIWG2S+ crisis, the presence of Indigenous birth workers creates safer pathways to care and reaffirms traditional practices that are rooted in cultural identity, autonomy, and community healing.

• Strengthens cultural safety: Supports culturally appropriate services across the health system.
• Supports system navigation: Supports the training and employment of Indigenous health navigators and patient advocates.
• Increases representation: Creates pathways for increasing Indigenous representation in health professions.
• Prevents violence in care: Improves awareness and accountability through culturally safe training.
• Supports reproductive justice: Expands access to midwifery, doula, and wrap-around supports.

Building on the success from Budget 2021 investments, Budget 2024 reinvested $167.6 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, to combat anti-Indigenous racism in Canada's health systems. Funding allocations are guided by distinctions-based approaches, community needs, and collaboration with Indigenous health leaders and regional tables to ensure ongoing relevance and impact. Funding has been allocated for 2024-25 and 2025-26.