Providing More Support for Indigenous Youth
Fort William First Nation to Host Ontario’s Indigenous Youth and Community Wellness Secretariat
Ontario and First Nations leadership marked a significant milestone today, with the opening of a new office in Fort William First Nation to support Indigenous youth in their community–the first provincial office to open on a First Nation.
David Zimmer, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, joined by Chief Peter Collins of Fort William First Nation, attended the opening today, where they participated in the first meeting of the Indigenous Youth and Community Wellness Secretariat’s Indigenous Partners Engagement Circle.
Ontario committed to establishing the secretariat last July in response to continued crises and suicides in northern First Nations communities. The secretariat will work closely with Indigenous partners and federal and municipal governments to develop community-driven solutions to support Indigenous youth and move towards recovery, resiliency and wellness.
Through the joint creation and development of an action plan with youth and Indigenous partners, the secretariat will help improve opportunities for Indigenous youth and enhance access to the services and supports they need, when they need them.
By establishing an office on Fort William First Nation, Ontario is creating more opportunities for Indigenous partners and communities to share their knowledge and ideas directly with the province.
