FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2023
DESHKAN ZIIBIING (COTTFN) ADDRESSING IMMEDIATE NEEDS FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS SUPPORT
DESHKAN ZIIBIING: Minister Tibollo attended Chippewas of the Thames First Nation for an announcement on funding for Indigenous mental health and addictions on Thursday May 4, 2023.
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation received $1M from the Ontario government in support of its community crisis response – which will provide two – eight unit modular units, offering safe spaces for those requiring mental health, and addictions crisis support. The allotted funding will also see the purchase of three crisis response vehicles.
The event, hosted on Deshkan Ziibiing and attended by various local news outlets, also saw Chief French joined by Munsee Delaware Chief Roger Thomas and Oneida Chief Todd Cornelius in the signing of a tri-council declaration addressing the illegal drugs and human trafficking within the CMO communities.
CMO communities have seen a dramatic increase in organized crime activities which has resulted in an increasing number of opioid poisonings, and violent criminal activity. Together the three elected Chiefs – and through the consensus of their respective Councils – have solidified their joint commitment to support their communities through tangible actions – They will be working collaboratively to combat the onset of illegal trafficking of illicit drugs, and those involved in human trafficking. They are working closely with specialized service agencies in this undertaking.
