THUNDER BAY – A program credited with offering life-saving supports to First Nations could be up for renewal, months after concerns were raised that the Choose Life program was set to expire next year.
Outgoing Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said Choose Life would be extended in his final address to NAN’s Keewaywin conference, where new Grand Chief Derek Fox was elected, earlier this week.
Fiddler shared few details about the future of the program, which has seen over $135 million spent since 2019 on mental health supports, special education workers, and connections with elders and traditional culture for students from NAN’s 49 member First Nations.
However, he told attendees its renewal was cause for celebration.
It's news the government wouldn't confirm, however, with Indigenous Services Canada saying in a statement that "no additional funding has been announced" for Choose Life.
"However, ISC is currently working with partners to ensure that supports continue and will be available to respond to the needs of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation children," said ISC spokesperson Danielle Geary.
A representative for NAN was not able to provide more details about the program's status.
The program was created in 2017 after NAN sought an order from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal directing the federal government to provide timely funding for youth mental health, in the wake of a suicide crisis in NAN communities.
That request was dropped after NAN and Canada reached the Choose Life agreement, which the tribunal endorsed.
Choose Life has also supported progress on recommendations from the 2016 Seven Youth Inquest, which sought to prevent future deaths of First Nations youth in Thunder Bay.
In a letter urging support for the program in June, NAN said the program had had concrete results.
“Of notable mention is the lower incidences of students experiencing suicidal ideation or engaging in high-risk behaviour while they are out for high school, but more work is required to continue to build student programs and well-being models to support students.”
