The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is pleased to announce federal funding support for a new healing house in Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc intended to support survivors of Kamloops Indian Residential School.
Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir of the Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc, Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and Colleen Erickson, Board Chair of the FNHA, jointly announced today (March 23) that $12.5 million in federal funding will go towards construction of the building.
“We acknowledge the leadership of Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc in lifting up this good work in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and the FNHA," said Erickson. “We look forward to the ongoing work in support of this precedent-setting healing model."
The healing house will provide trauma-informed, culturally safe programs to support survivors and their families in their wholistic healing journeys. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau first stated his support for funding construction of a healing house back in October 2021, following the devastating discovery of 215 unmarked graves at the former residential school.
This federal funding is in addition to $2.5 million in previously committed funds by the FNHA toward healing initiatives at Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc. The FNHA has also provided an additional $1.3 million to work in partnership with the community in planning for and establishing this new healing house.
FNHA CEO Richard Jock said the FNHA is committed to collaborative and innovative approaches with First Nations communities and other health partners to ensure the provision of culturally safe mental health and wellness supports for First Nations people in BC.
“In partnership with Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc and Indigenous Services Canada, FNHA is pleased to fund and support the new healing house that will help to address needs for trauma-based healing," he said.
The FNHA also provides culturally safe mental health and cultural supports across a spectrum of services. Please refer to this two-page document if you need any help or guidance.
