Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Previously I talked about counselling services in Lutselk’e. Unfortunately, the services currently being offered to the residents of Lutselk’e are not meeting the needs of the people.
With the recent suicides that the community has had to deal with, the department needs to conduct an immediate review of these services. I understand the department is in the process of reviewing the entire Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, and that’s good to hear. But I need to know, in addition to this review, what action is being taken specifically to address the situation in Lutselk’e.
Lutselk’e is a small, isolated community with a population of
400. Of that 400, 96
per
cent is
aboriginal. Also, of that 400, almost half of the population is 25 years or younger.
Lutselk’e is a traditional community, with many residents still hunting, trapping and fishing. Over 80
per cent of the community still speaks the
traditional language of Chipewyan.
With Lutselk’e being an aboriginal community, it is critical that the government’s programs and services properly recognize and effectively incorporate cultural sensitivity into the design, and more importantly, the delivery of programs and services. This includes actively engaging the community. This is not happening in Lutselk’e, and it is a significant factor in why the mental health and addictions counselling service is not meeting the needs of its residents.
Mr. Speaker, I understand this is a very complex issue, and many factors are to be taken into consideration when designing programs and the delivery mechanisms. But one of these factors that has to be included is the full, unconditional participation of the community; in this case, the Lutselk’e Dene Band. The community has been requesting this for some time now.
I view the situation in Lutselk’e as critical, and I feel that we have to do all we can to provide the necessary support, including incorporating the unique cultural perspectives of the aboriginal people.
The reality is Lutselk’e is an isolated, traditional aboriginal community, and the mental health and
addictions programs and services currently delivered are not meeting the needs of the people.
Today I will have questions for the Minister.