(Photo: CPAC,ca)
Leadership from the Prince Albert Grand Council are currently in Ottawa to speak with federal ministers and MPs. With an election on the way, the Grand Council is calling for the current government—and all parties aspiring to lead to show their commitment to working with Indigenous communities.
PAGC wants the federal government to move forward with reconciliation and take immediate action on other issues affecting their communities.
One of the issues that PAGC highlighted today at a press conference was housing. There has been a lack of funding for housing in the 12 First Nations that the Tribal Council represents, leading to mold, overcrowding, and a lack of renovations.
“We have homes that have mold, we have homes that need renovations; we do get funding for housing, but it’s always lacking because it’s based on a formula from the 1980s and its 2024. So, we do need an increase in our housing budgets to meet the demand,” said Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief, Tammy Cook-Searson.
Another key area PAGC spoke about was public safety and the need for an Indigenous-led police force. The Grand Council has been conducting a feasibility study to support self-administered policing in their communities but said that more funding is needed for the police force to become a reality.
“Yes, we still have our communities policed by the RCMP, but we are working towards and need funding to work towards self-administered policing in our First Nations; it’s very, very important. We urge the parties, all parties, and the government to make Indigenous policing an essential service, explained PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte.
Healthcare was another issue on the table today as PAGC requested more support when it comes to mental health and addictions treatment for their people.
“We have many intergenerational trauma issues resulting in gangs, violence, and drug/alcohol addictions within our communities that we need to address, and we need to be able to get that proper funding to be able to help our community members, stated Cook-Searson.
PAGC’s meetings in Ottawa have focused on securing meaningful commitments to improve healthcare access, build culturally appropriate housing, enhance public safety, and advance reconciliation through action, not just promises.
“MPs and party leaders need to stop worrying about their next election and start worrying about the lives of our people,” added Grand Chief Hardlotte. “We can’t wait for another election cycle to fix these issues. Lives are on the line right now. They all have the power to make a difference, but they need the political will to act.”