SIIT Joining Battle Against Crystal Meth

SIIT Joining Battle Against Crystal Meth

Monday, September 26, 2005 at 14:41

The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies has been awarded $851,000 to administer a program aimed at preventing crystal meth abuse in First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada.

SIIT will use the funding to deliver the Prevention, Awareness, Community Education (PACE) training program to 340 Aboriginal addictions and mental health workers from across the country.

Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh says the 30-hour certification program will equip workers with specialized tools and information in an effort to prevent crystal meth abuse in their communities.

Dosanjh says it will also give these workers the skills to train others in this work.

Meanwhile, a group called Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services has been granted almost $58,000 in federal funding to develop and promote a crystal meth informational video.

Dosanjh says other Saskatchewan projects will be announced in the months to come when they are approved.