Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Going back to my Member's statement, when I was talking about providing this type of traditional counselling in all of the regions, I understand that each Indigenous group may want something else. We have heard this, and we heard it again from the Premier when we were going through the mandate. This camp has Dene, Metis, Inuit, non-Indigenous counsellors and does not discriminate from who wants services. Can the Minister tell me if they are looking at this type of a model? If not, can they look into expanding or funding to expand this Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation, if they would like to, in other regions or to have them have funding to be able to go out and talk to other regions to work on a model like this? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Minister of Health and Social Services.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I heard a lot of questions in that one question. We are doing a lot of programming. The Member is referring to the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation. We have supported the foundation since it began. We also are supporting them and providing them funding for the traditional healing. Also, we are helping them with a proposal with the Indigenous Services Canada and also the development of community-based programming and working on a pilot project together. Mr. Speaker, we are working with the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation. Some of their programming that they provide is very unique. I think that, if the Member could give me her walking map, maybe I'll take a walk down there and have a look and meet William and Rassi and Be'sha. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I'm glad that they are working with them. When I visited the centre, the first thing they wanted to do was do a picture. We had a picture taken, and then a lot of people from the community were telling me, "I want that. I want to go there." Can the Minister confirm to me when they have clients, within the hospital or within the Department of Health, being asked to attend counselling, in matters, for example, when clients are admitted for suicidal ideation, overdose attempts, child and family service plans of care, are given the option to see a traditional counsellor of their choosing, for example, and Elder or other counselling services.
Yes, we are working in a client-centred way, meaning working with individuals to determine their best avenue to access support. Mr. Speaker, we also have staff who work to meet people where they are and help them to determine what is the best option for them. For some, it could be a form of counsellor, it could be also meeting with an Elder, so we do have options, Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the clients and what’s the best avenue for them to receive any of their counselling services.
In regard to the Minister’s response, I would like to know if she would be committed to letting her staff know this, because it’s not happening. With my experience, this has not been given as an option, maybe due to the high turnover of staff. Would the Minister consider going and letting her staff know that this is an option? Thank you.
Absolutely, and I’m sure all the staff in the Department of Health and Social Services are watching us today. The Member talks about this unique mental wellness facility, and I would like to go down there and have a visit and have a look at some of their options. It is something that we will look into. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for that answer, as well. Will the Minister have her department work with the Indigenous groups in each of the regions so they can provide them a list of counsellors that they have? Because I do know that we do have counsellors, traditional counsellors, especially in my community of Inuvik. We have different counsellors with Inuvialuit, we have different options within the Inuvialuit, and so do the Gwich’in in my community, that will provide elders and other options. Would she commit to having her department get that list so, when people are needing counsellors, they can also contact them? Thank you.
There is another "yes." Yes, of course, our department can work with Indigenous groups to ensure that we have a clear picture of community-based options, so that they are assured that our staff are aware of these options. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions, Member for Hay River South.
