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National Indigenous News - July 27 · National Indigenous Newscasts

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Here is the latest National Indigenous News on the Windspeaker Radio Network.
• 0:04
  SPEAKER_00: I'm Jackson Fontaine.
• 0:06
  SPEAKER_00: The federal government will no longer cover travel costs for counselors visiting isolated communities or for clients traveling to see them in None of It and the Northwest Territories.
• 0:16
  SPEAKER_00: Indigenous Services Canada, ISC, blamed funding delays for disruptions to the Indian Residential School's Resolution Health Support Program, which provides mental health counseling to residential school survivors and their families.
• 0:28
  SPEAKER_00: ISC announced$63 million in March to extend mental health supports, but the money did not arrive until the end of June.
• 0:35
  SPEAKER_00: This caused months of delayed payments to service providers.
• 0:38
  SPEAKER_00: Despite ISC's claims that invoices are now being processed on time, several mental health workers said they have not been paid for months and were told expenses for new clients would not be reimbursed.
• 0:48
  SPEAKER_00: Some continued seeing clients as unpaid volunteers rather than turn people away.
• 0:53
  SPEAKER_00: In a statement, ISC said going forward, in None of it and Northwest Territories, approvals will be for virtual counseling services only, as there is no funding to support client or service provider travel.
• 1:03
  SPEAKER_00: Previously, counselors regularly traveled to remote communities every four to eight weeks, or clients travel to larger centers for in-person sessions.
• 1:11
  SPEAKER_00: Now, residents in smaller communities are limited to phone or video counseling.
• 1:15
  SPEAKER_00: ISC says the disruptions stem partly from international funding shifts and that is now planning a new service model for None of it and the Northwest Territory starting April 2027 to prevent further gaps.
• 1:27
  SPEAKER_00: A Western Saskatchewan First Nation is investing$150,000 into a new animal wellness initiative aimed at reducing the number of roaming dogs while promoting responsible pet ownership.
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_00: Mosquito Grizzly Bear's head lean manned First Nation says the funding will support a community-based wellness program that includes hiring an animal wellness worker, offering free veterinary services, and organizing future spray and neuter clinics.
• 1:50
  SPEAKER_00: The initiative will also feature an education campaign focused on responsible pet ownership and animal care.
• 1:55
  SPEAKER_00: The program comes as many indigenous and rural communities across Canada continue to face challenges related to stray and free roaming dog populations, including public safety concerns, animal welfare issues, and limited access to veterinary services.
• 2:09
  SPEAKER_00: The First Nation says the investment is intended to improve the health and safety of both residents and animals while creating long-term solutions through education, prevention, and access to veterinary care.
• 2:20
  SPEAKER_00: Fort Mackay First Nation in northern Alberta will host its Dene Day on Friday.
• 2:25
  SPEAKER_00: The event features a full day of cultural sharing, friendly competition, food, and community connection.
• 2:30
  SPEAKER_00: Gates open at 8:30 a.m.
• 2:32
  SPEAKER_00: with activities beginning at 10 and continuing until 8 p.m.
• 2:35
  SPEAKER_00: Attendees can look forward to a variety of engaging events, including a bannock making slash tasting contest, traditional Dene handgames, community feast, storytelling, and a dance.
• 2:44
  SPEAKER_00: The celebration continues with a powwow on Saturday, August 1st, at the Lawrence Bull Powder Arena with grand entries set for 1 and 7 p.m.
• 2:52
  SPEAKER_00: As one of the five First Nations under the Athabasca Tribal Council, alongside Athabasca Chippewan, Chippewan Prairie, Fort McMurray, and Mikasoo Creek First Nations, Fort Mackay First Nation continues to strengthen community bonds through events like Dene Day.
• 3:06
  SPEAKER_00: That is your latest National Indigenous News on the Windspeaker Radio Network.