MP Niki Ashton pushes for care homes and healing facilities in Pinaymootang First Nation

Dear Minister Hajdu,

I am writing to you to request action on two key issues arising from meetings with Chief Anderson and the Health Director of Pinaymootang First Nation, Ms. Gwen Traverse.

The Health Centre in Pinaymootang is doing very important work for its own members and the entire region. They are providing key health services to members of Pinaymootang, members of neighbouring First Nations as well as non-Indigenous people from neighbouring communities. Chief Anderson and Ms. Traverse are clear that more needs to be done by the federal government to meet the needs of the First Nation and region.

1. Regional Care Home. Pinaymootang is in need of a personal care home. It is also ideally placed to have a regional care home. There are currently 175 Elders that live in Pinaymootang. There are Elders in neighbouring communities who all need access to proper care as they age. As was made clear, Elders do not want to leave from their communities. Receiving care in their own community, close to their homes and loved ones is key to extending their quality of life. Chief Anderson and Ms. Traverse would like to work with ISC on this proposal as soon as possible.

2. Awaiting Approval for a Cultural/Healing Facility. Pinaymootang has applied for funding through the Jordan’s Principle CHRT settlement to build a Cultural/Healing facility which is very much needed in their community. They have yet to hear anything back. The First Nation is working with Child and Family Services, as well as the Health Centre on this. They are hoping to hear back from ISC and move forward as soon as possible.

Pinaymootang has overcome immense challenges, least of which is the floods of the past decade. They’re also grappling with the proposal to build another channel in their area that will have major impacts on their way of life. Given these challenges, Pinaymootang needs Canada to work with them on key priorities, such as those mentioned above.

As their MP, I echo the need for action from Indigenous Services Canada as soon as possible.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with further questions. I know Chief Anderson and Ms. Traverse are also available and looking forward to your follow up.

Please note that I have also cc’d Gwen Traverse on the letter.

Sincerely,

Niki Ashton - (Churchill—Keewatinook Aski)