Building Stronger First Nations And Métis Communities
The Government of Saskatchewan continues to invest in strong Indigenous communities within the province in the 2020-21 Budget. A targeted investment of $186 million will help with the recovery from the current COVID-19 pandemic and meet the priorities of Saskatchewan’s First Nations and Métis communities, businesses and organizations.
“The Government of Saskatchewan looks forward to a new year of partnership, collaboration and discussion with First Nation and Métis people as we recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic together,” Minister Responsible for First Nations and Métis Relations Lori Carr said. “Indigenous families and businesses are not only a part of Saskatchewan, they are an important and growing economic force that benefits the entire province. With the investments included in the 2020-21 Budget, we will continue to support Indigenous communities and pursue meaningful, lasting reconciliation.”
With casinos currently closed due to COVID-19, the province is providing a one-time $45 million grant to the various community based indigenous organizations within the province that would traditionally receive funding from casino profits.
Over the course of the pandemic, $370,000 was provided to northern municipalities through the New North to help cover the costs of additional community based education and enforcement costs related to COVID-19.
Additional 2020-21 Budget highlights include:
- $5.4 million increase for third party Indigenous service providers;
- $1.16 million increase for First Nations On-Reserve Policing and Enhanced Policing;
- $134,000 increase for the First Nations University of Canada, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, Gabriel Dumont Institute and Dumont Technical Institute;
- $100,000 increase for Métis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan Inc.; and
- $80,000 increase to the Aboriginal Courtworker Program.