(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan announces new COVID-19 supports

Dec 15, 2020 | 5:14 PM

The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) is rolling out new supports for citizens in need during the pandemic.

The new measures build on existing COVID-19 assistance the MN-S has been providing since the spring.

The Director of Western Region Two – which includes Prince Albert – told paNOW supports announced on Friday are a response to what Métis citizens have been asking for as the MN-S’ COVID-19 response has evolved.

“After phase one we got to see exactly what people needed,” Sherry McLennan said.

Since March over 4,000 Métis families have benefitted from MN-S childcare and household COVID-19 supports. Over 100,000 units of personal protective equipment have also been distributed across the province.

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New and existing supports

The MN-S will now cover travel costs for in-hospital COVID-19 treatment. Assistance with groceries for people in isolation is also available, as are supplies of personal protective equipment.

New measures for post-secondary students including help with rent, utilities and technology are also being rolled out, as are mental wellness and addictions supports. McLennan said the latter is particularly important, as the pandemic has negatively impacted many people’s mental health.

“So many people feel like they’re locked up in jail right now,” she said. “Especially our Elders.”

MN-S mental health and addictions support is available at 1-855-671-5638 during regular business hours and 1-877-767-7572 (24-hour crisis line. Help is available in French and English. Options include in-person support (where available), video conferencing or telephone.

Emergency childcare assistance continues to be available, as does housing assistance for those facing arrears.

Western Region Two’s office can be reached until Thursday at 306-922-2206. As of Friday, the office will be closed due to new COVID-19 regulations and McLennan invited citizens to contact her on her cellphone (930-0899) if they need something over the holiday season.

More information the MN-S COVID-19 support program can be found here.

Looking to the future

McLennan encouraged people to follow guidelines from the provincial government and do their part to reduce the spread of the virus.

She said Métis people are very family-focused, which make the pandemic restrictions particularly difficult.

“It’s a hard time for us,” she said. “But let’s through this and once this is over we can come together and all have a nice cultural gathering where we can celebrate each other.”

In a media release, MN-S President Glen McCallum said the organization would continue to work with federal and provincial governments, First Nations, Tribal Councils and municipalities to help prevent the spread of the virus.

“The COVID-19 situation within Saskatchewan, and nationwide is evolving minute by minute and we are working to meet the changing needs of our citizen,” McCallum said.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom