Advancing Equity to Strengthen the First Nations Mental Wellness Workforce

In December 2024, the Canadian federal government launched a consultation process aimed at gathering insights to shape the 2024 federal budget. Responding to this call, FPWC prepared a pre-budget submission to advocate for fiscal changes aimed at advancing equity for the First Nations Mental Wellness Workforce and furthering the self-determination and self-governance of First Nations people and communities across the country. Mental Wellness Workforces in Indigenous communities find themselves navigating a landscape of limited resources and insecure funding. These gaps are especially concerning when compared to the resources available to Western/mainstream organizations in equivalent positions. These disparities underscore the urgent need for a shift towards equitable funding and support for Indigenous health and mental wellness professionals. The submission puts forward three recommendations designed to address critical areas of need within the Indigenous health and wellness sector.