Six Nations Health Services (SNHS) received support from Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) in its efforts to secure funding for community use of Jordan's Principle Services funding for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.

Jordan's Principle services "makes sure all First Nations children living in Canada can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs, including the unique needs that First Nations Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA children and youth and those with disabilities may have," according to the Government of Canada's website. Relevant services on Six Nations include student support workers in schools and tutoring and homework programs.

SNHS outlined the amounts of funding the organization is seeking approval from Indigenous Services Canada: service delivery will be in the amount of $5,437,369 and service coordination will be in the amount of $8,791,296.

Six Nations Elected Chief Mark Hill spoke on the importance for the community to be able to offer the supports in the program for Six Nations youth.

"We've been trying to really get a handle on Jordan's Principle funding," he said. "Now that we've had the kids out of school for COVID-19, we've had the kids impacted by the strike, it's just constant that our students are the ones most impacted and have minimal support."

"We have to go above and beyond at this point," he added.

SNEC showed support for SNHS and carried the motion brought to the May 1 General finance meeting. SNHS will now submit both applications for service delivery and service coordination for Jordan's Principle Services funding to Indigenous Services Canada.

For the full CJKS story listen below: