Published on March 12, 2024 by CBC News
*Make sure to click the link below to watch a great video along with the article featuring OAHS, who will provide the housing services for this innovative project!
Federal funding announcements aren’t always as emotional as one held Monday morning in Hamilton’s east end. People teared up, hugged and expressed their appreciation for one another’s work on a long-term Indigenous health and housing project.
“To see a place that is representative of Indigenous people and run by Indigenous people is so empowering,” said Alex Jacobs-Blum, vice chair of De dwa de dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre (DAHC), one of several Indigenous organizations which will be running the project.
Members of Parliament Filomena Tassi, Chad Collins and Lisa Hepfner were in attendance to announce the government of Canada is investing $13 million in a health centre set to be built in Hamilton’s McQuesten neighbourhood, within the larger, new Biindigen Well-Being Centre. The complex will also include family, social and housing services.
The funding will allow more people in Hamilton’s urban Indigenous community access to “culturally sensitive” health care and wellness services “that they not only need, but they deserve,” said Bryanne Smart, DAHC board chair.
“Let’s not lose sight of the profound impact that this health facility will have on the lives of countless individuals and families,” Smart said, her voice breaking. “That’s why we’re here.”
Photo from CBC News
