Advocate urges immediate action on First Nations youth mental health crisis

December 2, 2024

FREDERICTON – Child, Youth and Seniors’ Advocate Kelly Lamrock is recommending the provincial government work with First Nations governments to address youth mental health.

A new monitoring report addressing recommendations from the No Child Left Behind report says the unique challenges facing First Nations youth require dedicated funding and a process that empowers First Nations governments to lead.

In reviewing government actions during the three years since No Child Left Behind was issued, Lamrock cited significant failures in collaboration, accountability and targeted action, including:

• Lack of recognition of the need for a distinct approach and process for reducing rates of youth suicide and mental health emergencies in First Nations communities.
• Delays in the formation of basic committees and implementation of training recommendations.
• A lack of transparency in how federal funds for First Nations mental health are allocated and used.
• Minimal integration of First Nations governments in mental health decision-making processes, undermining their knowledge of their communities and their status as rights-holders.
• A continued reliance on unscalable pilot projects without clear indicators of success or plans for expansion.

“One of the most striking observations is the lack of urgency,” said Lamrock. “If the rates of suicide and mental health challenges we see in First Nations communities were mirrored in any other region or population, there would be an immediate outcry. Instead, there has been silence. This silence must end.”

Lamrock emphasized the need for a distinct and collaborative approach to address the unique challenges faced by First Nations youth. The report offers recommendations to reignite progress, including:

• Establishing a dedicated line item in the 2025-26 provincial budget for First Nations mental health.
• Setting clear key performance indicators for mental health initiatives that are core-funded and scalable, targeting First Nations youth.
• Engaging in good-faith negotiations with First Nations governments to create a bilateral process for managing mental health funds.
• Expanding successful pilot projects with measurable outcomes and timelines.

“New Brunswick can do better,” said Lamrock. “We have seen success in areas like education through trilateral agreements that dedicate funds and share decision-making with First Nations governments. This approach should be applied to youth mental health.”

The report underscores the need for urgency and systemic change, warning that inaction risks perpetuating cycles of harm and inequality.

“First Nations communities have been clear about what our youth need: culturally rooted, accessible mental health supports created and delivered in partnership with us, not for us,” said Roxanne Sappier, chair of the First Nations Advisory Council. “The lack of meaningful action and accountability is a breach of trust and a disservice to our children. This report reinforces what we have been saying all along – urgent, collaborative action is not optional; it is essential.”

The advocate also offered a message of solidarity to First Nations leaders.

“Your work is invaluable,” said Lamrock. “We see your dedication to improving the lives of children in your communities. With this report, we aim to inspire the partnerships and resources that reflect the importance of your advocacy efforts.”
02-12-24

NT5