
05/01/2012
Unfortunately, this will be the last post made on this page by our organization:
It is with a great deal of sadness that we must inform you that the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada has terminated all funding for the National Aboriginal Addictions Awareness Week effective immediately.
In an e-mail on April 23, 2012 Director, Mental Health and Addictions Division, Community Programs Directorate, FNIHB, Health Canada wrote:
“we regret to inform you that, as a result of decisions taken in Budget 2012, FNIHB National Office is unable to enter into a new contribution agreement with NCSA this year for activities relating to NAAAW. For Health Canada and the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, the priority was placed on protecting front line health service delivery to First Nations and Inuit.”
It has been our distinct pleasure, at the National Aboriginal Addictions Awareness Week office, to serve communities in planning, supporting and celebrating this very important week each year. We have always acknowledged that the true spirit of NAAAW lives in the hearts of the people in communities and will continue to do so. Funding can be terminated but the spirit of caring and healing within the community can never be taken away.
We sincerely thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey to “Living the good life” for so many years. Our thoughts, prayers and good wishes are with each and every community member, community worker, man, woman and child who walks this path of wellness towards a better future in your community.
For the 23rd year in a row First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada will celebrate the NATIONAL ABORIGINAL ADDICTIONS AWARENESS WEEK during the third week of November 2012.