A $300,000 contribution to youth mental health has been split between four communities in the region from Kinross Gold.
EAR FALLS – A $300,000 contribution for youth mental health in the region has been made by Kinross Gold Corporation to four communities, and Mayor Kevin Kahoot of Ear Falls says he is putting together a task force to identify the best ways to apply the funding.
“We’re going to sit down with members of our health team, our health and safety committee, a member of council and some youth, and then we’re going to decide what the best way is to advocate on their behalf, using this money,” said Kahoot.
Ear Falls and Red Lake have received contributions of $50,000 each.
Further, Lac Seul First Nation and Wabuskang First Nation have each received a total of $100,000 for youth mental health.
Chief Clifford Bull of Lac Seul said that while they have not decided how the funds will be distributed, mental health is a priority and they want to ensure the contribution is used properly.
Gwyneth Carlson, the external relations manager with Kinross’ Great Bear Project said that through engagement with the communities near the project, youth mental health was identified as a key focus for local and First Nation communities.
“Mental health challenges, addictions and suicide continue to be an area of concern for communities throughout the region, and some of the communities that we work with are in a state of crisis, so we saw it imperative that we take action to support these mental health initiatives and community wellness,” said Carlson.
“Each of the four communities are unique, and we really wanted the contribution to be guided by each community’s unique circumstances and priorities” she said.