By J Hazard - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9723796
FORT MCMURRAY — The Fort McKay Métis Nation Association is among 14 organizations receiving provincial funding this year through Alberta’s Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Program.
The Alberta government is investing $2 million in community-based projects aimed at preventing youth suicide by strengthening relationships, building connections and providing supports tailored to the needs of young people in their communities.
The province did not specify how much funding each organization will receive.
Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton said the grants are intended to support accessible and culturally appropriate services.
“Every young Albertan deserves to feel protected, connected and safe,” Turton said. “Through this investment, we are empowering community-based organizations to provide culturally appropriate, accessible supports that reflect the diverse needs of youth across Alberta.”
Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney said culture, language, family and community can play an important role in supporting Indigenous youth.
“Through the Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Program, we are supporting community-led initiatives that reflect the priorities of First Nations, Métis and Inuit and help young people strengthen their identity, build confidence and pursue the future they want for themselves,” Sawhney said.
Other recipients include Chiniki First Nation, Red Deer Native Friendship Society, Sucker Creek First Nation, Free Play for Kids, the United Way of the Alberta Capital Region and several other community organizations.
The province says projects funded through the program have supported more than 3,270 young people since 2024 by helping them build life skills, strengthen relationships and connect with local resources.
The funding is part of broader provincial efforts to provide mental-health and early-intervention supports through communities, schools and Family Resource Networks.
Albertans looking for mental-health or addiction support can call or text 211. Anyone facing an emergency should call 911.
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