New supports announced for vulnerable people in Edmonton

Provincial leaders gather in the announcement of new supports for vulnerable people in Edmonton (Photo Credits - Daniel Barker-Tremblay)

A new navigation and support center is now open to aid those affected by the encampment removals to find safe shelters and get access to supports within the city of Edmonton.

Windspeaker Radio Network spoke with Grand Chief of Treaty Six Cody Thomas, as he says it’s all about getting to the root cause of addiction that many houseless Indigenous people face inside the encampments.

Grand Chief of Treaty Six Cody Thomas speaking at the announcement for support for vulnerable people in Edmonton (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)

One of the key focuses is to gather the proper data, for Grand Chief Thomas, he says that it will help guide those to supports for mental health or detox, along with shinning light on the housing crisis many nation members have faced over the years.

Photos taken by EPS of the encampments and weapons found at the sites (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)

Thomas comments on the video that surfaced from the Bear Claw Beavers Hill House staff that aided many that where outside the Bissell Centre in extreme weather keeping warm by a hand-made fire, as he calls it heartbreaking to see.

Edmonton Police Service Chief Dale McFee spoke with Windspeaker Radio Network about the announcement, calling it a groundbreaking event, and aims towards assisting Indigenous members towards healing and supports within the city.

EPS Chief Dale McFee speaking at the Supports announcement (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)