At Liberty Multimedia Inc., we believe that meaningful change comes through active engagement with the communities we serve. Our recent efforts with the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement (PPMS) reflect this commitment. Through programs like Age Well at Home (AWAH) and the Indigenous Primary Health Care Innovation Fund (IPHCIF), we are making strides toward improving elder care, health services, and overall well-being in this vibrant community.
Indigenous Community Engagement: The Age Well at Home (AWAH) Initiative
Launched in partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the Age Well at Home (AWAH) initiative is focused on helping the elders of Paddle Prairie age with dignity in their own homes. This federal program, supported by a $471,690 grant, provides crucial in-home services for the community’s seniors, including meal deliveries, snow removal, lawn care, and transportation.
AWAH directly addresses the challenges of aging in a remote settlement. Services such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, and a restored handicap-accessible van for medical trips ensure that vulnerable elders receive the support they need. Additionally, the program emphasizes sustainable development goals (SDGs) by offering resources that promote social inclusion and engagement within the community. The program’s sustainability is bolstered by a plan to ensure that its benefits last beyond the initial two-year funding period.
Key to the success of AWAH is community engagement. Volunteer support has been essential, with community members stepping up to assist elders in need. Over 89 seniors are currently benefiting from the program, with a network of volunteers ensuring that services are provided efficiently. This initiative has fostered stronger community bonds, creating an environment where seniors feel cared for and connected.
Sustainable Development and Health Services: Indigenous Health Project (IPHCIF)
The Indigenous Primary Health Care Innovation Fund (IPHCIF) is another critical component of PPMS’s commitment to improving health and well-being. This project, which aims to secure funding to develop a comprehensive Health and Wellness Centre, will help to address the unique healthcare needs of the community.
The Health and Wellness Centre will serve as a culturally safe facility that integrates traditional healing practices alongside modern healthcare services. The facility’s offerings will include primary healthcare, mental health counseling, wellness, chronic diseases treatment and prevention, etc., with the flexibility to provide telehealth services for remote consultations. This comprehensive approach brings healthcare closer to home and ensures that it is delivered in a way that respects and celebrates the Métis culture.
A unique aspect of the IPHCIF project is its focus on community capacity building. Local Settlement members will be trained and employed in healthcare roles, helping to ensure that the project creates lasting benefits by building local expertise. Additionally, the centre will provide critical services such as mental health counseling and support systems for those with long-term care needs, which have been identified as pressing issues in previous community engagements.
Through the Indigenous Health Project, Paddle Prairie will be able to establish a robust network of services that align with sustainable development goals by promoting equitable access to healthcare, empowering members, and addressing social determinants of health.
Collaborative Partnerships: The Key to Success
Both AWAH and IPHCIF are built on the foundation of community partnerships. Liberty Multimedia Inc., in collaboration with the Paddle Prairie Council, local health organizations, and volunteers, is playing a pivotal role in securing funding and developing these programs. The partnerships we’ve established have ensured that these projects not only meet immediate needs but also provide long-term benefits to the community.
The IPHCIF project, for example, incorporates feedback from extensive Settlement consultations to ensure that the Health and Wellness Centre addresses the unique challenges faced by the settlement, such as financial barriers to accessing healthcare and the need for better transportation options. This collaborative approach has made the project highly responsive to the needs of the Settlement, ensuring that it is sustainable and culturally appropriate.
Lasting Impact on the Community’s Well-Being
The success of both the AWAH and IPHCIF programs is evident in their lasting impact on the well-being of the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement. Through AWAH, seniors are receiving the care they need while experiencing an enhanced sense of community belonging. The program has improved the quality of life for 89 seniors by promoting social inclusion and ensuring access to practical support services.
Similarly, the IPHCIF project will transform healthcare in the settlement, ensuring that members can access culturally appropriate services that cater to their unique needs. The development of the Health and Wellness Centre will provide a long-term solution to the healthcare challenges faced by Paddle Prairie, contributing to a healthier and more resilient community.
