Maamwesying Receives $3.6M to Expand Mental Health & Addictions Care

Funding aims to tackle opioid crisis in Indigenous communities in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up X-ray photograph showing the intricate internal structures of a human brain and nervous system, rendered in ghostly, glowing lines against a dark background, conceptually representing the mental health and addiction challenges faced by Indigenous communities.This X-ray-style illustration reveals the complex neurological impacts of the opioid crisis on Indigenous communities, underscoring the critical need for expanded mental health and addiction support services.Sault Ste. Marie Today

Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services has been awarded over $3.6 million in federal funding to expand its mental health and addiction support programs for Indigenous communities in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region. The grant from Canada's Emergency Treatment Fund is a critical response to the devastating impact of the opioid crisis in these areas.

Why it matters

This funding represents a significant step towards improving access to vital mental health and addiction services for urban Indigenous individuals and those in remote Algoma communities, who have been disproportionately affected by the illegal drug crisis. It highlights the dedication of frontline workers and the urgent need for prevention and recovery support.

The details

The $3.62 million grant will allow Maamwesying to expand its mental health and addiction support programs, which are essential in tackling the opioid crisis affecting Indigenous communities in Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding Algoma region. MP Terry Sheehan emphasized the critical nature of this funding as a response to the devastating impacts of substance abuse.

  • The funding was announced on April 12, 2026.

The players

Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services

A community health organization that provides mental health and addiction support services to Indigenous communities in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region.

Terry Sheehan

A Member of Parliament who recognized the critical need for this funding to address the opioid crisis affecting Indigenous communities.

Chantelle Evans

The director of mental health and addictions at Maamwesying, who has witnessed the devastating effects of substance abuse firsthand.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This funding represents a critical response to the illegal drug crisis affecting Indigenous communities in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma.”

— Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament

“Frontline workers at Maamwesying witness the devastating effects of substance abuse firsthand, and this funding will allow us to expand our vital mental health and addiction support programs.”

— Chantelle Evans, Director of Mental Health and Addictions

What’s next

The funding will be used to immediately expand Maamwesying's mental health and addiction support services, with the goal of increasing access to care and improving outcomes for Indigenous individuals and communities affected by the opioid crisis.

The takeaway

This $3.6 million investment in Maamwesying's mental health and addiction programs represents a critical step towards addressing the devastating impacts of the opioid crisis on Indigenous communities in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region. By expanding access to vital support services, this funding has the potential to save lives and promote healing.