The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies will be adding 25 more seats in its Mental Health and Wellness Diploma program in Saskatoon thanks to new funding from the provincial government.

The Government of Saskatchewan has allocated $850,000 to help meet the increasing labour demand in this occupation, bringing program capacity up from 150 to 175.

In a news release from the province, Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison says, “With this funding, we are not only meeting these demands but also ensuring our communities receive the care and support they need.”

Graduates of the program will have both the technical and cultural skills competencies needed to provide care to clients in need. Students in the program will learn both Indigenous and Western-based holistic approaches to healing and addictions counselling and apply them in the classroom and during their practicums.