FSIN says new federal budget a step in right direction The new federal budget is getting top marks from the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. In the budget which was released on Monday, the Liberals have pledged $18 billion over five years to improve the quality of life for people living in Indigenous communities. Of this, close to $600 million over three years will be invested in mental health supports for Indigenous people. FSIN Vice-Chief David Pratt said he is impressed that the government has taken a community-based approach with funding for mental health. “It’s very important that capacity is built at the community level because each community – and I am very glad the federal government is not taking a one size fits all approach – but it has to be community-led, community-developed based upon each member nation’s needs and I think this fund will go a long way to address that,” he said.