Mental Health Resources for Indigenous Peoples

To heal a nation we must first heal the individuals, the families, and the communities.”
-Art Solomon, Anishinaabe Elder

Taking care of yourself is a radical act. Caring for your community is a radical act. There are many ways in which colonialism and state violence have impacted Indigenous mental health. Unpacking trauma is an act of resilience and a sign of strength. We wanted to share some of the mental health resources available to Indigenous peoples and highlight Indigenous voices. #BellLetsTalk is one day, it is so important to continue to talk, take action, and care for yourself and each other everyday.

Please continue to share resources with us and we will update this list.

Mental Health Resources for Indigenous Peoples in Canada

Network for Aboriginal Mental Health Research – Mental Health Programs for Aboriginal People in Canada | Canada-Wide
A database that is frequently updated with mental health resources for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples across Canada.

NWAC Elder Support Line | Canada-Wide
Available Monday-Friday 9AM-11AM EST & 1PM-3PM EST
Call 888-664-7808

First Nations, Métis & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line | Canada-Wide
If you’re experiencing emotional distress and want to talk, call the First Nations, Métis & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310. Available 24/7, Canada-wide. 

Shkaabe Makwa | Ontario
“Shkaabe Makwa plays a key role in connecting with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and service providers across the province with a focus on:

• Building relationships and collaborative partnerships;

• Providing training to support workforce development;

• Advancing culturally relevant systems initiatives; and

• Improving practice through research and knowledge exchange.

Shkaabe Makwa collaborates with many programs across CAMH to develop and deliver training, implement system initiatives, coordinate knowledge exchange events and webinars, support Virtual Care services, resource for research projects and lead Indigenous engagement for CAMH programs and initiatives.

For more information about the program, please contact us at shkaabemakwa@camh.ca“

Urban Native Youth Association: Native Youth Health & Wellness Centre | Vancouver, British Columbia

“UNYA’s Native Youth Health and Wellness Centre (NYHWC) is a youth clinic providing culturally-relevant, welcoming, accessible health and wellness services to Indigenous youth from ages 12 to 30.

Our youth clinic is a safe, accessible health centre, where you can feel comfortable accessing services and programs that support your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. At the Native Youth Health and Wellness Centre, you can access the services and support of our Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Counsellors, Elders, and Registered Midwives.

Our approach to health and wellness includes both Indigenous and western perspectives and knowledge. We care for your overall wellbeing in a way that is youth- and family-centred, that focuses on your strengths, and that takes into account the effects of trauma.

We continue to seek new partnerships, to bring in health professionals who are interested in working together to provide welcoming, safe, and culturally-relevant services. Keep your eyes on this page and on our calendar for updates.”

Wabano Centre | Ontario
“At Wabano, you have access to:

• Regulated mental health professionals for individual or group therapy sessions.

• Addictions recovery specialists.

• Land-based cultural activities with traditional knowledge keepers.

• Art-as-healing for you or your family.”

Native Counselling Services of Alberta | Alberta
“Native Counselling Services of Alberta’s mission is to promote the resilience of the Aboriginal individual and family, through programs and services that are grounded in reclaiming our interconnectedness, reconciliation of relationships and self determination.” Native Counselling Services of Alberta also partners with a number of organizations that can provide additional resources. 

Healing in Colour | Canada Wide
“Healing in Colour envisions a world where BIPOC, in all our intersections, have access to therapy that supports our healing and liberation. Find a BIPOC therapist in your community. Access a curated list of resources that support healing.”

The Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line | Nunavut
Available in Inuktitut and English, 24/7. Call 867-979-3333 or toll-free 1-800-265-3333.

Hope for Wellness Helpline | Nunavut
Available in all Nunavut languages, 24/7. Call toll-free 1-855-242-3310.

Please continue to share resources with us by contacting communications@firelight.ca and we will update this list of resources.