Federal Indian Day Schools Health and Cultural Support Program

Mental health counselling

Mental health counselling is provided by professionals such as psychologists and social workers who are in good standing with their provincial or territorial regulatory body and enrolled with Indigenous Services Canada. Mental health counsellors will work with their clients to develop a wellness plan and provide individual or family counselling to support healing as determined with the client.

Eligibility for mental health counselling in British Colombia may be different from the rest of Canada. For any questions about eligibility in that province, please contact the BC First Nations Health Authority’s First Nations Health Benefits and Services at 1-855-550-5454.

Emotional support

Community-based Indigenous health workers are hired by Indigenous organizations to provide trauma-informed, culturally grounded support to people affected by unresolved trauma associated with attending Federal Indian Day Schools. They provide emotional support and comfort by listening, talking and providing referrals to other services.

Cultural supports

Elders and Traditional Healers provide cultural supports through local Indigenous organizations to assist clients on their healing journeys. Specific services are determined by the needs of the individuals and may include dialogue, ceremonies, prayers, Elder services or traditional healing.

Transportation

Wherever possible, assistance with transportation is offered when professional counselling and cultural support services are not locally available. Assistance with transportation costs to see Elders and traditional healers away from home is also available.