National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness

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National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness
Moving Research into Action: Honouring Our Ways

Alana Roscoe
First Nations Information Governance Centre

Alana Roscoe:
I'm really, really impressed with how well the organizers were able to incorporate and center Indigenous voices and perspectives and Indigenous-led research. And I love the focus on youth and youth voices.

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Tammy Adams
Métis Nation of Ontario

Tammy Adams:
I think one of the reasons why we're here is that, you know, continuing to, to work towards systematic change in the health care system, you know, starts with distinctions-based research.

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Annie Nulukie
Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services

Annie Nulukie:
When we first started really talking about the suicide rates, before the strategies came out, we had challenges and it felt like the population was not always ready, talking about mental health and suicide.

They are now indicating that they are ready to really talk about this and to look at heavy topics as well.

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Eagle Blackbird
We Matter

Eagle Blackbird:
Simply sharing your story with others, other people can relate to your story, especially being an Indigenous youth, a lot of Indigenous youth can connect to who you are and your story because we've been through similar things.

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Dr. Ed Connors, Tecumseh
Indigenous psychologist and co-founder of the Feather Carriers Leadership for Life Program

Dr. Ed Connors, Tecumseh:
We're starting to help people again to change their minds and their thinking from focusing so much on illness, and intervention, crisis intervention, to life promotion. Life promotion is really about prevention, right?

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Reverdi Darda
Cena Life

Reverdi Darda:
Relationality, trust, walking together, collaborating, those things are key, and I feel really excited about the opportunity to share that and bring that, really across the country.

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Jordy Ironstar
2 Spirits in Motion Society

Jordy Ironstar:
It's not just about representation; but it's about healthy representation.

It's about being able to see yourself in places that you haven't seen yourself yet. And I know that it takes… it takes somebody to step in there and kind of blaze that trail in order for that to happen. But a lot of people, they need to see themselves first, to know that it's possible.

Dr. Ed Connors, Tecumseh:
As a result of colonization, we have to regain the health we once had.

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Laurie Shay
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan

Laurie Shay:
It's really important to bring Indigenous communities together so we can learn and teach each other.

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Marlo Eagle
2 Spirits in Motion Society

Marlo Eagle:
Sharing stories and hearing other people's stories just really helps, again, build that context of who we are and how we live, and how we can, you know, heal.

Eagle Blackbird:
Simply saying, "You matter. I matter. We matter," can go a long way. Because you never know what someone is going through. Especially, even saying "I'm proud of you", because some people don't hear that every day. And for me that is hope, culture, and strength.

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Working together to share wise and promising practices and improve mental wellness services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at hopeforwellness.ca.

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