2023 National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness: Highlights Report

Report supported by Tiger’s Eye Advisory Group, Ltd. and Mahihkan Management Solutions, Inc. in joint venture and in collaboration with Indigenous Services Canada.

Table of contents

Executive summary

A National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness was held on October 25 to 26, 2023. The aim of the 2023 summit was to build on discussions from the 2022 summit which was held September 23, 2022, explore new themes and support connections among presenters and participants. Both the 2022 and 2023 summits brought together communities, service providers, experts and organizations to share examples of what is improving the mental wellness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada.

This highlights report is a reflection of the information and knowledge shared during presentations and discussions. It captures key themes raised at the 2023 summit, reflecting what was heard during presentations and discussions, as well as showing how it built on discussions at the 2022 summit.

Learn more about the 2022 national summit:

The aim of this report is to provide a concise overview of key themes and priorities raised at the 2023 summit and to continue and strengthen the conversation around improving First Nations, Inuit and Métis mental wellness.

Information presented in this report is based on a key word analysis of presentations and discussions and post-summit engagement through a survey and ongoing dialogue with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners.

Learn more about the 2023 national summit:

Building on key themes from the 2022 summit

Distinction-based approaches

Distinction-based approaches to mental wellness reflect the unique circumstances of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Broadly, First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations and communities share similar priority areas in mental wellness (for example, substance use, suicide prevention, culturally-relevant approaches, and connection to community).

At a more detailed level, each distinction has specific priorities to improving mental wellness of their populations. This highlights the importance of sharing knowledge broadly and ensuring that First Nations, Inuit and Métis voices can provide their perspectives in a safe space.

Community and culture

Community and culture continue to be essential factors in improving the mental wellness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

Community engagement in the development, delivery and evaluation of initiatives, programs and services, is an important approach to creating and maintaining their effectiveness. When communities are provided with the flexibility to design and deliver initiatives, programs and services that meet their community needs, they can effectively address evolving crises (for example, the COVID-19 pandemic and opioid crisis).

Culturally-relevant and -safe approaches to mental wellness continue to be some of the most effective ways to improve First Nations, Inuit and Métis mental wellness. Efforts underway to support systemic changes to ensure culturally-safe approaches are integrated across and within systems.

New key themes from the 2023 summit

Indigenous-led engagement, partnerships, collaborations, research, assessments and evaluation are the foundation of moving Indigenous knowledge into action.

  • Indigenous knowledge is supporting the design, delivery and improvement of mental wellness initiatives, programs and services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
  • Building capacity in Indigenous communities around moving knowledge into action is a strengths-based approach that creates wise practices that can be adapted and implemented across communities.
  • Indigenous-led approaches to knowledge include:
    • assessing and incorporating mainstream evidence and practices into community-based and culturally-safe mental wellness supports and services
    • developing and maintaining multi-sectoral collaborations and partnerships to support a continuum of care

Story-telling and safe spaces

2 themes raised by Indigenous youth that represent essential ways of improving Indigenous youth mental wellness.

  1. Story-telling
    Represents a powerful way to improve mental wellness and build resilience among Indigenous youth. It supports not only healing, but also a way to collect information for the design, delivery and improvement of mental wellness supports and services.
  2. Safe spaces
    Not just physical spaces, but ones that provide Indigenous youth a place to share their experiences and seek support. Safe spaces for youth are consistent and reliable, support connection, are best led by youth and are supported by compassionate and caring people.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indigenous mental wellness

At the 2022 summit, the impact of the pandemic on mental wellness was raised in a few presentations and discussed more broadly. At the 2023 summit, several presentations discussed the impact of the pandemic with a focus on trends in mental wellness outcomes and direct responses to those trends. At future summits, it is expected this will be unpacked more, including around long-term impacts of the pandemic on Indigenous mental wellness.

Beginning in 2020, the Task Group on Mental Wellness was part of the COVID-19 Public Health Working Group on Remote and Isolated Communities. This group focused on the impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic had on First Nations, Inuit and Métis mental wellness, with a focus on remote and isolated communities. Based on community perspectives and best practices, 4 reports were developed to present recommendations for moving forward:

  1. Substance Use Treatment and Land-Based Healing
  2. Life Promotion / Suicide Prevention
  3. Workforce Wellness
  4. Family Violence Prevention

Overview of the summit

The Minister of Indigenous Services Canada and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions hosted a National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness on October 25 to 26, 2023, in Ottawa, Ontario. First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, tribal councils, organizations and leaders in mental wellness, as well as direct service providers supporting Indigenous peoples, were invited to participate and share their knowledge through examples of projects, initiatives and services that are improving the mental wellness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

Given the interest in the summit and number of presentations submitted, the 2023 summit evolved to a 2-day event. It welcomed over 700 participants (in-person and virtual) and featured 75 presentations (53 oral presentations, 16 posters and 6 video presentations) from a total of 62 organizations across the country.

Culture and ceremony were important elements of the 2023 summit. Grandmother Marilyn Chevrier opened the first day with a prayer and song. She shared a prayer to the Creator and acknowledged that without water, there cannot be life. She also shared a daily meditation from Indigenous Elders, noting that we should focus on the spirit and intent behind words rather than just the words themselves. She asked that participants keep an open mind during the summit and to remember that we are healing.

The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, each provided opening remarks. Minister Saks emphasized the need for supports and services that work, are culturally appropriate and built by communities, for communities. She spoke about the importance of focusing on the wellness of children and youth. Minister Hajdu spoke about how the summit is focusing on strengths, including connecting people to themselves, their culture and their families. In her view, she noted that Western approaches to healing, mental health and substance have not been successful. She sees a lack of ceremony and a focus on what is wrong rather than what has happened. She focused on the power of people being seen and heard, as well as the importance of offering a vision of a different path.

The summit continued over the 2 days with many presentations and discussions highlighting the importance of culture, community and connection for healing. The first plenary session from Chief n̓aasʔałuk (John Rampanen), Nathan Charlie, Hasheukumiss Richard George, and Angie Brinoni from Ahousaht First Nation, was grounded in story-telling, culture and ceremony, and helped set the stage for the rest of the summit. Indigenous youth from We Matter's Ambassadors of Hope program provided important insights and perspectives around the importance of story-telling in healing and in sharing knowledge guided by Nokomis Tracey Whiteye. The summit closed with a prayer from Grandmother Chevrier. She was joined by Spirit Wind Singers of the North for a closing song.

Themes

The 2023 summit took a distinctions-based approach to ensure that there was dedicated space for First Nations, Inuit and Métis voices and perspectives. Presentations at the summit also reflected over-arching themes of culture, community and healing from trauma, as well as a focus on Indigenous youth mental wellness.

Themes were identified in collaboration with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners. These themes helped shape the call for presentations with the aim to build on discussions from the 2022 National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness which took place in September 2022.

These themes include:

  • Gender-based initiatives (with streams on):
    • Violence prevention: focuses on initiatives related to prevention of gender-based violence within First Nations, Inuit and Métis populations
    • Specialized services: focuses on mental wellness services that meet the needs of Indigenous women, men, girls, boys and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in community and/or urban settings
    • 2SLGBTQQIA+ initiatives: focuses on mental wellness initiatives and resources supporting Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals
  • Communities in crisis (with streams on):
    • Prevention and planning: focuses on crisis prevention and planning related to mental health crises from an Indigenous population and community perspective
    • Community safety: focuses on mental wellness services and supports for First Nations, Inuit and Métis that address family and community violence
    • Substance use and opioid crisis: focuses on community-based initiatives that are addressing substance use crises, particularly related to the opioid crisis
  • Indigenous youth and children (with streams on):
    • Youth-led Projects and perspectives: focuses on projects led or designed by First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth on mental wellness and life promotion.
    • Community-based initiatives: focuses on projects supporting mental wellness of Indigenous children, youth and families in community settings, including in early learning programs and schools.
    • Integrated youth services: focuses on community-based services that integrate services to support Indigenous children and youth's mental wellness.

Post-summit survey

A post-summit survey was shared with participants virtually to collect feedback on the event. While the response rate was low, the survey showed that the top 5 themes that resonated most with participants were:

  • Indigenous youth mental wellness
  • land-based approaches
  • supporting the mental wellness workforce
  • mental wellness teams
  • harm reduction

Key takeaways include the importance of culturally-safe, holistic and coordinated approaches, as well as listening, sharing information, storytelling, connection, working together and networking. In terms of planning for future summits, participants suggested including more interactive sessions and networking opportunities.

Many survey respondents mentioned the importance of amplifying youth voices. Several highlighted that youth possess valuable insights and should be included in discussions around finding solutions. Respondents also emphasized the need to discuss childhood trauma and lifelong impacts.

First Nations mental wellness

At the 2022 summit, a presentation on the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework (FNMWCF) provided an overview of themes, elements and priorities for First Nations mental wellness with an emphasis on the dimensions of hope, belonging, meaning and purpose. The FNMWCF is a national framework that aims to improve mental wellness outcomes for First Nations and establishes a continuum of care that forms the basis for a comprehensive mental wellness system. Culture as a foundation is 1 of the 4 key themes of the framework that was echoed across many presentations and was highlighted as an over-arching theme of the 2022 summit.

Specific to First Nations mental wellness, the 2023 summit continued to build on discussions from the 2022 summit by focusing on the Mental Wellness Workforce, as well as broadening discussions around First Nations community-based approaches related to land-based initiatives and substance use and harm reduction.

Mental wellness workforce

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, 22, 23, 46, 71. See Annex B for more details.

The mental wellness workforce was a significant theme for First Nations mental wellness at the 2023 summit. Many presentations touched on the need to support the mental wellness workforce and highlighted initiatives that are making or will make a difference.

National association

A presentation from Thunderbird Partnership Foundation and First Peoples Wellness Circle explored the need for a national association, guided by the FNMWCF, to support the mental wellness workforce that serves First Nations communities. This workforce is experiencing increasing demands for services and is continuing to support those facing harms from intergenerational trauma. A national association would:

  • promote culture as intervention to support and enhance culturally based and trauma informed programs
  • support the workforce in developing, maintaining and monitoring effectiveness of core competencies to enhance capacity for certification
  • research best practices and inform training needs for the workforce
  • ensure that burnout, stress, vicarious trauma and turnover are addressed in a holistic and culturally-safe way
  • improve overall wellness for both the workforce and those they serve
Community engagement

An important factor in creating connections between the mental wellness workforce and those they serve. For example, program staff at Mino Pimatisi8in actively engaged their community to raise awareness of supports and services and to address staff turnover. This included activities developed with the community. This connection led to further efforts to improve community mental wellness such as mental wellness jobs for community members, a meeting place, a project supporting children and gatherings.

Systemic approaches

Several presentations focused on supporting the mental wellness workforce highlighted initiatives that looked at how to improve the broader health or mental health system. For example:

  • Work presented by Thunderbird Partnership Foundation focused on challenges faced by First Nations employers in recruiting and retaining a highly skilled and qualified mental wellness workforce due to inequitable funding. For example, First Nations substance use workers earn 47% less than provincial counterparts. Inequitable funding had a significant impact on service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • The Youth Solvent Abuse Committee's Quality and Outcome Training supports the mental wellness workforce in understanding how the system operates, how to implement a quality improvement framework, and how each worker can support quality improvement

3 presentations highlighted initiatives related to standards and certification:

  • The First Nations Health Authority and the Health Standards Organization, with support from the Métis Nation of British Columbia, launched the British Columbia Cultural Safety and Humility Standard to address the lack of culturally-safe services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. It was designed to support governing bodies and organizational to build a culturally-safe health system
  • In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action, the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association has developed with the mental wellness workforce, guidelines for psychotherapy and counselling members to include Indigenous Standards of Practice in the sixth edition of Standards of Practice. They are about Relationships are Medicine, an Indigenous wise practice
  • The Indigenous Certification Board of Canada is the national Indigenous professional certification body which ensures recognition and maintenance of Indigenous workers' occupations related to substance use and mental wellness. Their work supports standards and certification that are comparable to other certification agencies with a focus on cultural competence standards and requirements

Examples of recommendations to address systemic issues faced by the mental wellness workforce supporting First Nations communities:

  • modernize current funding formula to address wage inequity
  • develop and enforce measurable and tangible health indicators
  • increase federal government transparency and communication
  • strengthen service integration and programming

Training

Training informed by community priorities was raised in several presentations as an important way to support the mental wellness workforce. 3 presentations described training programs that focused on partnerships and community leadership:

  • Wanaki Centre's Mental Wellness Team partnered with Canadore College to deliver the virtual Indigenous Wellness and Addiction Program. This was developed in response to community interest and supporting community members in pursuing their education while remaining in their community. At the time of the summit, 30 individuals had graduated from the program and are currently working in communities in Quebec
  • Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. partnered with the University of Manitoba's Psychiatry Training Program to support mutual respect and bi-directional learning by building a relationship between the community and the training program. This will help meet Indigenous youth needs in community and ensure community and youth voices are incorporated based on the First Nations principles of OCAP®
  • Feather Carriers is an Indigenous suicide intervention training program based on traditional and modern Indigenous knowledge, as well as clinical experience. Training is provided in year-long teaching circles (cohorts) where participants learn to apply teachings to themselves then to others in their communities. Key themes include meaning, connection, identify, spirit, intergenerational trauma, impact of colonization and a strengths-based approach through life promotion
Supporting the workforce’s well-being

Thunderbird Partnership Foundation is developing an app for the mental wellness workforce and those they serve that aims to provide easily accessible information to help people manage emotions associated with complex trauma. Its development is being guided by e-mental health standards and created by engaging those who it will serve.

Land-based initiatives

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 1, 17, 32, 33, 51, 54, 70. See Annex B for more details.

Land-based approaches continue to provide powerful examples of initiatives that are improving mental wellness of First Nations individuals, families, youth and communities. Land-based activities and programs provide a connection to traditional teachings and cultural knowledge, as well as building a strong sense of self-empowerment.

Key takeaways from presentations on land-based programs for First Nations that built on what was heard at the 2022 summit include:

  • Land-based programs can be part of a suite of programs delivered by First Nations organizations which allows for integration that supports a continuum of care. Land-based activities can also be offered as part of a broader program
  • Land-based programs have been developed as a response to public inquiries and coroners' reports on suicide and are seen as an effective means of improving community wellness
  • Land-based programs need to be safe spaces and can provide opportunities to build resilience by facing challenges with support
  • Water-based programs are another way to connect to culture and identity through experiences beside or on lakes and rivers
  • Continuous engagement with communities and program participations is important for the success of land-based programs, including through sharing circles.
  • Land- and placed-base knowledge is important in developing approaches to improving the mental wellness of First Nations
  • Tools for mental wellness are being developed to be ensure they can also be used out on the land (for example, virtual approaches that have functionality offline)

Mental wellness and crisis response teams

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 29, 30, 31, 54. See Annex B for more details.

Mental wellness and crisis response teams continue to be highlighted as an effective approach to improving mental wellness for First Nations communities. Their effectiveness is grounded in being community-driven, multi-disciplinarian and meeting people where they are at.

Key takeaways on mental wellness and crisis response teams from the 2023 summit include:

  • Mental wellness and crisis response teams can be mobile and provide surge capacity to mental wellness services in communities
  • Partnerships are important across and within communities, but also with organizations delivering mental wellness services. For some teams, there is a focus on hiring community members with lived experience and formal education
  • Examples of services and supports provided by mental wellness and crisis response teams include culturally-based activities, land-based healing, sharing circles, mental wellness promotion, early intervention, crisis support, harm reduction, support for families, basic needs, client navigation, education, outreach, aftercare, and mental wellness services among other support

Mental wellness and crisis response teams presenting at the 2023 summit

  • Mawlugutineg Mental Wellness Team
    Supports 5 Mi'kmaw communities in northeastern New Brunswick
  • Mnidoo Mnising Mental Wellness Crisis Response Team
    Supports 7 First Nation communities on Manitoulin Island
  • Maskawâtisiwin Mobile Crisis Response Team
    Supports 5 Nations that are members of Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council
  • Southern Chiefs' Organization's Mobile Crisis Response Team
    Supports all 34 Southern Chiefs' Organizations' member Nations

Inuit mental wellness

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentation: 2. See Annex B for more details.

At the 2022 summit, a presentation was provided on the National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy (NISPS) (PDF) to support a foundation around Inuit mental wellness. It is an Inuit-specific strategy that was launched in 2016 to reduce suicide rates in Inuit Nunangat. A priority that was raised is the importance of regional suicide prevention strategies, as they are informed by regional and community needs, have a more immediate impact, addresses front-line needs, flexible guidance for communities, and support for smaller communities.

At the 2023 summit, Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, opened a plenary workshop on Inuit mental wellness. President Obed spoke about how colonization has forced traditions to intermingle, creating new societies and ways of interacting. He linked this to the importance of culture and community, highlighting the Inuit traditions of naming. This is an important cultural practice that connects communities together. Babies in Inuit communities are named after people who are well respected and held special places and roles. President Obed introduced the NISPS, spoke about addressing challenges in ways that can truly make a difference. NISPS brings Inuit together from across Inuit Nunangat to build a healthy society and decrease risks and improve protective factors for suicide in Inuit communities. If risks are eliminated, efforts can focus on building a stronger society.

The strategy is also about addressing socio-economic gaps and inequities and working better with partners such as the Government of Canada. The Government of Canada needs to recognize the importance and positive impact of funding for Indigenous communities. Headway is being made, but more is needed and Inuit leadership and communities will continue to fight to maintain and strengthen progress.

Presentations from several Inuit organizations highlighted how NISPS and regional strategies have guided efforts in improving mental wellness for Inuit through regional and community initiatives, with a focus on Inuit men and boys, Inuit children and youth and approaches to suicide prevention.

Inuit men and boys

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 2, 28, 38, 39, 40, 65, 66. See Annex B for more details.

Inuit men and boys have the highest suicide rates in Inuit Nunangat. In a plenary panel, representatives from the NISPS working group discuss challenges and responses to addressing the mental wellness of Inuit men and boys. The NISPS working group includes representatives across Inuit Nunangat, with representation from Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Nunatsiavut Government, Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, Inuit Circompolar Council of Canada, and the National Inuit Youth Council.

Challenges supporting the mental wellness of Inuit men and boys include stigma, services delivered through colonial systems and lack of infrastructure:

  • Lack of infrastructure is a particular challenge in supporting mental wellness initiatives across Inuit Nunangat. Initiatives that are showing success, such as building traditional tools and repairing small engines on ATVs and sleds to help address food insecurity through harvesting and providing for their communities, do not have space to operate
  • Mental health workers are often women from the South working on rotational contracts. This reduces the chances Inuit men, particularly those who only speak Inuiktitut, will seek and benefit from services
  • There is a need to empower Inuit men and boys, supporting them in stigma associated with men speaking out about mental wellness and seeking services. Empowering leadership of young boys is important, as well as supporting young children in their emotions and feelings through non-gendered approaches

Responses to better supporting Inuit men and boys in their mental wellness have included culturally-specific programming for men, bringing Inuit men together to share their perspectives, an action plan for Inuit men and boys' mental wellness, on-the-land programming to build skills and purpose, and connection with community.

Children

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 28, 38, 39, 40, 65, 66. See Annex B for more details.

Inuit children's mental wellness is a priority for Inuit leaders, organizations and communities. The National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy recognizes that investing in the well-being of children is the most effective approach to suicide prevention. This theme was a key theme for Inuit mental wellness at the 2023 summit that built on discussions from a few well-received presentations from the previous year.

2 presentations highlighted the importance of Inuit-led approaches to parenting and addressing intergenerational and historical trauma:

  • Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre's Inunnguiniq "Making of a Capable Human-Being" - Inuit Child-Rearing Program is based on an Inuit intentional process for childrearing. This parenting program is based on providing experiential learning to children from a young age to help build skills, knowledge and capacity on the land, and relationships. It involves supporting Inuit children in living a good life, contributing to community and helping others in alignment with Inuit values, beliefs and principles
  • The Nunatsiavut Government is working on addressing relational trauma with play therapy aligned with an attachment-based theory modality and integrating other areas of practice. The intent is to support healing from cumulative trauma on individuals, families, communities and generations, trauma which has created disruptions in Inuit lives and culture. Its aim is to help children express feelings and heal, focusing on the strengths and Inuit ways of living and knowing that define the culture

Mental wellness services and supports

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 18, 36, 38, 39, 61, 74. See Annex B for more details.

Several presentations described initiatives that are meeting mental wellness needs specific to Inuit communities, based in Inuit traditions, values and culture:

  • Isaksimagint Innusirmi Katujjiqaatigiit Embrace Life Council created a free Nunavut-specific mindfulness app to support symptom relief around stress and trauma-related symptoms. It aims to support cultural resilience, connection to the land and intergenerational wisdom. It can be used online or offline to improve accessibility
  • Building on Strengths in Naujaat is an Inuit youth group that supports a strengths-based approach to mental wellness. This includes supporting a safe space and storytelling through events and activities. The most popular activity is land trips that have a different focus across seasons: ice fishing and camping in the spring, boating and narwhal hunting in the summer, hikes in the fall, and caribou hunting in the winter
  • Becoming Inummarik (a whole person who acts with wisdom) is a strengths-based approach to crisis prevention. It aims to increase capacity among Inuit to provide mental health services in their communities. This includes providing training and support to the workforce
  • The Rankin Inlet Spousal Abuse Counselling Program supports community members and their families who are dealing with abuse. It is the only program of its kind in Nunavut. The program is well-received and has been in place for 20 years. It supports and creates a culturally-sound environment, including support through Elders
  • The Kivalliq Crisis Support Team in Nunavut supports Inuit community counsellors in each community in the Kivalliq region. Their roles include providing crisis support travel, cultural programming and counselling. Delivery of services and supports are based on a combination of Inuit principles and mainstream counselling with an emphasis on Inuit ways of healing

Examples of initiatives that are directly supporting NISPS' Priority Area for Action 3: Nuture Health Inuit Children include:

  • Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre's Inunnguiniq "Making of a Capable Human-Being" (Nunavut)
  • Nunatsiavut Government work on addressing relational trauma with Play Therapy (Nunatsiavut)
  • Isaksimagint Innusirmi Katujjiqaatigiit Embrace Life Council's mindfulness app (Nunavut)
  • Building on Strengths in Naujaat (Nunavut)
  • Rankin Inlet Spousal Abuse Counselling Program (Nunavut)

Métis mental wellness

At the 2022 summit, Métis leaders and experts in mental wellness highlighted many initiatives that are working to improve mental wellness for Métis, and discussed gaps in services and supports. Key takeaways included that there are no overarching Métis-specific strategies or frameworks for mental wellness, and there is a need to recognize the importance of Métis culture for mental wellness.

At the 2023 summit, progress on addressing gaps in mental wellness services and supports for Métis was evident through presentations showing growth in the development and reach of Métis-specific approaches to mental wellness. Themes included systemic approaches, life promotion, harm reduction and substance use.

Systemic approaches

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 7, 16, 68, 72. See Annex B for more details.

4 presentations highlighted systemic approaches to mental wellness that will support Métis specific services and supports that are grounded in culture. The key to these initiatives are guided by Métis perspectives and voices:

  • Métis Nation British Columbia is working to develop Naomie's Principle to advocate for culturally-safe care and a holding space for communities to share stories. This includes engagement with Naomie's family and treatment centre staff to prepare a note for the province's Minister of Mental Health and Addictions on this initiative. With her family's support, Métis Nation British Columbia will share Naomie's story across the province as an example of Métis experience in substance use treatment
  • The First Nations Health Authority and the Health Standards Organization, with support from the Métis Nation of British Columbia, launched the British Columbia Cultural Safety and Humility Standard to address the lack of culturally-safe services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. It was designed to support governing bodies and organizations to build a culturally-safe health system
  • Métis Nation of British Columbia's Regional Mental Health Navigator Program provides connection with community and creates direct relationships to internal and external mental health services for Métis. Navigator staff bring their lived experiences
  • Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak led engagement sessions to gain Métis perspectives on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) and mental illness, specifically from perspectives of Métis people who self-identify as women or as 2SLGBTQQIA+ on the inclusion of mental health disorders as part of Canada's MAiD program

Life promotion

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 62, 73, 48. See Annex B for more details.

Strength-based approaches to mental wellness continue to be a priority for Métis communities. 3 presentations highlighted Métis-specific approaches to life promotion:

  • Métis Nation of Alberta Life Promotion Strategy was developed through community engagement by bringing together perspectives, experiences and priorities of Metis Knowledge Holders, practitioners, leaders and community members. It provides a strategic roadmap to strengthen connections to life
  • Métis Nation of British Columbia has developed 2 approaches to life promotion:
    1. Ooma La Michinn: Walking in Wellness with Métis Youth for Life Promotion
      • A life promotion initiative with 5 modules that focus on connection to wellness, culture, community, self and land. Funded by the province, it is guided by Métis voices and perspectives. It will be free, online and accessible to Metis individuals across British Columbia
    2. Kaa-wiichihitoyaahk (We Take Care of Each Other): Comprehensive Métis Mental Wellness Community Capacity Building Implementation Project:
      • A suicide prevention project for Métis in British Columbia. It aims to support communities to build suicide prevention skills and to start discussions around mental wellness and suicide. Métis Nation British Columbia has partnered with LivingWorks to support using evidence with Metis ways of knowing to meet unique needs of communities. This included facilitating training and delivering safeTALK, as well as adapting the continuum of LivingWorks programs

Harm reduction and substance use

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 7, 12, 16, 46, 47, 48, 49, 62, 68, 72, 73. See Annex B for more details.

Several presentations described initiatives that were developed and are being implemented as Métis specific approaches to harm reduction and substance use. Problematic substance use and need for substance use treatment is increasing among Métis populations. Outlined below are 3 presentations that are aiming to address these trends:

  • Métis Nation British Columbia is addressing a lack of Métis specific harm reduction programs by developing their Harm Reduction Through a Metis Lens, Substance Use and Addictions Program. This holistic program aims to support underserved and complex needs in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. It is based on community wisdom, rooted in the idea of "culture as medicine," and delivered by peer support workers
  • The Métis Nation of Ontario Intensive Community Based Addictions Program was developed by Métis Nation of Ontario in partnership and collaboration with professional providers. This program is a Métis -specific community-based intensive clinical intervention program that provides both community-based and virtual services for clients up to a year. This program provides a continuum of care with culturally-grounded treatment, case management and links to other relevant services. Clients are also supported to reintegrate into the community over time
  • Métis Nation of Alberta's Shakiwayniwayhk (Embrace): Opioid Recovery Wrap-Around Support Program is a program that provides tailored support and referrals to clients for 9 months. It also supports transition from substance use treatment back to the community. This includes financial support, including around financial planning and through culturally-relevant resources

Key themes from presentations on Métis mental wellness include the importance of:

  • Métis-specific strategies, services, supports, tolls and resources developed by Métis, for Métis
  • Culturally-safe care and spaces
  • Community engagement for developing supports and resources
  • Building capacity in community and service delivery organizations to meet mental wellness needs of Métis

Indigenous youth mental wellness

Indigenous youth was an emerging theme at the 2022 summit with a focus on the need to develop services, supports and resources that meet the needs of Indigenous youth. One key factor highlighted by Indigenous youth was the importance of approaches to Indigenous youth mental wellness being for youth, by youth.

In response, the 2023 summit identified Indigenous youth mental wellness as a key over-arching theme and focus of Day 2. This theme resonated with participants with a call for more Indigenous youth participation at the next summit. The key themes on Indigenous youth mental wellness that emerged at the summit were the power and importance of story-telling, safe spaces and youth perspectives for youth programs, supports and services. These themes were echoed in other presentations throughout the summit.

Story-telling

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 24, 25, 26, 35, 36, 53, 64. See Annex B for more details.

Day 2 opened with a dynamic key note presentation by Isaiah Dawe, CEO and founder of ID Know Yourself, a Butchulla and Garawa Aboriginal man from Australia. By weaving his story and experiences throughout his talk, he showed the importance of story-telling and narratives in resilience, healing, leadership and mentorship. He spoke to how his passion for his work comes from his experiences in the foster care system, where abuse and violence shaped his discipline, mindset, character and hunger to help the next generation  become free and fulfilled in life. Mr. Dawe was a nominee for the New South Wales 2022 Young Australian of the Year, and the 2022 Sydney's Inner West 30 Most Influential People Under 30, for his advocacy and support for Aboriginal children in the Out of Home Care system through his Not-for-profit mentoring organization, ID Know Yourself.

The key note presentation was followed by a plenary panel of Indigenous youth from We Matter's Ambassadors of Hope Program. By sharing their experiences and insights, they showcased the importance of story-telling for resilience, connection, empathy, hope and self-expression, as well as both individual and community healing. We Matter and Indigenous youth closed the summit in plenary by emphasizing the importance of story-telling and the transformative power of creative expression for mental wellness.

We Matter is an Indigenous youth-led organization dedicated to Indigenous youth support, hope and life promotion. Their mission is to support Indigenous youth by letting them know they matter and create supportive spaces for youth going through challenging times. They provide a forum for sharing stories and messages of hope. Their work supports Indigenous youth by amplifying Indigenous youth voices and stories, as well as through mentorship for youth leaders through their Ambassadors of Hope program, funding for youth-led projects, effective social media campaigns and toolkits to support youth in overcoming challenging situations.

Several other presentations also highlighted how sharing stories and amplifying Indigenous youth voices is important for healing and the creating of programs, services and initiatives that support youth:

  • The Western Arctic Youth Collective (WAYC) is an Indigenous, youth-led initiative in the Northwest Territories and Yukon which is working to extend to Nunavik and Nunavut. It focuses on life promotion, mental wellness and community empowerment. Indigenous youth are supported through mentorship and skill development to create meaningful programs in their communities. Important to this work is supporting creativity and self-expression in coping with challenging times and situations
  • Jack.org presented on their new Indigenous Jack Talks program that focuses on youth story-telling for mental wellness, life promotion and community. This program was developed in collaboration with Indigenous organizations and initiatives, and prioritizes equity in terms of accessibility. It is a 2-step process. First, youth can access a video about the role of Indigenous social determinants of health on mental wellness, and then can access story-telling videos featuring Indigenous youth from across Turtle Island. Second, they can participate in sharing circles to explore mental health with Indigenous facilitators
  • Building on Strengths in Naujaat is led by Inuit youth and developed in collaboration with the Naujaat Hamlet Council and the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba. Inuit youth have implemented Qaujimajatuqangit ("What Inuit have always known to be true") to support resilience, dreams and hope through safe spaces for youth to tell their stories and support each other. This initiative also includes land-based activities in every season and other activities to bring youth together to create a community. Youth show and build leadership in coordinating and organizing events
  • Métis Youth Wellness Connection was created by Métis Nation of Ontario as a monthly online hub where youth can share their stories and information. It is a one-stop access to navigators, Traditional Knowledge Keepers, specialties and guest speakers. The intent is to have a safe space for Métis youth that provides mental health information and connections to Métis culture

Safe spaces

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 15, 16, 17, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 36, 37, 44, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 63, 64. See Annex B for more details.

A second theme raised across presentations on Indigenous youth mental wellness is the importance of safe spaces. This was echoed in other presentations on other topics throughout the summit. In many presentations, safe spaces were defined not only as physical spaces, but also spaces where youth feel safe to express themselves, as well as safe and supported to access services and supports.

Safe spaces are spaces that:

  • support physical, physiological, mental, emotional and cultural safety
  • focus on culture, community and youth themselves
  • are considered safe by youth and are developed by or in collaboration with youth
  • ensure that youth do not have to face discrimination and stigma
  • offer an opportunity for reciprocity and bi-directional learning
  • are empowering, reliable, consistent and immediately available and accessible
  • are supported by compassionate and caring people
  • support self-expression and story-telling without judgement
  • support connection with Elders, communities, peers, and those with lived experience
  • include culturally-safe care and access to care across the continuum of care
  • create a safety net for all participants and include wraparound supports for all stages of an individual's mental wellness journey

Safe spaces help increase the likelihood that Indigenous youth with seek and benefit from supports and services. They also empower youth in their healing journey and in supporting others and connecting with their community.

Youth perspectives for youth programs, supports and services

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 14, 17, 26, 27, 37, 44, 45, 51, 56, 57. See Annex B for more details.

At both the 2022 and 2023 summits, Indigenous youth have been clear that improvements in youth-specific supports and services are needed, including through long-term funding that is flexible to the challenges faced by organizations supporting Indigenous youth. They have also been clear that engaging youth and incorporating their perspectives and leadership in the development and delivery of mental wellness supports and services are imperative to success.

At the 2023 summit, We Matter presented their Pathfinding towards a Flourishing Future, an Awareness and Advocacy Guide, which looks at how to address the impacts of intergenerational trauma from residential schools, and the colonization on Indigenous children, youth and 2SLGBTQQIA+ young people. Taking a systemic approach, it aims to improve supports and services for Indigenous children, youth, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ young people, including mental health services, by clearly identifying needs, challenges and best practices. The guide was developed in collaboration with Indigenous youth, researchers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and service providers who work with Indigenous children and youth. It includes action-based suggestions for different groups including decision-makers, youth, services providers and all Canadians.

Several presentations showed how Indigenous youth have been engaged in the development and delivery of youth-specific initiatives that aim to improve mental wellness:

  • 2 Spirits in Motion Society (2SiMS) is a national organization for and by 2 Spirit Peoples across Turtle Island. Its programming is developed with direction from knowledge carriers, youth, leaderships and community members. Examples of 2 projects include the 2 Spirit Migrational Patterns and Data Project, and the Anti-2 Spirit Racism Project
  • The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) created The Colours of Friendship: Honouring Spaces for 2S+ and IndigiQueer Inclusivity, which is a gender-based analysis toolkit, developed by the NAFC's Indigenous Youth Council and Friendship Centre Movement youth
  • Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. partnered with the University of Manitoba's Psychiatry Training Program on a project that focused on:
    • relationship building between the University team and Ndinawe youth and staff
    • creating a youth council and steering committee to provide direction on the project
    • qualitative interviews of youth and staff lead by University and Ndinawe staff
    • the co-creation of actionable items, implementation and evaluation
  • Aaniish-Naa-Gegii – the Children's Health and Well-being Measure (ACHWM) was created by Wiikwemkoong First Nations in collaboration with researchers as a culturally-relevant wellness measure for children and youth. Indigenous children and youth informed the process through a photovoice activity that transformed into the 62 questions that comprise the measure
  • The Métis Youth Mental Health and Wellness Initiative has created a collaboration between Métis youth and the Métis Nation British Columbia to gather feedback from youth to develop and deliver youth programs. This has led to gatherings on storytelling, connected youth to Elders, the launch of the Resilient Roots magazine, provided opportunities for Métis youth to attend and present on national forums, advised policy creation and exposed youth to diverse career paths
  • Visionary Youth Peers for Equity and Revitalization is a pilot project governed and led by Indigenous youth that supports youth in their communities on projects, events, media or sitting on community tables

Mental Wellness and Schools

An emerging theme in Indigenous children and youth mental wellness is mental wellness supports in school and the importance of meeting children and youth where they are at. Based on partnerships with schools, this includes supporting networks for students, extending effective programs to the school setting, including Indigenous teachings in the school curriculum, ensuring tools that are developed can be used in the school setting and coordinating access to mental wellness and substances use for services for students.

2 presentations provide examples of initiatives specific to the school setting and supporting Indigenous children and youth mental wellness:

  • Mistawasis Nehiyawak's Youth Wellness Partnership Project supports early intervention for mental wellness and illness, as well as building resilience within the community and school system through culturally-safe ways. It is delivered through partnerships across community departments and as external resources for kindergarten to grade 12 classrooms and outreach programs. This has led to more youth engagement in mental wellness activities, improved knowledge and increased access to resources
  • The Northwestern Health Unit's Four Directions Community Pathways Partnership Program is a community-based- program that supports service navigation through Indigenous Student Support Navigators (SSNs) in secondary schools, typically reaching over 300 students per year. There are SSNs in each school where they can form relationships with students and support them in accessing services and supports in the community. This support is continued through the summer. Access to a culturally-competent trusted adult and health professional within the school setting is a valuable resource for Indigenous students, especially for those who travel from northern communities for school

Indigenous knowledge translation

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 13, 14, 15, 17, 21, 26, 28, 31, 36, 39, 49, 51, 52, 56, 57, 65, 66, 69, 73. See Annex B for more details.

Indigenous Knowledge Translation is a way of sharing  knowledge that moves knowledge into action, prioritizes Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, supports and integrates community, culture and healing from trauma, which Indigenous people have been using for a long time. Several presentations highlighted how they have used story-telling and community engagement, as well as Indigenous-led assessment, evaluation and research.

Indigenous-led research played an important role in the development and delivery of mental wellness initiatives, programs and services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. For example:

Several presentations outlined how program evaluation plays a role in showing effectiveness of programming and in improving services and supports for community members. 3 presentations focused specifically on evaluation models and evaluations of initiatives:

Emerging priorities

At the 2023 summit, there were several emerging themes and priorities raised through presentations and discussions. Below are 3 examples of priorities raised in several presentations that cut across distinctions and types of initiatives.

Gender-based Approaches

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 3, 4, 5, 6, 28, 68, 72. See Annex B for more details.

At the 2022 summit, several presentations provided examples of initiatives supporting Indigenous women, girls, men, boys and people who identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+. Key themes included the need for safe spaces, importance of trauma-informed and culturally-grounded services and supports, the need for more resources and services developed by people with lived experienced, and the need to look at systemic approaches and shifting societal norms and structures.

For the 2023 summit, gender-based approaches to Indigenous mental wellness was identified as an important area for more in-depth discussion. Several presentations highlighted this theme, identifying elements such as:

  • the continuing need to build awareness, increase education and develop resources and services to address stigma, violence and other harms experienced by 2SLGBTQQIA+ Indigenous people
  • meaningful dialogue around gender equality, gender diversity and inclusivity, and the need to build on spaces where people can feel safe to express their thoughts and emotions without fear of discrimination
  • including perspectives of Indigenous people who identify as women or as 2SLGBTQQIA+ on important health policy and service issues, which is imperative to improve services and supports, as well as reduce discrimination and impacts on mental wellness

Presentations focusing on initiatives that are improving the mental wellness by taking a gender-based approach include:

  • 2 Spirits in Motion Society, a national organization for and by 2 Spirit Peoples across Turtle Island. Its programming is developed with direction from knowledge carriers, youth, leaderships, and community members. Examples of 2 projects include the 2 Spirit Migrational Patterns and Data Project, and the Anti-2 Spirit Racism Project
  • The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), which created The Colours of Friendship: Honouring Spaces for 2S+ and IndigiQueer Inclusivity, a gender-based analysis toolkit that was developed by the NAFC's Indigenous Youth Council and Friendship Centre Movement youth
  • Camp OUTside the Lines, a program created to address 2SLGBTQQIA+ identity, mental wellness, emotional and physical well-being, and the need for safe spaces. This program supports Two-Spirit Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth from within Unama'ki (Cape Breton region of Nova Scotia) to support reconciliation, connection and mental wellness in a safe space. Outcomes included:
    • an increased number of youth accessing mental and spiritual wellness supports
    • more support networks for at-risk youth within schools and communities
    • healthier lifestyles
    • increased positive self-identities and social connections
    • improved moods as well as self-care and self-regulation in challenging times

Early intervention

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 17, 26, 27, 28, 30, 73. See Annex B for more details.

Many presentations highlighted initiatives, programs and services that focused on populations at higher risk for mental wellness issues or included components and elements that supported these populations.Populations at higher risk include Indigenous youth, women, girls, men, boys and people who identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+, among others. Approaches to mental wellness that support these populations are examples of early intervention.

2 presentations that describe an initiative that focuses directly on early intervention include:

  • Mistawasis Nehiyawak's Youth Wellness Partnership Project, which supports early intervention for mental wellness and illness, as well as building resilience within the community and school system through culturally-safe ways. It is delivered through partnerships across community departments, and through external resources for kindergarten to grade 12 classrooms and outreach programs. This has led to more youth engagement in mental wellness activities, improved knowledge and increased access to resources
  • The Mnidoo Mnising Mental Wellness Crisis Response Team (MWCRT) provides 24/7 services to 7 communities on Manitoulin Island. The team recognizes the importance of early intervention, destigmatizing mental health and providing timely support during times of crisis. As a mobile team, the MWCRT provides immediate support and reduces barriers in accessing supports and services when needed

Virtual approaches to care

The information in this section is reflected in the following presentations: 8, 17, 18, 19, 23, 57, 63, 66, 67. See Annex B for more details.

Virtual approaches to care are showing promise in broadening the reach of existing programs and developing initiatives, supports and services that take advantage of the benefits of technology, including for remote and isolated communities. For example:

  • Aaniish-Naa-Gegii – the Children's Health and Well-being Measure (ACHWM), created by Wiikwemkoong First Nations in collaboration with researchers as a culturally-relevant of children and youth wellness measure. Tailored to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, it is a survey founded on the Medicine Wheel teachings and a tablet-based app. It has offline functionality that is helpful for evaluating land-based programming. Results can be aggregated to develop a report for communities and organizations and can guide planning and integration of services. As part of this initiative and in response to community requests during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACNHWM team created the online Wellness Resource Hub as a collection of materials to support Indigenous children and youth
  • Métis Youth Wellness Connection, a monthly online hub where Métis youth can interact and access information and mental wellness supports in a safe space
  • The Virtual Interventions and Community Connections for Healthy Indigenous Youth, which held a provincial youth wellness summit. The summit was designed to support connections among youth and with role models, promote culture, share knowledge and familiarize youth with VR technology. VR headsets with the library of virtual content were also provided to communities following the summit to use and share. This included information from the summit, including content developed by youth
  • Inuit-SPARX, which was developed as a response to the lack of culturally-relevant intervention tools that are accessible to northern communities and to address barriers to accessing mental wellness resources. It is a youth- and community-directed role-playing game that supports skill development in addressing low moods and negative thoughts. It was adapted from a Mãori-theme Cognitive Behavioural Therapy game
  • Isaksimagint Innusirmi Katujjiqaatigiit Embrace Life Council, thatcreated a free Nunavut-specific mindfulness app to support symptom relief around stress and trauma-related symptoms. It aims to support cultural resilience, connection to the land and intergenerational wisdom. It can be used online or offline to improve accessibility
  • Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, that is developing an app to support emotional regulation and wellness that is based on e-mental health standards. It will aim to help users identify their emotions, ground their emotions through cultural practices, explore themes of complex trauma and provide ways for users to access supports
  • Mi'kmaw Lodge Treatment Centre and Wanaki Centre, that have both developed culturally-based virtual wellness and substance use programs that aim to support people who are challenged in accessing services

Annex A: Agenda

Below is the 2023 Summit's agenda. Details on all sessions as well as a list of poster, videos, and booths can be found in Annex A.

Day One – Supporting Communities in Crisis

7:00am Registration Opens

7:00am Breakfast

8:00am Welcome and Opening Remarks

  • Grandmother Marilyn Chevrier
  • The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
  • The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services

8:45am Key Note 1: Healing Our Future: A multi-sectoral partnership focused on health and wellness.

  • Chief n̓aasʔałuk (John Rampanen), Nathan Charlie, Hasheukumiss Richard Geroge, Angie Brinoni (Ahousaht First Nation)

9:45am Plenary Workshop 1: Embracing Well-Being: Men and Boys Mental Wellness Initiatives in communities across Inuit Nunangat

  • Daniel Afram, Isabella Modesto (Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami), Meghan Etter (Inuvialuit Regional Corporation), Opal McInnis (Nunavut Tunggavik Inc.), Annie Nulukie (Nunavik Regional Board Health and Social Services), Laurie Russell, Jessica Lyall (Nunatsiavut Government)

10:45am Health Break

11:00am Concurrent Session 1

  • Supporting 2 Spirit, IndigiQueer and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Peoples
  • Innovation for Change
  • Supporting the Mental Wellness Workforce 1

12:20pm Lunch

1:20pm Keynote 2: You are Us - You are Métis – Harm Reduction Through a Métis Lens

  • Kelsey Todd, Ryan Nielson, Donald Kattler (Métis Nation British Columbia)

1:40pm Plenary Workshop 2: Engaging on a National Dialogue on First Nations Opioid and Methamphetamine Data

  • Dr. Carol Hopkins (Thunderbird Partnership Foundation)

2:40pm Health Break/Networking/Poster and Video Session (see below for list of posters and videos)

3:10pm Concurrent Session 2

  • Supporting the Mental Wellness Workforce 2
  • Virtual Approaches to Mental Wellness
  • First Nations Mental Wellness

4:30pm Workshop 3: Discussing An App to Support Emotional Regulation and First Nations Wellness

  • Dr. Carol Hopkins, Jordan Davis, Noah Ricciardi (Thunderbird Partnership Foundation)

5:30pm Close of Day 1

Day Two – Indigenous Youth

7:00am Registration Opens

7:00am Breakfast Reception

  • Performers: Angelina Calhoun, Behdahbuhn Logan

8:30am Welcome

8:35am Keynote 3: Foster Kid to CEO

  • Isaiah Dawe, CEO / Founder ID. Know Yourself, Australia

9:25am Panel 1: Healing Through Storytelling

  • Co-facilitators: Alyssa (Mifflin) Trick (We Matter), Nokomis Tracey Whiteye
  • Panelists: Angelina Calhoun, Logan Beauchamp, Keyhew Preston, Jason McCook, Behdahbuhn Logan (We Matter, Ambassadors of Hope)

10:25am Health Break/Networking/Posters

11:05am Concurrent 3

  • Indigenous Youth Mental Wellness 1
  • Mental Wellness Teams
  • Land-based Approaches

12:30pm Lunch

1:30pm Concurrent Session 4

  • Indigenous Youth Mental Wellness 2
  • Inuit Mental Wellness
  • Harm Reduction

2:55pm Health Break

3:10pm Concurrent Session 5

  • Indigenous Youth Mental Wellness 3
  • Métis Mental Wellness
  • Community-based Approaches

4:30pm Plenary Panel 2 – Expressing Our Emotions: Breaking Down Barriers

  • Elder: Nokomis Tracey Whiteye
  • Speakers: Keenan Bird; Emily Granville; Eagle Blackbird (We Matter)

5:00pm Closing Remarks

  • The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
  • The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services
  • Grandmother Marilyn Chevrier and Spirit Wind Singers of the North

5:30pm Close of Summit

Annex B: Details on summit sessions

Day 1 – Supporting Communities in Crisis

Keynote 1:

  • 1. Healing Our Future: A multi-sectoral partnership focused on health and wellness.
    • Chief n̓aasʔałuk (John Rampanen), Nathan Charlie, Hasheukumiss Richard Geroge, Angie Brinoni (Ahousaht First Nation)

Plenary Workshop 1:

Concurrent Session 1:

Supporting 2 Spirit, IndigiQueer and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Peoples
Innovation for Change
  • 6. Pathfinding towards a Flourishing Future: Indigenous Youth Wellness and Empowerment
  • 7. Naomie's Story: Neglected But Not Forgotten
  • 8. Virtual Care - How it Fits in the Continuum
Supporting the Mental Wellness Workforce 1

Keynote 2:

Plenary Workshop 2:

Concurrent Session 2:

Supporting the Mental Wellness Workforce 2
Virtual Approaches to Mental Wellness
First Nations Mental Wellness
  • 20. Stoney Health Community-based Mental Health Programs
  • 21. Examining the Post-Legalization Impacts of Cannabis on First Nations Peoples and Communities
  • 22. Min8enimo8in
    • Félix Thibodeau-Gagné (Centre de santé Pikogan)

Workshop 3:

Day 2 – Indigenous Youth

Keynote 3:

Panel 1:

  • 25. Healing Through Storytelling

Concurrent Session 3:

Indigenous Youth Mental Wellness 1
  • 26. Youth Storytelling as Empowerment Pathways in Mental Wellness
  • 27. Mistawasis Nehiyawak - Youth Wellness Partnership Project
  • 28. Youth Gender Equality
Mental Wellness Teams
  • 29. Mawlugutineg Mental Wellness Team: Decolonizing Access to Mental Health Services
    • Shelley Francis, Patti Simonson, Brenda Hachey-Ginnish (Mawlugutineg Mental Wellness Team)
  • 30. Mnidoo Mnising Mental Wellness Crisis Response Team
    • Cori Young, Nick Bateman (Mnidoo Mnising Mental Wellness Crisis Response Team)
  • 31. Maskawâtisiwin Mobile Crisis Response Team
    • Debbie Hackworth, Charlene Jackson, Bev Littlechilds, Vicky McAra, Jodi Sperber (Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council)
Land-based Approaches

Concurrent Session 4:

Indigenous Youth Mental Wellness 2
  • 35. The Power of Youth-led Initiatives in the Arctic
  • 36. Building on Strengths in Naujaat - a youth initiative
    • Shelly Iguptak, Cathy Katokra, Diana Kringayark, Heather Putulik, Lou Kopak (Building on Strengths in Naujaat Youth Group)
  • 37. Métis Youth Cultural Identity/2S Intersectionality
Inuit Mental Wellness
Harm Reduction
  • 41. Pomi Mawiyawiw - Changing for the Better
  • 42. Ka Naadimaadimi Wii Minamaadiziiying - A New Approach to Resolving the Opioid Crisis
  • 43. Naandwe Miikaan's Harm Reduction Response Team - A Review of Statistics, Trends, and Vision
    • Michelle Manitowabi, Petrina Shigwadja (Naandwe Miikaan - Naandwechige-Gamig)

Concurrent Session 5:

Indigenous Youth Mental Wellness 3
Métis Mental Wellness
Community-based Approaches

Plenary Panel 2:

  • 53. Expressing Our Emotions: Breaking Down Barriers
    • Elder: Nokomis Tracey Whiteye
    • Speakers: Keenan Bird; Emily Granville; Eagle Blackbird (We Matter)

Posters

Videos

Information booths

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