Services for
First Nations & Inuit Persons
If you are experiencing emotional distress and want to talk, you can call the First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at hopeforwellness.ca
Both supports are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
I encourage members of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to utilize traditional healing practices where available. My services cannot replace Elders' wisdom and knowledge on achieving a balanced life for individuals within their community. However, my counselling practices are rooted in deep respect for the historical, spiritual and communal richness of Indigenous communities and I'd be honoured to offer help to anyone who may benefit from my interim or ongoing support as an approved service provider with the Health Canada First Nations Mental Health Program.
Health Canada currently offers two free counselling programs: NIHB and IRS-RHSP:
NIHB
What: The Non-Insured Health Benefits program [NIHB] is a Health Canada funded program that provides free short-term counselling to First Nations and Inuit individuals.
Who: Individuals who do not have health benefits, with a First Nations registration number, or an Inuit or Innu identification number (unfortunately, this service is not offered to individuals of Métis descent).
How long: The therapist's fee is fully covered by Health Canada up to 22 sessions (including initial assessment) to be provided over within a year.
For more information: Please use the Fees and Contact tab to get in touch with me so we can determine together whether you are eligible for this program. If you are not covered by this program, I may be able to refer you to another resource. This initial consultation is free of charge.
IRS-RHSP
What: The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program [IRS-RHSP] provides free mental health and emotional support services.
Who: Former Residential School students, regardless of the individual's status, who attended a Residential School listed in the 2006 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
Family members of former Residential Schools students are also eligible- a spouse/partner, those raised by or raised in the household of a former Residential School student, and any relation who has experienced effects of inter-generational trauma associated with a family member's time at a Residential School.
How long: IRS-RHSP can cover the therapist's fee up to 62 counselling hours (including initial assessment).
For more information: Please use the Fees and Contact tab to get in touch with me so we can discuss further. This initial consultation is free of charge.