We want to acknowledge anyone who has felt impacted by the legacy and ongoing harm caused by the Indian Residential School system and the current system which often feels racist and oppressive towards Indigenous People. We recognize that framing a program around the term ‘reconciliation’ can be complex and problematic for some. There may be times when you feel particularly impacted by the content presented in this program, or possibly even by news events of the day. Please know that there are many resources available to you should you feel triggered, or your emotional wellbeing affected. Below is a list of resources for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants and we encourage you to reach out to any of them if you feel the need.
Resources for Indigenous People
Phyllis Webstad’s Orange Shirt
A website dedicated to Orange Shirt Day provides information about the annual event and the meaning behind it. On the site, you can access educational info about Orange Shirt Day and how it began, as well as what events are taking place across the country this year. More information here.
Native Youth Sexual Health Network
Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN) works with Indigenous peoples across Canada and the United States to advocate for and build culturally safe sexuality and reproductive health initiatives in their own communities. You can find toolkits and other resources on their website.
Indigenous Mental Health Resource List by the Firelight Group
The Firelight Group is an indigenous-run consulting group that has compiled a list mental health support resources that are specifically for Canadian Indigenous populations. They list website links as well as a brief description of services and location. Find more information in their website.
BC Aboriginal Child Care society
This organization is committed to ensure every child in the Indigenous community has access and availability to culturally enriching and high quality early childhood development services. Find more information here.
National Collaborating Center for Aboriginal Health
The NCCIH’s main objective is to renew the public health system in Canada to be more inclusive and respectful to the Indigenous communities. You can access their publications, resource links and other educational materials for free on their website.
Indian Residential School Survivors Society
With over 20 years of offering services to residential school survivors, the Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSS) is determined to provide physical, emotional, spiritual growth and healing through culturally-based values and principles for families and communities. Their services include counselling, health support and cultural support. More information here.
BC’s Guide to Indigenous Organizations and Services
The government of BC maintains an excel spreadsheet of Indigenous organizations and services in BC. The listing includes community, family and housing resources.
Support Network for Indigenous Women & Women of Colour (SNIWWOC)
SNIWWOC is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to the empowerment of women with food, art, and education. We address barriers that limit access to healthcare and full reproductive choice. SNIWWOC operates from a holistic and integrative service model that addresses the social, cultural and political realities of women who identify as black, indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC). Find more information in their website.
NCTR
The NCTR is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations. The NCTR was created as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). The TRC was charged to listen to Survivors, their families, communities and others affected by the residential school system and educate Canadians about their experiences. The resulting collection of statements, documents and other materials now forms the sacred heart of the NCTR. Learn more here.
Indigenous MD Admissions Workshop
For the last 18 years, the University of Northern British Columbia has been putting on a workshop to support Indigenous people in navigating the application process for the medical program. This years workshop will run on July 28-30th, and the application deadline is July 16th, 2021. The application process includes submitting an essay, proof of ancestry, and a report card or transcript. Learn more here.
Tsartlip First Nation Community Resources
The Tsartlip First Nation is located on the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island. Their website provides resource information for housing, health, finance, and youth. You can find more information about services and resources offered on their website.
Mental Health Resources for Everyone
Kelty Mental Health Back-to-School Resources
The Kelty Mental Health Centre assists families with accessing and navigating the mental health system in BC. For back to school, Kelty Mental Health is providing events, webinars, and blog posts intended for parents with children and youth returning to school. All resources can be accessed online.
Dealing with Depression DWD
Dealing with Depression (DWD) is a website that lists effective treatments and self help skills to deal with depression. This website and its examples are intended for teens with depressed mood, concerned adults who want to help a depressed teen and other teens who want to help a friend or family member. Learn more here.
Wellbeing.gov.bc.ca
Wellbeing.gov.bc.ca is a website developed by the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions to help people in B.C. connect with free and low-cost mental health and substance use information and resources. There are specialized resources available for youth, survivors of residential schools, and overdose prevention.
North Island Crisis & Counselling Centre Society
The North Island Crisis and Counselling Centre Society is a community based organization that offers various counselling and support services in Mount Waddington Regional District and central coast. Refer to their website for a list of local resources and crisis support. There are also three crisis phone numbers listed on the first page of their website.
Togetherall
Togetherall is a safe, online community based in Canada where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and well being. It is free to all post secondary students, those aged 16-29 in Nova Scotia and those aged 16+ in Alberta. You can register for an account on their website. The website also has a section to direct you to immediate crisis support resources.
EASE
Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators (EASE) is a collection of school-based, anxiety management and resilience-building resources for use by educators with B.C. students in grades K-7. EASE helps educators teach students strategies to address the thoughts, feelings and behaviours associated with anxiety and offers helpful tip for parents. For more information, check the website here.
NoStigmas
NoStigmas is a place to connect with like minded individuals about mental health and their own experiences. You can get involved as a NoStigmas Ally and learn about self care, peer support and advocacy. The training is offered as a free online course or in person. Find their website here.
MindYourMind
MindYourMind is a website that focuses on mental health and wellness for young people aged 14-29. You can read from a blog written by young people for young people, find wellness tool kits or information about illnesses. Check out their website here.
Alcohol abuse resources for LGBTQ+ individuals
This resource outlines the risks of alcoholism within the LGBTQ+ community and provides treatment resource suggestions. Learn more on their website.
310 Mental Health Support Line
The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia provides a province-wide toll-free number connecting callers to a B.C. crisis line without a wait or busy signal. They offer emotional support, information on referral options, and more. Learn more in here.
Decolonizing Therapy
Decolonizing Therapy is a resource database created for the BIPOC community. The website is focused on self-care and mental health, and provides links to podcasts, articles, and social media accounts that are related to mental health topics. The links are accessible to everyone on the Decolonizing Therapy website.
MDABC Support Group
The Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia (MDABC) hosts Peer Support Groups. They are a safe place to share your story, your struggles and accomplishments, and to listen to others as they share similar concerns. They are free of charge, require no registration and currently meet online. To find the list of various groups available and the schedule, check here.
WE Well being
This is a free, online resource for students, parents and educators to support social and emotional well being by promoting positive and caring relationships. There are different topics that you look for on their page and the strategies and tips associated with it. For more information, click here.
CalmClinic
CalmClinic is an educational website dedicated to anxiety and mental health. You can find guides on anxiety, symptoms, treatments and advice. All resources have been reviewed and analyzed by professionals in psychology and healthcare fields. Find their website here.
NEED2
NEED2 is a suicide prevention education and support organization. Their website has educational information about warning signs and risks factors of suicide as well as links and resources. Find their website here.
The MHC Resource Library
Mental Health Coalition (MHC) is a group of leading mental health organizations, brands and individuals who have joined to end stigma surrounding mental health. The website has a resource library available for you to learn about mental health, help a loved one, learn coping skills and support skills.
Be Safe by MindYourMind
Be Safe is an evidence-informed safety planning and service navigation app developed in partnership with youth. The app is designed to connect users with the right resources in a time of crisis, help youth develop a safety plan before they are in crisis, and educate youth about how to be safe in a crisis, what to expect when calling a crisis line, and their rights as a patient when seeking support. The application is available for both Apple and Android devices.
The Safe Place App
The Safe Place App is a mental health app aimed at helping and educating the Black community. The app provides information about a wide range of mental health topics, including information that is specific to the Black community. The app is accessible to anyone and can be downloaded through Google Play online. Learn more here.
Learning through loss
Learning through Loss is a grief support group for youth in need by providing them with education resources and resources and strategies relating to grief and overall well being. For more information, check out the website here.
