Indigenous Mental Health and Wellness Resources

  • National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) has set up a crisis line to provide support for former Residential School students and their families. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419
  • Government of Canada Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program: provides mental health, emotional and cultural support services to eligible former Indian Residential School students and their families throughout all phases of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement.
    Website: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1581971225188/1581971250953
  • The Hope for Wellness Helpline: offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Counselling is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. 1-855-242-3310 https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/DAM/DAM-ISC-SAC/DAM-HLTH/STAGING/texte-text/mh-help-line_need-to-talk-fn_1580328542360_eng.pdf 
  • Kids Help Phone: Indigenous people can connect with an Indigenous volunteer crisis responder, when available, by messaging FIRST NATIONS, INUIT or METIS to 686868 for young people and 741741 for adults or through Facebook Messenger​. Website: https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-involved/first-nations-inuit-and-metis/
  • Native Women's Association C's team of in-house Elders: are here to support and build resiliency. They are available Monday–Friday, from 9–11 a.m. EST and 1–3 p.m. EST. Toll Free: 888-664-7808 
  • Talk4Healing: provides 24/7 culturally sensitive counselling, advice and support to Indigenous women in Ojibway, OjiCree, Cree, English, and French 1-855-554-4325 http://talk4healing.com 
  • Aakode’ewin Courage for Change Program: The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services,  ONWA has expanded the Aakode’ewin Courage for Change Program across Ontario to address the unique needs of the disproportionate number of Indigenous women and girls affected by human trafficking. 1-800-667-0816
  • M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre: The Centre was established to address the social, spiritual, mental and physical needs of the Urban Aboriginal population of Owen Sound and surrounding area by providing a safe environment for Aboriginal peoples to participate in their community and to break down the cultural and systemic service barriers between local Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal populations. 1045 3rd Ave West Owen Sound, ON. N4K 5W6 (519) 371-1147
  • SOAHAC (Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre): Aboriginal Health Access Centres are innovative, Aboriginal specific, Indigenous informed health care agencies. They provide a combination of health and social services to First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities including: traditional healing, primary health care, health promotion services, cultural programs, community development initiatives, social support services. Owen Sound location: 733 9th Avenue East Tel: 519.376.5508 Toll Free: 1.844.737.0725