Indigenous Mental Health Resources

Are you in crisis? Crisis resources for Indigenous peoples are available.

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Jamie Consoli

Jamie Consoli, M.Ed., RP

Meet the Indigenous Counsellor

Born and raised in Northeastern Ontario, Jamie (she/her) is Mushkego Cree wife, mother, and mental health practitioner, as well as a member of Moose Cree First Nation. She is a Registered Psychotherapist and has worked at Niagara College as an Indigenous Counsellor since 2014. Though Jamie supports all NC students (including BIPOC, racialized, and 2SLGBTQ+ students), her primary focus is on offering counselling services and programming for Indigenous students.

As a person who is of Indigenous and European ancestry, Jamie has a deep understanding of what it’s like to navigate intersectional identities. She is incredibly passionate about creating culturally safe spaces, exploring systemic impacts on wellness, and empowering students in their healing journey.

Make an Appointment

Students who self-identify as First Nations, Metis, or Inuit can request to meet with the Indigenous Counsellor. Counselling is a free and confidential service that is available year round to currently enrolled students. Make an appointment through our Contact page to access the Indigenous Counsellor.

Make an Appointment

Residential School Survivor Supports

Counselling Services for Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors
Hope for Wellness Help Line

If you require immediate support, please contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 to access toll-free, 24/7 counselling and crisis intervention. Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Experienced Helpline counsellors, many are Indigenous, can help if asked to find wellness supports that are available in your area.

Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line (1-866-925-4419) is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience.

Indigenous Victim Services at Six Nations Line

The Indigenous Victim Services at Six Nations Line (1-866-964-5920). After hours & weekends: 1-866-445-2204. Available to people living in Brantford, Hamilton or the Six Nations community.


Additional Supports

Individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls are encouraged to contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

Academic Support

If you are experiencing the impact of trauma or inter-generational impacts from the Indian Residential School system and this is affecting your ability to participate fully in our courses or programs, resources and supports are available.

Complete the form below and a Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services (HWAS) staff member will reach out to you soon by your preferred contact method. Our business hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

You will not be asked to share your experiences of racial trauma – only to express the specific impacts on your academic functioning (e.g., impacts on short-term memory, ability to focus, etc.). You should not feel pressured to disclose any information about your experiences that you do not want to.

Local Community Resources

De Dwa Da Dehs Nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre
Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre
Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle
Métis Nation of Ontario
Niagara Region Métis Council
Niagara Chapter for Native Women
Niagara Peninsula Aboriginal Area Management Board
Niagara Regional Native Centre
Youth Wellness Hub Niagara

Resources in Ontario

Anishnawbe Health Toronto
Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services
Hamilton Regional Native Centre
Métis Women’s Circle
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
Native Women’s Association of Canada
Native Women’s Centre
Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres
Ontario Native Women’s Association
Shkaabe Makwa
Six Nations Youth in Transition Program

Counselling and Cultural Support Resources

External resources for Indigenous students.

Did you know?

Niagara College students who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit are eligible for counselling services with the Indigenous Counsellor.

Métis Nation of Ontario’s Mental Health and Addiction Services

Culturally specific mental health and addiction supports for adults, youth, and families in Ontario (available in English and French). Available for verified Métis citizens (with an MNO Registry issued Citizenship number).

De Dwa Da Dehs Nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre

Culturally safe mental health and addictions services for all members of the urban Indigenous community in the regions of Hamilton, Brantford/Brant, and Niagara.

Health Canada – First Nations and Inuit Non-Insured Health Benefits

This program provides coverage for professional mental health counselling for eligible clients. An eligible client must be a resident of Canada and:

  • A First Nations person who is registered under the Indian Act (Status)
  • An Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization
Traditional Healers Program – Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle

Culturally safe mental health and addictions services for all members of the urban Indigenous community. Free consultations offered by Elders, traditional practitioners, and knowledge keepers (review IDHC’s Facebook page for further details on dates and registration).

Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program

Cultural support, emotional support, counselling, and transportation (to services) for survivors of residential school and their families.

Weaving Wellness Centre – Circle of Care

The Weaving Wellness Centre is a private clinical and consulting practice that is centred on supporting individuals, families and communities engage in healing and enhance well-being. The Circle of Care is comprised of a team of clinicians, including registered psychotherapists and social workers, who provide an array of therapeutic services for clients and communities.

Healing in Colour

 Healing in Colour envisions a world where BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour), in all our intersections, have access to therapy that supports our healing and liberation.

Housing and Shelters

Abbey House Transitional Home

An eight-bed transitional housing program under the Niagara Regional Native Centre for Aboriginal women with or without children who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness.

Ganawageh and Ohsto

Provides affordable rental units to low-income Native residents of Fort Erie. Household must be 50% native to be eligible for housing. Apply through Niagara Regional Housing.

Oonuhseh Niagara Native Homes

Non-profit organization that provides affordable housing for Indigenous peoples in St. Catharines

Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound Programs

An education-to-employment initiative for single women with children who are inadequately housed or homeless. Delivered via Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre or Niagara Regional Native Centre.

Self-Care Resources

Acknowledgement of Diversity Statement:

The resources below may contain traditional teachings that represent various Indigenous communities and nations. These teachings are meant to be taken as is, and do not reflect one of way of Indigenous living, being, and healing. Traditions and practices amongst Indigenous communities and nations are incredibly diverse, so it is encouraged to continue seeking similar teachings from differing Indigenous points of view to promote breadth of knowledge and learning.

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