Indigenous Mental Health Resources
Are you in crisis? Crisis resources for Indigenous peoples are available.
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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 AppointmentResidential 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
Resources in Ontario
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.
Self-Care
- Medicine Wheel: Self-Care during COVID-19 Pandemic
Elsipogtog Health & Wellness Centre - Self-Care Medicine Wheel: COVID-19 Era
UCLA American Indian Studies Center - Culture for Life
Thunderbird Partnership Foundation - We R Native
(Indigenous health resources based in US) - Self-Care Toolkit
Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW - Seven Sacred Teachings From a Student Perspective
Assiniboine Community College
Colouring Pages
- Time to Colour: A Collection of Indigenous Pages
Woodland Cultural Centre - First Nations Health and Wellness Colouring Book
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs - Coloring Pages By Hawlii Pichette
Urban Iskwew - Native Wellness Coloring Book
Native Wellness Institute
Exercise and Fitness
- Powwow Sweat Video
The StyleHorse Collective - Powwow Cardio Video
James Jones - Well for Culture Indigenous Wellness Initiative
Well for Culture - Yoga and Breathwork Practices
Jessica Barudin - Sweetgrass Yoga (Morning Sunrise Yoga Practice)
Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle (formerly SOADI) - RezMove Native Dance and Cardio Workout
The Center of Traditional Lifestyles for Health Communities
Meditations
- Medicine Wheel: Mental Meditation
GoodHealthTV - Spiritual Protection Guided Meditation
Jessica Barudin - Grandmothers Meditation
Jessica Barudin - Mind Chatter (mindfulness video)
Centre for Addictions and Mental Health - Loving Kindness Meditation for Black, Indigenous, Mixed Race, or People of Color
Kanti Mental Health & Well-Being - Wa AH Wiss (Sitting Together in Meditation)
- The Henceforward Podcast – Meditating on the Elsewhere
- Guided Practices by Finding Our Power Together
- Exam Stress with Jamie (Indigenous Counsellor)
Affirmations and Empowerment
- We Matter Campaign (video database)
- Traditional Teachings
Anishnawbe Health Toronto - Pass the Feather – The Smudge Prayer (handout)
- Pass the Feather – 4 Sacred Medicines (handout)
- Pass the Feather – Creation Prayer (handout)
- Pass the Feather – Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen (handout)
- Native Wellness Power Hour (video database)
- You Are Made of Medicine: A Mental Health Peer Support Manual for Indiqueer, Two Spirit, LGBTQ+, and Gender Non-Conforming Indigenous Youth
Books
- 100 Days of Self Discovery
by Finding Our Power Together - Indigenous Wellness Journal: Gújāánáts’īná – Healing
by Livia Manywounds - The Seven Circles: Indigenous Teachings for Living Well
by Chelsey Luger & Thosh Collins
Racism & Racial Stress
- Empowering the Mental Health of BIPOC
A Workbook to Deal with the Impacts of Racism
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