Expanded Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Program
Access cultural and emotional supports for all Indigenous people
Content warning!
This page discusses topics that may be distressing and awaken traumatic experiences.
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.
First Nations, Inuit and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Helpline toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.
On this page
About the program
The Expanded Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Program was created in 2021 in direct response to announcements of unmarked burials on grounds related to former Indian Residential Schools, and in recognition of the intergenerational impacts and legacy of the Indian Residential School System. The program is intended to support access to community-based trauma-informed cultural and emotional supports for all Indigenous people.
Who is eligible
All Indigenous people have access to community-based trauma-informed mental wellness supports, regardless of:
- Status
- Where they live in Canada
- Their experience, direct or indirect, with Indian Residential Schools
This includes access to cultural and emotional support services for Indigenous people who may not be sufficiently served through the existing network of health support services like:
Services available
Cultural supports
Elders, Knowledge Holders, and Traditional Healers provide cultural supports through local Indigenous organizations to assist clients on their healing journeys. Specific services are determined by the needs of the individuals and may include:
- Dialogue
- Ceremonies
- Prayer
- Elder services
- Traditional healing
Emotional support
Community-based Indigenous health workers hired by Indigenous organizations provide trauma-informed, culturally grounded support to people affected by unresolved trauma. They provide emotional support and comfort by listening, talking, and providing referrals to other services.
How to access services
To access services near you, or to find out more, please call your Indigenous Services Canada regional office:
- Atlantic: 1-866-414-8111
- Quebec: 1-877-583-2965
- Ontario: 1-888-301-6426
- Manitoba: 1-866-818-3505
- Saskatchewan: 1-888-221-2898
- Alberta: 1-888-495-6588
- Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon: 1-866-509-1769
- British Columbia: Contact the First Nations Health Authority at 1-877-477-0775