Discussion of the Canadian Indian Residential School system and survivors’ experiences focuses on distressing content, and may prompt emotional reactions and difficult thoughts and feelings. This is perfectly normal when working through trauma. If you find yourself overwhelmed, feel free to connect with any of the following programs.
Resources
Survivors and family members
Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) services include grief and loss counselling, crisis counselling, trauma counselling, Family and Group counselling and other supports including Traditional Healing Methods & Medicines, for more information please visit their website. Or, phone the IRSSS Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 (Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week)
Indian Residential Schools Mental Health Support Program (Government of Canada) provides mental and emotional health support services to eligible former Indian Residential School students and their families throughout all phases of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement, for more information phone Toll-Free 1-877-477-0775.
Indigenous peoples and community members
First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Community Supports Guide includes information on the FNHA cultural wellness and healing grant, mental health and cultural supports, including 24-hour crisis lines and counselling, traditional and cultural supports, and provincial and federal funding.
FNHA First Nations Health Benefits Mental Health Providers List If you have questions about providers you can call the IRS toll-free number at 1.877.477.0775 Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm or download the service provider list.
Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Phone and chat counselling is available in English, French, and Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut on request.
Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or use the chat box on their website.
Métis Crisis Line. Call 1-833-Metis-BC (1-833-638-4722), 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
KUU-US Crisis Line Society is a First Nations Health Authority-affiliated crisis line providing support to Indigenous people throughout British Columbia.
Call the toll-free 24-hour crisis line at 1-800-588-8717. For more information visit their website.
Crisis Centre BC. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or thinking about suicide, call or chat online with a crisis responder any time: 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE), (24 hours a day), crisiscentre.bc.ca
- Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
- Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
- Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311
Aboriginal Health Program, run by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, offers adult counselling and support groups at 2750 East Hastings Street, Suite 288, Vancouver; Phone: 604-675-2551 or visit their website.
Students
We Matter is a place for Indigenous young people to turn for uplift, support, or reminder that you matter. Get help now.
Here2Talk Accessible anywhere in the world, this service provides free, 24/7 single-session counselling by phone or online chat for all UBC students.
Developing Personal and Academic Resilience is a health strategy and self-care workbook for post-secondary students.
Medical students
Physician Health Program (PHP) provides confidential, discreet help for BC medical students licensed in BC. PHP offers support, referrals and counselling for a wide range of problems including physician and mental health issues, substance use disorders, career and life transitions, relationship stress, financial issues, professional support and referrals, and concern for colleagues.
Call the Physician Health Program 24-hour helpline 1-800-663-6729 or send them an email.
UGME students can log in to Entrada to access further resources, such as Wellness Initiative Network (WIN), Mental Illness Network for Destigmatization (MIND) and much more.
PGME residents can refer to the Resident Counselling and Peer Support Office for more resources.
UBC Vancouver
- Counselling for Indigenous students. Professional and culturally relevant counselling is available at the First Nations Longhouse and at the UBC Counselling Services Centre in Brock Hall. Contact the Aboriginal Student and Community Development Officer at the First Nations House of Learning, 604-822-8941 or fnhl.community@ubc.ca.
- Counselling for all students is available via 1040 Brock Hall, 1874 East Mall, Vancouver, call 604-822-3811.
AMS Sexual Assault Support Centre
- Open daily from 8 am-10 pm, the SASC provides services to Survivors of sexualized violence as well as their friends and family. This includes people of all genders, students, staff, faculty and all others connected to the UBC-Vancouver campus community.
- Support can be accessed by drop-in or by scheduling an appointment. Call 604-827-5180 or email sasc@ams.ubc.ca. For more information about available services, visit their website.
UBC Student Assistance Program
- A free, 24/7 wellness resource for students. Services include personal counselling, life coaching, group programs and more based on your needs.
Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office
- A confidential place for those who have experienced, or been impacted by, any form of sexual or gender-based violence, harassment, or harm, regardless of where or when it took place.
UBC Okanagan
- Health and Wellness. UNC337 – 3272 University Way, Kelowna, call 250-807-9270.
UBC faculty and staff
UBC Employee & Family Assistance Program
Family Services of Greater Vancouver offers general counselling. Please phone 604-874-2938 to speak to an intake worker to connect you with the best services for you.
BC Bereavement Hotline offers free and confidential telephone support for individuals experiencing loss and grief. Visit their website or call 1-877-779-2223.
Crisis Centre BC. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or thinking about suicide, call or chat online with a crisis responder any time: 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE), (24 hours a day), crisiscentre.bc.ca
- Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
- Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
- Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311