First Nations youth are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For mental health supports that may help you or someone you know, please see the following list of resources.

 

Helpful websites and fact sheets:

Maintaining the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and teens during COVID-19 April 2020. This brief fact sheet provides information for First Nations, Inuit and Métis parents and caregivers to support the health and well-being of our children and teens during this pandemic. We hope your physical distancing and staying at home will include cultural, physical, and emotional outlets and activities.

Anaana’s Tent, videos, games, and stories from the Inuktitut and English kids’ television show Anaana’s tent.

Staying Connected during the Pandemic: Drawing on Indigenous Strengths to Stay Connected and Well. This short two page document gives helpful suggestions to staying connected to your family and friends, while also keeping mentally healthy and well during the current pandemic.

Connect with Culture for Life. A site for Indigenous Youth who know the value of culture and living their best life, but need a little help getting there. Videos and suggestions for First Nations youth to connect with their culture, and to practice self care. Also has stories from other youth across Canada.

4 R’s Youth Movement. The 4 R’s Youth Movement is based on the belief that person to person dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people will change the existing relationship and pave the way towards reconciliation. Their website has podcasts, curriculums and more resources to promote connection and change.

 

Podcasts and digital media for children and teens:

4R’s Youth Movement list of podcast resources

Podcasts from curious 11 year old, Tai Poole entitled Tai Asks Why

CBC Curio – Indigenous Youth, podcast collection

CBC GEM – Through our Eyes, Indigenous Short Docs

National Film Board’s Collection of Indigenous Cinema

 

If you are concerned about your children or youth, there are 24/7 support lines for them:

Kids Help Phone can be called at 1-800-668-6868

First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line can be called at 1-855-242-3310 or 1-310-855-HOPE. They also have an online chat with a counsellor on their website, hopeforwellness.ca.

Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line can be called at 1-877-435-7170, and TTY 204-784-4097