HEALING AND RECONCILIATION FOR COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES
A Healthy Foundation
Mental health is as equally important as physical health for the spirit. Unfortunately, today’s climate has seen a rise in mental health challenges among youth due to factors such as emotional dysregulation, conflict in the home, anxiety and more.
Young Indigenous Peoples’ issues are often compounded by systemic barriers such as homelessness, intergenerational trauma and access to basic supports.
Edmonton’s Ben Calf Robe School (BCR) has seen the impacts of poor mental health play out firsthand in their student population. With more than 450 students, 98% identify as Indigenous and often come from unstable backgrounds. BCR’s Mental Health Therapy (MHT) program is led by professionals trained in Indigenous ways of knowing and trauma-informed care. These therapists provide culturally grounded mental health care to students and support families in navigating community mental health resources. They further coordinate with Elders, run group workshops and perform smudging.
Although 70 students receive help from this program annually, it is now at risk of disappearing due to funding cuts. The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is stepping in to ensure this critical initiative remains in place by funding a new full-time equivalent Mental Health Therapist position at BCR. The school’s mental health team plays a central role in empowering students to break cycles of trauma, restore cultural pride and build healthier futures.
Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton in partnership with Diocese of Hamilton
