Anishnabeg Outreach Tackles Mental Health Crisis with Innovative Digital Support Platform

Indigenous communities across Canada are facing a mental health crisis, with nearly one in three community members reporting severe psychological distress, compared to just over one in ten in the general population.

This situation is worsened by systemic barriers that often overlook the unique cultural contexts and historical traumas of these communities. As a result, Indigenous peoples experience higher rates of suicide, addiction, intimate partner violence, and involvement in the criminal justice system.

To help address these challenges, Anishnabeg Outreach (AO), an Indigenous-led non-profit organization in Ontario, is bringing culturally relevant mental health resources to Indigenous communities through AONest, a self-guided digital platform designed to build emotional resilience and support mental well-being. AONest can be used by social service providers, including mental health clinics and community organizations, to enhance their existing support networks and offer more accessible care.

Thanks to a grant from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF), AO will be able to hire a dedicated staff member who will train agency staff and support the integration of AONest into existing services. A key goal of AONest is to provide early intervention to reduce the number of Indigenous individuals facing incarceration due to untreated mental health issues. AO will also operate two healing centers, offering in-person support alongside partner organizations.

Through this initiative, Anishnabeg Outreach looks to improve mental health outcomes, increase employability, and reduce rates of homelessness and incarceration in Indigenous communities. In the long term, AO hopes to build healthier, more resilient communities that have access to the culturally relevant mental health support they deserve.

Diocese of Hamilton