Additional Resources for Siksika Nation members:
We invite you to check out these additional resources offered by various organizations around Siksika Nation.
Other
- Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary
- Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council
- Closer To Home: Indigenous Services and Supports
- The Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary Indigenous Cultural Supports
- Calgary Public Library Indigenous Services and Initiatives
- Elbow River Healing Lodge
- Alberta Health Services: Indigenous Health
Indian Residential School
Resources and Information for Indian Residential School Survivors & Families
Siksika Health Services, Community Wellness and Mental Health provides supports to Indian Residential School Survivors & Families from Siksika. Find the full list of resources here:
Mental Health Info:
There are many feelings and thoughts expressed about the recent discovery of all the Indigenous children across Canada who didn’t make it home. They were wrongly hidden and forgotten by people who claimed to have a better way of living.
The feelings and thoughts about this situation run the spectrum and include anger, shock, sadness, confusion, grief, sorrow, and even suicidal ideation. In addition, people may not be sleeping very well, having a hard time eating, and may even feel sick.
Flashbacks and mental images may be experienced. Some may be experiencing heightened stress and anxiety. Individuals who have been traumatized may feel numb or overstimulated, which may cause them to withdraw.
It is essential to consider that these emotions, thoughts, and reactions do not mean something is necessarily wrong with you. These reactions are normal and to be expected with trauma survivors. Every person on Siksika is a trauma survivor, whether you experienced the effects of the residential school directly or indirectly.
Some of the above symptoms may surface quickly, and others may be gradual. Some may want to turn to self-medicating numbing behaviors such as excessive alcohol use. Instead of self-medicating, turn to our Creator, family, friends, and other healthy supports.
If you are experiencing any of the above, talk to a loved one who will allow you to vent and provide validation. You may or may not need to discuss your exposure, thoughts, and feelings that you may be currently experiencing. Every person is different; each person will respond differently, and what each person will need will be different.
For those who are listening to someone vent, let the person know you care about them and will be there to offer emotional support. Try and avoid advice-giving. People just need to be heard and validated. Whatever their needs, let them know you’re there for them and offer your assistance while also being prepared to back off. Consider referring them to Siksika Mental Health or provide info on other resources. But please DO NOT pressure the person to enter into treatment before they are ready.
A therapist trained in trauma response will be available at the Siksika Health & Wellness Centre from 3-5pm, Monday-Friday for anyone who would like to drop in.
Health & IRS Resources:
| Phone: |
| Siksika Health Mental Health Support 403-734-5660 (M-F 9:00 am – 5:00 pm) |
| Siksika Health Crisis Line 403-734-2596 (24 hrs/day, 7 days/week) |
| Siksika Emergency Medical Services 403-734-9111 (24 hrs/day, 7 days/week) |
| Indian residential school survivor’s society 1-800-721-0066 or 1-866-925-4419 |
| AHS Mental Health Help line 1-877-303-2642 (24 hrs/day, 7 days/week) |
| The Hope for Wellness Help line 1-855-242-3310 (24 hrs/day, 7 days/week) |
| Kids Help Crisis Line 1-800-668-6868 (24 hrs/day, 7 days/week) |
| Canada Suicide Prevention Services 1-833-456-4566 (24 hrs/day, 7 days/week) |
Text Resources: |
| Text4Hope (Mental health support) Text COVID19HOPE to 393939 |
| Text4Hope (Addiction Support) Text Open2change to 393939 |
| Text4Hope (Cancer Support) Text CancerCare to 393939 |
| Online: |
| Wellness Together Canada https://ca.portal.gs/ |
| Anxiety Canada https://www.anxietycanada.com/ |
| Centre for Addiction & Mental Health (CAMH): http://www.camh.ca/covid19 |
| Daily Tips for Parents: https://childmind.org/ |
| Positive Psychology Kit: https://positivepsychology.com/the-crisis-kit/ |
| 310 COPE: https://www.yssn.ca/310-COPE |
| Mind Your Mind Online Support: https://mindyourmind.ca/ |
| Centre for Clinical Interventions (incl. online workbooks for a variety of mental health concerns) https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/ (workbooks can be found here: https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself) |
| Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blogposts/consumer/covid-19-lockdown-guide-how-manage-anxiety-and |
| Siksika Health Services – Mental Health Facebook page @SHSMentalHealth |
| Apps: – Headspace – What’s Up – Calm – Mindshift – Breathr |
