An Indigenous Journey to Supporting Mental Health Across the Lifespan- For Us It Begins in Infancy…. Or Earlier!

Supporting mental health from birth takes a community of relationships, relationships and collaborations.  There is a critical need for those organizations within various sectors working to support the wellbeing of children and youth in Canada, to prioritize reconciliation with Indigenous communities through authentic relationship-building and collaboration. To this end, this session will explore how partnerships with Indigenous communities can lead to the actioning of the recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and contribute to improved outcomes for Indigenous children and youth.  Using a lifespan approach to supporting mental health, three Indigenous practitioners from three different Indigenous communities in Ontario will share their stories of intergenerational trauma and their journey to support repair, healing and wellbeing right from birth.   Collectively, they will illustrate how their communities have embraced infant and early mental health as a key effort in their quest to support healthy communities and positive mental health across the lifespan – right from birth.  All three will share how partnerships based on trust that embrace Indigenous knowledge and values are key to this work.