Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program
Cultural and emotional support services, and mental health counselling for residential school Survivors, their families and Intergenerational Survivors.
Warning!
This website deals with topics that may cause trauma.
This page discusses topics that may be distressing and awaken memories of past traumatic experiences and abuse.
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.
Individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls are encouraged to contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649.
First Nations, Inuit and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.
On this page
About the program
The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program was established as part of the 2006 Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement to provide cultural and emotional support services and mental health counselling services to Survivors, their families and Intergenerational Survivors of the Indian Residential School system. Although the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement process concluded in 2021, the Government of Canada continues to fund the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program and the services it provides.
Program eligibility
Survivors, their families and Intergenerational Survivors of the Indian Residential School system are eligible for services from the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program regardless of status or place of residence within Canada.
Family members and Intergenerational Survivors can include:
- parents or guardians
- a spouse or partner
- a child of a former student
- anyone raised by or in a household with a former student
- anyone currently in a household with a former student
- any relatives who have experienced the effects of intergenerational trauma associated with an eligible family member's experience with Indian Residential Schools
Even if you are not eligible for this program, you may be eligible for other support service programs under the Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Program.
Services available
Cultural support
Cultural support providers are Elders, Knowledge Holders and Traditional Healers who are recognized and respected by their communities. Cultural support providers safely explore and address issues related to intergenerational and childhood trauma. The type of support they offer depends on the needs of each individual and may include, but is not limited to:
- traditional healing
- ceremonies
- teachings and dialogue
- Elder services
- prayers
- other traditional practices
Cultural support providers are provided by local Indigenous organizations.
Emotional support
Emotional support workers are trained and experienced community-based workers or peer supports. Emotional support workers create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can express their feelings. The type of support they offer depends on the needs of each individual and may include, but is not limited to:
- dialogue
- awareness and information
- system navigation and referrals
- peer-support
- providing tools and resources to help with emotional reactions/triggers
Emotional support workers are provided by local Indigenous organizations.
Mental health counselling
Mental health counselling service providers are registered psychologists and registered social workers who are:
- in good standing with their provincial or territorial regulatory body
- registered with Indigenous Services Canada
They help individuals and families heal from trauma, such as intergenerational or childhood trauma related to Indian Residential School experiences. Mental health counselling services can be offered in individual, family or group sessions.
Eligibility for mental health counselling in British Columbia may be different from the rest of Canada. For any questions about eligibility in BC, please contact the First Nations Health Authority's First Nations Health Benefits and Services.
For Service Providers: Forms related to mental health counselling are available on the ISC Forms webpage.
Transportation
Assistance with medical transportation may be offered when mental health counselling and cultural support services are not locally available.
Accessing services
Please contact the ISC regional office or designated health authority in your province or territory to access services through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program.
If you are in British Columbia, contact the First Nations Health Authority.
Other support service programs
Other trauma-informed health support services are available. You may be eligible for support services under the following programs:
- Federal Indian Day Schools Health and Cultural Support Program
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People Health and Cultural Support Program
- Expanded Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Program
- First Nations Child and Family Services, and Jordan's Principle Settlement Agreement Support Services
- Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement Agreement Support Services
Pamphlet: Encountering strong emotional reactions
Thinking about how Indian Residential Schools affected you or your family can lead to negative or upsetting thoughts or memories.
The pamphlet Encountering strong emotional reactions is designed to help you recognize the reactions you may have.