Indian Residential Schools Crisis Support
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What It Does
On this page, you'll find:
Crisis support for Indigenous Peoples and residential school survivorsToll-free numbers to call for assistanceHelp finding resources in your local communityHow It Helps
These resources can:
Provide trauma-informed wellness supportConnect you with experienced and culturally competent Help Line counsellorsOn this page, you'll find:
Crisis support for Indigenous Peoples and residential school survivorsToll-free numbers to call for assistanceHelp finding resources in your local communityThese resources can:
Provide trauma-informed wellness supportConnect you with experienced and culturally competent Help Line counsellorsWe acknowledge that colonialism and past actions and inactions of governments have driven racist practices, behaviours, and policies against Indigenous peoples across Canada.
The unmarked graves found in the areas of former residential schools, and the many more that will be found across the country, are a stark reminder of this country’s painful history. It is recognized that this is a challenging time for Indigenous peoples and communities as the truths they have voiced for decades are now being acknowledged.
Reaching out for support can be very helpful and important in the healing process. Culturally safe and trauma-informed mental wellness supports are available. For immediate assistance, or to find out about resources in your community, please see below.
The National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line
The National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line provides 24/7 emotional support and crisis intervention services to former students of Residential Schools. Call 1-866-925-4419 if you need to talk. In addition, those seeking assistance may be eligible for supports through one of the trauma-informed health and cultural support services (The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program, Indian Day Schools Health and Cultural Support Services, or Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Health and Cultural Support Services). These programs are available to survivors and family members of survivors, and in the case of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Health and Cultural Support Program, to any person affected by the issue. The supports are available regardless of Indigenous status or place of residence and include access to trauma-informed emotional supports, cultural supports, and mental health counselling.
Find out how to connect with one of these supports by calling a regional ISC office, listed here: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1584735005944/1585147200057.
Hope for Wellness
The toll-free Hope for Wellness Help Line offers 24/7 support to all Indigenous people. Trained counsellors are available by phone at 1-855-242-3310 or online chat at hopeforwellness.ca. This service is available in English and French, and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
Additional Resources: National Crisis Hotlines
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
Crisis Services Canada 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
“Every Child Matters” artwork by Andy Everson.