Are you ready to become a Mental Health First Aider?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for First Nations is a culturally adapted training program designed for First Nations and anyone that works with First Nations. This course is designed to help people understand and respond to mental health crises. It incorporates traditional knowledge and practices, alongside evidence-based strategies, to support mental health and wellbeing. The program aims to build capacity within communities, reduce stigma around mental health issues, and promote healing and resilience by acknowledging the unique historical, social, and cultural factors affecting First Nations peoples. Participants learn to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health issues, provide initial help, and guide individuals to appropriate professional resources.

Crisis First Aid Skills

Be prepared to help someone in a mental health emergency and learn the skills to reduce stigma in the workplace.

  • Substance Overdose: recognize the signs of a substance overdose and provide immediate support to prevent life-threatening consequences.

  • Acute stress reaction: identify acute stress reactions and offer calming techniques to help manage overwhelming emotions.

  • Panic attack: learn how to assist someone experiencing a panic attack by providing reassurance and guiding them through breathing exercises.

  • Suicidal behavior: understand the warning signs of suicidal behavior and know how to connect individuals with urgent professional help

  • Self-harm: support individuals who self-harm by offering non-judgmental listening and encouraging them to seek professional care.

  • Psychotic episode: recognize the symptoms of a psychotic episode and ensure the person receives immediate and compassionate care.

 

Webequie First Nation - mental health first aid first nations training

Ashley facilitating mental health first aid first nations in ginoogaming first nation

Course Model

EAGLE is the framework for having a confident conversation about mental health with family, friends, colleagues, and strangers.

  • Engage and Evaluate the risk of suicide or harm

  • Assist the person to seek professional help

  • Give reassurance and information

  • Listen without judgment

  • Encourage self-help strategies and gather community supports

 

Facilitators

Ashley Jellema

Summer Reilly

 
 

This training is a minimum of 20 hours.

 

You will receive a certificate for completing the training from Opening Minds.

 

This program is licensed and certified through Opening Minds, a division of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

 

Interested in Mental Health First Aid First Nations training for your community or organization?