Health and wellness in Indigenous communities rely on a strengths-based approach that recognizes balance and connection. This is represented well in the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework, and via wellness understanding from Métis and Inuit peoples.

A whole and healthy person expressed through a sense of balance of spirit, emotion, mind and body. Central to wellness is belief in one’s connection to language, land, beings of creation, and ancestry, supported by a caring family and environment.

(Elder Jim Dumont, 2014) 

What the research tells us

• Indigenous youth with strong cultural connectedness (i.e., identity, traditions, spirituality) report stronger identity and better mental health outcomes. 
• Indigenous approaches to well-being emphasize balance, connection, purpose and hope–principles reflected in the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework.  
• Indigenous youth in Canada experience disproportionately higher rates of mental health challenges and suicide due to the ongoing impacts of colonization, systemic inequities and disrupted access to culture; research shows that communities with strong cultural continuity experience significantly lower youth suicide rates. 
• Schools that partner with Indigenous communities and embed culturally responsive practices help foster belonging and resilience among Indigenous students. 

Why this is important 

Indigenous knowledge systems and wellness practices offer powerful pathways for healing and balance. Wellness is understood as harmony between spirit, mind, emotion and body. Connection to language, land, culture and community strengthens belonging, hope, purpose and meaning, all of which are key to mental well-being.  

At the same time, generations of colonialism, residential schools, systemic racism, and inequitable access to services have disrupted wellness and community connection. These impacts continue to influence the mental health experiences of many Indigenous students and families, yet Indigenous communities continue to demonstrate deep strength and collective resilience. 

When schools move beyond access toward practices, policies and structures that actively honour Indigenous ways of knowing and being, they help dismantle barriers and create conditions where Indigenous students can truly belong and thrive. 

Supporting Indigenous student wellness 

Many Ontario schools are taking steps to honour Indigenous knowledge and create identity-affirming learning environments that: 

• Build strong relationships grounded in respect, trust and cultural humility. 
• Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous organizations to guide practice. 
• Recognize the impacts of intergenerational trauma while focusing on strengths, resilience and pride. 
• Integrate Indigenous perspectives into learning and reflect the importance of land, culture and community connections. 

Moving from prevention to life promotion 

Many Indigenous communities emphasize life promotion, an approach that focuses on nurturing strengths, relationships and collective well-being, a wholistic focus on living in balance, connection and purpose. Life promotion invites a shift from responding to crises to cultivating the conditions that sustain life: hope, belonging, meaning and purpose. 

A shared responsibility 

Everyone in the education system has a role in supporting Indigenous young people at school, we can: 

• Learn from and with Indigenous communities about wellness and healing.  
• Reflect on how colonialism continues to shape school experiences. 
• Create supportive, identity-affirming spaces where Indigenous students feel seen and valued. 
• Co-create with Indigenous organizations and communities to design culturally grounded supports. 

By walking alongside Indigenous partners and embracing diverse ways of knowing, Ontario schools can help nurture balance, belonging, and well-being for every Indigenous student.

Resources to support Indigenous student mental health

• Tip sheet

Cultural Humility Self-Reflection Tool for School Staff

• Classroom resource
• External resource
• Guide/tool

Life Promotion Toolkit and supporting resources

• Info sheet

Listen, Believe and Act: Support for Students Who Have Been Disproportionately Impacted in Schools

Support

If you are looking for culturally responsive crisis support, these services are available: 

• Hope for Wellness Helpline 
  Free, 24/7 support for all Indigenous peoples in Canada. 
  Call 1-855-242-3310 or connect via online chat at hopeforwellness.ca 
• First Peoples Wellness Circle 
  Promotes Indigenous-led approaches to mental wellness and community healing. 
  Visit fpwc.ca. 
• Thunderbird Partnership Foundation 
  Offers resources for Indigenous mental wellness, addictions, and community programs. 
  Visit thunderbirdpf.org. 
• Kids Help Phone – Indigenous Support Services 
  24/7 support from Indigenous counsellors and crisis responders. 
  Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868