First Peoples Wellness Circle

02/25/2026

Bullying leaves lasting ripples on mental wellness, belonging, and the safety of our circles. Today, FPWC recognizes Pink Shirt Day 🩷 as a call to action for all of us.

We lift up the Indigenous Mental Wellness Workforce for your dedication to these goals. Your commitment to cultural safety is a driving force for building community health and collective strength. By leading with kindness and respect, we can all create the vital spaces where healing can truly begin.

Wearing pink is a symbol, but the real work is in how we show up for one another every day. 🩷👕

02/19/2026

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!

Questions? Contact: shkaabemakwa@camh.ca

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Shkaabe Makwa, in collaboration with the Ontario Hospital Association, welcome Dr. Georgina Martin for a conversation on the history of Indian Hospitals in Canada, and their intergenerational effects on First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

🗓 WHEN: Thursday, February 26, 2026

🕰 TIME: 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM

📍 LOCATION: CAMH (100 Stokes Street, Toronto, ON), online option available

Dr. Georgina Martin is Secwepemc and a member of the Williams Lake First Nation. Dr. Martin’s research focuses on intergenerational trauma, cultural identity, Indigenous self-determination, education, and voice.

This event is FREE to attend but registration is required.

02/18/2026

IPAC is excited to share a transformational milestone for Indigenous health: a $5 million donation has been made to establish the Circle for Indigenous Health Research and Innovation at NOSM University. This investment is a major step forward in advancing Indigenous-led solutions that will shape the future of health across Northern Ontario and beyond.

This new Circle will empower Indigenous communities, placing Indigenous leadership at the center of health research, education, and innovation. By supporting community-driven approaches, this initiative responds directly to the call for health equity, self-determination, and reconciliation in healthcare.

Why this matters:
- Indigenous voices will guide research, policy, and medical education, ensuring solutions that reflect the realities and priorities of Northern communities.
- It strengthens the collaboration between Indigenous health organizations, Elders, and researchers to create lasting change in healthcare systems.
- This gift sets the stage for transformative health initiatives that prioritize wellbeing for generations to come.

We’re proud to see this kind of impactful investment in the future of Indigenous health and look forward to supporting the Circle's important work in the years ahead.

Read more here: https://www.nosm.ca/2026/02/03/5-million-gift-establishes-circle-for-indigenous-health-research-and-innovation-at-nosm-university/

(Image: NOSM University)
NOSM University—Université de l'EMNO

02/16/2026

Happy Family Day! ❄️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

A quick reminder that our offices are closed today, Monday, February 16th, as our team takes the day to celebrate Family Day.

We will resume regular business hours tomorrow, Tuesday, February 17th.

We hope you take this time to relax and make some wonderful memories with your loved ones. Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful long weekend!

02/05/2026

Strengthening Our Bundles: Solidifying Professional Behaviours, Skills Enhancement & Supporting Workforce Wellness 🌱

Last month we were honoured to host members of the Ontario Mental Wellness Workforce in Sudbury, ON! Led by an incredible lineup of Indigenous facilitators, this three day in-person session supported skills building, networking, and workforce wellness.

Learning topics included:

✨ Ethics in community work
✨ Documentation & note-taking
✨ Empathy & emotional intelligence
✨ Grief, loss, and healing-centered practice
✨ Emotional resilience & adaptability
✨ Crisis response & de-escalation

🫶 A heartfelt thank you to our facilitators for sharing their wisdom, stories, and passion to help strengthen skills and inspire reflection. We’re grateful to everyone who attended and for the lasting impact you continue to make in the communities you support.

02/02/2026

We’re proud to share the final report on the Anti-Indigenous Racism (AIR) Project — a First Nations-led initiative advancing cultural safety in New Brunswick’s healthcare system.

The project centred First Nation voices to co-develop a cultural safety curriculum, Helping Bundle, and policy recommendations to strengthen mental health and wellness training.

This work contributes to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and supports the creation of safer, more equitable healthcare systems for First Nations people from coast to coast to coast.

Explore the Project & Resources 📚 https://fpwc.ca/projects/first-nations-knowledge-and-evidence-taking-action-on-systemic-racism/

02/02/2026

We’re hiring a Policy Analyst to join the team 📑

If you’re passionate about policy research, analysis, and advocacy on issues related to Mental Wellness for First Nations, we’d love to hear from you.

📍 Apply here: https://fpwc.ca/what-we-do/news/job-posting-policy-analyst/

Know a perfect candidate? Help us spread the word by sharing this post with your network!

01/31/2026

The National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) has had a significant influence in the resurgence of wellness, culture and language to our communities. NNADAP is 50 years old. Nominate a person or program that embodies the values of NNADAP and created positive change. Awards will be presented at Thunderbird PF annual summit in February.

The National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) marks its 50th anniversary this year! Thunderbird invites you to nominate an individual, group, program or service for an NNADAP 50-year anniversary award to be presented at the upcoming 2026 National First Nations Substance Use Summit in Quebec. Deadline to nominate is Friday January 30th!

See more info here: https://thunderbirdpf.org/national-first-nations-substance-use-summit-registration/ ... scroll down to see nomination form.

01/31/2026

Did you or a member of your family get admitted to an Indian Hospital? There is compensation as part of a federal compensation settlement you may be entitled to. Information can be found below. There are health and cultural supports you can access to support you through the claims process.

The Claims Period for the Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement is now open. Learn who may be eligible, how to submit a claim, and what free supports are available.

01/28/2026

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP)! Thunderbird invites you to nominate an individual, group, program or service for an NNADAP 50-year anniversary award to be presented at the upcoming 2026 National First Nations Substance Use Summit in Quebec.

See more info here: https://thunderbirdpf.org/national-first-nations-substance-use-summit-registration/ ... scroll down to see nomination form.

01/27/2026

The National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) marks its 50th anniversary this year! Thunderbird invites you to nominate an individual, group, program or service for an NNADAP 50-year anniversary award to be presented at the upcoming 2026 National First Nations Substance Use Summit in Quebec. Deadline to nominate is Friday January 30th!

See more info here: https://thunderbirdpf.org/national-first-nations-substance-use-summit-registration/ ... scroll down to see nomination form.

01/15/2026

As a community collaborator with the Saskatchewan NEIHR we’re proud to highlight this important work on Metis Data Governance Principles. Congratulations to our former Board member Dr Caroline Tait and her colleagues on this critical work.

Abstract. Population-level data collection is crucial to advance Indigenous rights and sovereignty but requires localized approaches to develop representat