Resources for Indigenous Communities

There are resources to help Indigenous communities feel supported and to understand COVID-19 and pandemics. 

Here are a few:

• This website by the Government of Canada explains the financial benefits and supports available to Indigenous peoples during COVID-19.
   

• This virtual support hub on Indigenous wellbeing during COVID-19 by the Centre for WISE Practices in Indigenous Health offers support and wisdom for Indigenous peoples during this time. 
   

• The Hope for Wellness Counseling Service offers immediate mental health counseling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. More information here. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or use the chat box here to connect with a counselor on-line.
   

• The Native Women's Association of Canada's in-house elders are supporting people over the phone from Monday to Friday, 9-11 am EST and 1-3 pm EST. Toll-free telephone numbers are available on their website. 
   

• The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has created a COVID-19 online portal of important information for BC First Nations people, their healthcare providers, and community leaders. 
   

• The Yellowhead Institute's COVID-19 & Indigenous Communities: Information and Resources page includes policy briefs, infographics, and toolkits to help Indigenous communities address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
   

• This colouring book by cartoonist Ricardo Caté and the State of New Mexico shares important health guidelines from an Indigenous perspective. 
   

• The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affair's page on COVID-19 and Indigenous peoples includes statements, declarations, and recommendations on how to address Indigenous communities' needs during the pandemic. 
   

• Māori Everywhere's website shares resources and information on COVID-19 for Māori communities and organizations. 
   

• Safe on the Land, beautifully illustrated by Melaw Nakehk’o, shows ways Indigenous communities can be safe during COVID-19 (download available under More Resources). 
   

• In this video created during Covid-19, Isaac Murdoch shares Anishnaabe prophecy, knowledge and experience with pandemics. 
   

• Download these colouring sheets (for all ages!): Spirit Bear's Guide to First Nations Children and Families Staying Safe During COVID-19.