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Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program

Audio file
Description
ᐄᔨᔨᐅᔨᒧᐎᓐ | IIYIYIUYIMUWIN
Daisy Herodier-Bearskin talks about the IRS Support Helpline
Number to call for help

What is it?

The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program (IRS-RHSP) provides emotional and cultural support services to former Indian Residential School students and their family and intergenerational members. 

Who is it for?

The attempt to assimilate students though Indian Residential Schools led to a loss of the foundation of Cree Spiritual teachings necessary for life. This service helps former students and family members regain those teachings that are important to live a good life, miyuupimaatisiiwin. 

Where is it offered?

This program can be offered in the home, in a traditional setting (for example, a teepee), out on the land, or in a cabin. It is up to the client. Our Cree people believe that the land heals.   

What is it like?

Participants in the program receive traditional and spiritual teachings from elders, pastors, cultural support providers, traditional medicine people and peer counsellors. The program’s Resolution Health Support Workers (RHSW) provide emotional support and the Cultural Support Providers (CSP) help with the cultural support. 

The program also assists residential school survivors:  

  • Before, during and after their participation in Settlement Agreement processes 
  • With their Common Experience Payments and the Independent Assessment Process 
  • With their participation in Truth and Reconciliation Commission events and Commemoration activities. 
  • With the Indian Day School Settlements. 

Family members of the MMIW, missing and murdered indigenous women, including girls, boys and men, also receive support from the IRS-RHSP workers.

How long does it last?

The duration of these supports is up to the client and his/her family members.

How can I get this service?

You can get this service 

  • By contacting any mental health service provider, including visiting psychologists, therapists, or mental health workers; 
  • By contacting the Maanuuhiikuu (Mental Health Services) office; 
  • By contacting the support workers from your community (Maanuuhiikuu has a has list of these workers). 

For 24/7 mental health support, you can call Wiichiwaauwin Helpline. The Helpline staff can help you connect with IRS Support Workers and all the mental health support services we offer in every community.

Wiichihiiwaauwin (Mental Health) Helpline

Service available 24/7. Cree speakers and Elders are available upon request 

Where can I learn more?

For more information, contact your local CMC. 

 

Leadership

Support

Louise
Etapp Neeposh

IRS Emotional Support Worker - Oujé-Bougoumou
Maanuuhiikuu (Mental Health)

Stella
Moar Wapachee

IRS Emotional Support Worker - Nemaska
Maanuuhiikuu (Mental Health)

Francine
Moses

IRS Emotional Support Worker - Eastmain
Maanuuhiikuu (Mental Health)

Terry
Moses

IRS Cultural Support Worker - Eastmain
Maanuuhiikuu (Mental Health)

Ernie
Herodier

IRS Cultural Support Worker - Chisasibi
Maanuuhiikuu (Mental Health)

Bobby
Neacappo

IRS Cultural Support Worker - Chisasibi
Maanuuhiikuu (Mental Health)

Our Partners

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Grand Council of the Crees logo
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Santé et des Services sociaux logo
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Health Canada logo