THUNDER BAY – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler will share a First Nation’s perspective on challenges and opportunities in Indigenous mental health as a keynote speaker at a national forum in Australia this week.
“I am honoured to be invited to join with leaders from around the world to exchange experiences and approaches to address Indigenous mental health. This is a great opportunity to learn from one another,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “There are many similarities between the Indigenous Peoples of Canada and Australia. We are making progress to address longstanding issues facing our communities, and I look forward to sharing some of the work happening in our Nation.”
As one of 30 leaders, Fiddler will present Examining the Suicide Crisis Among Canada’s Indigenous Communities, addressing the following key areas:
- Identifying the causes of mental health issues among Indigenous people (especially youth)
- Development of long-term strategies to tackle root causes
- Examining the federal government’s role and response to changing the health-care system
- Development of initiatives to deliver effective services in First Nation communities
Held February 21-23 in Perth, the Second National Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum will help Indigenous leaders develop culturally appropriate service delivery programs that better meet the needs of their people.
