With June being Indigenous History Month, YouthLine wants to recognize the ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on 2SLGBTQ+ Indigenous youth, living in what is often referred to as Ontario.
While many folks are putting up rainbow Pride flags this month, we acknowledge the valid experiences of grief, sadness, anger, and rage brought about by the one-year anniversary of the recovery of unmarked graves on the grounds of residential schools across Turtle Island.
Now and always, YouthLine centers and affirms Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, and Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ youth, who deserve safety and affirmation at all times, in all places, and in every way possible.
If you’re looking for support during this time, we encourage you to check out the following resources:
Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line
This 24-hour crisis line is for survivors of residential schools and their families.
Call 1-800-721-0066 if you are experiencing pain or distress.
First Nations and Inuit Hope For Wellness Helpline
The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers anonymous 24/7 immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Experienced and culturally competent counsellors can help if you want to talk. Phone and chat counselling are available in both English and French. On request, phone counselling is also available in: Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
Phone (Toll Free): 1-855-242-3310
Web/Online Chat: Visit their website here
2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations
2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations are a non profit social service organization that provides prevention education and support for 2-Spirit, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit people living with or at risk for HIV and related co-infections in the Greater Toronto Area. They base their work on Indigenous philosophies of wholistic health and wellness.
They offer counselling & Elder supports, available upon request. Email support@2spirits.org to schedule, and check out their website here.
Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN): You Are Made of Medicine
This peer support manual is written by and for Indigiqueer, Two-Spirit, and LGBTQ+ and Gender Non-Conforming Indigenous youth. It gives some tips, strategies, and accessible, cheap and/or free resources to manage mental health and wellness! Check out their manual here.
Niizhaayek Alliance
Niizhaayek Alliance is a First Nation youth organization that aims to reduce stigma and risks associated with being part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community through engaging First Nation youth in informative workshops, amplifying 2SLGBTQ+ voices, and in the development of an annual Ontario-wide First Nation 2SLGBTQ+ youth gathering.
Find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Nishnawbe Aski Mental Health Wellness Support Access Program (NAN Hope)
Nishnawbe Aski Mental Health Wellness Support Access Program (NAN Hope) is a First-Nations led program that provides community-driven, culturally appropriate and timely mental health and addictions support to members of the 49 First Nations communities in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Territory in northern Ontario.
Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy
Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy (OAHAS) staff work with community members and families to access the basic needs for optimal health, including income, housing, food, employment, and positive working conditions as well as providing safer sex and harm reduction supplies within the community. They also provide access to Elders, ceremonies, and medicines.
Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres
The OFIFC represents the collective interests of 29 Friendship Centres in cities and towns across the province. Friendship Centres are places for community members and Indigenous people living in urban spaces to gather, connect with one another and receive culturally based services.
Ontario Native Women’s Association
The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is a not for profit organization to empower and support all Indigenous women and their families in the province of Ontario through research, advocacy, policy development and programs that focus on local, regional and provincial activities.
In addition, our HelpLine is here if you need to talk:
Phone: Mondays & Tuesdays @ 6 PM – 9 PM, at 1-800-268-9688
Text: Sunday to Friday @ 4 PM – 9:30PM, at 647-694-4275
Chat: Sunday to Friday @ 4 PM – 9:30 PM – Click the Chat button at the bottom or top of the page
