World Mental Health Day
October 10th 2025 — Honouring Grief
On World Mental Health Day, Hope and Health acknowledges the deep grief carried across communities — grief that profoundly shapes our mental health and collective well-being.
By creating space for healing, we honour loss, nurture resilience, and help communities reclaim hope and wellness. These reflections remind us that mental health is not only personal — it is collective, rooted in connection, care, and the teachings that guide us forward.
In recognition of World Mental Health Day, we share the voice of Jamie Hunt, a proud member of the Matriarchs Advisory Circle with Hope and Health, who offers her reflections on mental health, healing, and the power of community care.
Jamie Hunt
Nugwa’a̱m T’sukwani, gayutła̱n lax̱ Tsax̱is.
Hello, my name is Jamie Hunt and I am from Fort Rupert. I am a proud member of the Matriarchs Advisory Circle with Hope and Health.
Today, as we recognize October 10th as World Mental Health Day, I want to share some important words. It’s so important that we create safe spaces and talk about mental health openly.
I work with our youth at our high school and see firsthand how vital it is to not only create those safe spaces, but also to be a safe person for them. My kids know they can always come to me with whatever they’re carrying, and I’ll do my best to support them. And if I can’t help directly, I’ll guide them to someone who can.
Every day, I tell my kids that I love them, that they matter, and that they are important. This helps root them, helps them feel grounded and it truly makes a world of difference for some of our youth.
This past year, I’ve struggled with my own mental health. But I’ve been working hard to get the help I need so I can work toward a better version of myself. I’ve learned that I can’t help others if I feel like I’m drowning. Taking time away from work to focus on my healing was difficult, but it was necessary and I know now how vital that step was.
Our elders have always shared teachings for these times ceremonies, ways to let go of what no longer serves us, so that we can move forward. They remind us to always know who we are, where we come from, and that our ancestors walk alongside us every single day.
My late grandfather would often say these words while praying at our community gatherings, and they continue to guide me:
Hiłałalisan's nalax galgapołaxan's sasam, tsutłama, hilukwine dłu'wida is ma'yutłami
“Fix the world, work together for our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and those yet to be born.”
Gilakas’la, Namugwis’wałe.
These words remind us that everything we do is for our children and for the generations still to come. This is why we must carry our elders teachings forward, and show our youth that mental health matters, and that we have the tools and ways within our culture to care for ourselves and one another.
Circle of Wellness
The Perspective on Health and Wellness, as depicted in the FNHA’s Circle of Wellness, reminds us that wellness begins at the center and radiates outward. It reflects the interconnection between the individual, community, and the world around us, honouring the teachings, relationships, and balance that shape true health. This image is not static; it is a living, adaptable reflection of wellness that can evolve to fit each Nation, family, and person.
Centre Circle – The Human Being
At the heart of the circle is the individual.
Wellness begins here, with each person taking responsibility for their own mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. When we nurture balance within ourselves, we strengthen the collective health of our families and communities.
Second Circle – Mental, Emotional, Spiritual, and Physical
These four aspects of wellness are inseparable.
True well-being comes from tending to each of these areas in harmony, listening to our emotions, feeding our spirits, moving our bodies, and grounding our minds. When all are strong, we experience balance.
Third Circle – Respect, Wisdom, Responsibility, and Relationships
These core values uphold and sustain wellness:
Respect: Acknowledging others, our Elders, and ourselves with care and consideration.
Wisdom: Honouring traditional knowledge, language, culture, and teachings.
Responsibility: To care for ourselves, our families, communities, and the land through leadership and example.
Relationships: Building and maintaining trust, love, and mutual support—both within ourselves and with others.
Fourth Circle – Land, Community, Family, and Nations
These are the people and places that hold us.
Land sustains us physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally, it is our identity and our teacher.
Community gives us belonging and shared purpose.
Family provides the foundation of support and care that extends beyond immediate relatives.
Nations connect us to the wider collective, our shared strength and continuity.
Fifth Circle – Social, Environmental, Cultural, and Economic
The outer circle represents the broader systems that impact wellness.
Social: Access to housing, food security, education, and health supports.
Environmental: Stewardship of land, air, and water for future generations.
Cultural: Connection to ceremony, language, and traditions that root us in belonging.
Economic: Sharing and sustaining resources responsibly to ensure community well-being.
Hope and Health: Living the Circle
At Hope and Health, this perspective guides the work—creating safe spaces for youth, families, and communities to heal, connect, and grow.
We recognize the collective grief and loss many communities face today, and we honour the wisdom that healing begins within the circle—starting with self-care, extending to community care, and grounded in the teachings of the land.
“When one is well, we are all well.”
Together, we walk in balance—mind, body, spirit, and heart.
You are not alone.
Reach out, connect, and access supports rooted in culture, care, and healing.
Credit here to First Peoples Wellness Circle - information sourced from FPWC Grief & Loss Toolkit. https://fpwc.ca/what-we-do/news/grief-loss-toolkit/
Helplines
Hope for Wellness Helpline
Available 24/7 to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Call 1-855-242-3310 or visit hopeforwellness.ca to chat online.
KUU-US First Nations & Aboriginal Crisis Line
“First Nations and Aboriginal Peoples helping First Nations and Aboriginal Peoples.”
Available 24/7 for Indigenous peoples in BC.
Adult/Elder: 250-723-4050
Child/Youth: 250-723-2040
Toll-Free: 1-800-588-8717
View Poster (PDF)
Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS)
Toll-Free: 1-800-721-0066
24-Hour Crisis Line: 866-925-4419
Resources
Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS)
Explore services and supports: irsss.ca/irsss-services
Programs include:
Resolution Health Support – Healing services for Survivors and families impacted by Residential Schools.
Cultural Support – Elders and Survivors offering ceremonies, teachings, and traditional healing.
2SLGBTQIA+ Support – Culturally safe counselling and crisis care.
MMIWG Support – Family assistance, grief counselling, and youth safety workshops.
Counselling Services – Emotional, mental, and spiritual support rooted in Indigenous values and ceremony.
Thunderbird Partnership Foundation
Website: thunderbirdpf.org
Thunderbird Wellness App
Learn more
Free on iOS and Google Play.
The app is grounded in Indigenous knowledge and supports healing, prevention, and harm reduction.
App Sections:
Wellness – Connection to creation, language, land, and ancestry.
Substances – Information on opioids, methamphetamine, cannabis, and more.
Surveys – Share experiences to inform prevention, treatment, and harm reduction.
A short 3-minute informational video is available on the website.
Native Wellness Assessment (NWA) Tool
Download here
A free, strength-based tool for Indigenous programs, education, or personal reflection.
Measures whole-person wellness using cultural strengths rather than deficits.
Citation: Thunderbird Partnership Foundation (2015). Native Wellness Assessment.
About Hope and Health
The Hope and Health movement utilizes the beautiful game of soccer and mentorship to inspire hope, as well as improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and life conditions for Indigenous children and youth. Our team is committed to come together as one heart, one mind to maximize sport as a tool for reconciliACTION and social impact in relation to the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls To Action, specific to Sports and Reconciliation (87-91) and beyond given the holistic benefits. Our vision is for Indigenous children and youth to carry themselves with pride and confidence, achieve their highest potential and dream big. Learn more here: https://www.hopeandhealth.org
For partnership interest and media enquiries please contact:
Deana Gill
Co-founder and CEO of Hope and Health
604-388-4673