Mental Health First Aid First Nations is designed to provide an opportunity for First Nations participants and others who work with First Nations to learn and have serious conversations about mental health and wellness. Participants will reflect on their life experiences, acknowledge the historical context of the colonization of Canada and move forward to address and explore ways to restore balance on a journey to mental health and wellness.

Key outcomes:

• Increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of the most common mental health problems

• Increase awareness of the pathways to recovery

• Increase confidence and skills to help those developing a mental health problem or in crisis

Crisis first aid skills learned:

• Substance Overdose

• Acute stress reaction

• Panic attack

• Suicidal behavior

• Self-harm

• Psychotic episode

Course Model:

For many First Nations across Turtle Island (Canada), the eagle has a very prominent place and role. The eagle is most often seen as the messenger to the Creator and for this reason we use the acronym (EAGLE) to guide the process of implementing the five basic actions of providing mental health support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis or to prevent a mental crisis from worsening until professional help can be found.

In the MHFA course, you will gain a solid understanding of the 5 basic actions of EAGLE:

Engage and Evaluate the risk of suicide or harm
Assist the person to seek professional help
Give reassurance and information
Listen without judgment
Encourage self-help strategies and gather community supports

EAGLE is the framework for having a confident conversation about mental health with family, friends, colleagues, and strangers.

Important Course Information:

MATERIALS: Bring whatever office supplies you require to help your learning style, e.g. pen, post-it notes, highlighters, etc.

NO SCENT POLICY: Please refrain from wearing/using scented products (e.g. perfumes, colognes, hair styling products, hand cream, body lotions etc.).

BREAKS: There will be two 15-minute breaks and a 45-minute lunch break each day.

CATERING: Lunch, snacks, and refreshments will be provided each day. If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, please let us know asap**.

ACCESSIBILITY: Please inform us of any access needs we need to meet or consider in order to maximize your full participation during the course.

CERTIFICATION: In order to receive a MHFA certificate of completion, you must be present for the entire scheduled training.

MISCONDUCT: If a participant is disruptive, disrespectful, rude, and otherwise negatively contributes to the unfolding of the course in any way, the instructors have the right to ask the participant to leave the course and the participant will not receive a MHFA certificate of completion.

**If you have any questions or to provide your dietary restrictions, please email Elaina Moss: elaina.moss@cmha.bc.ca

Canadian Mental Health Association would like to thank Tsleil-Waututh Nation for hosting Mental Health First Aid First Nations on their traditional lands