Course objectives
This course will be delivered in Sagkeeng First Nation and will be sponsored through the Sagkeeng Health Centre. The co-facilitators will be Linda Courchene and Jodie Sanderson. The training facility will be at the Sagkeeng Health Centre and will be open to Sagkeeng Community Band members. Cost will be waived with Sagkeeng First Nation membership. A light lunch and beverages will be available daily. Successful participants will achieve a Mental Health First Aid First Nations certificate from the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
The MHFA First Nations course is intended for First Nations however; is also recommended for anyone that works with First Nations. This course can be delivered wherever there is a need, such as a First Nations community, urban organization, rural and remote. It is especially important to note this is not a culturally competency or cultural sensitivity course. It is expected that anyone who takes the MHFA First Nations course will already have an existing and ongoing relationship with First Nations people and communities. It 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.
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 EAGLES to guide the process of implementing the six 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 6 basic actions of EAGLES:
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
Self-Care: Practice self-care
EAGLES is the framework for having a confident conversation about mental health with family, friends, colleagues, and strangers.
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
To register: lfontaine@sagkeenghealth.com
