To support the priority of mental wellness for First Nations across northern Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority partnered to host the Regional Mental Health Forum: Mapping the Way to Mental Wellness in Thunder Bay, Ontario on March 23-34, 2026.
The forum brought together regional leadership and frontline workers to strengthen partnerships and advance coordinated approaches to mental health and addictions care across First Nations communities.
Attendance included Elders, Youth and Women’s Councils, Health Directors, Crisis and Choose Life Coordinators, NNADAP workers, and members of the NAN Mental Health Task Force. The gathering was a space for dialogue, shared learning, and collaboration aimed at strengthening regional coordination and improving access to culturally grounded mental wellness supports.
As demand rapidly grows for mental health and addictions services across remote and northern communities, leaders are prioritizing improved collaboration, clearer service pathways, and stronger alignment between organizations and jurisdictions. Participants reviewed current mandates and services, identified gaps and overlaps, and explored coordinated approaches to crisis response and long-term wellness planning.
The Regional Mental Health Forum represents a pivotal opportunity to move from discussion to coordinated action. As communities continue to navigate complex mental health and addictions challenges, this gathering signals a unified commitment to strengthening partnerships, aligning mandates, and advancing culturally informed solutions that reflect the voices and priorities of First Nations. The forum’s outcomes will contribute to a more responsive, accountable, and community-driven mental wellness system across the region.
Miigwetch to all that attended and shared your voices, experiences, and knowledge.
Please note: A summary report from the meeting will be shared once it has been completed.
Resources
PDF versions of the presentations are available to download:
- Day 1: Amik ᐊᒥᐠ Launch of Public Awareness Joint Campaign – Moses Beaver Inquiry
- Day 1: Exploring a Nishnawbe Aski Nation Wide Recovery Network
- Day 1: Engagement Activity – Community Wellbeing Model and Discussion
- Day 1: NAN Crisis Response
- Day 1: SLFNHA Social Emergency Response
- Day 2: Current Tools Capacity Building and Training Opportunities
