Media.Knet.Ca

KO Telehealth, KO Mental Health, and The Centre for Addictions and Mental Health have provided to students, a First Nations adapted video-conference and on-line computer course titled, “Fundamentals of Mental Health”. Students have participated from the communities of Nibinamik, Bearskin Lake, Muskrat Dam, Keewaywin, Fort Severn, North Spirit Lake, Deer Lake and Poplar Hill. The following modules were covered:

Module 1 – Orientation
Module 2 – Introduction to Physical and Mental Health
Module 3 – Health Promotion
Module 4 – Assessment
Module 5 – Mood Disorders
Module 6 – Anxiety Disorders
Module 7 – Schizophrenia
Module 8 – Course Summary

Students expressed their appreciation for this community-based learning approach and wish to continue with future training opportunities. Instructor Mahreen Hassan said it was a pleasure to teach this class. She expressed her appreciation for the student’s participation, sharing their knowledge, and openness to learning.

Cheryl Klassen closed the student recognition video-conference with these words:

“I want to thank you all for trying a new way of learning. Together we have tried and tested these new learning tools and are developing best practice recommendations. More importantly we have learnt the how’s and why’s in addressing a variety of emotional health concerns. We have stretched our way of thinking and as a result this will enhance the health of our communities.”

See attached ceremony pictures from Bearskin Lake as Linda Day, and Wayne Brown receive their Certificates from Band Councillor, George Chapman.

CALL for LETTERS of INTEREST

Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO), the Northern Chiefs Council, is seeking Letters of Interest from experienced consultants to facilitate a community consultation process on how the tribal council can better support and assist the member First Nations communities in Ontario’s far north.

Email Letters of Interest to KORI.

“Saving Lives, Restoring Hope” Suicide Prevention Banner project celebrates community artistry and dedicates banners to continued suicide prevention.

Click here to view pictures of the banners.

The “Saving Lives, Restoring Hope” Banner project built relationships between community youth, elders, and health staff as they planned and painted together.  Art has long been a means of expressing thoughts and feelings.  This project addressed issues of suicide prevention and elimination through artistic expression.  The theme “Saving Lives, Restoring hope” is the ultimate goal.  The project was community-based therefore, the way the project was conducted in each community varied.  Some communities offered prizes, while others had special speakers, rallies, and walks concurrently during the banner painting.  Regional prizes were offered to youth and adults who emailed digital pictures for competition.  See the variety of posters below.  All posters belong to the communities and are a reminder of the goal “Saving Lives, Restoring Hope”.  You may find these banners stitched together in the nursing station, band office, health office, Northern Store or youth centre in your community.  The stitched banners symbolize the bond between all people in the community as they “Save Lives, Restore Hope”.

This has been a collaborative effort.  We thank Nishnawbe Aski Nation for funding the project.  We thank the following donors who have given regional prizes for this project:

KiHS, KO Home & Community Care Program, KO Mental Health  Program, KO Telehealth, KO Tobacco Intervention Program, K-Net - SchoolNet initiative, The Source – Red Lake, Wasaya, Wawatay.