Mental health of Indigenous youth focus of symposium

The mental health of Indigenous youth will be the topic of a sold-out symposium taking place at the University of Calgary on May 3.

Honouring the Past and Embracing the Future: Mental Health and Indigenous Youth is hosted by the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education and the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

This symposium convenes Indigenous professionals, mental health practitioners, social workers, researchers and more as they share their experiences, insights and recommendations on mental health among Indigenous youth.

First Nations high school students will speak about their involvement in the successful HEADSTRONG program, which gives youth the ability to confront mental health stigma head-on.

Liberal leader Dr. David Swann will moderate an Indigenous panel of experts engaged in a forward-looking dialogue on how to nurture the mental wellbeing of Indigenous youth so they thrive into the future.

Participants will benefit through acquiring knowledge on strategies, practical tools, resources, approaches and mind-sets that they can adopt in their roles working with Indigenous youth.