Soar Above Stigma To Champion Messages Of Kindness, Acceptance, Culture, And Compassion For Indigenous Communities

Today, more than ever First Nations people suffer in silence with the ongoing battle against stigmas that affect their lives and mental health daily.

Three Indigenous Health organizations: First Peoples Wellness Circle, Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, and the First Nations Health Managers Association have partnered with NationTalk to create the Soar Above Stigma Campaign. This campaign champions Kindness, Acceptance, Culture and Compassion for First Nations peoples across Turtle Island. The campaign has been created with the intention of easing the tension of stigma due to fears surrounding Covid-19, along with escalating mental health issues, and substance abuse due to addictions. By sharing Indigenous voices and perspectives the campaign aims to propel Indigenous values of hope, belonging, meaning, and purpose. Together, these organizations formed the Soar Above Stigma campaign to support our communities when they need it most.

Research shows that when we are isolated, we experience more depression, anxiety, loneliness and physical ailments than when we are surrounded by a caring community. Many individuals avoid seeking treatment or support with managing mental health or addictions due to fear of being discriminated against and stigmatized. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we have all had to follow self-isolation protocols, creating ...