MHFA: First Nations
Culturally relevant support
Promote balance and well-being in First Nations communities.
This course was created in collaboration with First Nations communities to reflect their unique cultural values, traditions, and experiences. It goes beyond the standard curriculum by integrating First Nations worldviews, emphasizing balance, interconnectedness, and holistic wellness. Developed with input from First Nations leaders and mental health experts, it acknowledges historical and ongoing challenges while focusing on community strengths and resilience. Through culturally relevant teachings, it provides practical tools to support mental wellness and restore balance.
Who is it for? Intended for First Nations participants and those working with First Nations communities.
Course structured for impact
Module 1
Understanding Mental Health and the Need for MHFA First Nations
• The 6 Actions of EAGLES
• Indigenous Culture and Wellness
• Historical Loss and Trauma
• Walking in Two Worlds
• Trauma and Intergenerational Resiliency
• Mental Health and MHFA
• Stigma
Module 2
What is a Mood-related Disorder?
• EAGLES for Mood-related Disorders,
• Body, Spirit,
• Mind, and Heart,
• Circle of Support,
• Walking in Two Worlds
Module 3
What is Suicide?
• EAGLES for Suicidal Behaviour
• Walking in Two Worlds
• Body, Spirit, Mind, and Heart
• Crisis First Aid for Suicidal Behaviour
• Circle of Support
Module 4
What are Substance-Related Disorders?
• EAGLES Substance-Related Disorders
• Walking in Two Worlds
• Body, Spirit, Mind, and Heart
• Crisis First Aid for Overdose
• Circle of Support
Module 5
What is Self-harm?
• EAGLES for Self-Harm
• Walking in Two Worlds
• Body, Spirit, Mind, and Heart
• Crisis First Aid for Self-harm
• Circle of Support
Module 6
What are Anxiety-related and Trauma-related Disorders?
• EAGLES for Anxiety-Related and Trauma-Related Disorders
• Walking in Two Worlds
• Body, Spirit, Mind, and Heart
• Crisis First Aid for Acute Stress Reactions
• Circle of Support
Module 7
What are Psychotic Disorders?
• EAGLES for Psychotic Disorders
• Walking in Two Worlds
• Body, Spirit, Mind, and Heart
• Crisis First Aid for Psychotic Disorders
• Circle of Support
Module 8
Building a Community of Wellness
• Community Mobilization
• Walking in Two Worlds
• Strengthening the Circle of Support
• Recovery in Community
Learn how to use EAGLES
EAGLES is a simple and essential Action Plan that helps a Mental Health First Aider provide support until professional help is available.
- Engage and evaluate the risk of suicide or harm
- Assist the person to seek professional help
- Give reassurance and information
- Listen without judgement
- Self Care practice self care
Flexible learning options to meet your needs
- Virtual Classes: Facilitated on-line session for 8 to 15 participants
- In-Person Classes: Facilitated session for 8 to 25 participants
Mental Health First Aid Training Options
When training reflects real experiences from a community, the impact becomes even more meaningful. In addition to MHFA First Nations, we offer a suite of tailored MHFA courses.
Become a Certified MHFA Facilitator
The Facilitator Certification Training is designed for people who want to offer the MHFA course in the communities, workplaces or organizations. As a Certified MHFA facilitator you will join the Opening Minds Facilitator Community that is over 1000 people strong across Canada.
Mental Health First Aid Case Studies
Learn more about how MHFA is helping to transform mental wellness in organizations across Canada.
