WINNIPEG – Bell Let’s Talk is donating $240,000 to the Behavioural Health Foundation (BHF) to support Indigenous programming as a core component of holistic residential treatment for adults and families affected by addictions and co-occurring mental health issues.
Indigenous healing at BHF incorporates a wide range of culturally-relevant programs including naming and healing ceremonies, full moon and pipe ceremonies, spring, summer, fall and winter ceremonies, sweat lodges, women's sweats, grieving sweats, medicine picking, drumming, traditional teachings, sharing circles, Ghost Dance, and Sundance, as well as mentoring, traditional counselling and support for adults and families. Traditional programming offers meaningful help to those members of the community who, for many reasons, are not comfortable or well-served by mainstream therapy.
With the support of Bell Let's Talk, BHF will be able to offer services to approximately 150 people annually. Bell Let's Talk funding will also allow 50 BHF staff members to take part in Indigenous cultural training.
"Bell Let's Talk is proud to support Behavioural Health Foundation's Indigenous programming and the vital support it offers people living with mental health issues," said Bell Let's Talk chair Mary Deacon, in the news release. "Behavioural Health Foundation is making a real difference in Winnipeg's Indigenous community and we look forward to working with them to help expand their mental health programming for more people in need of care."
