Approaches to Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Classroom

Event Date & Time

Event Description

The Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing (IMHW) team, which is part of UBC Counselling Services, was developed out of a need for resource and counselling support for Indigenous students. The team draws from Two-Eyed Seeing approaches, inclusive of Western clinical/professional training and Indigenous knowledges, teachings, and practices. Join Hali and Kim for an introduction to IMHW services and the ways that mental health and wellbeing issues commonly emerge in the classroom. 

Exploring Issues: Trauma & Triggers and Indigenous Student Wellbeing 

In this session we encourage participants to think about the ways that Indigenous students may be impacted by UBC institutional structures, which replicate colonial systems, and show up in curriculum, course delivery, as well as classroom climates. 

How Do I Get Started? Creating Safer Classroom Climates and Decolonizing Curriculum 

Within this session we will explore IMHW’s approaches, which are grounded in cultural humility, self-determination, and decolonizing practices. We will explore issues that emerge in the classroom, such as the ways students may become triggered, how to recognize and reduce harmful situations, and resources for self-care. 

Facilitators 

• Hali McLennan, Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing Social Work Wellbeing Navigator, Counselling Services  
• Kim Bayer, Counsellor, Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing, Counselling Service