Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ Health and Cultural Support Program
Access to cultural and emotional support services and mental health counselling for Survivors, their families, and Indigenous People impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People.
Content Warning!
This webpage deals with topics which may negatively impact the reader due to its subject matter. If you are a Survivor, a family member, or Indigenous person impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People, trauma-informed supports are available to you.
For immediate emotional assistance, call the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649.
Family members seeking information about their missing or murdered loved one(s) can access Family Information Liaison Units.
On this page
About the program
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People Health and Cultural Support Program was implemented in 2018, partly in response to the Interim Report of the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. It funds access to community-based, trauma-informed cultural and emotional support services and mental health counselling.
Who is eligible
Survivor, their families, Intergenerational Survivors and Indigenous people impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People are eligible for services from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People Health and Cultural Support Program regardless of status or place of residence within Canada. Family members and Intergenerational Survivors can include:
- parents or guardians
- a spouse or partner
- anyone who was raised by someone who has been Missing or Murdered
- anyone in a household of someone who has been impacted by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People
In some cases, non-Indigenous people who have been directly impacted may be allowed to access support. Regions have the discretion to approve or deny these services as these services are prioritized for Indigenous Peoples.
People who may be eligible include:
- relatives
- friends
- caregivers
- classmates
- coworkers
- others who have/had a close and personal relationship with someone who is missing or was murdered.
If you are not eligible for this program, you may be eligible for other support service programs under the Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Program.
Services available
Cultural supports
Cultural support providers are Elders, Knowledge Holders and Traditional Healers who are recognized and respected by their communities. Cultural support providers safely explore and address issues related to trauma. They type of support they offer depends on the needs of each individual and may include, but is not limited to:
- traditional healing
- ceremonies
- teachings and dialogue
- Elder services
- prayers
- other traditional practices
Cultural support providers are provided by local Indigenous organizations.
Emotional support
Emotional support workers are trained and experienced, community-based workers or peer supports. Emotional support workers create a safe space where clients can express their feelings. The type of support they offer depends on the needs of each individual and may include, but is not limited to:
- dialogue
- awareness and information
- system navigation and referrals
- peer-support
- providing tools and resources to help with emotional reactions/triggers
Emotional support workers are provided by local Indigenous organizations.
Mental health counselling
Mental health counselling service providers are registered psychologists and registered social workers who are:
- in good standing with their provincial or territorial regulatory body
- registered with Indigenous Services Canada
They help individuals and families heal from trauma related to the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People.
Mental health counselling services can be offered in individual, family or group sessions. Eligibility for mental health counselling in British Columbia may be different from the rest of Canada. For any questions about eligibility in that province, please contact the First Nations Health Authority's First Nations Health Benefits and Services.
For service providers: Forms related to mental health counselling are available on the Indigenous Services Canada Forms webpage.
Transportation
Assistance with medical transportation may be offered when cultural support services and mental health counselling are not locally available.
Accessing services
Please contact the ISC regional office or designated health authority in your province or territory to access services through the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Health and Cultural Support Program.
If you are in British Columbia, contact the First Nations Health Authority.
Other support service programs
Other trauma-informed health support services are available. You may be eligible for support services under the following programs:
- Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program
- Federal Indian Day Schools Health and Cultural Support Program
- Expanded Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Program
- First Nations Child and Family Services, and Jordan's Principle Settlement Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Services
- Federal Indian Hospitals (Hardy) Settlement Support Services