NDTR 2025 Support Resources
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025
Support Resources
We acknowledge that the topics discussed today are difficult. We encourage you to seek support if needed.
- A quiet space is available in MSB 190 if you need to step out at any time.
Support resources are available through:
- Elders and cultural supports from the Indigenous Student Centre may be accessed by students via virtual and in-person appointment; contact the Centre by phone (519 661-4095), email or by connecting with Mandy Bragg at the Centre.
- Faculty and staff can also invite an Elder to their classroom or event to facilitate debrief circles and offer support. Consider how to meaningfully engage Elders beyond providing openings and ad hoc support. Review the Guidelines for Working with Indigenous Community Members before reaching out. Please contact Paula Hedgepeth (phedgepe@uwo.ca) or Sara Mai Chitty (saramai.chitty@uwo.ca) with your course, or event, reason for seeking to invite an Elder, and applicable dates. Requests will be reviewed and a response within one business week – however, a minimum of four weeks of notice to plan on your behalf is preferred. Please note we may not be able to accommodate everyone.
- Crisis Health & Wellness supports (including Mental Health Support) is available via Western’s Student Crisis Contact Information
- Off-campus support is also available via Atlohsa’s Family Healing Services and the 24-hour Crisis Line at 1-800-605-7477.
- The National Indian Residential School crisis line is available to provide 24/7 support to Residential School survivors and others who are affected: 1-866-925-4419
- Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada. Online chat function is available (Home - Hope for Wellness Helpline) as well as their phone line: 1-855-242-3310.
- Faculty and staff can also invite an Elder to their classroom or event to facilitate debrief circles and offer support. Consider how to meaningfully engage Elders beyond providing openings and ad hoc support. Review the Guidelines for Working with Indigenous Community Members before reaching out. Please contact Paula Hedgepeth (phedgepe@uwo.ca) or Sara Mai Chitty (saramai.chitty@uwo.ca) with your course, or event, reason for seeking to invite an Elder, and applicable dates. Requests will be reviewed and a response within one business week – however, a minimum of four weeks of notice to plan on your behalf is preferred. Please note we may not be able to accommodate everyone.
Western University Health and Well-Being Resources:
• Western’s Student Crisis Contact Information
• Western University Employee Crisis Contact Information
• Health and Wellness Services (Students)
• Mental Health and Well-Being Resources (Human Resources)
