SE First Nations Inuit and Metis Program

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July 24th is International Self-Care Day!

Self-care is more than an occasional treat. It's an ongoing practice of caring for our physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing so that we can show up for ourselves, our families, our communities, and one another.

Today, we invite you to take a moment to check-in with yourself and explore self-care through one (or more) of these interconnected approaches:

🌿Physical Self-Care: Move your body through walking, stretching, or any other physical activity you enjoy. Prioritize your rest and sleep. Nourish yourself with food and hydration that helps you feel your best.

🌿Mental Self-Care: Take breaks throughout your day. Practice mindfulness, reflection or try journaling. Take some deep breaths. Set healthy boundaries and make space for activities that bring you joy.

🌿Social Self-Care: Connect with family, friends, Elders, colleagues or community members. Reach out to someone you haven't spoken to in a while. Go for a walk with a friend. Participate in community gatherings, cultural events, or shared activities. Share a meal with someone you love.

🌿Spiritual Self-Care: Spend time outside and connect with the land and nature. Engage in cultural practices, teachings, ceremony, or prayer if meaningful to you. Reflect on gratitude, purpose, and the relationships that sustain you.

Self-care looks different for everyone. The most important thing is finding practices that support your wellbeing and help you feel connected, balanced and grounded.

What's one way you'll practice self-care today?🌿

Learn more about the importance of self-care by visiting the International Self-Care Foundation's website: https://isfglobal.org/

We are extremely proud to announce that the SE Health First Nations, Inuit and Métis Program's Indigenous Care Coordination and Case Management Program is now fully accredited by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA-AIIC)!

The Indigenous Care Coordination and Case Management Program is a comprehensive program designed to equip participants with foundational skills for providing wholistic, integrated support to clients, families and communities. The program emphasizes a wholistic approach to care, ensuring that participants develop practical skills to address unique needs and improve service accessibility for Indigenous populations.

Here's what some learners had to say about the Indigenous Care Coordination and Case Management Program:

- "The instructors connected with everyone and made a safe environment for us."
- "Great coverage of the topics."
- "I appreciated the videos and sharing from others in similar roles."

Learn more about the program here: https://fnim.sehc.com/indigenous-education-programs-and-services/indigenous-care-coordination-program/

SE Health is proud of our long-standing, collaborative relationship with the CNA, and we are thankful to them for their continued partnership in this meaningful process.

By taking a CNA-accredited course through SE Health, learners can earn nationally recognized CPD hours that are widely accepted by employers and provincial and territorial regulatory bodies across Canada, and have confidence that the program meets rigorous national quality standards.⁠
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By choosing a CNA-accredited course through SE Health, learners benefit from:⁠
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⭐️ Nationally recognized CPD hours that support professional growth and lifelong learning;⁠
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⭐️ Education that has undergone a rigorous, independent quality review;⁠
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⭐️ Learning experiences designed to be culturally relevant, practical, and grounded in current evidence;⁠
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⭐️ Increased confidence that the program aligns with Canadian nursing practice standards.⁠

We are thrilled to share a belated welcome to our newest Education Liaison on the First Nations, Inuit and Métis program team, Charlene Frechette!

Charlene, whose spirit name is Red Tail Hawk Woman, is a proud member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation in Treaty 5 Territory. She is a Registered Nurse with more than 30 years of experience working alongside First Nations communities, with a career dedicated to community health, public health, primary care, nursing education, and advancing culturally safe, Indigenous-informed care.

Charlene is passionate about building meaningful relationships, supporting Indigenous health and wellness, and empowering healthcare professionals through education and collaboration. She is happily married to her soulmate and is the proud mother of three grown sons. Her greatest joy is spending time with her energetic two-year-old grandson, who has completely stolen her heart.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Charlene to the team! 💜

Explore, learn, and stay connected with Indigenous health topics all year long through the SE Health First Nations, Inuit and Métis Program YouTube channel ()!

Missed one of our National Indigenous History Month webinars? Recordings are now available to watch on demand, featuring meaningful conversations, shared knowledge and perspectives from Indigenous leaders, healthcare professionals, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community collaborators.

Whether you're looking to continue your learning journey or revisit a session that inspired you, our YouTube channel offers accessible educational resources that support culturally safe care and Indigenous health and wellness!

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: https://www.youtube.com/

Each year on July 10th, we recognize the anniversary of the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, also known as Treaty No. 29. The treaty was signed between representatives of the British Crown and eighteen Anishinaabe Chiefs, covering more than two million acres of land across what is now colonially known as southwestern Ontario. The agreement continues to shape the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and settlers, and remains an important part of the history of this region.

Treaties are more than historical documents. They are living agreements that carry ongoing rights, responsibilities and relationships. The Huron Tract Treaty serves as a reminder of the importance of honouring treaty commitments, respecting Indigenous sovereignty, and learning about the histories that continue to influence our communities today.

On this anniversary, we encourage everyone to take time to learn about the treaty lands they live, work, and gather on, and to reflect on how we can all contribute to meaningful reconciliation and respectful nation-to-nation relationships. 🌿

Today, July 9th, we recognize Nunavut Day, a celebration of Inuit self-determination, culture, and the creation of Nunavut as Canada's newest territory! The day commemorates the passage of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act and the Nunavut Act by Parliament in 1993, marking a historic milestone on the path to establishing Nunavut in 1999.

Nunavut Day is celebrated across the territory through community gatherings, cultural performances, traditional games, music, storytelling, feasts and opportunities to learn about the history, languages and cultures of Nunavummiut. It is a time to honour the enduring strength, leadership and contributions of Inuit Peoples, while celebrating the vibrant communities, knowledge systems, and traditions that continue to shape Nunavut and Canada.

We encourage everyone to take time to learn more about Inuit history, culture, and the significance of Nunavut in advancing Inuit self-determination! 💙

As we come to the end of June, we recognize that learning about Indigenous histories, cultures and achievements is only one part of the journey.

National Indigenous History Month invites us to reflect on how we show up as allies, through our actions, our relationships and our ongoing commitment to learning and respect. Allyship is not a one-time act, but an ongoing practice grounded in listening, humility and accountability. There are many meaningful ways to support Indigenous communities and contribute to reconciliation in our personal and professional lives. Allyship can take many forms including, but not limited to:

🌿Continuous Learning: Take time to learn from Indigenous voices including authors, artists, Knowledge Keepers and community leaders. Prioritize sources that are Indigenous-led and grounded in lived experience.

🌿Listening and Reflecting: Create space to listen to Indigenous perspectives without interruption or assumption. Reflect on what you learn and how it connects to your role, your work and your responsibilities throughout your life.

🌿Building Respectful Relationships: Engage with Indigenous communities in ways that are respectful, community-driven, and rooted in reciprocity. Recognize that trust and relationships take time.

🌿Amplifying Indigenous Voices: Share and uplift Indigenous-led initiatives, stories, businesses and organizations. Use your platform and voice to support Indigenous leadership and visibility.

🌿Supporting Indigenous-Led Organizations: Seek out and support organizations that are led by Indigenous communities, whether through participation, partnership, or learning opportunities.

To continue your learning beyond Indigenous History Month, here are a few resources to explore:

🌿 Engage with the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Program’s learning opportunities, resources and initiatives. Access these free courses today:
• Indigenous Cultural Safety Course - https://fnim.sehc.com/professional-learning/indigenous-cultural-safety/
• Métis People and Health Course - https://fnim.sehc.com/indigenous-education-programs-and-services/metis-people-and-health-course/

🌿 Explore resources, Survivor stories, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action: https://nctr.ca/about/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada/

🌿 Learn about the traditional territories, languages and treaties connected to the land where you live, work and play: https://native-land.ca/

🌿 Follow Canada’s largest Indigenous newswire, event and business tender service: https://nationtalk.ca/

🌿 Read books such as ‘Ally is a Verb’ by Rose LeMay to understand how to be a better ally to your Indigenous colleagues, community members and friends: https://the-irg.ca/ally-is-a-verb/

Allyship is a lifelong learning journey. Each step we take, no matter how small, contributes to building more respectful relationships and advancing reconciliation in meaningful ways. As we move beyond this month, we invite you to carry this learning forward. Your continued curiosity, openness and commitment to allyship and reconciliation play an important role in shaping a more inclusive and culturally safe environment for all.

Happy Canadian Multiculturalism Day! 💜

Today, we celebrate the rich diversity that shapes communities across Canada. We honour the many cultures, languages, traditions and experiences that contribute to a vibrant and inclusive society. Observed each year on June 27, this day recognizes the cultural communities that help build a strong and thriving nation.

Multiculturalism is one of Canada’s greatest strengths. It creates opportunities for connection, learning and shared understanding. It reminds us that our differences are not only to be respected, but embraced as a source of collective growth and belonging.

As we celebrate, we also reaffirm our commitment to equity, inclusion and mutual respect. Building truly inclusive spaces is an ongoing responsibility.

Let’s continue to learn from one another, uplift diverse voices, and celebrate the cultures that make Canada and our communities stronger together!

As we continue with recognizing National Indigenous History Month, it is essential that we recognize Indigenous achievements as an important part of reconciliation. For generations, Indigenous Peoples contributions have been overlooked or underrepresented. By uplifting these stories, we not only honour individual accomplishments, but also acknowledge the strength, leadership, creativity and innovation that continues to shape communities across Canada.

Below are a few individuals whose leadership and impact continue to inspire:

🌿 The Right Honourable Mary Simon: Mary Simon made history in 2021 as Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General. An Inuk leader from Nunavik, she has spent her career advancing Inuit rights, culture, and youth, and amplifying Indigenous voices on the global stage.Her leadership continues to build bridges and elevate Indigenous voices across Canada and globally.

🌿 The Honourable Murray Sinclair: Murray Sinclair, an Anishinaabe leader from Peguis First Nation, dedicated his life to truth, justice, and reconciliation. As Chief Commissioner of the TRC, he helped honour Survivors’ voices and guide Canada forward through the 94 Calls to Action. His legacy continues to guide Canada’s ongoing journey toward truth, healing, and reconciliation.

🌿 Christi Belcourt: Christi Belcourt is a celebrated Métis artist whose work reflects the beauty of the natural world and the strength of Indigenous cultures. She is a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship, cultural revitalization, and community connection. In 2014 Christi Belcourt co-founded the Onaman Collective, which aims to preserve traditional knowledge, language and teachings, while working to connect Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders with Indigenous youth, and engages in advocacy around water protection.

These individuals represent just a small number of the many Indigenous leaders, artists, knowledge keepers, and innovators whose contributions continue to shape communities across Canada.

Celebrating Indigenous achievements is not only about looking to the past. It is also about recognizing the ongoing leadership, creativity, and resilience present in Indigenous communities today.

Don’t forget to register for the FREE webinar series for National Indigenous History Month. The third webinar being held on June 29, 2026, at 12:00pm EST, will feature Labrador Inuk nurse, Hilary Fry, who will share her lived experience and understanding of Inuit health in Canada. Registration is required. https://fnim.sehc.com/event/indigenous-history-month-3-part-webinar-series-june-1-2026/