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Through the Crisis TEXT Line powered by Kids Help Phone, Indigenous youth and adults now have the option of connecting with First Nations, Inuit and Métis crisis responders when available!

Simply text "First Nations" "Metis" or "Inuit" to 68 68 68 (youth) or 741 741 (adults) and individuals will be connected with a corresponding crisis responder if available.

Here's an example of how this will work…

If a Métis young person would like to speak with a Métis crisis responder, they would text "Metis" to 68 68 68 and they will be transferred to a Métis crisis responder if one is available. If a Métis crisis responder is not available, they will be transferred to an Indigenous crisis responder from another nation. If no Indigenous crisis responders are available, the texter will be connected with a non-Indigenous crisis responder.

As more Indigenous people apply and advance through our comprehensive crisis responder training, more and more people will be able to connect with a crisis responder from their Indigenous group or Nation if they wish. If you would like to apply to be a crisis responder, please complete the application here and note that applications are only open to Indigenous individuals at this time.

A little background on this initiative…

After engaging with Inuit, First Nations and Métis youth in early 2020 (see the full report here) we learned how important it is for Indigenous youth to have the option to connect with Indigenous crisis responders. In response, we took action #6 of Finding Hope: Kids Help Phone's Action Plan for Supporting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Young People one step further to offer this choice.

In accordance with the guiding principles of Finding Hope, this initiative also takes a distinctions-based approach by recognizing the distinct needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

Kids Help Phone
Indigenous Initiatives Network

Thank you,

Shannon Laflamme

Coordinator, Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Initiatives

shannon.laflamme@fraserhealth.ca

Cell: 778-240-3649

We recognize Fraser Health provides care on the unceded and traditional homelands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka'pamux Nations

If you are in crisis, KUU-US can help. Available 24/7. Call now: 1-800-KUU-US17.

Adult/Elder Crisis Line: 250-723-4050

Child/Youth Crisis Line: 250-723-2040

Métis Crisis Line: 1-833-MÉTIS-BC