Assembly of First Nations to Host National Mental Wellness Policy Forum

Assembly of First Nations to Host National Mental Wellness Policy Forum

March 24, 2015

(Ottawa, ON):  Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde will open the national Mental Wellness Policy Forum taking place March 25 and 26 in Winnipeg, MB.

DATE:                 Wednesday March 25, 2015
TIME:                  9:00 a.m. CT (National Chief Perry Bellegarde Opening Remarks)
LOCATION:        Delta Winnipeg Hotel
350 St. Mary Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3J2

Hosted by AFN, the two-day forum will gather more than 350 First Nation leaders, health directors and technicians to participate in educational sessions and workshops focused on the outcomes of good mental health.  Under the theme:  “Hope, Meaning, Belonging and Purpose”, forum delegates will hear from experts in the field, learn about existing mental wellness activities taking place across the country and discuss Non-Insured Health Benefits as it relates to mental wellness.

Forum highlights include an overview of the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework developed in partnership with Health Canada, the National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation and the Native Mental Health Association, and workshops dedicated to youth suicide prevention and addressing racism in health care.  A full agenda is available at: http://health.afn.ca/uploads/files/mw_draft_agenda_(9).pdf

Delegate registration is closed. The Forum will be webcast at the following link starting at 8:30 a.m. CT Wednesday March 25 http://www.ustream.tv/channel/health-meeting.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

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For more information please contact:

Jenna Young, AFN Communications Officer (613) 241-6789 ext 401 or (613) 314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer (613) 241-6789 ext 382 or (613) 292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca