December 5th, 2025
By Shawn Bourks
Harm Reduction Resources
DIGITAL RESOURCES
Apps for Smart Phones & Devices
- Breathr: Breathr teaches you easy and fun ways to practice mindfulness, which has benefits for your mind, body and relationships. Developed by the BC Children’s Hospital. Breathr App | Kelty Mental Health
- Cultural Connections: Search the App Store for “First Peoples’ Heritage Language and Cultural Council” “First Voices” or “Gabriel Dumont Institute” to connect with your culture through learning traditional First Nations and Métis language(s). Michif To Go – Apps on Google Play
- FNHA App: First Nations Health Authority App provides information to support the health, wellness and safety of BC First Nations as well as a direct link to FNHA services, information and resources and other holistic health information, support and tools. FNHA on the App Store (apple.com)
- Foundry BC App: Young people aged 12-24 and their caregivers can use the app or web portal to drop-in or schedule a virtual counseling appointment, find peer support, join a group or browse our library of tools and resources. Foundry Virtual BC – Foundry BC App –
- Headspace: Whether you’re looking for more focus, less stress, or simply contentment, a little meditation can go a long way. These powerful apps can help you start or maintain a meditation practice, and live more mindfully each day. Guided Meditation and Mindfulness – The Headspace App
- Insight Timer: When it comes to mental health, research suggests that one size doesn’t fit all. Today most teams and companies are multi-cultural. We offer content in 50 languages from experts, psychologists, spiritual leaders and teachers, so that everyone feels like they belong, no matter where they come from. For Individuals | Insight Timer
- LifeGuard: The App is activated by the user before they take their dose. After 50 seconds the App will sound an alarm. If the user doesn’t hit a button to stop the alarm, indicating they are fine, the alarm grows louder. After 75 seconds a text-to-voice call will go straight to 9-1-1, alerting emergency medical dispatchers of a potential overdose. Lifeguard Digital Health Inc. | Lifeguard Digital Health (lifeguarddh.com)
- Mindshift: Designed to help teens and young adults cope with anxiety. MindShift will help you learn how to relax, develop more helpful ways of thinking, and identify active steps that will help you take charge of your anxiety. MindShift® CBT App – Anxiety Canada
Online CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and Mental Health resources – free or low cost
- AnxietyCanada (Age 5+ guided by supportive adult) https://anxietycanada.com
- Stresslr (Age 9-11) https://stresslr.ca
- Living Life to the Full (Age 13+) https://www.livinglifetothefull.ca Bounceback (Age 15+) https://www.bouncebackbc.ca
- MoodGym (Age 18+) https://moodgym.anu.edu.au
- Keltskey (Age 18+) https://www.keltyskey.com/
- DBTSelfhelp (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) https://dbtselfhelp.com/
- BC Women’s Post-Partum Anxiety & Depression https://www.bcwomens.ca/health-info/pregnancy-parenting/postpartum-mood#Anxiety–+–depression
- HeadsupGuys (for Men) https://headsupguys.org/mens-depression/
Websites for Indigenous Youth/Youth Mental Health
https://www.indigenousyouthwellness.ca
MNBC RESOURCES
24/7 Métis Crisis Line: Get the support you need at any time. Call 1-833-Metis-BC (1-833-638-4722)
Métis Counselling Connection (MCC) Program: If you are looking for funding to access substance use treatment, please take a look at the MCC Program page here, or contact mccprogram@mnbc.ca
Together in Wellness: Kinship and Healing Circle has begun as of July 2025. The purpose of this circle is to provide a safe and welcoming space for Métis voices to explore meaningful topics and themes, fostering deep healing in a nurturing virtual space, and create a network of care in Community. If this sounds like something you are interested in participating in please email harmreduction@mnbc.ca.
Community Counselling Grants: https://caibc.ca/grants/community-counselling-grants/
SUPPORT BY TELEPHONE
Kids and Youth
| Contact Info | General Services |
|---|---|
| 1-800-668-6868 | Kid’s Help Phone – access to professional counsellors. |
| 1-833-308-6379 | Foundry BC – Support for Youth age 12-24. Will be open for appointments most days through the holidays. Also offering virtual services through |
| Online Chat | Youth in BC – online chat and phone services for Youth available from 12pm – 1am. |
Seniors and Elders
| Contact Info | General Services |
|---|---|
| 1-855-306-1143 | Seniors Abuse and Information line. Available 8am – 8pm. |
General Resources
| Contact Info | General Services |
|---|---|
| 310-6789(No area code) | Toll free access to emotional support, information and resources for mental health. |
| 1-800-784-2433 | Suicide crisis line for those who are or know someone having thoughts of suicide. |
| 1-800-663-1441 | Alcohol and Drug information and referral service. Will connect you to open and available services and resources for alcohol and substance use supports. |
| 1-800-563-0808 | VictimLinkBC – information, referral and crisis supports to victims of family violence, crime and more. |
| HeretoHelp BC | Portal for finding and accessing supports and other resources. |
| Dealing With Depression | Resources and self-help skills for dealing with depression |
June 16th, 2025
By Shawn Bourks
National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations: Lower Mainland.
NIPD is just around the corner on Saturday, June 21st! There are many free, family-friendly events to celebrate the First Peoples of Canada and beyond the medicine line. I’ve created a list of events taking place around the lower mainland. Words that are underlined have a link attached that will give you more information about each event.
- Surrey/Delta: NIPD at Bill Reid Ampitheatre
- Tsawwassen: Tsawwassen First Nation
- Whiterock: NIPD with Semiahmoo First Nation
- New Westminster: NIPD at Moody Park with the Qayqat First Nation, Spirit of the Children Society, and City of New West
- Burnaby: NIPD at Civic Square
- Vancouver: Carnegie Community Centre, Grandview Park, Kitsilano Showboat, Hotlatch: Indigenous Peoples Day
- West Vancouver: NIPD at Ambleside Park
- Richmond: City Centre Community Centre
- Langley: Douglas Park Spirit Square
- Maple Ridge: Memorial Peace Park
- Coquitlam: Coquitlam Public Library
- Abbotsford: Mill Lake Park
February 7th, 2025
By Shawn Bourks
November 27th, 2024
By Shawn Bourks
SDMA Finds A New Home
October 3rd, 2024
By Shawn Bourks
September 19, 2024
By Shawn Bourks
September 25, 2023
By Trevor Anderson
Grocery Card Program Update
We are pleased to announce the Surrey Delta Metis Association was able to provide numerous gift cards to families in need this season. The program was met with overwhelming demand and closed within a few days of opening.
September 6, 2023
By Anthony Krilow
Understanding the Distinction: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
In recent years, Canada has witnessed a growing recognition of its historical treatment of Indigenous peoples, prompting the establishment of significant commemorative events. Two such occasions are the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. Although both initiatives address the legacy of residential schools and aim to foster understanding, healing, and reconciliation, they differ in their focus and purpose. This essay will delve into the distinctions between these commemorative days and shed light on their individual significance.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, established in 2021, is a federal statutory holiday observed on September 30th each year. It was implemented in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action, which sought to address the dark legacy of Canada’s residential school system. This day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of survivors, their families, and communities affected by the detrimental effects of residential schools.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a solemn occasion that encourages Canadians to acknowledge the painful history of colonization, cultural assimilation, and the intergenerational trauma inflicted upon Indigenous peoples. It also emphasizes the importance of actively working towards reconciliation through education, understanding, and meaningful engagement. This day provides a platform to raise awareness, engage in dialogue, and support initiatives that promote healing and justice for Indigenous communities.
Orange Shirt Day:
Orange Shirt Day, on the other hand, is a grassroots movement that originated in British Columbia in 2013. This annual event, observed on September 30th, is inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a survivor of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School. As a young girl, Phyllis had her new orange shirt taken away by school authorities, symbolizing the loss of identity and culture experienced by Indigenous children in the residential school system.
Orange Shirt Day aims to raise awareness about the intergenerational impacts of residential schools and promote the importance of reconciliation, understanding, and cultural revitalization. By encouraging individuals to wear orange shirts, the movement provides a visible reminder of the ongoing journey towards healing and reconciliation. It also serves as a catalyst for conversations about the significance of honoring Indigenous history, culture, and rights.
Distinguishing Factors:
While both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day share the common goal of addressing the legacy of residential schools, they have distinct focuses and origins. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday, which symbolizes a nationwide commitment to recognizing the truth of Canada’s colonial history and working towards reconciliation. It provides an opportunity for formal reflection and commemoration at a national level.
On the other hand, Orange Shirt Day is a grassroots movement driven by community initiatives across the country. It draws attention to the personal stories and experiences of survivors and offers a more localized approach to understanding the impacts of the residential school system. By wearing orange shirts and engaging in dialogue, individuals and communities actively contribute to the healing.
Both initiatives play crucial roles in acknowledging the painful legacy of residential schools and fostering a society where Indigenous history, culture, and rights are respected and celebrated.
July 1, 2023
By Trevor Anderson
Trivia Contest – Update
There are still some gift cards to be won, so we have extended the deadline for submissions to July 31.
See below for the contest details.
Have fun and good luck!
June 21, 2023
By Trevor Anderson
Trivia Contest
In honor of National Indigenous Peoples Day, test your Métis trivia knowledge for a chance to win one of fifty $50 gift cards!
Trivia Questions:
- What does MNGA stand for?
- What was the year of the Métis Resistance led by Louis Riel in Batoche?
- List three common and traditional uses that the voyageurs or fur traders had for their Métis sashes.
- Which famous Métis person created the Marathon of Hope?
- Who is the current president of the Métis National Council?
Good luck and have fun!
How to play:
- To enter, simply send your answers along with your name, address and contact information to contests@surreydeltametis.ca with subject line “National Indigenous Day Trivia Contest”.
Eligibility:
- You must be a citizen of the Surrey Delta Métis Association.
- You must answer all five trivia questions correctly on or before
June 30, 2023July 31, 2023. - Only one winner is allowed per household.
Other:
- Winners will be notified via email on or before the end of the contest.
- Prizes will be mailed to contest winners or can be picked up at the SDMA office in Surrey.
- A list of all winners will be posted on the surreydeltametis.ca website following the contest. If you do not wish for your name to be posted, please indicate as such along with your answers to the trivia questions.
June 21, 2023
By Anthony Krilow
National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day is a significant day for the Metis people, as it provides an opportunity to celebrate and honour their unique heritage and culture. The Metis people are a distinct Indigenous group in Canada whose history and identity have been shaped by the intersection of Indigenous and European cultures. National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day for the Metis people to reflect on their history, their contributions to Canada, and their ongoing struggle for recognition and rights.
For the Metis people, National Indigenous Peoples Day is a reminder of their distinct identity, which is often overlooked in discussions of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The Metis Nation has a rich cultural heritage, including unique traditions such as Michif, a language that combines Cree and French, and the Red River Jig, a traditional dance that has become a symbol of Metis identity. National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity for the Metis Nation to showcase their culture and share it with others.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is also a time for the Metis people to reflect on the challenges they face as an Indigenous group in Canada. The Metis Nation has a long history of struggle for recognition and rights, including the fight for land rights, recognition of their distinct culture and language, and access to education and health care. National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time to reflect on these struggles and to continue the fight for justice and equality.
Finally, National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day for the Metis people to come together as a community and celebrate their resilience and strength. Despite the challenges they have faced, the Metis Nation has maintained their distinct identity and culture, and continues to play an important role in Canadian society. National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity for the Metis people to come together, share their stories and experiences, and renew their commitment to their culture and heritage.
In conclusion, National Indigenous Peoples Day is a significant day for the Metis people, as it provides an opportunity to celebrate their unique heritage and culture, reflect on their ongoing struggles, and come together as a community. By honoring the contributions of the Metis Nation and recognizing their distinct identity, Canada can work towards a more inclusive and just society for all Indigenous peoples.
Surrey Delta Metis Association 