First Nations, Inuit, & Métis (FNIM) Program - SE Health

Supporting One's Journey into the Spirit World
2025-12-01 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
ABOUT THE WEBINAR
Register today and join us on December 1, 2025 from 12:00pm-1:00pm EST for this free virtual webinar, ‘Supporting One’s Journey Into the Spirit World’.
First launched in July 2025, in collaboration with the SE Health First Nations, Inuit and Métis Program, Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services Inc., and funded by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, ‘Supporting One’s Journey Into the Spirit World: Indigenous Caregiver Skills Video Series’ is a series of 10 skills-based demonstration video resources available in English, French and Ojibway along with care guides for caregivers.
This project received guidance and support from Maamwesying’s Senior Patient Advisory Council. The videos were filmed with Elders and Knowledge Keepers sharing a deep love, compassion and respect for the ways of living and caring for each other that have always been a core cultural value and practice.
Join us on December 1st to learn how it all came together. Register here
Watch the introduction video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf4WwY5FvtE
Access the video library here: https://www.thecarechannel.ca/

REGISTRATION
Registration for this virtual webinar is required. Please use the Zoom registration link below to complete your registration:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/BjqaoCLPThG1nhknUfeuTg

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Edith Mercieca – Director of Home and Community & Support Services, Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services
Edith Mercieca, a proud member of Sagamok Anishnawbek, serves as the Director of Home and Community and Support Services at Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services. She leads programs and services that enable seniors and Elders to remain in their homes longer through culturally grounded, community-driven home care and supportive services. With extensive experience in community health, system navigation, and program development, Edith works collaboratively with First Nation communities to strengthen access to holistic, high-quality care. Her leadership focuses on enhancing independence, improving care continuity, and supporting wellness across the North Shore Tribal Council territory.

Natalie DiFebo – Education Liaison, SE Health
Natalie DiFebo is an Education Liaison with the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Program at SE Health and is an Indigenous Registered Nurse and a member of Wasauksing First Nation in Ontario.
Natalie graduated from Humber College and the University of New Brunswick Collaborative BScN Program in 2012. She has worked in a variety of roles including Charge Nurse in Ontario Long term Care homes, Hospital Care Coordinator for the Central Local Health Integration Network, and most recently she has worked at SE Health as a Clinical Manager for the North Simcoe Muskoka Service Delivery Centre. Natalie was seconded to work with the SE Health Transitions team from Oct 2022 to March 2023. As the Clinical Transitions manager, she worked collaboratively with community partners to form the RVH@home interdisciplinary care team and launched the Rvh@home Program in Oct of 2022.
Natalie has two children and she spends most of her free time outdoors in nature. She enjoys gardening, fishing, DIY projects and spending time with her loved ones. Natalie joined the First Nations, Inuit and Metis Team at SE Health in July 2023 and is a compassionate caregiver who believes strongly in timely and equitable access to healthcare for all.

Doris Warner – Engagement Liaison, SE Health
Doris Warner joined the SE Health’s First Nations, Inuit and Métis Program in 2011 as an Education Liaison. She carries in her bundle over 30 years of stories and experiences working alongside First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and organizations across Canada.
In her role with the SE Health First Nations, Inuit and Métis Program, her focus is on relationship development, engagement and collaboration. Doris supports knowledge sharing opportunities, community-led research and mobilization initiatives, specialized
projects, and course development. She works closely with SE Health’s Research Centre and Journey Home Hospice.
Doris is an ally, settler and proud treaty person, her spirit fulfilled in her roles as a daughter, mother, auntie, partner and friend. She is honoured to work for SE Health and is proud of their long-standing commitment to working in collaboration with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada which honours, respects and acts upon the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Mental Health Series Session 4: Grief and the Holidays
2025-11-24 12:00 - 13:00
Session 4 will explore Grief and the Holidays. By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Differentiate between acute grief, complicated grief, and anticipatory grief.
Describe how holiday seasons can intensify feelings of loss and grief.
Identify meaningful ways to honor loved ones while participating in holiday celebrations.
Discuss the role of cultural practices, rituals, and memory-making in processing grief.
Apply strategies for self-care and providing compassionate support to others during emotionally challenging seasons.

Click here to register

Mental Health Series Session 3: Seasonal Affective Disorder
2025-11-17 12:00 - 13:00
Session 3 will explore Seasonal Affective Disorder. By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Explain what Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is and how it affects mental health during colder, darker months.
Differentiate between SAD and major depressive disorder based on symptoms, timing, and duration.
Identify evidence-based interventions for SAD, including light therapy, vitamin D supplementation, and mood-supporting daily routines.
Describe the role of structure, sunlight exposure, and community engagement in maintaining mental wellness during the winter season.
Apply practical tips and strategies to manage low mood and boost resilience during seasonal changes.

Click here to register

Mental Health Series Session 2: Depression and Low Mood
2025-11-10 12:00 - 13:00
Session 2 will explore Depression and Low Mood. By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Recognize common symptoms and warning signs of depression.
Explain the root causes of depression, including biological, psychological, and social factors.
Describe how depression can affect motivation, energy levels, and interpersonal relationships.
Identify a range of treatment options (e.g., therapy, medication) and supportive lifestyle practices that can aid recovery.
Discuss the importance of human connection and strategies for reducing stigma around depression

Click here to register

Mental Health Series Session 1: Understanding Anxiety
2025-11-03 12:00 - 13:00
Session 1 will explore Understanding Anxiety. By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Differentiate between everyday stress and clinical anxiety using key behavioral and physical indicators.
Identify at least three common types of anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder) and their core features.
Describe how anxiety affects both the body (e.g., physical symptoms) and the mind (e.g., thought patterns).
Demonstrate at least two evidence-based anxiety management tools (e.g. breathing exercises, grounding techniques, basic CBD strategies).
Recognize warning signs that indicate the need for professional mental health support.

Click here to register

Truth & Reconciliation Weekly Webinars: Session 4: Reconciliation in Health Care
2025-09-29 12:00 - 13:00
Understanding roles as Allies and Indigenous people
Understanding and working towards meaningful Reconciliation, what does this look like. Reconciliaction
Examine and assess our own Indigenous knowledge and actions towards supporting culturally safe spaces. Culturally safe spaces matrix.

Truth & Reconciliation Weekly Webinars: Session 3: Cultural Intelligence
2025-09-22 12:00 - 13:00
Enhance understanding of cultural safety, humility, respect, and relevance when working in and with Indigenous communities, and with community members.
Supporting awareness of our own biases to increase Cultural Intelligence.
Understanding pan-indigenizing and awareness of the difference in culture from the east to the west cost communities. Humility in how we approach knowledge.

Truth & Reconciliation Weekly Webinars: Session 2: Race and Racism in Health Care
2025-09-15 12:00 - 13:00
Understanding biases, how they are created, and how they contribute to intentional and unintentional Racism.
Examining racism in healthcare services and settings. What does this look like and how it impacts access and delivery of services.
Identifying overt and covert racism in healthcare and how to address it with respectful discourse.

Truth & Reconciliation Weekly Webinars :Historical Impact on Indigenous Social Determinants of Health
2025-09-08 12:00 - 13:00
Understanding the History of the Treaties in Canada. Wampum belts, numbered treaties, and Medicine Chest clauses. The intent of treaties and how it relates to the Health and well-being of Indigenous communities.
UNDRIP, Royal Proclamation, Indian Act: how does legislation and law impact the social determinants of the health and well-being of Indigenous communities historically and in the current state,
Understanding the Inherent Right to Health. How does mainstream narrative impact the social construct of the rights of Indigenous peoples and communities. Identifying barriers that impact the health and well-being of indigenous peoples.

2025 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Health Services Scholarship - Now Open
2025-08-11 08:00 - 2025-10-30 17:00
Annual $5,000 scholarship aimed at enhancing healthcare services for Indigenous communities across Canada. Open to Indigenous students enrolled in certified full-time post-secondary health profession programs.
The annual SE Health First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Health Services Scholarship embodies SE Health’s enduring commitment to collaborating with Indigenous communities throughout Canada. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, SE Health has a dedicated First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Program Team focused on responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. Our approach involves co-developing programs that promote Indigenous-led community health solutions, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals aging at home.
In alignment with Calls to Action 23(i) and 92(ii), which emphasize the necessity of increasing the number of Indigenous healthcare providers, this scholarship is a vital step toward fulfilling these important recommendations. We recognize that Indigenous students face distinct challenges and systemic barriers hindering their pursuit of post-secondary education. This scholarship not only affirms our belief in their potential to excel but also aims to alleviate financial hardships associated with obtaining healthcare education, while honoring the experiences of our team members who have faced similar journeys.
The $5,000 scholarship, granted through the Saint Elizabeth Foundation and supported by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto donations and donors, is open to Indigenous students enrolled in full-time, certified, post-secondary health profession programs.
Apply Now
