An Indigenous Journey to Supporting Mental Health Across the Lifespan- For Us It Begins in Infancy…. Or Earlier!
Supporting mental health from birth takes a community of relationships, relationships and collaborations. There is a critical need for those organizations within various sectors working to support the wellbeing of children and youth in Canada, to prioritize reconciliation with Indigenous communities through authentic relationship-building and collaboration. To this end, this session will explore how partnerships with Indigenous communities can lead to the actioning of the recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and contribute to improved outcomes for Indigenous children and youth. Using a lifespan approach to supporting mental health, three Indigenous practitioners from three different Indigenous communities in Ontario will share their stories of intergenerational trauma and their journey to support repair, healing and wellbeing right from birth. Collectively, they will illustrate how their communities have embraced infant and early mental health as a key effort in their quest to support healthy communities and positive mental health across the lifespan – right from birth. All three will share how partnerships based on trust that embrace Indigenous knowledge and values are key to this work.
Keynote Speakers (Panel): Chaya Kulkarni, Warren Kapashesit & Amber King-Robitaille
Chaya Kulkarni, BAA, M.Ed., Ed.D
Director, Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion (IEMHP), Learning Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto
Dr. Chaya Kulkarni is the Director of Infant Mental Health Promotion (IEMHP) at The Hospital for Sick Children, a national organization which improves outcomes across the lifespan through translating and promoting the science of early mental health into practice with families during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood. Dr. Kulkarni has over 25 years of experience in a number of leadership roles including frontline service delivery, policy analysis, research, and curriculum and resource development. Prior to joining IEMHP, she was VP, Parent and Professional Education at Invest in Kids, and has also served as Senior Policy Analyst and Researcher for the Office of the Official Opposition, Queen’s Park. Dr. Kulkarni is a member of the Board at Gateway Community Health Centre and an adviser to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Warren Kapashesit
Warren Kapashesit is an indigenous Cree man from Moose Cree First Nation. Educated in Social Work, Warren has been in the helping field for 17 years. He is a Program Manager for Child and Youth Milopemahtesewin Services, which provides a wide range of wellness and supportive services to indigenous children, youth, and their families. In this role, Warren was one of the key people involved in creating and launching an entirely new program focused on preventing indigenous children and families from becoming involved or staying involved in the child welfare system. Warren’s previous work in program management, program development, therapeutic counselling, child welfare, and crisis work contributes to every project he’s involved in. He’s a proud Cree man who lives with his wife and 6-year-old daughter in the small town of Moose Factory, Ontario.
Amber King-Robitaille
I am Amber King-Robitaille, known by my Anishinaabe name, Pichi Kwe (Robin Woman). I belong to the eagle clan and am the middle daughter of Ron and Carla King from Cedar Point, an extension of Chimnissing, also known as Beausoleil First Nation.
My roots are deeply embedded in the traditional territory of my people, and I currently live in Penetanguishene with my husband and two daughters. In my role as the Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Coordinator at Chigamik Community Health Centre, I bring a wealth of skills and a deep commitment to supporting the Indigenous community in Simcoe County.
Over the past 20 years, I have worked in various capacities advocating for the Anishinabek people across Ontario. My experiences reflect a strong dedication to building supportive structures for Indigenous populations throughout Turtle Island. I’ve worked in my home community of Chimnissing within the Lands and Resource department, supported transportation and nuclear initiatives under the political secretariat of the Anishinabek Nation, and served as an early infant mental health and development advocate at the Georgian Bay Native Women’s Association.
Driven by a commitment to empower Indigenous families, I pursued a diploma in Social Service Work through the First Nations Technical Institute in partnership with Canadore College, graduating with academic honours. I am eager to leverage my education to effect meaningful change.
I remain passionate about fostering strong Indigenous voices and advocating for best practices in working with Indigenous families. I look forward to continuing my work within the Indigenous community and contributing to our region’s growth.
Chi Miigwetch,
Amber King-Robitaille
Rachael Simon
Member and resident of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, located adjacent to Sarnia, Ontario. Rachael is a graduate from McMaster University earning her Masters of Science in Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care, as well has holding a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier University. After completing her undergraduate degree, Rachael worked briefly at Wilfrid Laurier University supporting indigenous learners, before returning home to Aamjiwnaang First Nation where she is currently the Manager of Child and Family Services. In this portfolio, Rachael supports the departments that service children and families, ages 0–18. In her free time, Rachael enjoys being outdoors with her family, playing hockey, and traveling to powwows.
